Western songs to listen to when you're feeling down—tracks that stay by your side and give you the strength to look forward.

SoldierBackstreet Boys

Soldier

For the one you love, you’d become a soldier who faces any hardship.

This song, sung by the Backstreet Boys with richly layered harmonies, conveys that devoted kind of love.

Departing from their signature dance-pop style, the gentle tones of piano and strings highlight their mature, captivating vocals.

The track is included on their July 2013 album “In a World Like This,” their first after original member Kevin’s return.

Marking the group’s 20th anniversary, it resonates with the sincerity they wished to share with their fans.

When you long to protect someone with all your strength—or on nights when you want to feel someone’s support—let this song quietly stay close to your heart.

What Makes You BeautifulOne Direction

One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful (Official Video)

As an anthem that champions the importance of being true to yourself, British band One Direction captured the hearts of young people around the world.

Aimed at women with low self-esteem, its gentle message—that you shine just as you are—has resonated with countless listeners.

Released in September 2011 as the lead single from the album “Up All Night,” the song quickly became a global hit.

It sold over 150,000 copies in its first week on the UK Singles Chart and won the Brit Award for British Single of the Year.

With its refreshing pop-rock sound and relatable message, it’s a highly recommended track for anyone who wants to lift their spirits when feeling down or losing confidence.

Good VibesHRVY, Matoma

HRVY, Matoma – Good Vibes

This is a collaboration between English singer HRVY and Norwegian producer Matoma that gently stays by your side when you’re feeling down and wraps you in uplifting energy.

With warm lyrics that seem to say, “There’s no night that won’t end,” the song gives listeners a gentle push forward.

Matoma’s expansive tropical house beats blend with HRVY’s bright, soaring vocals to create pure good vibes.

Released in September 2020, it’s the kind of track that can let a little sunshine into your heart on days when nothing seems to go right.

PuppetFaouzia

Faouzia – Puppet (Official Music Video)

Fousheé is a multilingual singer-songwriter who moved from Morocco to Canada and speaks three languages.

With her powerful vocals, she weaves songs that sing of the desire for freedom and liberation.

Released by Atlantic Records in October 2021, this work advocates the importance of living true to oneself, unbound by control or expectations from others.

Interweaving a word that means “freedom” in Arabic, it’s a gem of a pop anthem that expresses a strong will toward self-actualization.

Embracing wounded hearts and encouraging a step toward tomorrow, it has garnered support from many listeners.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to move forward by their own will or are about to take a new step.

I Wanna Dance With SomebodyWhitney Houston

Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Official 4K Video)

An encouraging song that stands by loneliness and gives you the courage to face forward.

It’s a heartwarming track released in 1987 by Whitney Houston from the United States.

With a bright, catchy melody, it expresses the universal wish to connect with someone on nights when you feel alone.

Skillfully blending elements of pop, dance-pop, and R&B, it topped the charts in 18 countries and won Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 30th Grammy Awards.

In 2022, its title was also used for a biographical film about her life.

It’s a song that can fill you with hope when you’re feeling down or looking to meet someone.

StrongSonna Rele

Sonna Rele – Strong (From “Cinderella”)

Sonna Rele, a London native with an unyielding will who has even overcome a severe hearing condition.

Her soulful voice feels as if it speaks directly to the heart.

This work portrays a strong spirit that forges the future through one’s own strength rather than waiting for someone’s help.

Many will likely resonate with its message, which gently encourages us to move forward with kindness and courage and to believe in ourselves.

Released in January 2015, this piece graced the end credits of the film Cinderella, deepening the story’s emotional impact.

When you’re on the verge of losing confidence and need a powerful push, it’s sure to kindle a light in your heart.

You Gotta Be (’99 Mix)Des’ree

Des’ree – You Gotta Be (’99 Mix) [Video]

This classic song, which sings of the courage to face life’s hardships, is the 1999 remix of the signature work released to the world in 1994 by Des’ree, an artist from the UK.

Her warm vocals—shaped by her Caribbean heritage—deliver a self-empowering message with strength.

The track reached No.

5 on the U.S.

charts and became well-loved as the theme for a Ford Focus commercial.

While emphasizing the importance of being strong, wise, and bold, it concludes with hopeful lyrics that affirm love ultimately saves all.

It’s a must-listen for anyone at a turning point in life or embarking on a new challenge.