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

Livin’ La Vida LocaRicky Martin

Ricky Martin – Livin’ La Vida Loca (Official Video)

It’s a globally successful song from 1999 by an artist from Puerto Rico that helped bring Latin music to the world.

In Japan, it later made waves when Hiromi Go released a cover, but it’s impossible not to acknowledge that the original’s vocal power and performance are overwhelmingly superior.

What Makes You BeautifulOne Direction

One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful (Official Video)

An encouragement song full of kindness and hope, dedicated to women who struggle with self-confidence.

The popular British group One Direction delivers the importance of loving yourself just as you are through a captivating melody and memorable lyrics.

Its refreshing sound, blending power pop and pop rock, pairs perfectly with the bright, uplifting message.

Released in September 2011 as the lead single from their debut album Up All Night, the track achieved worldwide success.

It has been featured in numerous TV shows and commercials, and won the Brit Award for British Single in 2012.

It’s a perfect song to bring energy and courage as background music for school festivals and cultural events.

My Heart Will Go OnCéline Dion

Céline Dion – My Heart Will Go On (from the 2007 DVD “Live In Las Vegas – A New Day…”)

It’s the theme song from the film Titanic.

The song won an Academy Award and became the track that showcased the vocal prowess of Canadian singer Celine to the world.

It sings of how cherished memories and people continue to live on in one’s heart forever, and it can truly be called a gem among love songs.

BailandoEnrique Iglesias

Enrique Iglesias – Bailando ft. Descemer Bueno, Gente De Zona

This is a single by Enrique from Spain.

Because his sweet, lingering voice suits ballads and love songs, he has released many tracks in that vein, but this time—as the title suggests—it’s a dance-friendly song that lifts your spirits.

It might also be good for brushing up on your Spanish.

His pronunciation isn’t too fast, making it an easy listen.

So WhatP!nk

P!nk – So What (Official Video)

This song was included on Pink’s fifth album, Funhouse, and was released into the world in 2008.

Even the title gives off a slightly provocative Pink vibe—basically, “So what?!” Both the lyrics and the music video seem to be based on goofy jokes.

SOSRihanna

Rihanna – SOS (Official Music Video)

This is a single by Rihanna, a singer from Barbados who is also active in many fields as a model.

It was the first song with which she reached number one on the U.S.

singles chart, and its success greatly increased her recognition in the United States.

She is said to be the female artist with the most number-one hits in the 2000s, ranking second.