Moving Western songs: classic and popular tracks among the world’s most emotional songs.
Unlike Japanese music, one of the advantages of Western music is that you can be moved by the mood of the melody even if you don’t know the lyrics.
This time, I’ve selected Western songs that are especially moving.
In the first half, I’ve prioritized commercially successful works and well-known tracks.
In the second half, I’ve gathered truly moving Western masterpieces, regardless of their popularity or commercial scale.
If you’re well-versed in Western music, you’ll likely encounter masterpieces you haven’t heard before in the latter half—so be sure to check them out!
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Touching Western songs: Masterpieces and popular tracks among the world’s most emotional songs (91–100)
I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys
A pop ballad about aching love propelled America’s Backstreet Boys to global stardom.
Released in April 1999, the song reached No.
1 on the charts in more than 25 countries and earned an impressive three Grammy nominations.
While the lyrics are ambiguous, its beautiful melody and the group’s exquisite five-part harmonies are sure to soothe anyone struggling with love.
It was featured in a Samsung Electronics commercial in 2021, and even after more than 20 years, its appeal remains undiminished.
Highly recommended for those dealing with heartbreak or long-distance relationships.
Beautiful ThingsBenson Boone
A soulful ballad that depicts beauty, gratitude, and the fear of loss has arrived from American artist Benson Boone.
Featuring a powerful chorus and his expressively rich vocals, the track made an immediate global impact upon its release in January 2024, reaching No.
2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and placing high on charts around the world.
Singing about the meaning of life, love, and the fragility of happiness, this song will resonate with anyone who cherishes something precious while living with the anxiety of losing it.
I’ll BeCéline Dion
Celine Dion has left a brilliant legacy, including five Grammy Awards.
“I’ll Be” is included on the album she released in 2023, Love Again (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture).
It’s a song that depicts someone pleading for their loved one to come back.
At first glance, it seems like a breakup song, but depending on the interpretation, it could fit a variety of situations.
Castle on the HillEd Sheeran
A moving masterpiece filled with love for his hometown and memories of youth has been delivered by UK artist Ed Sheeran.
From a childhood bone-breaking accident to his first love at age 15, this warm work is packed with nostalgia.
Released in January 2017 as a lead single from the album ÷, and featured in the animated films Ferdinand and How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, the song is written as a love letter to his hometown of Framlingham.
Now an adult, he gently portrays his childhood friends each walking their own path, singing of the flow of changing time and feelings that remain unchanged, carried by a powerful melody.
It’s a gem of a track that resonates with the universal sentiment of having a place or person you want to recall when you feel uncertain or lost.
IrisGoo Goo Dolls
A heart-stirring rock ballad born from the story of the film City of Angels.
Released by America’s Goo Goo Dolls in April 1998, this song richly conveys the aching feelings of an angel who has fallen in love with a human.
Its beautiful melody weaves together a gentle gaze toward people striving to live and the protagonist’s resolve to seek love, even at the cost of eternal life.
Included on the band’s album Dizzy Up the Girl, the track became a massive hit, spending 18 consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart.
It’s a recommended listen for those who want to reflect deeply on the determination to change oneself for a loved one, as well as the doubt and resolve that come at life’s crossroads.