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!
- Most Moving Western Songs Ranking [2026]
- Tear-jerking Western songs: The world's recommended weep-inducing tracks
- Songs that play during moving scenes. A collection of classic tracks that evoke deep emotion.
- Songs That Make You Cry: Heart-Wrenching Western Music—from Timeless Classics to the Newest Hits
- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
- Emotional Western Music Special | Handpicked from All Generations
- [2026] Moving Western songs that touch the heart: A roundup of recommended classics
- [120% Empathy] A Collection of Moving Songs [Love, Friendship, Encouragement]
- Classic Western songs to listen to when you want to cry: the world’s tearjerker songs and popular tracks for shedding tears
- A beautiful Japanese song that purifies the heart. A highly recommended classic.
- [2026] Moving, Heartfelt Western Music: Timeless Classics and Popular Hits
- [Western Films] Moving Movie Theme Songs: A Compilation of Tear-Jerking Theme Tracks
- [Thank-You Song] A song to convey your feelings of “thank you” to someone special
Moving Western songs: Top 1–10 masterpieces and popular tracks among the world’s most emotional songs
When I Was Your ManBruno Mars
Bruno Mars is a singer-songwriter from Hawaii whose husky voice and sophisticated musicality have earned him high acclaim around the world.
He has produced a variety of hit songs, and among them, one of the most popular ballads is When I Was Your Man.
It’s a heartbreak song that portrays regret toward an ex-girlfriend—thoughts like “I should have done this” and “I should have said that.” For men fresh off a breakup, a handkerchief is a must.
See You Again ft. Charlie PuthWiz Khalifa
The Fast & Furious series is hugely popular in Japan as well.
Among its songs, See You Again—written as the theme for Furious 7—is a tear-jerking track about brotherhood.
During the filming of the movie, lead actor Paul Walker passed away in a car accident.
While the world was steeped in grief, Charlie Puth, who had also lost a friend in a car accident, poured his feelings for him and his thoughts on an unending friendship into this song.
It’s a moving piece that calls out, “I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again,” celebrating a bond that never fades.
Lose You To Love MeSelena Gomez
Lose You to Love Me, released as the lead single from Selena Gomez’s third album Rare in 2019, is a pop ballad distinguished by its lyrical poignancy.
The song pairs a grand, sweeping feel with a bittersweet melody that is deeply appealing.
While much of the lyricism leans into abstraction, that very quality makes it widely relatable.
It’s a moving piece I recommend to anyone feeling worn down by life.
Be sure to give it a listen.
HelloAdele
Adele is a singer-songwriter who represents the United Kingdom.
One of her signature works, Hello, was released as a single in 2015.
Its melody blends soul and pop, creating a mature atmosphere.
The lyrics portray a woman who has committed some kind of wrongdoing and wants to apologize to the man she broke up with.
It’s probably about infidelity of some sort, and those who have had a similar experience may find the song deeply moving.
Lost On YouLP
LP is an artist with passionate vocals and a husky voice who has female fans all over the world.
She has come out as a lesbian, and her everyday manner is very masculine, giving her an allure that even men can’t help but fall for.
A work that fully showcases her charm is Lost On You.
Released as her second single, the song portrays the poignant side of same-sex love, albeit not in a direct way.