Recommended Western music for men in their 30s: world classics and popular songs

NumbLinkin Park

Numb (Official Music Video) [4K UPGRADE] – Linkin Park

In the desperate struggle to live up to others’ expectations, you can lose sight of who you really are.

This song powerfully portrays that uniquely youthful conflict and anguish.

It repeatedly voices the exhaustion of continually performing the “ideal self” demanded by parents and teachers, the loneliness of being understood by no one, and the sense of emotions going numb—resonating deeply with listeners in their teens and twenties.

Beginning with gentle piano and synthesizer and erupting emotionally at the chorus, the arrangement is breathtaking.

Released in September 2003 as the third single from the album “Meteora,” it became a massive hit, topping the music charts for 12 consecutive weeks.

The music video, filmed in Prague, has surpassed one billion views and is highly acclaimed for its visual expression.

When you feel on the verge of losing your sense of self, this song will be there to stay by your side.

Shape of YouEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Shape of You (Official Music Video)

It was released as a single from the album “÷” on March 3, 2017.

It reached number one on charts around the world—a massive blockbuster hit.

Blending hip-hop, pop rock, and folk elements, it created a one-of-a-kind, irresistibly charming sound.

The repeated phrases are addictive to listen to, too.

WonderwallOasis

Oasis – Wonderwall (Official Video)

It’s a masterpiece released by Oasis in 1995, and at concerts it’s become standard for the crowd to sing along.

With its simple, wistful melody and powerful vocals, this song is a quintessential 90s track loved even by people who aren’t Oasis fans.

Take a Look AroundLimp Bizkit

♪ Limp bizkit – Take a look around

Limp Bizkit, active in the nu metal genre—a fusion of hip-hop and heavy metal—created this track as the theme song for the film Mission: Impossible 2.

While retaining the original Mission: Impossible theme, they kept the hip-hop and heavy metal elements intact, shaping it into a more modern and cool song.

It’s a track that hits with tremendous impact, striking sharply and deeply.

Payphone（feat.Wiz Khalifa）Maroon 5

Maroon 5 – Payphone ft. Wiz Khalifa (Explicit) (Official Music Video)

What an uplifting song! Maroon 5’s signature high notes are everywhere! The way it rides on electronic sounds and a marching rhythm is addictive.

It’s pure bliss.

It stormed the charts worldwide, landing in the top 10 across many countries.

Highly recommended.

Wake Me UpAvicii

Avicii – Wake Me Up (Official Video)

A single by Avicii released in 2013 that became a worldwide hit.

It’s a fresh fusion of country music and electronica—a catchy, addictive, and captivating sound.

It’s truly heartbreaking that he passed away so suddenly in 2018.

In The EndLinkin Park

In The End [Official HD Music Video] – Linkin Park

For those right in the middle of that generation, this is probably a song that brings back memories.

It’s a track released in 2000 by the punk rock band Linkin Park, and compared to their other songs, it has a somewhat calmer feel.

Although their vocalist Chester sadly passed away in 2017, all of their songs are deserving of being called masterpieces, so be sure to give them a listen.