It seems that Japanese songs are often chosen as cheer songs, perhaps because their lyrics are easy to understand.
But when it comes to strong messages, Western music holds its own too! For cheer anthems or pep-band performances, why not go stylish with Western music once in a while?
- “It’ll be alright!” Uplifting songs in Western music
- Sports cheer songs in Western music: Recommended anthems and fight songs
- Tearjerkers! A roundup of moving Western songs that were hits in the ’90s
- Western songs from the 90s featured in commercials. A roundup of CM songs.
- Western music to listen to while running or jogging
- [2026] A roundup of Western/foreign-language motivational songs—cheer anthems that support your life
- Tear-jerking motivational songs in Western music
- [2026] UP! UP! UP! Recommended Western songs to boost your mood.
- [2026] Best Empowering English-Language Anthems for Women: Popular Empowerment Songs
- Recommended Western music for men in their 50s: world classics and popular songs
- Songs that make you feel positive when you listen. Top recommended cheer and positive tracks.
- A song that makes you feel happy. A smile song that brings a grin to your face.
- Just listening will lift your spirits! Energetic and cheer-up songs that defined the Heisei era.
Cheer songs in Western music that were hits in the '90s. World-famous and popular songs (1–10)
Make It HappenMariah Carey
A gem of a ballad that delivers Mariah Carey’s own survival story, singing that even in difficult times dreams can be realized through prayer and effort.
Released in 1992 from the album Emotions, this song is her most personal message, written from real experiences of overcoming poverty and loneliness before her debut.
Its sound fuses the uplifting spirit of gospel—enhanced by church choir elements—with a dance beat, culminating after the bridge in a climax that evokes a prayer-like sense of awe.
It reached No.
5 on the U.S.
charts and became a long-running hit in April 1992.
It’s a song that gives you a push when you’re facing hardship or about to take a new step forward.
Under The BridgeRed Hot Chili Peppers
A ballad that became Red Hot Chili Peppers’ biggest hit.
John Frusciante, the guitarist at the time, had his mother sing backing vocals along with a friend.
In 1998, it was covered by the British girl group All Saints.
Send Me On My WayRusted Root
A song released as a single in 1995.
It features a penny whistle solo by John Buynak.
The track has been used in TV dramas such as Chuck and New Girl, as well as in commercials for Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
WonderwallOasis
Oasis, the strongest rock band born from the UK in the ’90s.
This song they released on their classic album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? has become an enduring anthem loved around the world.
Carried by the wistful sound of an acoustic guitar, it gives voice to a piercingly heartfelt wish: even while burdened by loneliness and anxiety, you hope someone might come to save you.
Noel Gallagher later said it was a song about an “imaginary friend,” so you can hear it as reflecting feelings not just for a lover, but for an irreplaceable friend as well.
Released as a single in October 1995, it became a global hit.
Its iconic music video won a BRIT Award in 1996.
Give it a listen when you want to savor the vague restlessness of youth and the preciousness of friendship.
MMMBopHanson
A song written by the three Hanson brothers and released as a single in 1997.
It became a worldwide smash hit, received constant airplay on radio stations and MTV, topped the charts in 27 countries, and was nominated for a Grammy Award.
Livin’ La Vida LocaRicky Martin
A song written by Desmond Child and Robi Rosa.
Its title is “Spanglish,” a mix of Spanish and English.
Released as a single in 1999, it won Best Dance Video at the MTV Video Music Awards.
It was used in the 2004 film Shrek 2.
If It Makes You HappySheryl Crow
A song released as a single by Sheryl Crow in 1996.
It reached No.
1 on the charts in the United States and Canada and won the Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
The black-and-white music video was directed by Keir McFarlane.