Pass Exam Prayer: Recommended for Test Takers! A Collection of Western Pop/Rock Pep Songs [2026]

Separate WaysJourney

Journey – Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) (Official HD Video – 1983)

Journey is a band that enjoyed tremendous success from the mid-1970s to the late 1980s.

Incorporating a wide range of musical genres—including progressive rock, hard rock, and ballads—their songs are still used in many forms of media today.

The song we’re featuring this time, Separate Ways, is one of their hit tracks, released in 1983.

In Japan, it’s known as the theme song for the World Baseball Classic.

With its fiery, rousing melody, it’s a great recommendation for students preparing for exams!

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Ryo

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About Damn TimeLizzo

Lizzo – About Damn Time [Official Video]

Foreign music Japanese translation Lizzo – About Damn Time

If you’re feeling stuck or want to blow away that foggy mood, I recommend Lizzo’s “About Damn Time.” It’s the lead single from her 2022 album Special, a dance tune that evokes 1970s funk and disco.

It hit No.

1 on the U.S.

charts and won the Video for Good award at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards.

Its feel-good groove will help you forget your worries—perfect for a quick break during exam study sessions!

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Hamada Takuya

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MotivatedNF

NF – Motivated (Audio)

This is a song by NF filled with a powerful message that inspires exam-takers.

Included on his album Mansion, released in March 2015, the track vividly expresses his passion and determination.

It features lyrics that deeply move listeners and a sound that fuses rap and rock.

You can feel NF’s love for music and his strong will to establish himself, along with an impressive, defiant stance toward critics and other artists.

His resolve to forge his own path is sure to resonate with students preparing for exams.

This is the perfect song when you want to boost your motivation or fire yourself up.

In the solitude of studying, give it a listen as an anthem that empowers you to believe in yourself.

Shake It OffTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Shake It Off

Taylor Swift – “Shake It Off” (with Japanese subtitles)

This song by Taylor Swift celebrates the strength to rise above criticism and gossip.

Its message—“No matter what the players say, no matter what the haters say, I’m just going to shake it off”—gives you the courage to power through entrance exam studies.

Released in August 2014, it topped the Billboard Hot 100, and it was nominated in three categories at the 2015 Grammy Awards.

It was also featured in the 2016 film Sing, winning over even more hearts.

It’s the perfect track to listen to when you feel weighed down by criticism or your motivation is slipping—it’ll lift your spirits.

ListenBeyoncé

Beyoncé – Listen (GRAMMYs on CBS)

In the song Beyoncé sings in the film Dreamgirls, the more you listen, the more depth you discover, letting you fully savor her beautiful voice.

During exam season, it’s easy to be distracted by others, but this song seems to tell us, “Don’t be swayed by people—listen to your own inner voice.”