A Must-See for Those in Their 20s: A Collection of Youthful Songs That Bring Back School Days
People in their 20s today—what songs come to mind when you hear the phrase “youth anthem”? The songs you listened to as a student can instantly bring back the fun times and the tough moments, right? Why not take this opportunity to look back on those memorable classics from your youth? In this article, we’ll introduce songs that people in their 20s find nostalgic.
Surely, memories of what happened back then—exchanges with friends, and the person you had a crush on—will all come vividly flooding back.
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[A Must-See for Your 20s] A Collection of Youthful Songs That Bring Back School Days (21–30)
From Me to Youflumpool
The manga Kimi ni Todoke, which was a massive hit from the 2000s into the 2010s.
The song used as the film’s theme song is this track.
Released in 2010 by the rock band flumpool, it’s also known as one of their signature songs.
Its driving rock sound evokes the feeling of sprinting through youth.
It depicts moments overflowing with feelings for someone you love, and may bring back memories of romance from that time.
It’s a number that lets you recapture the nerves of confessing to your crush and the pure, student-era innocence of first love.
SHAMROCKUVERworld
Released in 2006 and also used as the theme song for the drama “Dandori ~Dance☆Drill~,” this track remains one of their most popular songs even today! Back when it came out, UVERworld was already in the spotlight for doing themes for the anime “BLEACH,” among other things.
Still, I think many people found this particular song especially memorable.
With its bright yet heavy sound, exhilarating vocal parts, and contrasting rap sections, there’s so much to enjoy—listening to it again after a while really makes your heart race.
[A Must-See for People in Their 20s] A Collection of Youthful Songs That Bring Back School Memories (31–40)
Blue BookmarkGalileo Galilei
Galileo Galilei, who unfortunately disbanded in 2016.
Their song “Aoi Shiori” is their fourth single, released in 2011, and it became their signature track—the one that comes to mind when you think of Galileo.
It was also a huge hit as the theme song for the anime “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day.” Vocalist Ozaki’s gentle, sweet voice blends with the heartrending lyrics to make your heart ache.
It’s a song that perfectly captures the word “youth,” and listening to it will likely bring back memories of love and so many things from that time, won’t it?
SalamanderELLEGARDEN
I’m sure there are many people who got hooked on music or even started a band because of ELLEGARDEN.
This song, released in 2006 as their sixth single, became their last single before they went on hiatus.
Even those who don’t usually listen to Western music often encountered English lyrics and songs through ELLEGARDEN.
Although this track is in English, it’s a simple, heartfelt message song—an encouraging anthem that helps those who are struggling look forward with hope.
SMILYOtsuka Ai
I always feel like listening to it when summer comes.
It’s a work where Ai Otsuka—also known for hits like “Sakuranbo”—lets her cuteness explode.
Released in 2005 as her eighth single.
The PV’s imagery influences you, but even from the melody alone, you can picture white sandy beaches and a refreshing seaside.
The lyrics express a desire to keep laughing and spending time with someone precious, making it feel like both a love song and a friendship song.
If you’re feeling a bit down, listening to it will surely support your heart.
cloudy skyDOES
This song, Donten, is famous and very popular as an opening theme for the anime Gintama.
With a melody, lyrics, and even a title that evoke gritty, hard-hitting rock, it’s the sixth single by DOES, released in 2008.
It wasn’t written specifically for Gintama, apparently, but it fits so well that it stands out as one of the series’ signature themes.
When it was a hit, it was also popular at karaoke—many of you probably sang it, right? It’s a number that lets you sing your heart out and blow off pent-up stress!
GO!!!FLOW
An energetic track released in 2004 by the rock band FLOW.
It also became an opening song for the anime Naruto, so it holds a special place in many anime fans’ hearts.
It’s just bursting with exhilarating momentum! In the 15th-anniversary version released in 2017, the voice actors joined in, giving it an even more powerful and explosive vibe.
The parts where everyone shouts are a blast, and remembering shouting along at live shows or singing it with friends at karaoke is seriously hype.
Beyond the adrenaline-pumping sound, it brings back fun memories and is a song that really fills you with energy!
