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

YOUTHTroye Sivan

Troye Sivan – YOUTH (Official Video)

An Australian artist who has shown multiple talents as an actor, YouTuber, and singer-songwriter and has captured attention from around the world, Troye Sivan.

With his very sweet looks, he likely has many high school girl fans.

His classic hit “YOUTH” is one of his signature works, released in 2016, and it gained worldwide popularity with a melody rooted in deep house.

If you’re a high school student looking for a stylish track, this is a must-check!

Blank SpaceTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – Blank Space

It’s said that one out of every four or five people around the world has listened to this song.

Since it’s included on the album that was reportedly the best-selling from 2014 to 2015, many of you have probably heard it.

It’s a track you should definitely keep in mind when listening to Western music.

It would also be a great choice for the first song to get everyone hyped.

It’s My LifeBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – It’s My Life (Official Music Video)

It’s a rock band anthem, a single from Bon Jovi’s seventh album, released in 2000, and it became an explosive hit worldwide.

The powerful vocals urging us to live life to the fullest and the deep bass rhythm give you a push forward.

New RulesDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – New Rules (Official Music Video)

Until about five to ten years ago, the so-called “trendy” songs were all high-energy, up-tempo tracks.

However, that value system started to fade in the 2020s, and now the mainstream is stylish yet groovy, downbeat melodies.

One song that captures this shift is “New Rules,” sung by Dua Lipa, the British artist admired by teenagers around the world.

The track is simple, but it’s a downbeat, high-sense tune that still gets you moving—why not let yourself get swept up in it?

Rain On MeLady Gaga, Ariana Grande

Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande – Rain On Me (Official Music Video)

The classic hit “Rain On Me,” which made a huge splash in 2020, is a collaboration between Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande.

As a team-up between a legendary star and a newer diva, it generated tremendous buzz.

Because the title mentions rain, you might expect a quiet song, but once you press play, you’ll find it’s a very uptempo, high-energy track.

It’s easy to dance to, so it would work well as background music when performing a dance at a school festival.

Watermelon SugarHarry Styles

Harry Styles – Watermelon Sugar (Official Video)

Harry Styles is a singer-songwriter who rose to fame as a member of One Direction and has continued to earn global acclaim as a solo artist.

Among the members, he’s the most successful as an artist, and his strong songwriting skills have been praised by many critics.

Watermelon Sugar is one of his signature songs, a work themed around heartbreak based on his own experiences.

You can get a candid look at his views on love, so if you’re a high school student in a relationship, be sure to check it out.

I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way (Official HD Video)

It became one of the Backstreet Boys’ signature songs of the ’90s, achieving immense popularity by topping the Billboard charts for 14 consecutive weeks and receiving a flood of requests at radio stations.

While it has a refreshing rhythm, it sings of a bittersweet love, and its melody is easy for women to sing—making it a great choice for karaoke.