Lovely Western music

[2026] UP! UP! UP! Recommended Western songs to boost your mood.

Active club DJkento
Active club DJ. With over five years on the front lines of the club scene, they freely cross over from dance music to US hip-hop and Japanese rap. Blending in their own edits with assured mixing, they craft a unique groove that captivates the floor.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

When you just can’t get motivated and you’re feeling down, anyone who loves music usually has at least one go-to track that lifts their spirits.

The more of those “this song will get me through the day” tracks you’ve got stocked up—not just one or two—the better you can match them to how you feel that day.

So in this article, we’ve rounded up a selection of uplifting Western music.

From pop and rock to punk, the lineup features recent hits and popular songs from the last few years, so if you’re looking for new tracks to boost your mood, this is a must-see!

[2026] UP! UP! UP! Recommended Western songs that will boost your mood (81–90)

Good Luck, Babe!Chappell Roan

Chappell Roan – Good Luck, Babe! (Official Lyric Video)

Good Luck, Babe!Chappell Roan

If you’re looking for energizing Western pop tracks, I recommend songs by Chappell Roan.

An American singer-songwriter, Chappell is known for dark, sentimental keyboard-driven pop influenced by Lorde and Lana Del Rey.

Released in April 2024, this work stays true to her discography’s exploration of queer identity and sexuality while portraying a secret relationship with a lover struggling under societal pressures.

Blending pop sonics with a dark, unsettling tone, the track highlights its intense, brooding lyrics and speaks to the difficulty of being honest about one’s emotions.

Chappell’s vocals, which show empathy for those struggling with self-acceptance, are sure to resonate with you.

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don’t call me prettyGAYLE

GAYLE – don’t call me pretty (diy music video)

don’t call me prettyGAYLE

GAYLE, the female singer-songwriter who gained worldwide popularity with “abcdefu.” Many of you may have discovered her music through TikTok.

Her new song is “don’t call me pretty.” Like “abcdefu,” it features a compelling structure with raw, honest lyrics and emotional power pop.

There’s a lot that middle school teens can relate to, so be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well.

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GraveyardHalsey

Halsey – Graveyard

GraveyardHalsey

If you want to boost your mood with electronic sounds, I recommend “Graveyard.” Its immersive track makes it great for times when you need to focus, too.

The first verse starts quietly, and from the pre-chorus the melodic voltage gradually rises.

The chorus has a serious melody, so it’s easy to slip into full-on focus mode.

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JealousyPale Waves

Pale Waves – Jealousy (Official Video)

JealousyPale Waves

Pale Waves are a band that represents Dirty Hit—one of the most talked-about labels in the world, home to many popular artists like The 1975, beabadoobee, and Rina Sawayama.

Fronted by the irresistibly charismatic Heather Baron-Gracie and known for an ensemble that embraces multiple genres while staying true to guitar rock, they’re hugely popular in Japan as well.

From October to November 2022, they returned to Japan for long-awaited shows that generated massive excitement.

This time, we’re spotlighting Jealousy, a track from their third album Unwanted, released the same year.

It’s an undeniable killer tune that kicks off with the most aggressive and loud guitar riff in Pale Waves’ history—perfect for a wake-up jolt to get your energy up.

Chosen as the final song of the encore during their Japan shows, it’s poised to become one of their new signature tracks.

Lines like “Jealousy is my best friend,” so quintessentially Heather, are striking, and the lyrics—said to reflect her own personality—are well worth a close listen.

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God Is A DancerTiësto, Mabel

Tiësto, Mabel – God Is A Dancer (Official Video)

God Is A DancerTiësto, Mabel

A track where rhythmic percussion blends perfectly with Mabel’s mesmerizing, sultry vocals.

The floor-ready beat heightens the atmosphere.

This song is ‘God Is A Dancer,’ a collaboration between Dutch DJ Tiësto and British singer Mabel.

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