RAG Music
Lovely Western music

Beautiful, lovely Western music. A roundup of recommended classic songs.

Even if you don’t understand English or don’t usually listen to Western music, songs with beautiful, pure melodies and sounds can be easy to enjoy.

The greatness of music itself transcends language barriers, and many people probably started listening to Western music with a beautiful ballad.

With that in mind, we’ve gathered timeless classics of Western music with stunning, graceful beauty—recommended especially for beginners, regardless of era or genre.

Please enjoy these wonderful songs that may move you to tears with their beauty or fill you with warmth.

Beautiful and lovely Western music. A roundup of recommended classic songs (21–30)

Viva La VidaColdplay

Coldplay – Viva La Vida (Official Video)
Viva La VidaColdplay

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.

Beautiful ThingsBenson Boone

Benson Boone – Beautiful Things (Official Music Video)
Beautiful ThingsBenson Boone

It’s a soul-stirring ballad that delicately portrays the gratitude for a loving relationship and joyful moments, while also conveying the anxiety of losing them.

American singer-songwriter Benson Boone began pursuing music in earnest after appearing on American Idol in 2021.

Released in January 2024, this song beautifully blends his soulful vocals with a folk-rock-inspired melody, resonating deeply with listeners.

As the lead single from the album Fireworks & Rollerblades, it earned high acclaim on charts around the world.

The music video was filmed atop a mountain in Utah, leaving a strong impression with its powerful imagery of him singing amid grand natural scenery.

It’s a track that stays close to your heart when you want to reflect on the happiness found in everyday life and the bonds you share with someone special.

Beautiful and lovely Western music. A roundup of recommended classics (31–40)

Castle on the HillEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Castle On The Hill [Official Music Video]
Castle on the HillEd Sheeran

A heartwarming song filled with love for one’s hometown and memories of youth.

It vividly depicts Ed Sheeran’s childhood experiences and adventures with friends, resonating deeply with listeners.

The lyrics weave in the beautiful landscapes of Suffolk and a sense of nostalgia symbolized by Framlingham Castle.

Released in January 2017, the track appears on the album ÷ (Divide) and became a global hit.

It was also used in the trailer for the animated film Ferdinand.

It’s a song to play when you want to look back on fond memories or for those who are far from home.

Young and BeautifulLana Del Rey

A gem-like ballad from the soundtrack of The Great Gatsby that deeply questions the enduring nature of beauty and love.

Sung by American artist Lana Del Rey, the song renders a universal anxiety—whether love endures even when youth and looks fade—through a cinematic soundscape.

Its grand, orchestra-based arrangement and her wistful vocals beautifully portray the fear of passing time and a bittersweet plea for love.

Released in April 2013 and peaking at No.

22 on the Billboard Hot 100, this piece is recommended for those feeling uneasy about their relationships or facing life’s transitions.

You’re BeautifulJames Blunt

James Blunt – You’re Beautiful (Official Music Video) [4K]
You're BeautifulJames Blunt

This is a moving song about unrequited love by British singer-songwriter James Blunt.

Released in May 2005, it was inspired by his experience of unexpectedly seeing a former lover on the subway with a new partner.

Featured on the album “Back to Bedlam,” it became a major hit, reaching number one in 13 countries worldwide.

In Japan, it was used as an insert song for the Fuji TV drama “Kobayakawa Nobuki no Koi” and as a commercial song for the Toyota Vitz.

Although it may sound romantic at first, it actually conveys bittersweet feelings and complex emotions, resonating deeply with those who have experienced heartbreak or parting.

Chasing CarsSnow Patrol

Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars (Official Video)
Chasing CarsSnow Patrol

A signature song by Snow Patrol that weaves a universally resonant story of love.

Released in 2006 by the Scottish band, this piece captivated many with its simple melody and candid lyrics.

Included on the album Eyes Open, it gained worldwide attention after being featured in the U.S.

TV drama Grey’s Anatomy.

It remained on the UK Singles Chart for 111 weeks and surpassed one million sales in the UK in 2013.

Long cherished as a song that accompanies life’s significant moments—such as weddings and memorial services—it continues to be beloved.

Beautiful DayU2

U2 – Beautiful Day (Official Music Video)
Beautiful DayU2

This is a song of hope released in October 2000 by U2, the rock band that represents Ireland.

It’s a gentle work that encourages you to find a certain light even when you feel like your heart is about to break.

At the 2001 Grammy Awards, it won three categories including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

As the lead single from the album “All That You Can’t Leave Behind,” it topped charts in several countries, including Australia and Canada.

Their performance at the 2002 Super Bowl halftime show reached many hearts yearning for recovery after the 9/11 attacks.

It’s a track that can give you great strength when tomorrow’s first step feels heavy, or when you’re trying to take a new step forward.