Western pop music popular with Gen Z. Hit songs.

RudeMAGIC

MAGIC! – Rude (Official Video)

This song features a distinctive sound that fuses a catchy melody with elements of reggae.

Its lyrics depict a young man’s determination after asking his girlfriend’s father for permission to marry her and being refused—an experience that resonated with many listeners.

Released as a promotional single in October 2013 and re-released in February 2014, it became a global hit.

In the United States in particular, it reached No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and impressively held the top spot for six consecutive weeks.

It’s a track that speaks to anyone grappling with love and family relationships, so be sure to give it a listen—you’ll surely find it uplifting.

UnstoppableSia

Sia – Unstoppable (Official Video – Live from the Nostalgic For The Present Tour)

Sia, the Australian singer-songwriter who is active on the global stage.

Among her works, do you know the song that gained worldwide popularity thanks to short videos? Its grand, powerful chorus is truly unforgettable.

The track is an anthem of self-affirmation, boldly proclaiming inner confidence: I’m unstoppable.

Listening to it can fill you with the courage to face any challenge.

Originally released in January 2016 on the album This Is Acting, the song saw a resurgence in popularity after being featured in a Lancôme commercial starring Zendaya and in a Samsung ad.

The striking impact of the chorus made it a perfect match for short videos, capturing the hearts of many.

When you’re taking on something new or need a boost of confidence, this song is sure to give you a push.

Diet PepsiAddison Rae

Addison Rae – Diet Pepsi (Official Video)

Addison Rae, a female singer-songwriter who rose to global fame through TikTok.

She’s extremely popular overseas, so if you keep your ear to the ground, you’ve probably heard of her.

Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is a track from her 2025 album “Addison.” Released in August 2024, it became a hit, reaching No.

54 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The chorus is in falsetto, so it might seem challenging, but the melody itself is simple.

If you can use falsetto, anyone can sing it with plenty of vibe—so give it a try!

Bad ReputationAvril Lavigne

Bad Reputation

Avril Lavigne, the Canadian singer-songwriter who reigns over the scene as the “Queen of Pop Punk.” This song debuted in December 2012 for promotional use and was selected as the theme for the animated film ONE PIECE FILM Z.

Its defiant spirit—belting out that she doesn’t care about bad press—perfectly syncs with the Straw Hat crew’s belief in pursuing freedom.

A cover of Joan Jett’s classic, the track is an undeniably cool punk rock number that fuses powerful guitar sounds with a driving, fast-paced beat.

It peaked at No.

8 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and was later included on the album Goodbye Lullaby.

When you need the courage to face something head-on, this high-energy song is sure to give you a powerful push.

Try EverythingShakira

Shakira – Try Everything (Official Video)

This is a song that gives you a powerful push on the back, saying, “It’s okay to fail over and over—just try again!” Sung by the world-famous star from Colombia, Shakira, the track was written as the theme song for the Disney film Zootopia.

The protagonist’s strong will to keep taking on new challenges without giving up—even after falling down and getting hurt—is vividly portrayed over a bright, pop melody.

The song became a beloved classic worldwide, earning a nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 59th Grammy Awards.

It’s perfect for when you hit a wall in your studies or club activities, or when you want to fire yourself up to start something new.

It’s sure to fill you with positive courage and make you think, “I can do it!”