[2025] Youthful Western Music Songs: A Collection of Recommended Hidden Gems

Emo Songbeabadoobee

Emo Song

Beabadoobee, a leading Gen Z singer-songwriter born in the Philippines and raised in London.

Among her works, we’re introducing a hidden gem that tenderly accompanies the pains of youth.

This track vividly captures the emotional turbulence of being young—more than just sweet and sour nostalgia.

Despite its raw, 90s alternative rock–inspired guitar sound, the lyrics dwell on melancholic feelings: disappointment in someone once trusted, and confronting a past where she lost sight of herself.

The song is included on her debut album Fake It Flowers, released in October 2020, which reached No.

8 on the UK Albums Chart.

On nights when you want to immerse yourself not only in the radiance of youth but also in its shadows—its pain and wistful sentiment—give it a listen.

NEED YOUNEMZZZ

NEMZZZ – NEED YOU (OFFICIAL AUDIO)

Nemzz, born in 2004 and hailing from Manchester, is gaining attention as a rising rapper.

He’s popular for a style that blends UK drill and hip-hop.

From his mixtape “Do Not Disturb,” I’d like to introduce a track that evokes the bittersweetness of youth.

Released in March 2024, the mixtape topped the UK R&B Albums Chart.

The work portrays a complicated relationship with a particular person.

It captures the frustrating feelings of youth—wanting to get closer but being unable to—with sparse lyrics and a spacious beat.

The lyrics and wistful melody match beautifully, making it easy to slip into its world.

It’s recommended for those who can’t forget someone, or for nights when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.

I’ve seen ur exflowerovlove

flowerovlove – I’ve seen ur ex (Official Video)

Flowerovlove is a London-born singer-songwriter.

She began making music in her teens with a DIY pop ethos and is also an in-demand model, marking her as a standout of Gen Z.

Released in February 2025, this track is a breezy slice of alt-pop.

Sweet synths and warm guitar tones create an addictive quality that sticks after just one listen.

The song portrays the jealousy and anxiety that surface when you learn about your partner’s ex—and the teen’s very real impulse to mask those feelings with a bold, self-assured front.

If you’ve ever found yourself putting on airs in love, you’ll likely relate to the protagonist’s emotions.

It’s a gem that captures a radiant yet bittersweet page of youth.

Feel SomethingClairo

Clairo – Feel Something

Clairo, a singer-songwriter who represents Gen Z and first gained attention with videos she filmed in her bedroom, delivers a bittersweet ballad on her acclaimed 2019 album “Immunity.” This song captures the moment a youthful romance comes to an end—the numbness of wanting to feel something but being unable to, and the nostalgia of wishing to return to happier times.

Those conflicting emotions come through acutely in her whisper-soft vocals over delicate piano and gentle beats.

It’s the kind of hidden gem that will tenderly accompany you on a solitary, sentimental night—perfect for anyone nursing the loneliness of heartbreak.

alright (feat. The Kid Laroi)EKKSTACY

EKKSTACY – alright feat. The Kid Laroi (Official Music Video)

Singer-songwriter EKKSTACY, born in 2002, captivates listeners by channeling the directionless emotions and restlessness of youth into a propulsive post-punk sound.

He has transmuted his harrowing personal experiences into music, and his sound has gripped many hearts.

His album “EKKSTACY,” released in January 2024, includes a track featuring popular Australian artist The Kid LAROI.

The work sings of the confusion and self-loathing unique to adolescence—so intense you can lose your sense of where you are.

Over a brisk 160 BPM beat, wistful melodies intertwine with a delicate vocal delivery, offering solace to an inescapable anxiety.

It’s a track you’ll want to play alone at night, lost in thought—an anthem for the overthinkers.

KellyThe Aces

The Aces – Kelly [Audio]

The Aces are an indie-pop band from Utah.

With a danceable sound that channels elements of ’80s pop and disco, they’ve gained strong support, especially among Gen Z.

This track is featured on their second album, Under My Influence, released in June 2020.

The song captures a candid, pure crush—an irresistible attraction to a woman they admire.

It also marked a turning point for the band, as they clearly expressed their queer identity in the lyrics for the first time, with promotion aligned to Pride Month.

The sound, packed with the courage to be yourself and the sparkle of romance, is sure to evoke memories of bright yet bittersweet youthful days.

If you enjoy refreshing pop songs, definitely give it a listen.

Ice Cold PoolWallows

Wallows – Ice Cold Pool (Official Audio)

Wallows is an indie rock band fronted by Dylan Minnette, who is also known as an actor.

Their debut album, “Nothing Happens,” released in March 2019, is a masterpiece that reached No.

75 on the U.

S.

charts.

The track included on that album is a true hidden coming-of-age anthem, depicting the anxieties of growing up and a nostalgia for days gone by.

It blends a mellow sound with melodic vocals, and the gripping guitar riff right from the intro is especially striking.

The lyrics were written using a stream-of-consciousness approach, as if to evoke each listener’s own memories of youth.

It’s the perfect song for a night when you want to sink into a nostalgic mood.