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

Shape of youEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Shape of You (Official Music Video)

You could say that Ed Sheeran is at the forefront of the current Western music scene.

His songs get a lot of airtime on American cable music channels as well.

He’s become very famous in Japan, and I think his songs have rhythms that appeal to Japanese listeners, too.

He’s got a great voice, so why not give some of his other tracks a listen?

Rap GodEminem

Eminem – Rap God (Explicit)

Sparked by the show Freestyle Dungeon, hip-hop became a major craze among many young people.

High school students were no exception.

Many of you in high school may have gotten into hip-hop through MC battles, right? For high schoolers who are just starting to fall in love with hip-hop, I recommend the track “Rap God.” It’s a song by Eminem, who commands immense props, and it’s famous for its incredibly fast rap—so fast it even made it into the Guinness World Records.

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Ryo

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American IdiotGreen Day

Green Day – American Idiot [Official Music Video] [4K Upgrade]

This might be a bit mismatched for high schoolers too, but the lyrics’ touch of irony pairs perfectly with the refreshing vibe of the track, making it really catchy.

It’s one of their signature songs that makes you think, “Maybe I should listen to a bit more Green Day.”

AHHH HALil Durk

Lil Durk – AHHH HA (Official Music Video)

Recently, hip-hop has become a familiar, widely accepted genre in Japan.

I imagine many high school students are quite knowledgeable about it.

For those high-school heads, I recommend the track “AHHH HA.” It’s a song Lil Durk released as a response in his beef with YoungBoy Never Broke Again, filled with lyrics that provoke his opponent—a certified banger.

We haven’t seen a beef of this scale in a while, so the whole situation, beef included, might feel fresh to high school listeners.

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Ryo

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MemoriesMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Memories (Official Video)

Maroon 5 is an American band that has gained worldwide popularity with its wide-ranging musicality and catchy lyrics.

From upbeat tracks that get you moving to heart-wrenching ballads, they can do it all—but the song we’re introducing this time is so sad you’ll want to have a handkerchief ready.

“Memories” is a masterpiece created as a requiem when their longtime manager passed away.

While death may not feel very close to most high school students, parting ways with friends is inevitable for seniors preparing to graduate.

If you’re in your final year, be sure to give it a listen.

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Ryo

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