[2026 Edition] Popular Songs Overseas Right Now and Notable Hit Tracks

IT girlJade

JADE – IT girl (Official Visualiser)

The song by Jade, a singer-songwriter from the UK, is an ambitious work that shines with a fusion of electropop and disco.

Its powerful beat and razor-sharp synthesizers are striking, making it a track destined to ignite the dance floor.

The lyrics skillfully weave in the hidden side of the music industry and the struggles that come with fame, lending a depth grounded in Jade’s own experiences.

Released in January 2025, this work marked an important step in her solo career.

It’s sure to resonate with anyone who hopes to live authentically without losing themselves amid a glamorous world.

TranquilityJack Harlow

Jack Harlow – Tranquility

The American rapper Jack Harlow’s track released in December 2024 has been generating buzz.

The work symbolizes a turning point in his music career, candidly addressing his past successes, personal relationships, and the pressures of the industry.

Characterized by a minimal beat, it showcases Harlow’s technical growth while reflecting his inner changes and development.

Its self-critical stance and drive for improvement are emphasized, with his humility and depth of expression earning praise.

His determination to move to a new stage in both his music and personal life appears to be resonating with fans.

3D (feat. Jack Harlow)Jung Kook

정국 (Jung Kook) ‘3D (feat. Jack Harlow)’ Official MV

Jungkook of BTS released his solo single “3D” in October 2023.

It’s his second solo release and features American rapper Jack Harlow as a guest.

The lyrics tied to the title “3D,” especially the line about wanting to see you from various perspectives, are striking.

It’s an R&B tune with a Latin-flavored chord progression, and the simple combination of bass and electric piano gives it a cool finish.

It’s a danceable number, so be sure to give it a listen!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hamada Takuya

Report a problem

Area CodesKali

Kaliii – Area Codes (Official Music Video)

Kali, a young rapper from Georgia born in 2000, has been drawing attention.

She released mixtapes in 2021 and 2022 and was selected for XXL’s influential “Freshman Class 2022,” making her a hot name to watch.

Her track “Area Codes,” released in April 2023, went viral and seems to have skyrocketed her profile.

Hip-hop fans may have noticed that she cleverly references the lyrics of Ludacris’s classic 2001 track “Area Codes,” a nice touch.

It’s also very much in line with today’s mainstream trend of Gen Z rappers and R&B singers rediscovering and reinterpreting late-’90s to early-’00s hip-hop and R&B in their own way.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

By Your Side (In My Mind)Leony

Leony – By Your Side (In My Mind)

Leonie’s new single is a heartwarming track that beautifully portrays the enduring nature of friendship.

Hailing from Germany, she crafts works that resonate deeply with listeners through her emotional vocals and catchy melodies.

The song weaves in memories of youth and hopes for the future, expressing a wish for a 17-year friendship to last another 70 years.

Released on January 9, 2025, the track is drawing attention as the lead single from the album “Oldschool Love.” It’s a recommended listen for anyone who cherishes the bonds of friendship or wants to bask in nostalgic memories.

Paper PlanesM.I.A.

M.I.A. – Paper Planes

The song released in February 2008 by Sri Lankan-born rapper M.I.A.

truly embodies the pop culture of its era.

Satirically depicting the struggles of immigrants, it features a sound that samples The Clash and makes impactful use of gunshots and cash register sounds.

It was also featured in the film Slumdog Millionaire and became a global hit.

It marked M.I.A.’s first entry into the Billboard Hot 100 top five and was nominated for a Grammy.

In December 2024, it gained renewed attention thanks to a dance trend on TikTok.

Its lyrics sharply criticize prejudice and inequality, delivering a powerful message that challenges contemporary society.

Cheeky But Charming feat. KUROMIMae Stephens

Mae Stephens – Cheeky But Charming ft. KUROMI

Asked to name a Western song that went viral on TikTok in 2023, many people would probably first mention If We Ever Broke Up by up-and-coming UK singer-songwriter Mae Stephens.

In Japan, dance videos tagged with #破れハート (torn heart) were wildly popular, and there was even a parody music video made by the comedy trio Borujuku.

Mae’s new song, Cheeky But Charming, is a collaboration with Kuromi, a beloved Sanrio character.

The buoyant, feel-good pop track clearly showcases Mae’s talents as a singer-songwriter, and the frequent lines from Kuromi are a delightful touch for Japanese fans.

It just might become a new viral hit in the latter half of 2023!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem