Western Music Entrance/Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

Baby StepsOlivia Dean78rank/position

Olivia Dean – Baby Steps (Lyric Video)

Olivia Dean is a highly skilled singer-songwriter who was born and raised in London.

“Baby Steps,” included on her album The Art of Loving released in September 2025, is a ballad that sings about the value of moving forward one step at a time.

The piano’s tones and her soulful vocals resonate gently.

Drawing attention with accolades such as being heralded as Best New Artist at the 68th Grammy Awards, she carefully portrays the process of healing without rushing in this work.

Those of you starting your school entrance ceremony may feel as much anxiety as excitement.

The lyrics, which encourage you by saying that even small steps are okay, will ease the tension of a new chapter in life.

Listening to her warm message will help you start walking at your own natural pace.

I Can See Clearly NowJohnnyNash79rank/position

Johnny Nash – I Can See Clearly Now (Official Audio)

If you want to celebrate a new beginning with the arrival of spring, Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now” is perfect.

Ever since its 1972 release, this timeless song has continued to shine, bringing light to listeners’ hearts like a clear sky after the rain.

In particular, its reggae-influenced rhythm and its positive message—“the rain is gone, I can make it”—carry hope for the new chapters ahead.

Singing of the refreshing feeling that comes after overcoming hardships, this track is an ideal anthem not only for newly enrolled students but for anyone embarking on a new challenge.

It’s a highly recommended song for graduation and entrance ceremonies as background music, and as a personal theme song when taking a new step in life!

ChangesDavid Bowie80rank/position

Changes (2015 Remaster)

In the lyrics, it’s a song notable for the phrase “tracing the path and finding it.” It’s very well-known and extremely catchy, so you could say these lyrics are suitable for an entrance ceremony! It might also work well to play the song as the students enter.

Incidentally, when David Bowie was writing this song, there were changes in his personal life.

His wife, Angela, was pregnant, and Bowie seemed to be looking forward to having his own child and becoming a father…

One That Got AwayMichael Ray81rank/position

Michael Ray – “One That Got Away” (Official Music Video)

This is an uplifting song by Michael Ray, known as a country music singer, released in 2018 and recommended for graduation ceremonies.

Its refreshing sound perfectly matches his expansive vocal style.

Just listening to it can lift your spirits, so give it a try when you’re feeling down.

Also, don’t miss the cool guitar solo in the middle of the track.

Beat Yourself UpCharlie Puth82rank/position

Charlie Puth – Beat Yourself Up (Performance Video)

Singer-songwriter Charlie Puth, who moved the world with the theme song of the film Furious 7, has done it again.

Released on January 16, 2026, his Beat Yourself Up is a superb pop track that blows away the anxieties of a new chapter in life.

Co-produced with BloodPop, the song drew attention as the lead single from his fourth album, Whatever’s Clever!.

Its bright sound, highlighted by sparkling trumpets, and an irresistible groove feel wonderfully uplifting.

Embracing hearts that tend to fear failure and turn inward with self-criticism, it carries a warm message that says, “It’s okay to be kinder to yourself.” Give it a listen as an encouraging anthem to gently nudge forward new students nervous for their entrance ceremonies and anyone stepping into a new environment.

The ShowNiall Horan83rank/position

Niall Horan – The Show (Official Video)

A school entrance ceremony celebrates the first step into a new life that begins with the arrival of spring.

A perfect soundtrack for such a special day is the title track from Niall Horan’s new masterpiece The Show, released in 2023.

It’s a beautiful song that showcases Niall’s growth as a songwriter—a warm, heartfelt ballad that resonates with listeners.

His sincere reflections on life’s challenges and successes, and the delicate balance between them, will evoke deep empathy in those embarking on a new chapter.

Like the gentle sunshine of spring, it’s a highly recommended song to color the start of a new season.

New DayAlicia Keys84rank/position

Alicia Keys – New Day (Official Lyric Video)

You only live once, so let’s celebrate the brand-new day before us.

The world Alicia Keys paints with her lyrics is always easy to grasp and resonates with many people.

It’s a song that fits not only entrance ceremonies but anyone starting something new.