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Lovely Western music

Summary of Western pop music: A comprehensive introduction to famous pop songs from overseas.

Countless pop songs have emerged on the Western music scene, captivating music fans around the world.

Beyond catchy, memorable tunes, Western pop delights us in every way—lyrics, singers’ voices, and even the visual aspects like choreography and music videos.

In this article, we’ll introduce a roundup of classic Western pop hits!

From universally known masterpieces to highly recommended tracks, we’ve selected plenty for you to enjoy.

Whether you’re a dedicated fan of Western music or someone who isn’t very familiar with it yet, take this opportunity to give them a listen.

Western pop music roundup: A comprehensive introduction to famous international pop songs (91–100)

One LoveBob Marley

One Love (Official Fan Made Music Video) – Bob Marley
One LoveBob Marley

A famous song by the god of reggae, Bob Marley, adored in his homeland of Jamaica and across the world.

As the title “One Love” suggests, it centers on the theme of a single, unifying love.

Born to a white father and a Black mother and feeling like he didn’t belong anywhere, Marley’s gentle lyrics—rooted in that loneliness—make this a moving, tear-inducing track.

Even decades later, it remains a classic that sings of feelings we still want to cherish.

Private EyesDaryl Hall & John Oates

Daryl Hall & John Oates – Private Eyes (Official HD Video)
Private EyesDaryl Hall & John Oates

It’s an evergreen classic from the ’80s.

The soaring falsetto and distinctive guitar sound stand out, and John Oates’s claps are especially snappy.

The part in the latter half where he squeezes his eyes shut is adorable.

Fame ’90David Bowie

David Bowie – Fame 90 (Official Video)
Fame '90David Bowie

A collaboration with John Lennon.

My friend said they went to the David Bowie exhibition, and it seems it was a huge success.

The prodigy of glam rock, who had a profound influence on sexual expression, fashion, and the arts and culture.

With scat vocals and echoes shifting from high to low tones, it’s a track you can enjoy more with every listen.

The One I LoveR.E.M.

R.E.M. – The One I Love (Official Music Video)
The One I LoveR.E.M.

A single from the 1987 album Document, released by the American alternative rock band R.E.M.

It was their first hit song.

It charted in the United States as well as in countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom.

Stay With MeSam Smith

Sam Smith – Stay With Me (Official Music Video)
Stay With MeSam Smith

A beautiful ballad that gives voice to aching emotions became a signature song for the U.K.-born Sam Smith.

Featuring gospel-tinged choruses and lyrics that resonate deeply, it portrays the loneliness that follows a one-night encounter.

Released in the U.S.

in April 2014, it reached No.

2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

At the 57th Grammy Awards, it won two categories, catapulting Sam Smith to global fame.

It’s a song that comforts anyone who has experienced heartbreak or longs for someone’s warmth.

In August 2024, a collaborative version with Hikaru Utada was also released, showcasing a fresh appeal.

All of MeJohn Legend

John Legend – All of Me (Official Video)
All of MeJohn Legend

When it comes to Western pop, this is the song.

The beautiful piano sound paired with the deep, husky male vocals is perfect, and there’s a certain antique feel to it.

I can imagine it playing in an antique shop.

A record sleeve or vinyl could make for a fitting visual, too.

HappyPharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams – Happy (Official Music Video)
HappyPharrell Williams

It was a massive hit for a while, and I imagine many people heard it everywhere around town.

With its rhythmic melody and jazzy home-session vibe, it’s a very stylish track.

The groove is great, so even people who don’t usually listen to Western music might find it easy to enjoy.