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

Hey YouThe Belair Lip Bombs

The Belair Lip Bombs – Hey You (Official Video)

This track, with its striking sound of shimmering synth loops intertwined with fuzzy guitars, is a number by The Belair Lip Bombs, who emerged from Australia’s indie scene.

Their 2023 debut Lush Life earned high acclaim, and they also made waves as the first Australian act to sign with the label run by Jack White.

Vocalist and lyricist Maisie Everett describes their music as “unrequited love rock,” and true to that description, this song feels like it sings of the burning crushes of youth.

Her cathartic vocals vividly capture emotions that are both frustrating and radiant.

Released ahead of their second album Again, due out in October 2025, the song is a slice of youthful pop that brings back sweet-and-sour memories.

New RulesDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – New Rules (Official Music Video)

Until about five to ten years ago, the so-called “trendy” songs were all high-energy, up-tempo tracks.

However, that value system started to fade in the 2020s, and now the mainstream is stylish yet groovy, downbeat melodies.

One song that captures this shift is “New Rules,” sung by Dua Lipa, the British artist admired by teenagers around the world.

The track is simple, but it’s a downbeat, high-sense tune that still gets you moving—why not let yourself get swept up in it?

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Rain On MeLady Gaga, Ariana Grande

Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande – Rain On Me (Official Music Video)

The classic hit “Rain On Me,” which made a huge splash in 2020, is a collaboration between Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande.

As a team-up between a legendary star and a newer diva, it generated tremendous buzz.

Because the title mentions rain, you might expect a quiet song, but once you press play, you’ll find it’s a very uptempo, high-energy track.

It’s easy to dance to, so it would work well as background music when performing a dance at a school festival.

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Blinding LightsThe Weeknd

The Weeknd – Blinding Lights (Official Video)

Although it hasn’t really taken hold in Japan, since the 2020s a genre centered on the 1980s sound known as synth-pop has been gaining popularity overseas as a trend.

The song that helped spark that trend is Blinding Lights.

It’s performed by the Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd.

His musical style is entirely synth-pop, featuring many nostalgic synthesizer sounds, yet with a contemporary groove.

As you listen, you’ll likely feel a curious blend of new and old all at once.

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Watermelon SugarHarry Styles

Harry Styles – Watermelon Sugar (Official Video)

Harry Styles is a singer-songwriter who rose to fame as a member of One Direction and has continued to earn global acclaim as a solo artist.

Among the members, he’s the most successful as an artist, and his strong songwriting skills have been praised by many critics.

Watermelon Sugar is one of his signature songs, a work themed around heartbreak based on his own experiences.

You can get a candid look at his views on love, so if you’re a high school student in a relationship, be sure to check it out.

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