Western Music Entrance/Graduation Song Rankings [2026]

Here’s To The NightEve 676rank/position

Eve 6 – Here’s To The Night (Official Video)

A friend’s song sung with a bright sound and a powerful, focused voice.

It’s a track about celebrating this night with the friends we’ve had and the best friends we’re sure to make.

The stripped-down, no-frills lyrics really hit you straight in the heart.

Headphones OnAddison Rae77rank/position

Addison Rae – Headphones On (Official Video)

Addison Rae, who has risen to fame as a pop icon born from social media, released “Headphones On” in April 2025—a song that portrays the comfort of shutting out the surrounding noise and immersing yourself in your own world.

Its airy sound, reminiscent of ’90s R&B, gently soothes anxious hearts.

Featured on the album “Addison,” the track made the U.S.

Billboard charts and sparked buzz as a nominee at the MTV Video Music Awards.

It’s a piece you’ll want to play when you’re worn out by unfamiliar environments or want to cherish some alone time.

Slip on your headphones and surrender to the music—you’ll feel energized for tomorrow.

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…