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 People in Their 20s] Collection of Youthful Songs That Bring Back School Days (41–50)
I’ll be by your side.Aoyama Teruma ft. SoulJa
This song, one of Thelma Aoyama’s signature tracks, is probably one many of you used to sing at karaoke back in your school days, right? At the time, it was wildly popular—so much so that it dominated the era—and it had overwhelming support especially among junior high and high school students.
And you can’t talk about this song without mentioning that it became the first ever full-length ringtone (“chaku-uta full”) to surpass 2 million downloads.
I bet many of you reading this had the full ringtone yourself, didn’t you? It’s a coming-of-age anthem that’s sure to stir up a bit of nostalgia and tug at your heartstrings.
LISTEN TO THE STEREO!!GOING UNDER GROUND
LISTEN TO THE STEREO!!, which was also hugely popular as the theme song for the anime Reborn!, is the 20th single by GOING UNDER GROUND, released in 2010.
The track was produced by Toru Hidaka, who at the time was active as the frontman of BEAT CRUSADERS.
It’s a hard-hitting, hype-boosting number that makes you want to throw your fist in the air and sing along—just picturing it brings the scene to life.
Sing it at karaoke and it’s bound to turn into a wave of nostalgic, full-throated group singing.
Matryoshkahachi
Kenshi Yonezu, now a leading singer-songwriter in the J-POP scene, created “Matryoshka” in 2010 under his Vocaloid producer name, Hachi—a work that had a tremendous impact on the Vocaloid scene at the time.
Set to a thrilling band performance that keeps you on edge with its unpredictable development, the song unfolds with philosophical messages.
Countless “sang it” and “danced it” videos have been made, and many in their twenties may feel a sense of nostalgia.
Harnessing Hatsune Miku’s flexible, expressive voice, its mechanical sound discovered new possibilities for music.
See you againSEAMO
SEAMO’s fourth single “Mata Aimashou,” released in 2006, is one of his signature songs and enjoyed a long-running hit.
Based on SEAMO’s own heartbreak, it’s a farewell song, yet it feels refreshing and positive.
While it’s a breakup song, it also makes you think of friends far away or people you can no longer see—sleek and understated, yet it strikes the heart and brings tears.
Listening to it now, it evokes different people than it did back when it was a hit—such a song.
Spring, Summer, Autumn, WinterHilcrhyme
Hilcrhyme’s second single gained popularity with hip-hop beats, arrangements that incorporate soft, expansive sounds like piano and strings, an immediately relatable message, and cleverly rhymed lyrics.
The track was tied in with numerous TV music programs and commercials, and it’s a number where tender, love-infused lyrics blend comfortably with a hip-hop groove.
The lyrics convey everyday messages in plain words that anyone can picture, which likely gripped the hearts of twenty-somethings in the midst of their youth at the time.
Among the many hip-hop tracks out there, this is a song that naturally seeps into your body.
One million “I love you”sRake
When it comes to songs that bring back memories of youthful days spent with friends or a lover, Rake’s 2010 release “A Million Times ‘I Love You’” comes to mind.
If you’re in your twenties now, some of you might even remember using it as a ringtone or caller tune.
The chorus, filled with a straightforward declaration of love, leaves a lasting impression.
Accompanied by his refreshing vocals, the melody unfolds over an R&B-style beat.
Try listening to it while thinking of the person you were dating back then—or the one you had a crush on.
366 daysHY
Speaking of HY, many people in their 20s probably think of the songs “366 Days” and “NAO.” “366 Days” was included on HY’s fifth album, HeartY, released in 2008.
It became a huge hit as a tear-jerking love song, and it’s a gem that has been passed down through the years, with many artists covering it.
Back when it was popular, some listeners even said the song made them cry.
Though it deals with an unfulfilled love, it’s a track that powerfully conveys the depth of feelings for the other person.