[2026] Learn English with Western Music! A roundup of recommended songs for studying English
Even among Western music fans, not everyone necessarily understands English, and many people probably wonder, “I want to study English by listening to Western songs, but can I really use them for studying?” To get straight to the point, learning English through Western music is effective, and it’s a great study method that lets you pick up many expressions unique to native speakers! Of course, just listening passively won’t help you study.
Start by singing along while looking at the lyrics—this also trains pronunciation and linking.
Repeating songs will also help with listening practice.
This article compiles classic Western songs suitable for English-learning beginners, so please use it as a reference!
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[2026] Learn English with Western Music! A Roundup of Recommended Songs for Studying English (1–10)
All I want for christmas is youMariah Carey
Let me introduce a heartwarming love song that’s essential for the Christmas season! Released in 1994 by America’s celebrated songstress Mariah Carey, this track has remained a beloved classic around the world.
The song expresses a universal feeling: wanting to spend time with a special someone rather than receiving material gifts.
While mentioning Christmas symbols like Santa and the tree, it conveys that time with a loved one is the true source of happiness.
In Japan, it drew major attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Christmas at 29.” Its simple English lyrics also make it perfect for language learners.
It’s the ideal tune when you want to soak up the Christmas mood or think of someone dear to you.
One Call AwayCharlie Puth
Charlie Puth’s “One Call Away” is a heartwarming classic released in 2015.
Though he can’t fly like Superman, the song promises he’ll be there with just one phone call, conveying deep devotion to a loved one.
With its concise yet rhythmic melody sprinkled with gospel elements, it’s perfect for learning English.
The lyrics are intuitively easy to understand, and through its message of love you can also pick up everyday English expressions.
It’s practically like an English textbook in song form, so be sure to use it in your studies.
Just the Way You AreBruno Mars
Bruno Mars’s debut single “Just the Way You Are” quickly became a smash hit after its 2010 release and is a beloved ballad around the world.
In 2011, it won the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, competing among top artists.
One of its charms lies in its simple yet moving lyrics.
As you enjoy the rhythm and sound of English, you naturally pick up the pronunciation.
What’s more, the straightforward expressions of love are easy for English learners to understand.
It’s perfect for grasping English nuances through emotionally rich expressions.
Enjoying the music while improving your English isn’t just a dream!
[2026] Learn English with Western Music! A roundup of recommended Western songs for studying English (11–20)
Good Luck, Babe!Chappell Roan
A heartfelt song sung by Chapel Roan that portrays a hidden queer relationship.
Hailing from the United States, she is known for her dark, sentimental keyboard pop, traversing a wide range of genres from pop/rock to electronic.
Released in April 2024, the track is slated to be included on her upcoming album, CR2.
The lyrics, which depict a relationship with a partner struggling under societal pressures, are a treasure trove of natural English expressions.
By listening repeatedly, you can pick up native turns of phrase and pronunciation.
Highly recommended for those who want to connect with queer experiences.
Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi
What kind of life experience could give rise to such a profoundly rich and wonderful voice? Born in 1996 and hailing from Scotland, Lewis Capaldi is a rising singer-songwriter who boasts overwhelming sales and undeniable talent among artists who debuted in the late 2010s.
Having been immersed in music since childhood, Capaldi saw his breakout song released in 2018 top the charts in both the UK and the US, and his debut album the following year also became a major hit.
His moving songs—rooted in a sound that mirrors his unassuming demeanor, never flashy yet deeply affecting—are also great for learning English.
With lyrics that explore themes of heartbreak and loss, and that incorporate many everyday expressions, they’re perfect for listening practice.
Close To YouCarpenters
The Carpenters’ “Close To You” is also an excellent song for learning English.
This classic, which became a big hit in 1970 and has continued to be loved by many people, has clear and easy-to-understand lyrics that help improve listening skills.
The vocabulary is largely usable in everyday conversation, making it very practical for English learners.
The lyrics are rich in romantic imagery, which fosters not only language acquisition but also cultural understanding.
Singing along while listening helps with pronunciation practice and develops a conversational sense of rhythm.
Karen’s clear enunciation and the beautiful melody will make you feel more and more familiar with English each time you listen.
Don’t Start NowDua Lipa
Dua Lipa from the UK released “Don’t Start Now” in 2019, a masterpiece that breathes new life into nostalgic disco sounds.
It’s also perfect for studying English! The lyrics are full of expressions and phrases you can use in everyday conversation, and Lipa’s clear enunciation makes it easy to understand and great for practicing pronunciation.
Singing along to the rhythm can boost your listening skills and help you develop a natural sense of English rhythm.
The uplifting melody will also enhance your motivation to learn!