[2026] Moving Western songs that touch the heart: A roundup of recommended classics

Someone Like YouAdele

Adele – Someone Like You (Official Music Video)

Is there someone you still can’t give up on, someone you can’t forget even as time goes by? This is “Someone Like You,” a signature song by Adele, the British singer-songwriter known as the queen of heartbreak songs.

Upon hearing the news that her former lover is getting married, the protagonist is swept up in a rush of emotions.

It’s a song that will resonate deeply and is sure to bring you to tears.

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Back To BlackAmy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse – Back To Black

A song about Amy Winehouse’s relationship with and breakup from her boyfriend Blake Fielder-Civil.

The album that includes this song reached No.

7 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.

In 2007, it became the best-selling album in the world, with 5.5 million copies sold.

Remember When It RainedJosh Groban Ft. Judith Hill

Josh Groban Ft. Judith Hill – Remember When It Rained [Official Music Video]

An inspirational song that follows up on Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up.” The album it appears on, Closer, reached No.

1 on the charts.

It was performed at the 2004 American Music Awards.

Young and BeautifulLana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey – Young and Beautiful

A song that is also included on the soundtrack of Baz Luhrmann’s film The Great Gatsby.

It was written by Lana Del Rey and Rick Nowels, a songwriter from San Francisco.

The track features Lana’s beautifully deep, speech-like vocal delivery.

Purple RainPrince & The Revolution

Purple Rain

This is Purple Rain by Prince, the legendary singer-songwriter who sadly passed away in 2016.

It was used as the theme song for the film in which he starred.

The song is about a relationship that, though they want to stay together, must come to an end.

His passionate vocals in this sweeping ballad tighten the chest.

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Momma SongBenson Boone

Benson Boone – Momma Song (Official Music Video)

Benson Boone, a young American talent who drew attention through his American Idol appearance and growing popularity on social media, is the focus here.

The work introduced here is a moving ballad he released in May 2025, singing of his boundless love and gratitude for his mother.

As you listen, the bittersweet feelings of thinking about the mother waiting in a distant hometown—and the warmth of the love he received from her—seem to melt into your heart along the beautiful piano melody.

The gentle piano tones intertwine with his delicate vocals, quietly touching the listener’s heartstrings.

This touching track is also included on his second album, American Heart, slated for release in June 2025.

It’s a song that will be there for you when you want to express gratitude to your family.

Hold On MeKygo, Sandro Cavazza

Kygo, Sandro Cavazza – Hold On Me (Official Video)

Teaming up Norwegian DJ Kygo and Swedish singer-songwriter Sandro Cavazza, this track celebrates the importance of love and support.

Fusing a country-tinged, driving beat with Kygo’s signature synth sound, the song resonates deeply with listeners.

It carries a message that the bond with a loved one becomes a pillar of strength when facing hardship, making it a comforting anthem for anyone trying to get through tough times.

Released in November 2024, this new single follows Kygo’s fifth album, “KYGO,” and has fans’ expectations running high.