Western Music of the Yutori Generation: Nostalgic Classics That Colored Our Youth
The Western music that the Yutori generation listened to in their youth is likely etched in memory alongside the unique listening experiences from before the streaming era, isn’t it? Timeless tracks stumbled upon on YouTube, hit songs played on repeat on MTV Japan, and gems discovered through movie soundtracks.
Shall we look back on the charm of the Western music scene from those days—something only a generation raised at the crossroads of digital and analog could truly savor? We’ll bring you a rich selection of tracks that will stir nostalgia and make you want to listen all over again!
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Western Music of the Yutori Generation: Nostalgic Anthems That Colored Our Youth (1–10)
Story of My LifeNEW!One Direction
One Direction rose from a UK talent show to become a globally beloved group.
Released in October 2013, this track from their third album, Midnight Memories, showcases a mature sound that steps beyond their idol image.
The warm tones of the acoustic guitar, delicate strings, and the layered chorus featuring all the members are breathtaking.
The lyrics, reflecting on time gone by and memories with family, resonate not just as a love song but as a story of life.
The music video features the members’ real families, interweaving childhood photos with the present in a tear-jerking montage.
For those who discovered Western pop through YouTube or MTV, it’s a nostalgic piece that may well overlap with memories of their own youth.
Fight SongNEW!Rachel Platten
Released in 2015, this song—driven by powerful piano and strings—expresses a strong resolve to follow one’s own path without being swayed by others’ judgments.
It was used in WWE campaigns, Ford commercials, and even the 2016 U.
S.
presidential election, and became beloved worldwide as an anthem that empowers people facing challenges.
When you hit a wall during exams or job hunting, this track will give you the courage to say, “At the very least, I’ll believe in myself.” The hopeful message—one only she could convey after overcoming setbacks—continues to resonate in many hearts today.
We Are Never Ever Getting Back TogetherNEW!Taylor Swift
Released as a single in August 2012, this track served as the lead single from the album Red.
Inspired by the experience of an ex-boyfriend repeatedly asking to get back together, the song declares, “We are never ever getting back together,” and its catchy electropop and dance sound marked a bold shift from country to pop.
In Japan, it was used as the opening theme for the reality show Terrace House: Boys × Girls Next Door, becoming a tune that stuck with many viewers.
Despite its upbeat melody, the song carries a strong determination to firmly end a relationship, making it perfect for those who’ve gone through a breakup or want to take a fresh step forward.
Western Music for the Yutori Generation: Nostalgic Anthems That Colored Our Youth (11–20)
Bring Me to LifeNEW!Evanescence
This song, which depicts the moment of awakening from a paralyzed everyday life, was the landmark lead track from the 2003 debut album Fallen and was also featured on the Daredevil film soundtrack.
Its grand arrangement—where strings intersect with heavy guitar sounds—brought a fresh breeze to the music scene at the time.
It stands as a monumental work of gothic rock, possessing an overwhelming power that pushes you forward when you feel on the verge of losing yourself in your youth.
Don’t Know WhyNEW!Norah Jones
A classic ballad where a warm piano tone—like a late-night cityscape—blends with a whispery, husky voice.
This song gently captures the ache of waiting without knowing why, rendered with a calm, delicate touch, and its unique sound naturally fuses jazz and pop.
Included on the 2002 debut album Come Away with Me, it went on to achieve the remarkable feat of sweeping the three major Grammy categories the following year.
With the album selling over 27 million copies worldwide, it catapulted Norah Jones to global fame.
It’s a tender track that keeps you company on a leisurely evening at a café or bar, or in quiet moments alone with your thoughts.
Dani CaliforniaNEW!Red Hot Chili Peppers
Opening the 2006 album Stadium Arcadium, this song is a pivotal track that concludes the story of the fictional woman Dani, whose tale was told in fragments on past works Californication and By the Way.
It reached No.
6 on the U.
S.
charts and was used as the theme song for the film Death Note in Japan, greatly boosting the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ name recognition.
The dry guitar riff and tight rhythm create a groove that’s quintessentially RHCP.
It’s a number that stirs up nostalgia, along with those MTV visuals that played on repeat during our youth.
ChandelierNEW!Sia
Released in 2014 as the lead single from the album “1000 Forms of Fear,” this song made a global impact.
While it may at first sound like a glitzy party track, it actually explores darker themes such as addiction and self-destructive impulses.
Sia’s soaring high-tone vocals and the shocking music video featuring Maddie Ziegler likely left an indelible mark on the MTV generation.
Nominated for four Grammy Awards and peaking at No.
8 on the U.
S.
charts, the song conveys the poignant desire to numb emotions out of fear of being hurt.
Highly recommended for those who can relate to the loneliness behind the glamour.