[High School Students] Popular Western Music Rankings [By Generation]

Just the way you areBruno Mars36rank/position

Bruno Mars – Just The Way You Are (Official Music Video)

If you can sing love songs in Western music, you’ll definitely be popular with girls.

Among love songs, this one has very straightforward lyrics that are easy to understand, and the rhythm is on the slower side, making it very easy to sing.

It’s also famous for being used at weddings.

BurnEllie Goulding37rank/position

Ellie Goulding – Burn (Official Video)

A synth-pop track released in 2013 by Ellie Goulding.

OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder was involved in the production.

It reached the Top 10 on charts around the world.

The music video was directed by Mike Sharpe.

bad guyBillie Eilish38rank/position

Billie Eilish – bad guy

This track features an innovative sound that fuses electropop and alternative pop.

Its provocative lyrics and distinctive rhythm draw listeners in.

Included on the album “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” released in March 2019, it garnered major attention as Billie Eilish’s debut album.

The lyrics cleverly subvert the stereotypical “villain” image, resonating with young people and presenting a new form of self-expression.

Powerful and energetic, this piece is perfect for high school dance performances.

Used at school festivals or club showcases—any setting brimming with youth—it’s sure to electrify the crowd.

STAYThe Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber39rank/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.

Pump ItThe Black Eyed Peas40rank/position

The Black Eyed Peas – Pump It (Official Music Video)

This is a signature track by the Black Eyed Peas, notable for its grand sound that samples the surf rock classic “Misirlou.” Its energetic guitar riff, heavy beats, and lyrics that express a full-bodied passion for music blend perfectly, creating an irresistible pull for listeners.

Released in May 2005 as a track on the album Monkey Business, it achieved international success, reaching the top 10 in 13 countries worldwide.

It was also featured on the soundtracks of the films Little Man and Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties, and its overwhelming presence has made it a favorite across various media.

It’s also ideal as background music for school sports days or athletic events, making it a perfect choice to boost participants’ motivation and enhance the sense of unity at the venue.

ComplicatedAvril Lavigne41rank/position

Avril Lavigne – Complicated (Official Video)

Many people still remember the shock when Avril Lavigne, the eternal strongest princess of the rock world, made her debut at the young age of 17.

“Complicated,” one of her early signature songs included on her 2002 debut album Let Go—which achieved an astonishing 18 million sales worldwide—is a masterpiece packed to the brim with the genuine feelings of a teenage girl.

Its bittersweet yet breezy band arrangement and melody have never faded, retaining a charm that captivates young people in any era.

The music video, which highlights Avril’s stunning teen idol beauty, is also a must-see!

22Taylor Swift42rank/position

Taylor Swift – 22

Taylor Swift is a globally popular singer-songwriter who represents the post-2000s era.

Originally making her mark in the country music scene, she has changed her style with each release and achieved overwhelming commercial success with a musicality that goes beyond country.

One of her releases is “22,” which came out in 2013 and is titled after her age at the time.

Starting with a brisk acoustic guitar backing and featuring an accessible melody, the song also has lyrics that express Taylor’s honest beliefs not as a superstar but as an ordinary young woman.

It’s easy to listen to and easy to relate to—even for high school students just starting to explore Western pop music.