[Classic & Latest] Famous and Popular Songs That Sing of Youth
Love, club activities, relationships with friends, thoughts about becoming an adult, school life, hopes for the future, anxieties… Youth is a universal theme in music and literature.
Whether you’re in the midst of it now or it’s a distant memory, you probably have a favorite song tied to your youth.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of songs themed around youth.
See if your own song of youth is on the list!
We’ve gathered tracks from all eras, so it’s also great for anyone looking to discover new music!
- [Guaranteed to resonate!] Youth songs that strike a chord with teens. Recommended coming-of-age tracks.
- [Clubs, Friendship, Romance] Youth songs middle schoolers should listen to
- Packed with everything from friendship to romance! Youth anthems recommended for Gen Z
- A youth song with great lyrics. A lovely message that stays with your heart.
- A collection of uplifting, youth-themed songs — timeless tracks that set your heart on fire
- Tear-jerking youth songs: recommended classics and popular tracks
- [2026 Edition] Youth Anthems for Your 40s! A Roundup of Popular Heart-Pounding × Heartwarming Songs
- [Youth Anthems] A curated selection of popular and latest songs to hype up your school cultural festival
- Coming-of-age songs for your 50s: heart-thumping × heartwarming classics and popular tracks [2026]
- Popular Youth Songs Ranking [2026]
- [2026 Edition] Songs Loved by People in Their 60s: Classic Hits from Their Youth
- Also great for karaoke with friends! Youthful songs that hype up the Reiwa era
- Summer songs that get middle schoolers excited: Popular tracks you’ll want to listen to in your youth
[Classics & Latest] Masterpieces and Popular Songs About “Youth” (21–30)
BlissfulBE:FIRST
This song is filled with the hope and joy of youth.
The seven members of BE:FIRST express positive energy with a light, catchy melody.
It’s a pre-release track from their album “2:BE,” released in August 2024, and it’s tied in with NTT Docomo’s mobile service “ahamo.” The lyrics celebrate the wonder of treating life like a playground and enjoying it while cherishing friendship and bonds.
The music video, shot in New York, is also a must-see.
It’s a track we especially recommend to anyone ready to take a new step forward.
You and the summer music festivalSHISHAMO
A pure love song by the girls’ band SHISHAMO.
I’m sure some of you have dreamed of going to a summer festival with the person you like, just like in this song.
It’s a track packed with the flutter, the frustration, and the excitement—feelings of love unique to our youthful days.
[Classics & Latest] Masterpieces and Popular Songs That Sing of “Youth” (31–40)
Is youth embarrassing, or is it youth if it’s embarrassing?Ryokushokushakai
This song beautifully captures the brilliance and fragility of youth.
Released digitally by Ryokuoushoku Shakai in July 2024, it was chosen as the theme song for ABEMA’s drama “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita: Summer Vacation 2024.” Because youth is finite, the song expresses each precious moment through clear, translucent vocals and a pop melody.
By the time it ends, you’ll likely feel inspired to live fully in the present.
This work is a feel-good, uplifting anthem that will brighten your heart.
If you’re striving toward your goals this summer, be sure to take this song with you.
DarlingMrs. GREEN APPLE
“Darling” is a song by the rock band Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, released in January 2025.
It was written as the theme song for NHK General’s special program “Mrs.
GREEN APPLE 18 Festival.” Centered on themes of self-identity and love, it reflects the struggles and growth of youth.
Its appeal lies in a rich sound arrangement that incorporates pop-rock elements.
On the program, it was performed together with 1,000 members of the 18-year-old generation, creating a major buzz.
It’s an uplifting song that resonates with everyone.
If it shinesGoose house
This song was written as the opening theme for the anime Your Lie in April.
The combined male and female vocals are incredibly beautiful, making you want to listen to it over and over.
The way they sound like they’re enjoying singing is striking, and it comes through in the tone of the music as well.
Perfect for when you want to feel gentle and at ease.
Blue Springback number
Back Number’s “Aoi Haru (Blue Spring)” portrays the struggle of seeking a glimmer of light for one’s future while being stuck on the predetermined tracks laid out during school days.
The song was used as the theme for the drama “High School Entrance Exam,” based on Kanae Minato’s work and starring Masami Nagasawa.
We study many things in school, but no one teaches us how to walk our path once we enter society.
Still, graduation comes whether we like it or not, and we’re thrown into the real world.
Within those fixed rails, we wrestle with what we truly want, pushing forward along a narrow road, struggling and struggling to find a hopeful future.
This is a song I’d like to dedicate to those who feel a haze over their current youth and spend their days wrestling with that feeling.
Letter ~Dear Fifteen-Year-Old Me~Anjura Aki
This is a song that almost brings you to tears from the gentle piano intro alone.
Originally written as the set piece for the 2008 NHK All-Japan School Music Competition (junior high division), “Tegami” was later arranged for Angela herself to sing.
Some of you might feel especially nostalgic, thinking, “I sang ‘Tegami’ back in my school days…” These days, it’s often performed as a graduation song, too.
The letter-to-myself lyrics carry a certain frailty and uncertainty, capturing the rawness of youth.
You may find yourself in tears by the end, when the singer wishes future self “all the best.” It’s a song only Angela Aki can truly bring to life!