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

used to youmxmtoon

mxmtoon – used to you (audio)

mxmtoon, a Gen Z icon who took flight from her bedroom in Oakland to the world.

This song is featured on her April 2020 EP, Dawn.

It’s a bittersweet yet beautiful coming-of-age track that sings of nostalgia for days gone by.

It seems to portray the complex feelings that mix loneliness with optimism when you drift away from close relationships and familiar places.

The dreamy soundscape—like floating through a dream—and her gentle, intimate vocals tug at the heartstrings.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to play on nights when you’re feeling a little sentimental.

As you settle into a new chapter of life, in those moments when you suddenly long for the past, it will surely be there to comfort you.

Live While We’re YoungOne Direction

One Direction – Live While We’re Young

A song by 1D, One Direction, released in 2012.

It became a global hit not only in their home country of the UK but also in the United States, Japan, and beyond.

Its bouncy sound perfectly captures the essence of youth.

It was released as a single from their second album, Take Me Home.

Thank youPale Fountains

Thank You – The Pale Fountains

A song included on Pacific Street, the album released in 1984 by the British neo-acoustic band The Pale Fountains.

The album itself is excellent, but this track, which was released as a single prior to the album, is especially emotional and radiant.

Young at HeartTHE BLUEBELLS

The Bluebells – Young At Heart (Official Video)

A song by the British band The Bluebells whose title means “young at heart.” Released in 1984, it has a trad-flavored, fiddle-featured sound that feels nostalgic.

As the title suggests, listening to it makes you feel youthful and upbeat.

Memories of Sunny Beat (Oblibious)Aztec Camera

Aztec Camera – Oblivious

When I picture “youth,” one of the bands that always comes to mind is Aztec Camera.

In their charming music videos, you can admire the idol-like frontman Roddy Frame—an absolute heartthrob—strumming an acoustic guitar with his legs swinging.

It’s a work where the entire sound seems suffused with youth and sparkle.

Scars of Youth (Hurts So Good)John Cougar

John Cougar: Hurts so good

A song released in 1982 by the American singer-songwriter who now performs under the name John Mellencamp.

At the time, he was known as John Cougar.

Hurts So Good was included on the album American Fool, and when it was released as a single, it became a huge hit, reaching No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts.

It was also used as an insert song in the film Footloose.

The Glow of Youth (I Need to Be in Love)Carpenters

I Need To Be In Love (The Sparkle of Youth) / Carpenters

It’s a song included on the Carpenters’ 1976 album “A Kind of Hush.” It is said to have been Karen Carpenter’s favorite among their own works during her lifetime.

In Japan, it became well-known when it was used as the ending theme for the 1995 TV drama “Miseinen” (Minors).

Just as its Japanese title suggests, it’s a beautiful piece that will likely never lose its luster.