[2026] Recommended for high school students! A roundup of popular Western songs

This SongConan Gray

Conan Gray – This Song (Official Music Video)

Conan Gray, a Japanese American singer-songwriter whose talent is recognized by Taylor Swift.

Having risen to stardom from his beginnings on YouTube, he released this track in May 2025.

Created as the lead track from the album “Wishbone,” the song lays bare his inner thoughts so candidly that he originally had no intention of letting anyone hear it.

Its lyrics, which depict loneliness and a journey of self-reflection, are likely to resonate deeply with sensitive high school students.

In the music video, he co-stars with actor Corey Fogelmanis, portraying delicate human relationships.

It’s recommended for those in the midst of finding themselves or for a quiet night of immersing yourself in music alone.

Jealous TypeDoja Cat

Doja Cat – Jealous Type (Official Video)

Doja Cat, who fuses diverse genres and keeps setting trends with her unique worldview.

Here’s the standout track she released in August 2025, from an artist who also reigns supreme on social media.

Riding a sound infused with ’80s disco and funk elements, the song explores the complex emotions of jealousy and distrust in love.

As a lead single from the album “Vie,” it features hitmaker Jack Antonoff on the production team and also made waves through a collaboration with Marc Jacobs.

Its stylish, upbeat rhythm is perfect for when you want to walk to school feeling like you’re on a runway.

It’s a track high school students wrestling with love can listen to and truly relate to.

That’s So TrueGracie Abrams

That’s So True

Gracie Abrams, a singer-songwriter who is the daughter of famed film director J.J.

Abrams and drew attention for joining Taylor Swift’s tour, has released this track as an addition to the deluxe edition of her album “The Secret of Us” in November 2024.

It’s a pop number that captures the complex feelings after a breakup.

With candid lyrics that express jealousy toward an ex’s new partner and self-reflection over having done similar things herself, the song portrays a genuine swirl of emotions.

It resonated worldwide, peaking at No.

6 on the U.S.

charts and earning her first No.

1 in the U.K.

High school students struggling with love will likely find the down-to-earth lyrics deeply relatable.

Up From The BottomLinkin Park

Up From The Bottom (Official Music Video) – Linkin Park

Linkin Park, known as a legendary rock band, shocked the world in 2024 by relaunching with new vocalist Emily Armstrong.

This track from the album “From Zero (Deluxe Edition)” sings of a fierce determination to claw your way up from rock bottom.

The heavy band sound intertwined with Mike Shinoda’s rap is undeniably cool, and it’s a song that will fill you with courage every time you listen (lol).

Released in March 2025 and now playable in the popular game Fortnite Festival, it’s likely many high schoolers are familiar with it.

I recommend it as a song that gives you a push when you’re struggling during those turbulent teenage years.

MessyLola Young

Lola Young – Messy (Official Video)

Singer-songwriter Laura Young, who grew up in Croydon in South London, is a standout talent from the prestigious BRIT School, which has produced artists like Adele.

She’s known for her husky voice and unpretentious style.

Her single, released in May 2024, has become a massive hit, especially on social media.

The song explores her experiences with ADHD and the complicated feeling in relationships of wanting to be perfect but ending up a bit messy—something many high schoolers are likely to relate to.

The track is included on the album “This Wasn’t Meant for You Anyway,” and it impressively reached No.

1 on the UK Singles Chart in January 2025.

Its rhythm is instantly recognizable from TikTok dance videos, making it perfect for your commute or when you want to get hyped with friends!