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

Girl on FireAlicia Keys

Alicia Keys – Girl on Fire (Official Video)

When you feel like you’re about to be overwhelmed by hardship, this is a song that awakens your inner strength and gives you the courage to rise.

Released by American artist Alicia Keys in September 2012, it powerfully portrays an ordinary girl igniting her passion and overcoming adversity.

Featured on the album “Girl on Fire,” the track captured hearts worldwide following its debut at the MTV Video Music Awards.

While rooted in R&B, it’s distinguished by its innovative sound that incorporates elements of electro and hip-hop.

It’s a song I highly recommend when you’re losing sight of your own worth or when you’ve hit a wall and can’t move forward.

Love Is A StillnessSam Smith

Sam Smith – Love Is A Stillness (Official Video)

This is a ballad by UK-born Sam Smith that gracefully portrays the serenity of love and the peace of the heart.

Set against a delicate arrangement centered on piano and strings, the crystal-clear vocals resonate deeply.

Released for Valentine’s Day in February 2025, the piece thoughtfully expresses not only fiery passion but also the gentle forms of love felt in everyday life.

The subtle expressiveness showcased on the four-time Grammy-winning albums In the Lonely Hour and The Thrill of It All remains fully intact, beautifully singing the essence of love filled with calm and comfort.

It’s a perfect song for unsettled moments or for spending quiet time with someone special.

A Sky Full of StarsColdplay

Coldplay – A Sky Full Of Stars (Official Video)

A glittering, starry-sky-like track from the British rock band Coldplay.

It sings of unconditional love and gratitude for a loved one.

Its grand sound, infused with EDM elements, blends beautifully with Chris Martin’s emotive vocals.

Included on the album Ghost Stories, released in May 2014, this song became a symbol of the band’s musical evolution.

The fresh sound born from their collaboration with Swedish DJ Avicii has captivated many fans.

It’s a heartwarming song you’ll want to listen to while gazing up at the night sky—perfect for those moments on a journey when someone special comes to mind.

PerfectEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Perfect (Official Music Video)

Ed Sheeran released a heartwarming love song in March 2017 that portrays happy moments spent with a loved one.

Filled with gentle warmth, its beautiful melody and lyrics—capturing pure love from his younger days—are deeply influenced by real experiences with his wife.

Included on the album ÷ (Divide), the song won support from a wide audience, and its collaborations with Beyoncé and Andrea Bocelli also became major talking points.

The music video, filmed at a ski resort in Austria, beautifully depicts the artist and his partner close together, and its tender scenes are truly captivating.

It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to express your feelings to someone special or create unforgettable memories.

FluxEllie Goulding

Ellie Goulding – Flux (Official Video)

A gem of a ballad that delicately captures the pain of heartbreak and lingering attachment.

Ellie Goulding’s clear, translucent vocals beautifully portray the feeling of being trapped by a past love.

The simple, piano-centered arrangement enhances the emotion conveyed by the lyrics.

Released in March 2019, the track is included on the album Brightest Blue.

Its black-and-white music video also superbly reflects the song’s world.

This is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced heartbreak or carries unspoken feelings in their heart.

I Want You BackThe Jackson 5

The Jackson 5 “I Want You Back” on The Ed Sullivan Show

The debut single released by America’s Jackson 5 in 1969 is a gem of a pop number that sings of regret over a lost love and a wish to reconcile.

With its catchy melody and rhythmic beat, the track is especially memorable for the powerful vocals of Michael Jackson, who was just 11 years old at the time.

It reached No.

1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts in January 1970, catapulting the Jackson 5 to worldwide fame.

It was also featured in the 2014 film Guardians of the Galaxy, winning over a new generation of fans.

This is a perfect song for easing the pain of heartbreak or lifting your spirits.

Sad ForeverLauren Spencer Smith

Lauren Spencer Smith – Sad Forever (Official Video)

A heartfelt ballad crafted by Lauren Spencer Smith, a young singer-songwriter from Canada.

Featured on her October 2023 album “Mirror,” this track lays bare the inner turmoil that accompanies success.

Her powerful yet delicate vocals brilliantly capture the complex feeling of “I should be happy, but somehow I feel sad.” It’s a song that inspires the courage to face oneself in the age of social media.

Recommended for those who want to look inward and for anyone seeking music that stays close to the heart.