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Lovely Western music

A roundup of Western songs with titles that start with “R”

When it comes to English words that start with “R,” there are lots that sound like they could be song titles—like “Rock,” “Rain,” and “Re.” In this article, I’ll introduce some classic Western songs with titles that begin with “R.” You probably don’t often look for songs that start with a specific letter, but that’s exactly why it can be a great chance to discover tracks you might not have noticed before.

Enjoy this article as you look forward to making new discoveries.

A Compilation of Western Songs with Titles Starting with “R” (21–30)

Rupert Gilescruush

cruush – Rupert Giles (Official Video)
Rupert Gilescruush

Based in Manchester, Crüsch are a four-piece who have been drawing attention on the UK indie scene since their 2023 debut EP Wishful Thinker, building on shoegaze and dream pop while weaving in the tautness of ’90s alternative.

Their new track, released via Heist or Hit in November 2025, marks an ambitious turn from their previously hazy sonics to a more defined, propulsive sound.

The title is inspired by a paternal character from Buffy, onto which they project complex feelings about aging and responsibility.

Born from a euphoric dawn hike in Wales, the song centers on that sense of elation, blending the clarity of ’90s MTV with the lush sweetness of grunge.

The lyrics—rendering self-image instability and stagnation through astrological metaphors—are striking as well, making this a track I’d recommend to anyone fond of nostalgic sounds.

RefugeAndrew Hill

Refuge (Rudy Van Gelder Edition/1999 Remaster)
RefugeAndrew Hill

Known for his complex, labyrinthine compositions and exceptional improvisational prowess, Andrew Hill is a pianist and composer who epitomizes Blue Note’s golden era.

While influenced by Thelonious Monk and Bud Powell, he forged his own musical language and frequently collaborated with masters such as Eric Dolphy and Joe Henderson.

His 1965 release Point of Departure is celebrated as a landmark that boldly crossed the boundary between post-bop and the avant-garde.

Featuring a stellar lineup—including Kenny Dorham on trumpet and a young Tony Williams on drums—the album was cut live in a single take, yielding a rare sound where the tension of odd meters and polyrhythms coexists with Blue Note’s signature soulfulness.

It is a masterpiece in which structural experimentation and emotional expression fuse at a high level—an essential work that helped open new paths for the future of jazz.

RememberHank Mobley

Remember (1999/ Remastered)
RememberHank Mobley

Born in 1930, tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley—one of the leading figures of hard bop—is known for his distinctive style, famously described by critics as the “middleweight champion of the tenor sax.” His rounded tone, neither too aggressive nor too sweet, and his melodious, songful phrasing are hallmarks of his playing.

Recorded at Van Gelder Studio in February 1960 and released by Blue Note Records that October, Soul Station is widely regarded as Mobley’s masterpiece.

Featuring a one-horn quartet with the golden rhythm section of Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, and Art Blakey—who were active in Miles Davis’s band—the album contains six tracks that perfectly balance warm, soulful originals with standards.

A flowing, richly expressive work, it’s an ideal introduction to hard bop and a true classic.

Rebel YellBilly Idol

Billy Idol rose from the London punk scene to New York and became a star emblematic of MTV’s golden age.

Making his solo debut in 1982, he built on punk and new wave to forge a distinctive sound that blended hard rock and pop rock.

The many hits born from the classic albums Billy Idol and Rebel Yell were honed through his close collaboration with guitarist Steve Stevens, and together with his striking look—bleached spiked hair and leather-and-studs—they left an indelible mark on the rock scene of the 1980s.

A recipient of MTV VMA honors, he remains a rare figure who combines punk’s rebellious spirit with the catchiness of American pop, continuing to captivate rock fans to this day.

Red and Gold (feat. King Ghidra)MF Doom

MF DOOM – Red and Gold (feat. King Ghidra) [Official Audio]
Red and Gold (feat. King Ghidra)MF Doom

This is a track by MF DOOM, the masked rapper who reigned over the underground scene.

It’s included on his debut album, Operation: Doomsday, released in 1999.

The lyrics reference November, making it a perfect song for this time of year.

It features a distinctive lo-fi sound that fuses samples from kaiju films with 1980s R&B, highlighted by a warm, looping beat built from The Deele’s Shoot ‘Em Up Movies.

His unique rap style—packed with wordplay and dense multi-syllabic rhymes—is truly one of a kind.

It’s the kind of piece you’ll want to sit with alone on a long autumn night.

Red Roses for a Blue LadyBert Kaempfert

Bert Kaempfert, the German composer and arranger who made a major mark on the easy listening scene from the 1950s through the ’70s.

Known for his sparkling, accessible orchestral arrangements and polished sound, he produced numerous hits, and his 1965 instrumental number is a supreme romantic piece centered on muted trumpet and strings.

Originally a popular song released in 1948 and covered by many vocalists, this version is reimagined purely as “music to listen to,” exuding an elegant atmosphere that makes you want to sip a drink after a night out.

It peaked at No.

11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and continues to be cherished as a quintessential MOR classic.

Roof OffLaura Vane & The Vipertones

Laura Vane & the Vipertones are a cross-border funk band spanning the UK and the Netherlands.

The group was formed in 2008 when Dutch funk DJs hit it off with British singer Laura Vane.

Their signature track is this song, which appears as the opening cut on their debut album, “Laura Vane & the Vipertones.” Released in August 2009, the record centers on ’60s–’70s soul-funk, delivering a dancefloor-ready sound where hard-hitting breakbeat-style drumming and robust horns surge in at once.

It’s a staple in the breakdancing scene and is often hailed as a B-boy classic.