High School Students’ Favorite Band Songs Ranking [2026]

We’ve gotta do what seems impossible.Sambomasutā92rank/position

I’ve gotta do the thing that seems impossible.

A powerful anthem that gives you a push in those youthful moments.

Released by Sambomaster in February 2010, this song carries a warm message that boosts self-affirmation and the spirit to take on challenges.

Centered on themes of “not giving up,” “moving forward,” and “possibility,” it offers a gentle embrace for everyone’s anxieties and doubts while giving the courage to take a new step.

It has been featured in a Nissan commercial and as the image song for the film Cheer☆Dance, resonating with many hearts.

It’s a classic that students training for sports festivals, as well as anyone standing at a crossroads in life, should hear.

Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā93rank/position

Sambomaster / Starting to Shine and Run - MUSIC VIDEO

It’s a cheer song brimming with youthful passion and hope.

It portrays a protagonist who carries deep pain in their heart and feels on the verge of losing themselves, yet by accepting that suffering, the work gives them the courage to take a new step forward.

Released by Sambomaster in August 2018, the track was chosen as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Cheer☆Dan,” and, alongside the story of high school students striving to conquer the United States, left a lasting impression on many viewers.

This piece is also perfect as background music for school sports days and athletic festivals, gently supporting students who give their all and sweat it out together with their friends.

Glass BluesBUMP OF CHICKEN94rank/position

Glass No Blues

This song by BUMP OF CHICKEN is actually the first track in Japanese that Motoo Fujiwara wrote when he was a first-year high school student.

The lyrics, filled with reflections on the meaning of life and a passion for music, are sure to resonate deeply with students in the midst of their youth.

It’s included on their indie-era album FLAME VEIN and remains a fan favorite that’s often performed live even today.

If you play it on stage at a school or cultural festival, it’ll definitely bring the whole venue together and get everyone excited.

It’s sure to become an unforgettable memory for your friends, too.

Give it a try!

SignalWANIMA95rank/position

WANIMA “Signal” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

As you embark on your high school life, some of you may feel not only excitement but also anxiety.

In times like that, why not listen to WANIMA’s “Signal” to fire yourself up? Featured on their major-label first full-length album “Everybody!!,” this track was released in January 2018.

It was created for an NHK project to perform with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation, and it was also used as the theme song for Lotte’s “SOU” commercial featuring Suzu Hirose.

Its message—that even if you’re not fully formed yet, it’s enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with your friends and move forward—will give a powerful push to your back as you stand at the starting line.

It’s a song that supplies the energy you need to enjoy the days ahead to the fullest.

Philosophy[Alexandros]96rank/position

[Alexandros] – Philosophy (MV)

[Alexandros] is a four-piece rock band that has gained popularity for its piercing, sky-high high-tone vocals and a rock sound that feels both modern and classic.

Their fourth digital-only single, “Philosophy,” written in 2019 for NHK’s event ‘18-Fes,’ features an ensemble highlighted by the warm tones of acoustic guitar.

Its message, which seems to empathize with the real-life struggles of youth, is likely to resonate especially strongly with younger generations.

It’s a highly recommended track for a school festival BGM—one that many listeners will inevitably find themselves relating to.

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Thank youikimonogakari97rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

This is Ikimonogakari’s 18th single, written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Gegege no Nyobo.

Released in May 2010, it won an Excellence Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards.

The lyrics, which tenderly portray the love nurtured in everyday life and gratitude toward those dear to us, resonate deeply.

The warmth conveyed by holding hands and the hope for a shared future are expressed through a gentle melody that warmly embraces listeners.

In the 2013 school year, it was included as a choral piece in high school music textbooks, and it has also become a popular staple for graduation ceremonies.

It may feel a bit embarrassing to put into words, but this song is perfect for conveying thanks to the teachers, friends, and family who have supported you.

Why not sing it to express your honest feelings along with your memories of junior high school life?

As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE98rank/position

EME-C3138 Again and Again / DREAMS COME TRUE [Mixed Chorus, 3 Parts]

An inspiring anthem by DREAMS COME TRUE that celebrates the strength to rise again and again.

Released in February 2005 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Emergency Room 24 Hours (Season 3),” the track reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

With its warm melody that empathizes with those striving to overcome setbacks and its grand arrangement, the song leaves a lasting impression.

It is also included on the album “THE LOVE ROCKS” and is beloved across generations.

A heartwarming piece that gently teaches the importance of believing in yourself and continuing to move forward when faced with difficulties—perfect for a choral performance at a school festival or as a closing number for a class presentation.