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

Counting StarsOneRepublic

OneRepublic – Counting Stars

Everyone has experienced facing anxiety and uncertainty in life.

The American pop-rock band OneRepublic beautifully captured those complex emotions.

Featured on their March 2013 album Native, this song portrays a shift of heart—from fixation on material values and success to a renewed search for true happiness.

Many will relate to the protagonist who, despite sleepless nights, continues to seek hope.

Peaking at No.

2 on the U.S.

Billboard Hot 100, its message resonated around the world.

Also featured in the film Earth to Echo and the TV drama Rookie Blue, this track is sure to offer support when you stand at a crossroads or feel on the verge of losing your way.

Don’t Look DownThe Fray

The Fray – Don’t Look Down

A heartwarming song themed around hope and courage has arrived.

This new track by the American rock band The Fray features lyrics that highlight the bravery to face hardships and the importance of bonds with loved ones.

Its emotionally powerful sound, blending pop rock and alternative rock, is also captivating.

Released in August 2024, the song is included on their new EP, “The Fray Is Back.” Be sure to check out this new endeavor from the band, which has been nominated for the Grammy Awards four times.

It’s a perfect track for when you’re feeling down or want to encourage someone.

We Are Never Ever Getting Back TogetherTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together

This song is a track by American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, centered on the theme of breaking away from a past relationship.

With a firm declaration to an ex who’s pushing for reconciliation—“We are never ever getting back together”—her resolute stance gives listeners courage.

Released in August 2012 as the lead single from the album Red, it created a major buzz at the time.

On the U.S.

singles chart, it jumped from a debut at No.

72 to the No.

1 spot the following week.

In Japan, it’s also known as the opening theme for the reality show Terrace House and is loved by many.

It’s a song that gives you a push when you want to cut off a finished romance and move forward.

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.

IDGAFDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – IDGAF (Official Music Video)

A powerful message of self-affirmation that firmly rejects the clingy advances of an ex resonates deeply.

British artist Dua Lipa brilliantly captures the feelings of a woman who rises from sorrow and moves forward.

Combined with her deadpan vocal style, a core strength comes through.

Released in January 2018 and included on the album “Dua Lipa,” the work’s music video—shot over 22 hours—drew attention for its concept of two versions of herself facing each other.

As a song that gives you the courage and determination to value yourself, it’s sure to support anyone looking to recover from the pain of a breakup.

I Had Some Help feat. Morgan WallenPost Malone

Post Malone – I Had Some Help (feat. Morgan Wallen) (Official Video)

This is a heartwarming duet co-written by American artist Post Malone, who effortlessly moves between the worlds of country pop and hip-hop, and rising country star Morgan Wallen.

Released in May 2024 as the lead single from his sixth album, F-1 Trillion, it reached No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The song portrays two men who have experienced the breakdown of a relationship and choose not to shoulder the blame alone, but to share it together.

Its message of standing by someone who’s hurting and facing forward together is sure to offer strength when you’re at a crossroads in life or struggling with a relationship with someone important.

Bad LifeSigrid, Bring Me The Horizon

Sigrid, Bring Me The Horizon – Bad Life (Official Video)

A powerful, uplifting song released in April 2022, born from a fateful backstage encounter at a music festival between Norway’s Sigrid and the UK’s Bring Me The Horizon.

It carries a strong message of courage and hope for overcoming hardships, beautifully blending their contrasting personalities into one cohesive track.

Fusing melodic pop and rock, the song balances Sigrid’s clear, crystalline vocals with BMTH’s Oliver Sykes’s robust voice, making it one of the standout tracks on the album “How to Let Go.” It’s a reassuring song that stands beside anyone going through tough times and gives them a push toward tomorrow.