RAG MusicTeens
A wonderful classic

Coming-of-age Western songs recommended for high school students: world classics and popular hits.

High school life is one of the most enjoyable times in a long life.

We’ve picked out Western songs that are perfect for this youthful high school era.

In addition to tracks that directly focus on youth as a theme, we’ve selected trendy songs that add color to those years, choosing from a wide range of perspectives.

There are plenty of stylish tracks, too, so if you want something to show off to your school friends, be sure to check them out.

The first half features the latest songs, while the second half highlights popular hits from recent years.

Now then, please sit back and enjoy.

Youthful Western songs recommended for high school students: World-famous classics and popular tracks (1–10)

ShiversEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Shivers [Official Video]
ShiversEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran, the British singer-songwriter whose popularity in Japan soared with the hit Shape of You, has become widely known here.

He keeps releasing hit songs one after another, so he’s an artist familiar to high school students as well.

Shivers, released as a single in September 2021, features a melody that’s both stylish and catchy, reminiscent of 2010s boy bands.

Rap GodEminem

Eminem – Rap God (Explicit)
Rap GodEminem

Sparked by the show Freestyle Dungeon, hip-hop became a major craze among many young people.

High school students were no exception.

Many of you in high school may have gotten into hip-hop through MC battles, right? For high schoolers who are just starting to fall in love with hip-hop, I recommend the track “Rap God.” It’s a song by Eminem, who commands immense props, and it’s famous for its incredibly fast rap—so fast it even made it into the Guinness World Records.

Lost CauseBillie Eilish

Billie Eilish – Lost Cause (Official Music Video)
Lost CauseBillie Eilish

Billie Eilish, the American singer-songwriter who enjoys overwhelming support among teens and people in their twenties.

When you think of Billie Eilish, you probably think of her downbeat melodies and abstract, deeply message-driven lyrics.

Lost Cause is one of her newer tracks, and it’s packed to the brim with those signature moody, downtempo vibes.

Highly recommended for high school students looking for a stylish, low-energy song.

Youthful Western songs recommended for high school students: World-famous classics and popular tracks (11–20)

Need to KnowDoja Cat

Doja Cat – Need to Know (Official Video)
Need to KnowDoja Cat

Doja Cat is a female rapper who keeps turning out hit songs with a sound that stays on trend.

Rather than hard-edged hip-hop, her style blends hip-hop into pop music, making her especially popular among teenagers.

Among her works, the one I’d recommend to high school students is Need to Know.

It’s a striking track featuring trap music with a strong cyberpunk vibe.

Thinking Out LoudEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud (Official Music Video)
Thinking Out LoudEd Sheeran

As a singer-songwriter highly regarded for writing beautiful, heartfelt lyrics, this is one of Ed Sheeran’s finest gems.

Wonderfully romantic in tone, it’s known for having a large female fan base.

Filled with hopes and expectations for the future, this song is sure to lift everyone’s spirits.

Lose You To Love MeSelena Gomez

Selena Gomez – Lose You To Love Me (Official Music Video)
Lose You To Love MeSelena Gomez

High school is a time full of new discoveries, from part-time jobs to romance.

Along the way, you might go through a breakup or grow distant from friends, and sometimes feel down.

The Western song I recommend at times like these is Lose You To Love Me.

It’s sung by Selena Gomez, a singer-songwriter who’s hugely popular among teenagers.

The lyrics are abstract, so you can relate them to your own experiences.

Be sure to listen while checking the Japanese translation too.

YOUTHTroye Sivan

Troye Sivan – YOUTH (Official Video)
YOUTHTroye Sivan

An Australian artist who has shown multiple talents as an actor, YouTuber, and singer-songwriter and has captured attention from around the world, Troye Sivan.

With his very sweet looks, he likely has many high school girl fans.

His classic hit “YOUTH” is one of his signature works, released in 2016, and it gained worldwide popularity with a melody rooted in deep house.

If you’re a high school student looking for a stylish track, this is a must-check!