[2025] Youthful Western Music Songs: A Collection of Recommended Hidden Gems
There are countless shapes that youth can take, and there are many songs that capture those bright yet bittersweet days—young love, stories of failure, and everyday moments with friends.
In this article, we focus on “hidden gems” among Western songs that evoke youth, selecting lesser-known bands in Japan and deep cuts from famous artists’ albums.
We’ve especially highlighted many young Gen Z artists, so it’s a must-read for anyone looking to discover new music.
In the latter half, we also introduce classic youth anthems from past decades, so be sure to enjoy those as well!
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[2025] Youthful Western Music Songs: A Collection of Recommended Hidden Gems (21–30)
My GenerationThe Who

A song released in 1965 by the British band The Who.
For its time in the 1960s, it had a remarkably aggressive and shocking sound.
The Who were also a band beloved by the Mods, and they still possess a timeless, enigmatic appeal.
Numerous cover versions exist both in Japan and abroad.
Light and Shadow of YouthJudy Collins
It’s a song released by Judy Collins in 1967, but the original was by Joni Mitchell.
In 1968 it was released as a single and became a hit, climbing to No.
8 on the U.
S.
Billboard chart.
It was also used in the film “The Graduate.” The Japanese title captures the feel of the song very well.
Dancing QueenABBA

It’s a very famous song, with a musical and a film built around it.
ABBA is a Swedish pop group of four members, two men and two women.
It was released in 1976, and the following year it reached number one on the U.
S.
Billboard chart.
The “Dancing Queen” sung about in the song is just 17 years old.
Its overwhelming sense of joy brightens the hearts of those who listen.
School’s OutAlice Cooper

A song by American musician Alice Cooper, released in 1972.
It was included on an album of the same title.
His biggest hit, the track centers on the theme of an “endless summer vacation.” The children’s chorus adds a nice accent to the song, and it became his first top-10 hit on the U.
S.
Billboard chart while reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart.
Fight for Your Right (To Party)Beastie Boys

A hit song by the Beastie Boys that kicks off with the shout, “Kick it!” It’s a rap about teenage boys fighting for their right to go to parties, and at the time this style of sound was still fresh.
It can be considered a landmark work that paved the way for the rap groups that followed.
When the Leaves Are Young (First of May)Bee Gees

A song included on the Bee Gees’ 1969 album Odessa, which was also released as a single.
In Japan, it became well-known as the theme song for the TV drama Wakaba no Koro, which drew attention for starring the duo KinKi Kids.
It’s a very delicate and gentle piece.
Young One (The Young Ones)Cliff Richard

This song was performed as the theme for the 1961 film The Young Ones, starring the British national singer Cliff Richard.
Until the Beatles arrived on the scene, when it came to male idols in the UK, it was all about Cliff.
Young Ones is a work that evokes the sound of a truly golden era.






