[2026] Songs to Listen to When You're Down: Iconic and Popular Uplifting Western Music
Have you ever had music support your heart when you were feeling down or tired? There are so many wonderful Western songs that lift your spirits beyond the barrier of language.
So this time, we’re introducing classic and popular Western tracks that we especially want you to listen to when times are tough—songs that give you a push, sometimes powerfully, sometimes gently.
Along with timeless favorites loved across generations, we’re also featuring many recent masterpieces, so you’re sure to find a beautiful number that stays close to your heart!
- Western songs to listen to when you're tired of life: recommended classics and popular tracks
- Songs to listen to when you're feeling down. Recommended feel-good, uplifting tracks.
- Power songs that fill you with energy just by listening. Recommended classics and popular tracks.
- Timeless songs that stay close to your heart when times are tough. Uplifting tracks with gentle lyrics that really sink in.
- [Cheer-Up Songs Special] Songs that give you courage when you're feeling down. Encouraging tracks.
- When you’re hurting and feel like you want to disappear… timeless Western songs to listen to at times like these
- Definitely when you want a boost of power! Energetic songs recommended for Gen Z
- Classic Western songs to listen to when you want to cry: the world’s tearjerker songs and popular tracks for shedding tears
- [Songs to Listen to When You Want to Die] I want to disappear... A song to support you who feel that way
- An encouraging, uplifting song that stays close to your heart. A cheer song.
- Songs that give you strength. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- Energizing songs recommended for women: songs that make you feel positive.
- [2026] A roundup of Western/foreign-language motivational songs—cheer anthems that support your life
[2026] Songs to Hear When You're Struggling: Uplifting Western Classics and Popular Tracks (11–20)
Born This WayLady Gaga
When it comes to the ultimate anthem for boosting self-esteem, nothing beats the powerful number sung by Lady Gaga.
Released in February 2011 as the lead single from the album “Born This Way,” the track became the 1,000th No.
1 in Billboard Hot 100 history.
Driven by an intense electropop beat, it urges listeners to love themselves—no matter their sexuality or race—because God makes no mistakes.
It was also featured in a pivotal scene in the hit show Glee, and its universal message has resonated deeply with people around the world.
Whenever you feel worn down by others’ gazes or on the verge of denying yourself, give this song a listen.
You’ll surely feel a powerful energy well up, inspiring you to hold your head high and live boldly.
Made You LookMeghan Trainor
Meghan Trainor is an American singer-songwriter known for her style that blends retro doo-wop with modern pop.
“Made You Look,” from her October 2022 album Takin’ It Back, is a song about overcoming postpartum body insecurities and embracing self-love.
Its radiant positivity declares that her natural, unadorned self beats any luxury brand.
Inspired by a moment when her husband couldn’t help but turn his head to look at her, the track’s music video—made in collaboration with the game Candy Crush Saga—also drew attention.
The song’s TikTok dance went viral, and it’s sure to give you a boost when you’re feeling unsure of yourself.
Fight SongRachel Platten
It’s a powerful anthem that lights a fire in hearts on the verge of giving up.
Written by Rachel Platten to overcome her own anxieties and conflicts about her career after a long period of struggling, it became known as a single released in February 2015.
Its message about the importance of believing in yourself resonated widely, becoming a global hit that reached No.
6 on the U.S.
charts.
The song was also included on the album “Wildfire,” used as a campaign song by Hillary Clinton’s team during the 2016 U.S.
presidential election, and featured in the popular drama “Pretty Little Liars.” Imbued with the resolve to believe in yourself even when no one else does, this work gently yet powerfully gives a push to those facing adversity.
Shake It OffTaylor Swift
Taylor Swift, who leapt out of the country scene to reign as a global pop icon, released this track as the lead single from her landmark 2014 album 1989, marking a turning point in her career.
It’s a dance-pop song defined by its snappy drum beats and distinctive saxophone tones, carrying a powerful message: shake off the harsh criticism and rumors around you and keep moving forward.
The song was also featured in the film Sing, where a character performs it in a memorable singing-and-dancing scene.
With its bright sound and lyrics that blow away negative feelings, it’s perfect for moments when you’re feeling down or need a boost of confidence.
Even on a bad day, this track will have you smiling and ready to dance!
We Are YoungFun
It’s a smash hit by the American indie rock band Fun.! It’s a familiar song in Japan too, having been used in commercials.
When times are tough, the best thing is to forget! This song makes you want to forget everything tonight and just have fun!
UnwrittenNatasha Bedingfield
It’s a signature song by the London-born pop singer Natasha Bedingfield! It’s not only a track that lifts your spirits and makes you feel positive, but the lyrics are wonderful—they make you feel like you still have so much potential and that life ahead is something to look forward to.
[2026] Songs to Hear When Times Are Tough: Uplifting Western Music Classics and Popular Tracks (21–30)
Bad DayDaniel Powter
It’s a song I want people to listen to when they’ve had a bad day—whether it’s messing up at work, troubles with relationships, or any tough situation.
It captures your exact feelings so precisely it might make your heart skip a beat.
The album was a huge hit in Japan, and this track in particular became especially well-known.