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

DriveEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Drive (From F1® The Movie) [Official Music Video]

[Japanese to English Translation] Ed Sheeran – Drive (From F1® The Movie) Theme Song for the Film “F1”

Ed Sheeran, the British singer-songwriter who continues to captivate the world with acoustic classics.

The track I want to introduce as his full-throttle rock pep song is this one.

Featured on the official soundtrack for the film “F1: The Movie,” released in June 2025, it’s been crafted into a driving anthem brimming with a sense of speed.

The powerful performances by the likes of John Mayer and Dave Grohl deliver a sound tailor-made for all of you taking on the race that is entrance exams.

When you’re down about a mock test result or can’t find the motivation, give it a listen—you’ll feel the energy to start running again.

Be sure to check it out!

Headphones OnAddison Rae

Addison Rae – Headphones On (Official Video)

Headphones On - Addison Rae -

Addison Rae, who shot to worldwide fame after posting dance videos on social media, now showcases her talents across multiple fields as a singer and actress.

This work is a single released in April 2025 and is also included on her album “Addison,” which helped define her musical identity.

Its sound evokes the hazy, floating feel of ’90s R&B and trip-hop, which is irresistibly captivating.

Centered on the theme of shutting out the noise of the outside world and immersing yourself in your own space, it’s a piece you’ll want to hear when you’re feeling a bit worn down by academic pressure or the gaze of those around you.

It garnered buzz by charting on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a nomination at the MTV Video Music Awards.

In those solitary moments at your desk, it’s sure to gently keep you company.

UnderdogRoddy Ricch

Roddy Ricch – Underdog (From F1® The Movie) [Official Visualizer]

[Translation] Roddy Ricch – Underdog

A powerful track about facing adversity, performed by Roddy Ricch—an accomplished, Grammy-winning rapper from Compton, California.

Included on the album F1 THE ALBUM, released in June 2025, this song was created as part of a project tied to the film F1® The Movie.

It likens racing to life, delivering a passionate message about fighting under intense pressure.

The strength to defy skepticism and low expectations from others, believe in yourself, and sprint to the finish is exactly what many of you need as exams approach.

Listen to the beat that captures the tension of a split-second showdown, and your anxiety is sure to turn into determination.

Lovin MyselfAva Max

Ava Max – Lovin Myself (Official Music Video)

Japanese-to-English Translation: Ava Max – Lovin Myself

When you’re at your desk day after day, you might find yourself shaken by mock exam results or the voices around you and lose confidence for a moment.

This is the song I want you to listen to when you want to blow those anxieties away: a track by American singer Ava Max, released in May 2025.

It’s dance-pop themed around the power of loving and believing in yourself—not other people’s evaluations—and it offers a strong, uplifting push to everyone who listens.

Included on her third album, “Don’t Click Play,” it’s also known as a declaration of intent that saw her revive her iconic hairstyle.

An anthem that turns lonely nights into forward-looking energy by making yourself your own ally.

Give it a listen as a pep talk to yourself for the final stretch.

Billionaire ft. Bruno MarsTravie Mccoy

Travie McCoy: Billionaire ft. Bruno Mars [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

It’s Travie McCoy’s debut single, included on the album Lazarus.

Travie and Bruno Mars have great chemistry, resulting in a catchy track.

The dream-filled lyrics make you feel like you can do anything!

Be AlrightAriana Grande

Ariana Grande – Be Alright (Official Audio)

It’s included on the album Dangerous Woman.

The touching message that could move you to tears and Ariana Grande’s beautiful vocals create an amazing chemistry.

It’s a song with incredible power, like a single ray of light found in despair.

MeanTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Mean

This song won the Grammy Awards for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance.

It is included on the album Speak Now.

The lyrics, written based on Taylor Swift’s own experiences, are uplifting and empowering.