[Teens] Popular Western Music Rankings [By Generation]

What Makes You BeautifulOne Direction (Wan Dairekushon)29rank/position

One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful (Official Video)

A signature song from One Direction’s debut album “Up All Night” that propelled them to global stardom.

It’s also well known for winning the British Single of the Year at the 2012 BRIT Awards.

Born from the songwriter’s real-life experience, the heartwarming message—encouraging a loved one who feels “I’m not beautiful”—never fails to stir the emotions with every listen.

From the intro’s guitar riff it’s irresistibly catchy, and the unforgettable melody is guaranteed to light up any karaoke session.

The chorus is super simple, so even if you’re not confident in your English pronunciation, you can power through it—perfect for a big sing-along.

It’s the ultimate feel-good anthem.

BurnEllie Goulding30rank/position

Ellie Goulding – Burn (Official Video)

This is a cheer song by Ellie Goulding, whose luxurious musicality and catchy yet heavy melodic sense create an overwhelming presence.

With its energetic vibe, it sets a pleasant mood and feels approachable for teenage girls, making it a song you’ll want to sing at karaoke.

Stay with MeSam Smith31rank/position

Sam Smith – Stay With Me (Official Music Video)

Among Sam Smith’s works, this song is quite easy to sing, yet if you deliver it tenderly, it becomes incredibly cool.

When you sing it, I hope you take on the challenge after fully understanding the bittersweet lyrics touched by his magic.

Your feelings will naturally turn wistful, and you’ll be able to sing it with a sexy vibe.

One Call AwayCharlie Puth32rank/position

Charlie Puth – One Call Away [Official Video]

This is a song I’d like to sing in front of the girl I like.

Especially when the girl I love is feeling down, it’s a song that lets me casually tell her, “I’m here for you!” I also think it’s manly to step up and sing it for a close friend who’s feeling low.

One ThingOne Direction33rank/position

One Direction – One Thing

One Direction is hugely popular in Japan as well, especially among teenage girls and women in their twenties.

This song is a bright love song with a catchy pop melody.

Whether it’s before they start dating or right after—they’re so shy and nervous! The lyrics capture the feeling of youthful romance.

Rather Be ft. Jess GlynneClean Bandit34rank/position

Clean Bandit – Rather Be ft. Jess Glynne [Official Video]

It peaked at number 10 on the US Billboard chart, but was ranked fourth on Billboard’s list of best songs of 2014.

The pure lyrics—sung while thinking of someone she loves in Kyoto—are captivating: “If you’re with me, there’s no better place to be.”

Try EverythingShakira35rank/position

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!”