Ranking of Popular Western Music Artists Among High School Students [2025]

Bad DayDaniel Powter29rank/position

Daniel Powter – Bad Day (Official Music Video) [HD]

Speaking of one-hit wonders in Western music, I feel like he’s one of them.

This song was played in Japan when it was released, and I think a lot of high school students at the time sang it at karaoke.

One-hit wonders tend to have a bad reputation, but I feel that creating a masterpiece like this alone is more than enough proof of talent.

Let It GoIdina Menzel30rank/position

Idina Menzel – Let It Go (from “Frozen”) (Audio)

The theme song from the movie that sparked a worldwide boom in 2013.

It’s a moving track that portrays a woman unleashing the power she had kept hidden and embracing her true self.

Idina Menzel’s powerful vocals are striking, and the chorus is especially captivating.

It’s a song that even those not confident in English can enjoy.

Featured on the soundtrack of the film Frozen, it was translated into 25 languages.

In 2014, it sold 109,000 copies and became the fifth best-selling song in the world that year.

It’s highly recommended for high school students too—a song that gives you the courage to live as yourself.

Perfect for karaoke and sure to get everyone excited! Why not sing it with friends and have fun?

INDUSTRY BABYLil Nas X, Jack Harlow31rank/position

Lil Nas X, Jack Harlow – INDUSTRY BABY (Official Video)

Rapper Lil Nas X keeps dropping big tunes one after another.

INDUSTRY BABY, his collaboration with fellow rapper Jack Harlow, drew attention with its provocative music video.

Thanks to that, the song is widely known—even among people who don’t usually listen to Western pop—which makes it a great pick for a school festival dance track.

Plus, it’s a cool hip-hop tune where the rap doesn’t overpower the track, so people might think you’ve got great taste in music selection.

The tempo isn’t too fast either, so it’s highly recommended even for those who aren’t used to dancing!

Despacito ft. Daddy YankeeLuis Fonsi32rank/position

Luis Fonsi – Despacito ft. Daddy Yankee

Luis Fonsi’s classic “Despacito ft.

Daddy Yankee,” with an unforgettable intro that begins with a rich, soulful flamenco guitar tone.

The song was released in 2017.

Around the same time, the music video was uploaded to YouTube, and in just eight months it surpassed approximately 3.

8 billion views.

It became explosively popular.

The addition of hip-hop elements to a reggae foundation gives it an especially catchy, danceable groove!

High HopesPanic! At The Disco33rank/position

Panic! At The Disco – High Hopes (Official Video)

An irresistibly cheerful anthem that gives you a nudge and says, “I can do it!” This song is by the American rock band Panic! At The Disco.

The powerful horn section and Brendon Urie’s soaring vocals alone are enough to fill you with energy.

The track centers on his childhood dreams and sings about the importance of continuing to set ambitious goals, even when things don’t go well.

Featured on the album Pray for the Wicked, it became a massive hit, spending 65 weeks at No.

1 on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs chart.

It was also used in a Honda commercial, so many people may find it familiar.

Listen to it when you’re working toward your dreams and goals, and you’ll feel inspired to believe that “nothing is impossible!”

STAYThe Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber34rank/position

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

The Kid Laroi, a rapper who has gained overwhelming popularity in Australia.

The piece he collaborated on with Justin Bieber is “STAY.” Although it’s a 2021 track, it has been a long-running hit and is still often played on radio and in stores—truly a classic.

This song also centers on synth-pop, a trend of the 2020s, and features an overall fresh, nostalgic melody.

Be sure to check it out.

Shut Up and DanceWalk the Moon35rank/position

WALK THE MOON – Shut Up and Dance (Official Video)

This song, with its exhilarating rhythm and uplifting message, portrays a fateful encounter on the dance floor.

Its lyrics, which emphasize letting go of hesitation and enjoying the moment, are sure to resonate with many.

Released in September 2014 and included on the album “Talking Is Hard,” the track became a worldwide hit and is known as one of WALK THE MOON’s signature songs.

Its energetic sound and relatable lyrics are sure to encourage anyone taking a new step forward.

It’s the perfect song to listen to before an entrance ceremony or the start of a new chapter in life.