Western music artists ranking popular among people in their 20s [2025]

Bad RomanceLady Gaga64rank/position

Lady Gaga – Bad Romance (Official Music Video)

It’s a single by Lady Gaga released in 2009.

Overseas, opinions are divided—perhaps due to the provocative music video—but in Japan it’s very popular, and although it requires quite a bit of practice, many people still sing it at karaoke.

The key when singing it at karaoke is how clearly you can pronounce the English lyrics.

Die With A SmileLady Gaga, Bruno Mars65rank/position

Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars – Die With A Smile (Official Music Video)

The song “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.

Perhaps in line with the revival boom, this piece is crafted to evoke the neo-soul of the 1970s.

Since it falls under Black music genres, it might seem challenging, but because it doesn’t feature much of the technique known as “fake” in Western music—similar to the “kobushi” ornamentation in enka—the overall difficulty is relatively low.

If you can’t hit the falsetto in the chorus, try raising the key instead until you can produce a clear falsetto.

NumbLinkin Park66rank/position

Numb (Official Music Video) [4K UPGRADE] – Linkin Park

It stands out as a classic whose guitar sound leaves a vivid impression, a summer anthem by Linkin Park that has colored the youth of many Japanese people.

The soaring vocals make it a perfect match for men in their twenties, allowing for a lyrically enjoyable experience.

Shout Out to My ExLittle Mix67rank/position

Little Mix – Shout Out to My Ex (Official Video)

Little Mix is a four-member girl group that rose to fame on a popular UK audition show.

Their captivating four-part harmonies, powerful vocals, and sharp choreography have propelled them to explosive popularity not only in the UK, but also in the United States and Japan.

This song won the British Single of the Year at the BRIT Awards, often referred to as the UK’s equivalent of the Grammys.

THRIFT SHOP FEAT. WANZMacklemore & Ryan Lewis68rank/position

MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS – THRIFT SHOP FEAT. WANZ (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

It’s a 2012 track by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.

You can imagine it playing in the background for busy autumn outings and shopping sprees.

You’re about to go buy some clothes, but with only twenty dollars in your pocket you hit a thrift shop—and end up looking surprisingly cool.

Wearing expensive, stylish clothes but looking just like everyone else can be dull, right? What seems like a simple, hype party song actually makes you want to own your own style.

And the punchline at the end seals the deal!

Like A PrayerMadonna69rank/position

Madonna – Like A Prayer (Official Video)

Madonna is a female singer-songwriter who gained worldwide popularity in the 1980s with catchy music that resonates with everyone.

She has released numerous hit songs, but one of the most recommended, easy-to-sing tracks is Like A Prayer.

Although it’s arranged as an upbeat dance-pop number, the vocal line is surprisingly simple and composed.

There aren’t any high parts either, so I think it’s an accessible English song even for those who aren’t confident in their singing.

Lean On (feat. MØ)Major Lazer & DJ Snake70rank/position

Major Lazer & DJ Snake – Lean On (feat. MØ) [Official 4K Music Video]

This song was a massive hit across club scenes worldwide—so famous that most people will say, “I’ve heard this one!” The featured female artist, MØ, has a slightly husky, childlike voice that’s incredibly charming and stylish.