Best Malaysian songs
Malaysia has a rich and diverse musical heritage. Whether you enjoy listening to something inspirational during a tough day or a soft melody on a relaxing day, Malaysian songs always have something to offer for everyone.
We’ve listed 15 Malaysian songs every Malaysian has sung along to at least once in their lives, ranging from pop, jazz, and rock. Whether you have listened during school or on the radio, these songs are sure to be heard by fellow Malaysians.
1. Kau Ilhamku by Man Bai
Video credit: Dunia Muzik Warner Malaysia
Kau Ilhamku by Man Bai is a sentimental tune that has become a classic in Malaysian best songs. Man Bai has been around in the entertainment industry dating back to the 80s, and his powerful vocals have made an impact in becoming Malaysia’s much-loved artist.
Written by Asmin Mudin, this song also appeared in the movie Layar Lara. This song narrates the singer’s desire to always stay close to his inspiration and to be able to understand and interpret their every thought and feeling and remains a staple of Malaysian best songs to this day.
2. Belaian Jiwa by Innuendo
Belaian Jiwa is a popular tune sung by the boy band Innuendo released in 1999. This song has been around for a long time and remains to be a favourite for fellow Malaysians.
The lyrics describe the feeling of emptiness when our loved ones aren’t around and how we long for those who are far away from us. Combining a fusion of traditional Malay music with modern pop, this song remains one of the best Malaysian songs we have sung at least once in our lives.
3. Hijau by Zainal Abidin
Video credit: Dunia Muzik Warner Malaysia
Hijau by Zainal Abidin is a classic Malaysian song released in 1991. The singer-songwriter is well known for his fusion of traditional Malay music with modern pop and has been around in the entertainment industry for decades.
This song describes the divine beauty of nature and is a reminder to appreciate the bountiful treasures of Mother Earth, such as the clear blue ocean and the luscious greenery that surrounds us. Additionally, this song imparts a message of preserving our planet for our younger generations, which remains one of the best Malaysian songs that every Malaysians must know.
4. Sampaikan Salam Cintaku by Alleycats
Video credit: UniversalMYVevo via YouTube
Sampaikan Salam Cintaku by the band Alleycats released in 1987 and is a song that remains to be an evergreen tune fondly remembered by fellow Malaysians. Known for their voluminous curly hair, this band has left a trademark in our hearts with their catchy melody and skilled musicianship.
This song is a message to the singer’s lover describing his devotion to his forever love. With a fusion of pop and rock, this song has catchy guitar riffs, which make for a memorable chorus that Malaysians can still remember to date. Their iconic terima kasih is another song that remains close to our hearts.
5. Balik Kampung by Dato’ Sudirman
Video credit: matwe5353
Balik Kampung by the late singer Sudirman Arshad may have been released in 1984, but it remains a staple and a must-hear Raya song. With its harmonious melody, the singer describes his longing to return to his hometown to reunite with his family back in the village.
This tune has forever stayed in our hearts, imparting the cultural richness of our country and giving us a sense of belonging every time we hear this tune. Whether it’s Hari Raya or not, this one is a must-play when you’re returning to your kampung to visit those fondly in our hearts.
6. Mentera Semerah Padi by M.Nasir
Video credit: Luncai Emas Sdn Bhd
Mentera Semerah Padi by musician M.Nasir was released in 1992 and is known for its powerful message referring to traditional Malay rituals where rice plants are blessed and a protective spell is cast upon them.
At first, this song may appear to be just another Malaysian song, but upon listening a couple of times this song imparts a strong message in sharing the need for Malaysians to come together and work toward a future free from inequality and oppression.
7. Cindai by Siti Nurhaliza
It’s safe to say that you’re not a Malaysian if you don’t know who Siti Nurhaliza is. So it would be impossible to have this list without adding this iconic Malaysian singer. Released in 1997, Cindai is a song that speaks of the singer’s love for the homeland and the desire to preserve its rich cultural heritage.
The lyrics urge listeners to appreciate the bountiful beauty of Malaysian nature, such as our scenic mountains and lush greenery, blended with our cultural diversity.
8. Gemilang by Jaclyn Victor
Video credit: JaclynVictor VEVO
Gemilang by Jaclyn Victor was released in 1995 and was written by Aubrey Sowito and Fauzi Marzuki. Fellow Malaysians can recall hearing this winning song during the first season of Malaysian Idol which used to be a popular singing show in the early 2000s.
This song captures the spirit of unity as Malaysians and our culture and diversity, which makes Malaysia a unique country. Malaysians can also hear this song often played at national events, with its uplifting tune inspiring us to cultivate love for our beloved country, Malaysia.
9. Standing In The Eyes Of The World by Ella
Standing In The Eyes of The World by singer Ella is one of the songs that still gives you goosebumps when you hear it. Released in 1998, this song is famously known as part of the soundtrack for the Commonwealth Games held in the same year the song was released.
Written by Pak Ngah, this song celebrates the joy of patriotism among Malaysians and how standing together makes us stronger as a nation in the eyes of the world. Whether listening to this song during a sporting event or just a random song to hear, this song will surely leave you feeling much more love for your country.
10. Gemuruh by Faizal Tahir
Video credit: Alternate Records & Talents
Gemuruh by Faizal Tahir became a popular hit in 2010 for its energetic and powerful tune, which makes it a much-loved song among Malaysians. This song presents an encouraging message to listeners to pursue their dreams no matter how impossible they may be.
Faizal Tahir’s skilled musicianship and powerful vocals exude an uplifting charm in his music and make it a much-played song during sports events and an inspirational song among Malaysians.
11. Fikirkan Boleh by Metropolitan
This song is a must know particularly among millennials. Fikirkan Boleh by Metropolitan was released in 1995 and instantly rose to popularity among Malaysians. This is one of the songs that encourages listeners to be confident in pursuing their dreams and that nothing is impossible until it’s done.
With highly energetic performances, this band was well known in the early 90s and has imparted a song that Malaysians must know and have sung along to at least once. This song is one that many of us must have heard during our school days, particularly when there is a motivational camp, which we can admit, we didn’t like.
12. Terukir Di Bintang by Yuna
Video credit: Yuna Room Records
Terukir Di Bintang by Yuna was part of her self-titled debut album which became a commercial success around the world. This song imparts the importance of destiny and how things that happen to us are written in the stars.
This singer-songwriter has performed this song on stages around the world and has garnered interest from locals and non-locals alike with its timeless message of the power of fate and destiny which plays a huge role in our lives.
13. Terlerai Kasih by Ziana Zain
Terlerai Kasih by Ziana Zain was released in 1992 and quickly became a popular hit in Malaysia. The lyrics tell the story of a broken relationship and the pain of lost love. Ziana Zain’s powerful vocals and emotive delivery helped to make the song a beloved classic in Malaysian pop music.
This song’s melancholy melody and haunting lyrics have made it a favourite among Malaysians and it has been covered by numerous other artists over the years. Ziana Zain herself has become one of Malaysia’s most beloved and enduring musicians, known for her soulful vocals and dynamic stage presence. This song is often played on the radio and at events across the country.
14. Dugaanku by Ning Baizura
Released in 1997, Dugaanku by Ning Baizura tells a story of a woman who is facing accusations and rumours about her character and behaviour. Ning Baizura’s powerful vocals and emotive delivery help to convey the emotional turmoil the protagonist is experiencing.
This powerful and emotive song addresses the themes of gossip and rumours and the impact that they can have on a person’s life, which makes it a song that we have sung along to at least once in our lives.
15. Getaran Jiwa by P Ramlee
Video credit: UniversalMYVEVO via YouTube
Saving the best for last is Getaran Jiwa by the legendary P. Ramlee. Released in 1955, this song is considered a classic in the Malaysian music scene and has become an enduring part of the country’s cultural heritage.
The title translates to vibrations of the soul and lyrics speak to the power of music to move and inspire people. P. Ramlee’s soulful vocals and the song’s simple yet memorable melody help to make it a beloved hit in Malaysia. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring legacy of P. Ramlee who is widely regarded as one of Malaysia’s greatest artists.
Malaysian songs you must know & have sung along to at least once
Whether you enjoy listening to hardcore rock or a smooth ballad, we can all agree that songs are like a magical potion that takes us on a journey, connecting us with our emotions and memories.
Consider listening to these best Malaysian songs that you must know and have sung along to at least once in your life for a nostalgic feel that transports you back to a time that has intimate memories you carry with you so fondly.
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Cover image adapted from: @yo_pinjaya, @discoverselangor via Instagram