RAG MusicTeens
A wonderful classic

Recommended Western motivational songs for high school students. World-famous classics and popular hits.

Let’s listen to some uplifting Western songs! Each track has a kind of power you don’t often find in Japanese music, bursting with energy.

Many of them are easy to follow, so I highly recommend them.

If you also check lyric translation sites to look up the meanings, you might make some new discoveries.

Cheer Songs in Western Music Recommended for High School Students: World Classics and Popular Tracks (31–40)

High HopesPanic! At The Disco

Panic! At The Disco – High Hopes (Official Video)
High HopesPanic! At The Disco

A quintessential pop-rock anthem brimming with dreams and hope.

It celebrates the importance of maintaining high ambitions to achieve success, powerfully pushing listeners forward.

This track by America’s Panic! At The Disco, from their June 2018 album “Pray for the Wicked,” reached No.

4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It has since been featured across various media, including the Stanley Cup and Honda Accord commercials.

Its grand sound—blending commanding vocals with a horn section—will shine brilliantly on main stages at school festivals and cultural events.

It’s also the perfect song to pump yourself up before a sports match or an important presentation.

Something BigShawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes – Something Big (Official Music Video)
Something BigShawn Mendes

It’s included on the album Handwritten.

You can feel the thrill and excitement right before something amazing is about to begin, and it really boosts your motivation.

It works so well precisely because it’s sung by Shawn Mendes, who’s on a roll right now.

Pump ItThe Black Eyed Peas

The Black Eyed Peas – Pump It (Official Music Video)
Pump ItThe Black Eyed Peas

This is a signature track by the Black Eyed Peas, notable for its grand sound that samples the surf rock classic “Misirlou.” Its energetic guitar riff, heavy beats, and lyrics that express a full-bodied passion for music blend perfectly, creating an irresistible pull for listeners.

Released in May 2005 as a track on the album Monkey Business, it achieved international success, reaching the top 10 in 13 countries worldwide.

It was also featured on the soundtracks of the films Little Man and Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties, and its overwhelming presence has made it a favorite across various media.

It’s also ideal as background music for school sports days or athletic events, making it a perfect choice to boost participants’ motivation and enhance the sense of unity at the venue.

Shut Up and DanceWalk the Moon

WALK THE MOON – Shut Up and Dance (Official Video)
Shut Up and DanceWalk the Moon

This song, with its exhilarating rhythm and uplifting message, portrays a fateful encounter on the dance floor.

Its lyrics, which emphasize letting go of hesitation and enjoying the moment, are sure to resonate with many.

Released in September 2014 and included on the album “Talking Is Hard,” the track became a worldwide hit and is known as one of WALK THE MOON’s signature songs.

Its energetic sound and relatable lyrics are sure to encourage anyone taking a new step forward.

It’s the perfect song to listen to before an entrance ceremony or the start of a new chapter in life.

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)Shakira

Shakira – Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) (The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Song)
Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)Shakira

An energetic and captivating anthem that inspires hearts across the globe! Chosen as the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and topping the charts in over 40 countries, this is one of Shakira’s signature works.

Its rhythm, inspired by traditional African music, blends perfectly with melodies that reflect her Colombian and Lebanese roots.

The powerful message—“Lift yourself up and rise”—will encourage not only soccer fans but anyone facing challenges.

This song is perfect for high school students to enjoy with friends, or to motivate themselves as they work hard in club activities or study.

Cheer-up Western songs recommended for high school students: World classics and popular hits (41–50)

The Final CountdownEurope

Europe – The Final Countdown (Official Video)
The Final CountdownEurope

This song by a heavy metal band from Sweden became famous worldwide.

The intro has an indescribable, rousing feeling—like right before going into battle—that really stirs the heart.

Why not give it a listen when you’re feeling down?

24K MagicBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – 24K Magic (Official Music Video)
24K MagicBruno Mars

For high school students, autumn is also the sports season with events like athletic meets.

A great BGM choice for such events is “24K Magic.” It’s sung by Bruno Mars, a singer who’s popular in Japan, and just listening to it will pump you up.