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

Need to KnowDoja Cat

Doja Cat – Need to Know (Official Video)

Doja Cat is a female rapper who keeps turning out hit songs with a sound that stays on trend.

Rather than hard-edged hip-hop, her style blends hip-hop into pop music, making her especially popular among teenagers.

Among her works, the one I’d recommend to high school students is Need to Know.

It’s a striking track featuring trap music with a strong cyberpunk vibe.

Blinding LightsThe Weeknd

The Weeknd – Blinding Lights (Official Video)

Although it hasn’t really taken hold in Japan, since the 2020s a genre centered on the 1980s sound known as synth-pop has been gaining popularity overseas as a trend.

The song that helped spark that trend is Blinding Lights.

It’s performed by the Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd.

His musical style is entirely synth-pop, featuring many nostalgic synthesizer sounds, yet with a contemporary groove.

As you listen, you’ll likely feel a curious blend of new and old all at once.

RoarKaty Perry

Katy Perry – Roar

It’s a single by American singer-songwriter Katy Perry.

In 2015, she impressively ranked first among the highest-earning musicians, which surely reflects her high level of worldwide recognition.

Shape of YouEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Shape of You (Official Music Video)

Ed Sheeran’s 2017 classic, “Shape of You.” It’s likely that most high school students know this song, isn’t it? The track blends the then-trendy genre of tropical house into pop music, and that, among other reasons, helped it become a massive worldwide hit.

While the melody is a highlight, the truly fascinating part is the lyrics.

The depiction of a young man developing a sort of crush on an older woman is superb—so be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well.

MemoriesMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Memories (Official Video)

Maroon 5 is an American band that has gained worldwide popularity with its wide-ranging musicality and catchy lyrics.

From upbeat tracks that get you moving to heart-wrenching ballads, they can do it all—but the song we’re introducing this time is so sad you’ll want to have a handkerchief ready.

“Memories” is a masterpiece created as a requiem when their longtime manager passed away.

While death may not feel very close to most high school students, parting ways with friends is inevitable for seniors preparing to graduate.

If you’re in your final year, be sure to give it a listen.

Lose You To Love MeSelena Gomez

Selena Gomez – Lose You To Love Me (Official Music Video)

High school is a time full of new discoveries, from part-time jobs to romance.

Along the way, you might go through a breakup or grow distant from friends, and sometimes feel down.

The Western song I recommend at times like these is Lose You To Love Me.

It’s sung by Selena Gomez, a singer-songwriter who’s hugely popular among teenagers.

The lyrics are abstract, so you can relate them to your own experiences.

Be sure to listen while checking the Japanese translation too.

DANCE MONKEYTones and I

TONES AND I – DANCE MONKEY (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Tones and I is an Australian female singer-songwriter who has gained popularity for her distinctive musical style.

She has a highly unique vocal quality, and many people find that once they hear her voice, it sticks in their heads.

The work that propelled her to global fame is “DANCE MONKEY.” It’s a surreal track wrapped in a distinctive atmosphere, yet it’s surprisingly easy to get into the groove as you listen.

Be sure to check it out.