Popular Western music. Latest rankings [2026]

One Call AwayCharlie Puth22rank/position

Charlie Puth – One Call Away [Official Video]

When you think of someone dear who’s far away, a warm melody that feels like it’s by your side begins to resonate.

Sung by Charlie Puth, who continues to churn out global hits with his genius songwriting sense, this track is a heartwarming pop-soul ballad with touches of gospel.

Included on the album Nine Track Mind and released in August 2015, it became a hit that peaked at No.

12 on the U.S.

Billboard chart.

The lyrics—“Even without Superman, you’ve got me”—leave an impression with their reassuring, hero-like kindness.

It’s a perfect song for couples who can’t meet in person on Valentine’s Day or for two people who want to reaffirm their deep bond, so try sending your feelings along with some sweet chocolate!

Call Me MaybeCarly Rae Jepsen23rank/position

Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe

This song by Canadian artist Carly Rae Jepsen vividly portrays the impulsive rush of a single-minded teenage crush and the sweet, bittersweet flutter that comes with it—acting before thinking when you fall in love at first sight.

The restless mix of hope and anxiety after confessing your feelings is something many of us have experienced or dreamed of.

The track seems to suggest that the reckless boldness of youth can be exactly what opens the door to the future.

Released in September 2011 and featured on the acclaimed album “Kiss,” it was also used in Japan as the ending theme for “The! Sekai Gyoten News!” and achieved the remarkable feat of holding No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks.

If you’re feeling timid about love, why not listen to this song and let it give you courage?

Love YourselfJustin Bieber24rank/position

Justin Bieber – Love Yourself (PURPOSE : The Movement)

This work, one of his signature songs, is a hit number from the album Purpose, released in November 2015.

With a simple arrangement centered on the sound of the guitar, the melody is remarkably easy to remember.

Since it’s sung in a whisper rather than belted out, some listeners may find it surprisingly easy to sing.

The song reached No.

1 on the U.S.

charts and impressively topped the year-end chart for 2016.

Stay With MeSam Smith25rank/position

Sam Smith – Stay With Me (Official Music Video)

On Valentine’s night, if you’re feeling lonely because you can’t be with your loved one, this song will gently keep you company.

This signature track by British singer-songwriter Sam Smith is a gem of a ballad, its solemn, gospel-tinged chorus and aching vocals striking straight at the heart.

It’s said that Smith layered their own voice about 20 times in different spots around the studio to create a one-person choir.

Included on the 2014 album “In the Lonely Hour,” it won four awards at the 57th Grammys, including Record of the Year.

It’s also well known for its appearance in the film “Sing.” It’s a masterpiece to sink into on nights when you long for someone’s warmth.

White HorseTaylor Swift26rank/position

Taylor Swift – White Horse

Taylor Swift is a superstar who continues to captivate fans around the world, achieving success across a wide range of genres from country to pop.

This song, featured on her iconic album Fearless, represents her early work.

Using the fairy-tale motif of a “white horse,” it’s a bittersweet ballad about realizing that the person she idealized wasn’t a prince after all.

Although released in 2008, the track proved its strength by winning two awards at the 52nd Grammys, including Best Country Song, and it’s also known for being used in the popular TV drama Grey’s Anatomy.

It blends the ache of waking from a fantasy with the strength to take a step forward, making it a perfect classic for quieting the heart at night or for anyone ready to put a past romance to rest.

FifteenTaylor Swift27rank/position

Taylor Swift – Fifteen

This ballad from the album Fearless, which sings about memories of being fifteen with a best friend, gently observes the growth of a girl who begins high school with a fluttering heart yet faces the disappointment of first love and her friend’s heartbreak.

The backstory—that Taylor Swift wrote the lyrics based on real experiences with her best friend Abigail, with Abigail’s permission—makes it even more moving.

Set to country-pop centered on acoustic guitar, its words unfold like reading aloud from a diary over a near album-long runtime of 4 minutes and 54 seconds, and each line really resonates.

Released as a single in August 2009, it also tied in with a project supporting teen charitable activities.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you feel nostalgic about your high school days or want to revisit the bittersweetness of youth.

Viva La VidaColdplay28rank/position

Coldplay – Viva La Vida (Official Video)

This is a song by the British rock band Coldplay, whose grand strings portray the sorrow of a king who has lost his power, striking straight at the heart.

Released in May 2008 from the album “Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends,” many will remember it for winning Song of the Year at the 51st Grammy Awards.

You may also have heard it in Apple’s iPod commercials.

Among fans, it enjoys overwhelming popularity as “majestic yet bittersweet,” and “like an anthem for life.” The protagonist’s emptiness—“I once ruled the world, and now I sleep alone”—echoes the hollow feeling that can follow great success.

Reflecting on the fragility of life revealed only after reaching the top makes you want to cherish the happiness you have now.