Youth-themed Western music. World classics and recommended popular songs.

#SelfieThe Chainsmokers

#SELFIE (Official Music Video) – The Chainsmokers

A track by the American DJ duo The Chainsmokers, it’s been called a song that defines modern youth.

It portrays young people’s narcissistic obsession with social media set to EDM.

The music video features selfies from the likes of Steve Aoki, Snoop Dogg, and David Hasselhoff.

YesterdayThe Beatles

Yesterday • The Beatles • Original • 1965

This is a 1965 song released as a single from The Beatles’ fifth album, Help!.

It is said to have been written by Paul McCartney, who was 23 at the time, reflecting his youth.

It’s a classic with over 2,200 cover versions.

What Makes You BeautifulOne Direction

One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful (Official Video)

A youthful pop song delivered by the UK’s One Direction.

The lyrics, telling a woman who doesn’t recognize her own charm “You’re beautiful,” are especially memorable.

With its catchy melody and positive message, it captured the hearts of many.

Released in September 2011, this track became a massive hit despite being their debut single.

It went on to win the Best British Single at the 2012 Brit Awards.

It’s a perfect song to sing along with friends for a boost of excitement, or to encourage someone who’s lost their confidence.

Forever YoungRod Stewart

Rod Stewart – Forever Young (Official Video)

A single released in 1988 by British rock singer Rod Stewart.

Expressing lyrical emotions that evoke youth and nostalgia, the song became a bigger hit in the United States than in his native United Kingdom.

ComplicatedAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne – Complicated (Official Video)

Released in 2002 as the lead single from her debut album Let Go, this song is one of Avril Lavigne’s signature tracks, earning her the title “Queen of Pop-Punk.” It expresses discomfort with people who put on a facade and act like someone they’re not, while wishing they would just be themselves—capturing the raw frustrations of adolescence.

It’s a song I recommend to anyone who’s struggled with the conflict of wanting to be authentic but still worrying about how others see them.

When You Were YoungThe Killers

The Killers – When You Were Young (Official Music Video)

A 2006 song by The Killers.

It’s included on the album Sam’s Town, which was heavily influenced by Bruce Springsteen.

A dreamy track combining guitar riffing with a concise solo, it was also nominated for a Grammy Award.

Die Young Stay PrettyBlondie

Blondie – Die Young Stay Pretty

Set to a bright reggae beat, this song appears on the 1979 album “Eat to the Beat.” It carries a distinctly youthful message: “I don’t want to waste my life on anything other than what I love, nor make it unnecessarily long.”