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 Uplifting Western Music (21–30)

Counting StarsOneRepublic

OneRepublic – Counting Stars

Counting StarsOneRepublic

This track is insanely cool, with an arrangement that adds a burst of beats after the stunning vocal intro and transforms dramatically as it races forward.

Above all, it’s a song that showcases OneRepublic’s brilliant sound creation.

And it’s not just the sound and structure that are cool—the dramatic lyrics are also a major draw, sure to pierce the heart of anyone feeling down.

Raise the rankinglower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem

EastsideGood Kid

Good Kid – Eastside (Official Video)

EastsideGood Kid

Good Kid are a five-piece indie rock band from Toronto.

All the members have backgrounds as programmers, and their activities, full of love for gaming culture, have earned them strong support from the internet generation.

Their new song is Eastside.

In just about a minute and a half, it packs in punk-like speed and comically charged anger—a burst of pure, explosive energy.

It’s the lead single from their long-awaited debut album, Can We Hang Out Sometime?, due in April 2026, and it’s also making waves for being produced by the renowned John Congleton.

The track sings about that frustrating moment when a former friend starts to look like an enemy, making it a perfect song for blasting away a foul mood.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Not Like UsKendrick Lamar

Not Like Us

Not Like UsKendrick Lamar

Spotlight on a new track from a major figure in hip-hop, Kendrick Lamar! Hailing from the United States, Lamar is known for music that fuses social commentary with artistic exploration.

In this work, he delivers a sharp critique of corruption and hypocrisy in the industry while affirming his commitment to his roots and to preserving true hip-hop culture.

It’s marked by energetic beats and scathing lyrics, and it sparked major buzz right after release.

Featured on the May 2022 album “Mr.

Morale & the Big Steppers,” it’s a compelling listen even beyond hip-hop fans.

Highly recommended when you need a boost in motivation.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

SuckerJonas Brothers

Jonas Brothers – Sucker (Official Video)

SuckerJonas Brothers

Jonas Brothers’ “Sucker” is a heart-pounding track right from the start.

The high notes are super cool and make you feel great.

The way it builds in the latter half feels like a party—total hype! It’s a song that puts you in a fun mood.

The music video also has a lively vibe that really brightens your spirits!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Nice to Meet YouImagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons – Nice to Meet You (Official Music Video)

Nice to Meet YouImagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons, the Las Vegas–based band, are known for their upbeat, positive vibe.

Released in May 2024, this track features a buoyant sound with funk-pop elements and striking lyrics that deftly portray the joy of new encounters and the challenges that come with them.

As a lead single from the album LOOM, it’s been drawing plenty of attention.

The music video visually enhances the budding romance set in a retro bar atmosphere.

It’s also slated to be performed on their North American tour starting in July, so hearing it live is sure to boost your excitement even more.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem