[20s] Popular Western Music Rankings [By Generation]

GirlfriendAvril Lavigne15rank/position

Avril Lavigne – Girlfriend (Official Video)

The hugely popular artist Avril Lavigne.

Her musical style—adding punk elements to poppy melodies—is really striking, isn’t it? All of her songs are built on simple melodies, and “Girlfriend” is no exception; it’s a very easy song to sing.

Even if you’re not good at vibrato, this song still works pretty well, so it’s great for beginners.

If you want it to sound even better, try cutting off the ends of phrases with a tossed-off feel.

Deliberately go for a rough, edgy singing style!

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Ryo

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Somewhere I BelongLinkin Park16rank/position

Somewhere I Belong (Official Music Video) [4K UPGRADE] – Linkin Park

For those in their twenties celebrating a birthday, who are considering changing jobs or getting married but can’t make up their minds, who are struggling with life and can’t quite take that next step, I dedicate this song.

It sparks the grit to reclaim yourself and find where you truly belong.

All About That BassMeghan Trainor17rank/position

Meghan Trainor – All About That Bass (Japan Subtitled Version)

This song is also recommended for those with husky voices.

The tempo is on the faster side, but it’s easy to sing thanks to its steady pitch.

The lyrics are wonderful as well—encouraging people who feel self-conscious about their body to be confident.

The feminine, cute music video is another highlight.

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kurichan

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See You Again (ft. Charlie Puth)Wiz Khalifa18rank/position

Wiz Khalifa – See You Again ft. Charlie Puth [Official Video] Furious 7 Soundtrack

Accompanied by the piano melody, Charlie Puth’s vocals resonate deeply.

This collaboration with rapper Wiz Khalifa became a worldwide hit as the theme song for the 2015 film “Furious 7.” The lyrics, which sing of friendship, loss, and hope for reunion, were intended as a tribute to actor Paul Walker, who appeared in the series and passed away in an accident in 2013.

The song became a cultural phenomenon, at one point becoming the most-viewed video on YouTube.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when remembering someone special or when you want to feel the bond you share with friends.

Uptown Funk (ft. Bruno Mars)Mark Ronson19rank/position

Mark Ronson – Uptown Funk (Official Video) ft. Bruno Mars

If there’s a song that boldly heralded the revival of ‘80s funk and became a massive hit in the 2010s, it has to be this track released in 2014.

It was a huge hit around the world, and since it was used in commercials here in Japan, even people who don’t usually listen to Western music have probably heard it at least once.

It’s a smash hit born from the collaboration between Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars—a renowned music producer who has worked on countless famous artists’ albums since the 2000s and a hugely popular singer-songwriter.

It’s a song that makes you want to move with the rhythm, guaranteed to hype up any party or karaoke session.

Waka WakaShakira20rank/position

Shakira – Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) (The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Song)

This summer classic by Shakira blends a reggae-infused sound with smooth, accessible pop vocals, creating a fresh approach.

Its vocal sensibility—relatable to women in their twenties—leaves a vivid, lingering impression.

Counting StarsOneRepublic21rank/position

OneRepublic – Counting Stars

I’ve been listening to this song since I was in high school, and for about three years now I’ve made sure to listen to it once a week.

The tempo is great, so even when I’m feeling down, listening to it makes me think, “Oh well,” and move on.

I recommend it to anyone who needs a boost.