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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 roundup of Western songs with titles starting with “R” (311–320)

Root Down (And Get It)Jimmy Smith

Jimmy Smith, a jazz organist who gained popularity for a musical style centered on soul jazz and hard bop.

Anyone with even a modest depth of knowledge in jazz is likely familiar with him.

Among his highly acclaimed masterpieces is the album Root Down.

Much like Miles Davis’s On the Corner, it incorporates elements of funk that were popular with young people at the time, and it’s known for its consistently youthful feel throughout.

R-TypeJo

Jo R-Type Original Mix Awesome Records Rtype
R-TypeJo

Before jungle and drum and bass emerged, SL2—formed in 1985—was a British breakbeat group that released hits like “On a Ragga Tip” on the prestigious XL Recordings.

JO, who was a female dancer in SL2, put out a handful of jungle/drum and bass tracks after the group disbanded, and while few in number, they’re quite intriguing.

Their 12-inch single “R-Type,” released in 1993, will ring a bell for those familiar with video games.

It samples music from the classic shooter of the same name, and the way those game-music phrases ride over a straightforward jungle/drum and bass track is really interesting.

Early drum and bass is full of lesser-known tracks like this that hold all sorts of discoveries, so digging into it can be a lot of fun!

RainmakerJohn Carroll Kirby

Pianist John Carroll Kirby, who has gained popularity for his distinctive style that mixes New Age and jazz, originally worked as a studio musician and possesses extremely high-level piano technique, earning him strong acclaim within the industry.

His masterpiece is the album Septet.

Although it’s a relatively new release from 2021, the work is crafted as a revival, consciously drawing on jazz from the 1970s to the 1980s.

Rapaz de BemJohnny Alf

Johnny Alf, a pioneer of bossa nova often referred to as the “Father of Bossa Nova.” Hailing from Vila Isabel in Rio de Janeiro, Alf began playing piano at the age of nine and launched his professional career in 1952.

He developed a distinctive musical style influenced by American jazz, and his 1955 album Rapaz de Bem later came to be regarded as a bossa nova classic.

Celebrated by his contemporaries as an innovator who introduced new harmonies to Brazilian music, Alf remained active and prolific until his passing in 2010.

If you’re interested in bossa nova, be sure to check him out!

Rock And Roll, Hoochie KooJohnny Winter

Johnny Winter – Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo (Live)
Rock And Roll, Hoochie KooJohnny Winter

Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo by guitar wizard Johnny Winter is a milestone track that lets you fully feel the allure of blues rock.

Its scorching guitar solo shakes the listener to the core, radiating raw, visceral energy.

Frequently covered, the song’s meticulously crafted twin-guitar arrangement and expressive richness will draw in even those who aren’t devoted music fans.

It channels the primal emotions of the blues through rock’s dynamism, and continues to shine with undimmed presence as an emblematic masterpiece of blues rock.

Collection of Western songs with titles starting with 'R' (321–330)

Rock Me BabyJohnny Winter

Johnny Winter, the guitar virtuoso from Texas.

He began playing at 11 and was influenced by legendary blues artists; his playing is defined by blisteringly fast fingerpicking and fiery slide-guitar technique.

Released by Columbia Records in 1973, Still Alive and Well is a landmark album that marked his return after overcoming drug addiction.

Fusing blues rock and hard rock, the record is highly regarded as a symbol of Winter’s comeback and musical maturity.

Packed with searing guitar work and energetic vocals, it’s a must-listen not only for blues lovers but also for rock fans.

Rest Of My LifeJonas Blue, Sam Feldt, Endless Summer, Sadie Rose Van

Jonas Blue, Sam Feldt, Endless Summer, Sadie Rose Van – Rest Of My Life (Visualiser)
Rest Of My LifeJonas Blue, Sam Feldt, Endless Summer, Sadie Rose Van

An elegant and moving dance track has been released.

The collaboration between Jonas Blue and Sam Feldt features a soothing sound that samples the trance classic “Cafe Del Mar.” Sadie Rose Van’s sweet vocals blend beautifully with lyrics that vow eternal love, warmly enveloping listeners’ hearts.

Released in January 2024 as the follow-up to their previous single “Crying On The Dancefloor,” the song has already surpassed 100 million streams.

This track truly embodies an “endless summer,” letting you feel the cheerful energy of the season all year round.

It’s perfect not only for those who want to light up the dance floor, but also for anyone seeking music that gently stays by their side.