Touching Western songs recommended for high school students: world classics and popular hits

Beautiful ThingsBenson Boone

Benson Boone – Beautiful Things (Official Music Video)

Singer-songwriter Benson Boone, who showcased his overwhelming vocal talent on TikTok and other social media platforms and quickly drew global attention.

Released in January 2024, this single is a powerful ballad that expresses heartfelt anxiety that the happiness shared with a loved one might someday fall apart, even as he feels gratitude for those joyful days.

The dramatic shift from a quiet verse to an explosive, emotional chorus deeply moves listeners.

As a lead single from his debut album, “Fireworks & Rollerblades,” it became a massive hit, and as of November 2024, the music video has surpassed 400 million views.

It’s perfect for moments when you want to savor your current happiness—or belt it out at karaoke.

This SongConan Gray

Conan Gray – This Song (Official Music Video)

Conan Gray, a Japanese American singer-songwriter whose talent is recognized by Taylor Swift.

Having risen to stardom from his beginnings on YouTube, he released this track in May 2025.

Created as the lead track from the album “Wishbone,” the song lays bare his inner thoughts so candidly that he originally had no intention of letting anyone hear it.

Its lyrics, which depict loneliness and a journey of self-reflection, are likely to resonate deeply with sensitive high school students.

In the music video, he co-stars with actor Corey Fogelmanis, portraying delicate human relationships.

It’s recommended for those in the midst of finding themselves or for a quiet night of immersing yourself in music alone.

Thinking Out LoudEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud (Official Music Video)

A gem of a song by Ed Sheeran, famous for writing beautiful, heartfelt lyrics.

It’s wonderfully romantic.

This track, brimming with teenage thrills, visions of the future, and hopes for what’s to come, is sure to set your heart racing.

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!”

Wake Me UpAvicii

Avicii – Wake Me Up (Official Lyric Video)

It’s a refreshing track with an invigorating rhythm and a soothing low male vocal.

The musical structure is simple and repetitive, yet many are captivated by the powerful vocals and lyrics.

Although he’s a singer from Sweden, it’s also noteworthy how impressively he handles English, which isn’t his native language.

I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way (Official HD Video)

Released in 1999, it became one of the Backstreet Boys’ signature songs of the ’90s.

It topped the Billboard charts for 14 consecutive weeks and garnered massive popularity, with radio stations flooded with requests.

While it has a refreshing rhythm, it’s a bittersweet song that captures the ache of unrequited love.

Bad DayDaniel Powter

Daniel Powter – Bad Day (Official Music Video) [HD]

Few listeners will fail to be surprised by the gap between the melody and the title.

Despite the title “The Worst Day,” which doesn’t seem to fit the bright melody, it’s actually crafted as a supportive song that lightly nudges you, saying, “Hey, days like that happen.”