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

CHIHIROBillie Eilish

Billie Eilish – CHIHIRO (Official Music Video)

A moving work inspired by a Studio Ghibli masterpiece has been born.

American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish’s new song is an emotional track themed around deep love and disappointment.

Its ethereal sound—melding ambient and electronica—layers with her signature whispery vocals, making it feel like watching a scene from a film.

Included on her album “Hit Me Hard and Soft,” released in May 2024, the song portrays the pain of heartbreak and a journey of self-discovery.

It’s recommended not only for film lovers, but also for anyone who wants to connect with lyrics that truly resonate.

Three Little BirdsBob Marley & The Wailers

Bob Marley & The Wailers – Three Little Birds (Official Music Video)

This song by reggae legend Bob Marley and the Wailers, a source of Jamaican pride, is included on the album Exodus, released in June 1977.

Its hopeful melody and lyrics deliver a warm, heartfelt message.

Released as a single in 1980, it reached the UK Top 20.

True to Marley’s love of nature, there’s a charming story that he drew inspiration from the birds he could see from his own window.

It’s a track to turn to when you’re feeling down or need a boost—truly a song to lean on.

LegendaryBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – Legendary (Official Music Video)

A moving masterpiece has been born, marking a new frontier for Bon Jovi.

Released in March 2024, this track brilliantly fuses the robust power of classic American rock with a fresh touch of country flavor.

Carrying a message of love from Jon Bon Jovi to his wife, the heartfelt lyrics and warm melody resonate deeply.

Celebrating the small joys of everyday life and the importance of human connections, this song is sure to inspire courage and hope in its listeners.

As the lead single from the album “Forever,” slated for release in June, it’s a wonderful track that celebrates the band’s 40th anniversary.

Streets Of PhiladelphiaBruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen – Streets of Philadelphia (Official Video)

A song used in the film Philadelphia, directed by Jonathan Demme and starring Tom Hanks.

It was the first song Bruce Springsteen wrote for the movie and became his highest-charting hit in the UK.

The song won a Grammy Award.

LighthouseCalum Scott

Calum Scott – Lighthouse (Lyric Video)

A song by Calum Scott that sings of unwavering devotion.

It expresses the feeling of searching for a single ray of light in the dark night in a soulful pop style.

Hailing from the UK, he released the track in January 2024.

He says he pushed his limits and poured raw emotion into this work, which resonates with thoughts of a loved one far away.

When you miss family or friends, FaceTime and messages can feel like a lighthouse—a universal sentiment this song gently embraces.

Set to be performed on Ed Sheeran’s stadium tour, it’s a heartwarming track that accompanies the moments you spend thinking of someone dear.

ConsequencesCamila Cabello

Camila Cabello – Consequences (orchestra)

Camila Cabello, born in Cuba and raised in Florida, is known for a musical style that fuses remarkable vocal ability with a Latin sensibility.

“Consequences,” a track from her 2018 album Camila, is one of her signature works.

This song delves deeply into the emotions left in the wake of a ended relationship, resonating as a poignant ballad.

The sparse piano and strings beautifully capture the ebb and flow of emotion.

Camila’s aching voice and the lyrics vividly convey the pain of facing lost love and its aftermath.

Intertwining the feelings of love and loss, “Consequences” is a song that anyone who has experienced heartbreak can relate to.

Even if you’re not a Camila Cabello fan, it’s highly recommended for anyone seeking a moving ballad.

feelslikeimfallinginloveColdplay

Coldplay – feelslikeimfallinginlove (Official Audio)

Coldplay, the rock band the UK proudly presents to the world, has sparked buzz with their new single.

It’s a track that captures the thrill and exhilaration of falling in love, expressed through an upbeat rhythm and fast tempo.

Released in June 2024, the song is drawing attention as the lead single from their 10th studio album, Moon Music.

Produced by Max Martin, it preserves the band’s signature strengths while venturing into fresh territory.

Recommended for those who want to savor the joy and fragility of love, or connect with lyrics that truly resonate.