Lovely Western music

[2026] Learn English with Western Music! A roundup of recommended songs for studying English

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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!

[2026] Learn English with Western Music! A roundup of recommended Western songs for studying English (31–40)

drivers licenseOlivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo – drivers license (Official Video)

drivers licenseOlivia Rodrigo

Since its release in January 2021, Olivia Rodrigo’s “drivers license” has captivated music fans around the world, especially on social media.

Her lyrics center on romance, making them easy to relate to, and her emotive vocals are also ideal for pronunciation practice.

In addition, the dynamic ebb and flow of the melody enhances listening skills and helps you grasp stress and rhythm in the language.

Why not refine your sense of English while listening to her clear, translucent singing voice?

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In conclusion

As mentioned at the beginning, simply letting Western music play in the background won’t help you learn English, but not every fan of Western music can understand the language; in fact, many of us have plenty of “songs I love even though I don’t understand the lyrics.” Using this article as a reference, try reading the lyrics of your favorite songs and making your own translations—that’s a fantastic way to study!