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

My UniverseColdplay X BTS

Coldplay X BTS – My Universe (Official Video)

When it comes to the most successful idol group of the 2020s, it’s undoubtedly BTS.

This collaboration between BTS and the legendary British rock band Coldplay is “My Universe.” Coldplay is known for their catchy alternative rock, and in this track, the verses lean into alternative rock while the chorus shifts into an up-tempo pop sound.

It’s a wonderful piece that lets you enjoy the best of both BTS and Coldplay.

My Head & My HeartAva Max

Ava Max – My Head & My Heart [Official Music Video]

Ava Max, known for her strikingly eccentric performances reminiscent of Lady Gaga and Madonna, is one of the leading artists in electro-pop and has enjoyed immense popularity since the late 2010s.

Among her works, the one I especially recommend is My Head & My Heart.

For high school students, you can’t skip a feel-good, high-energy track.

This song is a stylish, upbeat number with great rhythm, so be sure to check it out.

STAYJustin Bieber & The Kid LAROI

The Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber – STAY (Official Video)

Justin Bieber, who gained popularity in the 2010s for his idol-like looks.

Until the late 2010s, most of his songs were catchy, but from the 2020s onward he began releasing tracks with a hip-hop-centered sound that differed from his earlier style.

STAY, released in the summer of 2021, is a distinctive piece that blends a track in the trendy synth-pop vein with vocals reminiscent of trap music.

SacrificeBebe Rexha

Bebe Rexha – Sacrifice [Official Music Video]

Singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha, who has gained popularity for her sexy looks and solid performance, is beloved for her primarily electro-pop sound.

She originally served as the vocalist for an electro-pop band called Black Cards, so her performance skills are highly regarded as well.

Among her works, the one I especially recommend is Sacrifice.

It’s a striking track featuring sharp pop music that feels like a mix of electro-pop and synth-pop.

Love AgainDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Love Again (Official Music Video)

Dua Lipa, a British female singer known for her distinctive low, husky voice, is also active as a model and has become a role model popular among overseas teenagers.

While she’s strongly associated with a sound that mixes house music and electro-pop, her track Love Again is crafted as a more orthodox pop song.

She delivers the cool melody with a low-register vocal, so if you’re looking for a badass female vocal track, be sure to check it out.

Leave the Door OpenBruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic

Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic – Leave the Door Open [Official Video]

Silk Sonic is a duo formed by Bruno Mars and Anderson .

Paak.

They’re known for a sound rooted in 1970s neo-soul—a modern style of soul music—and their retro approach has earned high praise around the world.

One of Silk Sonic’s classic tracks is Leave the Door Open.

It’s an incredibly sweet love song, so if you’re a high school student with a significant other, be sure to check out the Japanese translation too!

Don’t Go YetCamila Cabello

Camila Cabello – Don’t Go Yet (Official Video)

Camila Cabello, an artist gaining popularity from the drama Cinderella.

Although she’s American, she was born in Cuba, and her musical style carries a Latin music vibe.

One of her signature songs is Don’t Go Yet.

It portrays a strong, resilient woman, and the melody incorporates the Latin music elements she excels at.

Though she and Shawn Mendes have broken up, she plans to focus on her work, and we can look forward to even greater success from her.