Coming-of-age Western songs recommended for high school students: world classics and popular hits.

ShiversEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Shivers [Official Video]

Ed Sheeran, the British singer-songwriter whose popularity in Japan soared with the hit Shape of You, has become widely known here.

He keeps releasing hit songs one after another, so he’s an artist familiar to high school students as well.

Shivers, released as a single in September 2021, features a melody that’s both stylish and catchy, reminiscent of 2010s boy bands.

Rap GodEminem

Eminem – Rap God (Explicit)

Sparked by the show Freestyle Dungeon, hip-hop became a major craze among many young people.

High school students were no exception.

Many of you in high school may have gotten into hip-hop through MC battles, right? For high schoolers who are just starting to fall in love with hip-hop, I recommend the track “Rap God.” It’s a song by Eminem, who commands immense props, and it’s famous for its incredibly fast rap—so fast it even made it into the Guinness World Records.

Hey YouThe Belair Lip Bombs

The Belair Lip Bombs – Hey You (Official Video)

This track, with its striking sound of shimmering synth loops intertwined with fuzzy guitars, is a number by The Belair Lip Bombs, who emerged from Australia’s indie scene.

Their 2023 debut Lush Life earned high acclaim, and they also made waves as the first Australian act to sign with the label run by Jack White.

Vocalist and lyricist Maisie Everett describes their music as “unrequited love rock,” and true to that description, this song feels like it sings of the burning crushes of youth.

Her cathartic vocals vividly capture emotions that are both frustrating and radiant.

Released ahead of their second album Again, due out in October 2025, the song is a slice of youthful pop that brings back sweet-and-sour memories.

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.

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.

Lost CauseBillie Eilish

Billie Eilish – Lost Cause (Official Music Video)

Billie Eilish, the American singer-songwriter who enjoys overwhelming support among teens and people in their twenties.

When you think of Billie Eilish, you probably think of her downbeat melodies and abstract, deeply message-driven lyrics.

Lost Cause is one of her newer tracks, and it’s packed to the brim with those signature moody, downtempo vibes.

Highly recommended for high school students looking for a stylish, low-energy song.

Thinking Out LoudEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud (Official Music Video)

As a singer-songwriter highly regarded for writing beautiful, heartfelt lyrics, this is one of Ed Sheeran’s finest gems.

Wonderfully romantic in tone, it’s known for having a large female fan base.

Filled with hopes and expectations for the future, this song is sure to lift everyone’s spirits.