Friendship songs in Western music recommended for high school students: world classics and popular hits

I’ll Be ThereThe Jackson 5

I’ll Be There

The Jackson 5, known as pioneers of boy bands like One Direction and Backstreet Boys, were centered around Michael Jackson—later celebrated worldwide as the King of Pop—and achieved international popularity.

Among their songs, “I’ll Be There” is especially famous and earned global acclaim.

Its warm message about wanting to bring a smile to a close friend’s face is particularly memorable.

While it can feel a bit embarrassing as a high school student, it might be nice to occasionally express your gratitude straightforwardly, just like in this song.

GraduationVitamin C

Graduation (Friends Forever)

Vitamin C is an American singer-songwriter who has also been active as an actress, making her a highly sought-after presence in both the music and television industries during the 2000s.

Her song Graduation is one of her signature hits and is widely known overseas as a classic graduation song.

While it expresses sadness about friends going their separate ways, its powerful message—that the bonds of friendship will never fade no matter what—leaves a strong impression.

It’s a timeless track that I especially recommend to third-year high school students.

22Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift – 22

Taylor Swift is a globally popular singer-songwriter who represents the post-2000s era.

Originally making her mark in the country music scene, she has changed her style with each release and achieved overwhelming commercial success with a musicality that goes beyond country.

One of her releases is “22,” which came out in 2013 and is titled after her age at the time.

Starting with a brisk acoustic guitar backing and featuring an accessible melody, the song also has lyrics that express Taylor’s honest beliefs not as a superstar but as an ordinary young woman.

It’s easy to listen to and easy to relate to—even for high school students just starting to explore Western pop music.

WannabeSpice Girls

Spice Girls – Wannabe (Official Music Video)

The Spice Girls were a British idol group that gained international popularity from the 1990s into the 2000s.

They were as popular then as K-pop idols are today, sparking a boom among high school girls at the time.

A friendship anthem of theirs that I’d recommend is Wannabe.

As their debut single, the song portrays their bond, and together with its catchy melody, it became a worldwide hit.

You’re My Best FriendQueen

Queen – You’re My Best Friend (Official Video)

Queen, the legendary band representing the UK that began attracting attention from younger generations with the 2018 film Bohemian Rhapsody, continues to captivate audiences.

After the passing of vocalist Freddie Mercury, Adam Lambert has been serving as the band’s second lead singer.

Among Queen’s songs, You’re My Best Friend is particularly heartwarming, and its warm lyrics dedicated to a best friend have become especially popular.

For Japanese high school students, the straightforwardness of the lyrics might feel a bit embarrassing, but do check it out.

Best FriendPharrell Williams

Best Friend

In addition to his work as a singer, Pharrell Williams is a multi-talented artist who’s also active as a music producer and fashion designer.

Originally a member of The Neptunes and N.

E.

R.

D.

, he has continued to release hit songs since making his solo debut in 2006.

A friendship-themed song of his that we highly recommend is Best Friend.

With lyrics portraying the bond with a close friend and a catchy melody, it gained worldwide popularity.

High school students, be sure to check it out.

Thank You for Being a FriendAndrew Gold

Thank You for Being a Friend

Andrew Gold, a musician said to have had a tremendous impact on Los Angeles’s pop-rock scene.

While he was active as a singer-songwriter, his main role was as a producer, working with a variety of big-name artists—most notably Linda Ronstadt.

This piece, “Thank You for Being a Friend,” showcases his singer-songwriter side.

Its laid-back lyrics, which reaffirm the bonds of close friendship, are especially memorable.

A must-listen for high schoolers!