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

Graduationbenny blanco, Juice WRLD

benny blanco, Juice WRLD – Graduation (Official Music Video)

Rapper Benny Blanco collaborated with singer Juice WRLD on the track “Graduation.” It’s crafted from the perspective of a male student graduating from school, singing about unchanging friendship and the life ahead.

Its charm lies in many relatable points, such as depictions of growing nostalgic for a school he used to hate and segments introducing his classmates.

It also sprinkles in dark humor here and there, giving you a chuckle.

ForeverChris Brown

Chris Brown – Forever (Official HD Video)

A single released by Chris Brown in 2008.

He has said that he was greatly influenced by Michael Jackson, and he has been highly regarded, earning platinum certifications as an R&B singer.

He is also known as a star who loves Japanese anime.

Girls Just Want To Have FunCyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper – Girls Just Want To Have Fun (Official Video)

This is a song that, as Cyndi Lauper’s debut single, is still loved worldwide.

It was released in Japan in 1984, yet it continues to captivate fans of Western music even today.

Cyndi Lauper’s sweet, soaring voice lifts your spirits and resets you to a brighter mood.

Let It GoDemi Lovato

Demi Lovato – Let It Go (from “Frozen”) (Official Video)

It’s the theme song from Disney’s Frozen, which became a hot topic in Japan when covered by May J.

After pausing her music career in 2011 and opening up about struggles with an eating disorder and mental health, she returned in 2015.

You could say this song guided her comeback and helped propel her success.

Livin’ La Vida LocaRicky Martin

Ricky Martin – Livin’ La Vida Loca (Official Video)

It’s a globally successful song from 1999 by an artist from Puerto Rico that helped bring Latin music to the world.

In Japan, it later made waves when Hiromi Go released a cover, but it’s impossible not to acknowledge that the original’s vocal power and performance are overwhelmingly superior.

Whenever, WhereverShakira

Shakira – Whenever, Wherever (Official HD Video)

This is a single by Shakira, a Latin pop singer from Colombia.

Released in 2001, it reached number 8 on the charts in Japan.

Although she had already gained fans in Spanish-speaking regions, this song marked her challenge to the global stage as a non-native English speaker—and her success.

CupsAnna Kendrick

Anna Kendrick – Cups (Pitch Perfect’s “When I’m Gone”) (Director’s Cut)

It’s a song with a clear, refreshing singing voice and a light rhythm.

The title is literally “Cup,” and the table performance using cups that appears in the music video makes it an interesting track.

It might be fun for everyone to practice and dance together.