[2026] Trending Western Music: The Latest Hit Songs to Watch

Such A Funny WayNEW!Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter – Such A Funny Way (Official Lyric Video)

Sabrina Carpenter, known for her role as Maya in the drama Girl Meets World and active as an actress as well.

In 2025, her album Man’s Best Friend hit No.

1 on the charts and drew a lot of attention.

This work, released only in a limited edition in August 2025 to expand the album’s world, has a unique backstory in how it was opened up to streaming in December.

The sound, produced with Jack Antonoff, is a mid-tempo ballad that highlights the sharpness of the lyrics.

Its introspective words portray romantic misalignment and a wry perspective, showcasing a side of her that’s not all sweetness.

It’s a perfect listen for a quiet night when you want to sink into your feelings alone.

Let’s Do ItLil Baby, Playboi Carti, & Skooly

Lil Baby, Playboi Carti, & Skooly – Let’s Do It (Official Music Video)

Rapper Lil Baby has been dropping one big tune after another lately.

It’s still fresh in our minds that he won Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 2022 Grammys.

Now, in December 2025, he’s dropped a new track from his mixtape “The Leaks,” featuring Playboi Carti and Skooly.

The song samples the Atlanta club classic “Wassup,” which was born in 2009—made even cooler by the fact that Skooly himself was a founding member of Rich Kidz, the group behind the original.

Over a trap beat with a thundering 808 bass, all three artists’ personalities explode.

Carti’s airy flow, Lil Baby’s tight verses, and Skooly’s catchy hook intertwine perfectly.

It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to feel the lineage of Atlanta hip-hop.

La PerlaROSALÍA

ROSALÍA – La Perla (Official Video) ft. Yahritza Y Su Esencia

Rosalía, hailing from Catalonia, Spain, is an artist who has earned worldwide acclaim for an innovative sound that traverses a wide range of genres—pop, reggaeton, and electronica—while remaining grounded in traditional flamenco.

She’s a powerhouse who won the Latin Grammy Award for Album of the Year with both El Mal Querer and Motomami.

The track included on her album Lux, released in November 2025, is a collaboration featuring the regional Mexican trio Yahritza y su Esencia.

Centered on the lingering pain of a fraught relationship and the sensation of reclaiming what was taken, the song’s minimalist production highlights the persuasive power of her voice and lyrics.

It’s a must-listen for anyone trying to move forward while still carrying the scars of love.

XMASKYLIE MINOGUE

Kylie Minogue – XMAS (Amazon Music Original) (Official Video)

Kylie Minogue, affectionately known as the “Princess of Pop,” is an Australian artist who has remained at the forefront of the dance-pop scene for over 40 years.

Her 2023 album Tension topped the UK charts and earned her a Grammy for Best Pop Dance Recording.

Her holiday song released in November 2025 features a memorable spelling chant reminiscent of Village People’s “YMCA.” Set to a disco beat, it boasts a catchy hook that makes you want to sing along.

The track was created as the centerpiece of a reimagined project celebrating the 10th anniversary of her 2015 album Kylie Christmas.

It’s the perfect song for parties and house gatherings where everyone wants to get in the festive mood.

Livin’ on Borrowed TimeBreaking Rust

Livin’ on Borrowed Time

Breaking Rust has been making waves with the novel concept of an AI-generated cowboy persona.

Launched in October 2025, the project has drawn attention for its unprecedented approach of producing everything—from vocals to backing tracks—using generative AI.

This release is a country number marked by a gritty timbre and raspy vocals.

Themes like the fleeting immediacy of life and a defiant spirit unbound by others’ judgments are sung over a classic country sound.

Having charted on Billboard’s Emerging Artists ranking, it has become a symbolic presence that showcases the possibilities of AI music.

With a tough mood evocative of the open range, it’s perfect as background music for a drive or a solitary night.

Putting Ya DineNEW!Monaleo

Monaleo – Putting Ya Dine (Official Video)

Monaleo from Houston is known for her rap that’s aggressive yet somehow humorous.

She’s an artist with an unusual background, having previously attended the High School for Law and Justice.

This track is packed with love and pride for her hometown.

Her powerful flow over the deep, Southern-style bass-heavy beat makes you feel bold just by listening.

Released as a single in August 2025, it was a pivotal work that sharply raised expectations for the subsequent album, “Who Did the Body.” It’s a great pick when you want to psych yourself up or as a soundtrack for a drive.

By the way, a remix version dropped that October, so it’s fun to compare the two.

THANKFULForrest Frank

Forrest Frank – THANKFUL (Lyrics) “i got a roof and a bed”

After his tenure as a member of the pop duo Surfaces, Forrest Frank has continued to rise as a solo artist.

At the 2024 GMA Dove Awards, he won New Artist of the Year and even earned a Grammy nomination, cementing his commanding presence in the Christian music scene.

Released in December 2025, this track counts the small blessings found in everyday life and sings of gratitude.

Its structure is brilliant, moving naturally from thankfulness for familiar things—home, meals, and human connection—to a confession of faith.

Though just about two minutes long, it features a catchy hook that invites you to hum along.

Already drawing significant attention—ranking high on iTunes’ digital charts—it’s the perfect song for the year-end season when you want to reflect on what you have.