[2026] Classic Western songs about brothers: a roundup of recommended popular tracks

SpaceboyThe Smashing Pumpkins

The Smashing Pumpkins – Spaceboy

The Smashing Pumpkins are a band that epitomized the alternative rock scene of the 1990s.

Their 1993 masterpiece Siamese Dream includes a gem of a ballad that expresses deep feelings for a younger brother.

In fact, the song was written by vocalist Billy Corgan for his brother, who was born with a congenital illness.

Portraying his brother as if he were in some faraway world through the motif of “space,” it sings of an older brother’s aching love that gently accompanies that loneliness.

The ethereal, grand sound woven by Mellotron and strings movingly colors this complex inner landscape.

When you want to reflect on your bond with a sibling, why not immerse yourself in that bittersweet yet warm feeling?

BrotherNEEDTOBREATHE feat. Gavin DeGraw

NEEDTOBREATHE “Brother feat. Gavin DeGraw” [Official Video]

Needtobreathe is a Christian rock band formed in 1998 in South Carolina, USA.

This song features a bluegrass backing sound.

Released as a single in 2015, it reached No.

1 on both the Billboard Hot Rock Songs and Hot Christian Songs charts.

Hey BrotherAvicii

Avicii – Hey Brother

Avicii, who passed away in 2018 at the young age of 28.

Did you know that this Swedish music producer, who gained worldwide popularity, has a famous song about the bond with his “brother,” which is the theme of this article? The track is a single from his debut album True, released in October 2013.

It’s a classic Avicii piece that brilliantly blends EDM and bluegrass, featuring a warm yet powerful melody that feels incredibly uplifting.

Dan Tyminski’s vocals are wonderful as well.

The song celebrates the deep bond between brothers—no matter how far apart they are or what hardships they face, if you look up at the sky, you’ll always feel them by your side.

In the U.S., it sold over a million copies by March 2014, and its lyrics especially resonate with those who have siblings.

AlfieLily Allen

Lily Allen | Alfie (Official Video – Clean Version)

With her cynical, witty lyrics and breezy pop sound, Lily Allen is a defining figure of the 2000s UK scene.

This song, which she wrote about her real-life brother, actor Alfie Allen, is a classic that humorously captures a sister’s exasperation with her brother.

The lyrics scolding her lazy, shut-in sibling—telling him to “pull yourself together!”—may seem harsh at first glance, but beneath them lies a deep affection, a belief in his talent, and a desire not to see him waste his life.

The track was included on her 2006 masterpiece Alright, Still and released as a single in March 2007.

If you’re struggling with a sibling relationship where it’s hard to be honest, this song might just bring a smile to your face.

The Fall of Jake Paul (FEAT. Why Don’t We)Logan Paul

FULL SONG: The Fall Of Jake Paul (Official Video) FEAT. Why Don’t We

Logan Paul, an influencer who’s active as both a YouTuber and a professional wrestler, is a multi-talented figure.

The song he created in collaboration with the popular boy band Why Don’t We was made for his own younger brother.

Born as a response to provocations from his brother, this diss track channels sibling rivalry straight over an up-tempo beat.

The volley of aggressive lyrics may look like a heated fight at first glance, but it might also be a special form of communication unique to siblings.

The music video released in June 2017 also drew major attention.

Why not give it a listen when you want to reflect on the complex dynamics of brotherhood?

Gang RelatedLogic

Logic – Gang Related (Official Audio)

Logic, known for his philosophical rap and for having grown up in a difficult home environment.

One track on his debut album Under Pressure, released in October 2014, is a profoundly heavy song whose lyrics intertwine the perspective of himself as the younger brother and that of his older brother as he slips into crime.

Although it falls under gangsta rap, it never glamorizes violence; instead, it portrays his choice to walk a different path.

Reflecting his brother’s real experiences as well, this story of two siblings raised in the same environment yet diverging lives hits deeply.

If you enjoy narrative-driven hip-hop, be sure to pay close attention to the lyrics and give it a listen.

Rachael’s Little BrotherStormzy

Rachael’s Little Brother

Stormzy, the rapper who leads the contemporary UK music scene and is also known as a social activist, has a track that delves deeply into his roots, titled after his sister’s name.

Even amid his great success, the song expresses his unchanging identity as “Rachel’s brother” and his profound love for his family.

Stormzy’s introspective lyrics blend beautifully with a soulful, warm track, conveying his sincere reverence for where he comes from.

Released in December 2019, this piece appears on the acclaimed album Heavy Is the Head, which reached No.

1 on the UK Albums Chart.

If you have siblings, you might find it resonates even more when you listen with your own family relationships in mind.

It’s a celebration of familial love that transcends hip-hop—definitely give it a listen.