[20s] Popular Western Music Rankings [By Generation]

Lush LifeZara Larsson8rank/position

Zara Larsson – Lush Life

Personally, I have a lot of memories tied to this song, and whenever I was going through hard times, I would always listen to it to lift my spirits.

Back then, I listened without even understanding the meaning of the lyrics, but I think it’s one of those rare songs whose melody alone can encourage you, and one I’ll keep listening to far into the future.

Tik TokKe$ha9rank/position

Ke$ha – TiK ToK (Official HD Video)

When it comes to the dance anthems that dominated the pop scene of the 2010s, this track is simply indispensable.

Released in August 2009 as Kesha’s debut, it became a massive global hit, topping the charts in 11 countries and instantly launching her career.

Its lyrics overflow with the liberating spirit of parties and nightlife, gripping the hearts of young listeners and continuing to resonate with many to this day.

This song is a sure-fire hit as karaoke material or event background music.

For those in their 20s, it overlaps with memories of their youth, evoking both nostalgia and exhilaration.

PerfectEd Sheeran10rank/position

Ed Sheeran – Perfect (Official Music Video)

A song by singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, hugely popular in English-speaking countries and in Japan as well.

The guitar tones blend beautifully with the strings, creating a truly luxurious sound.

The music video features many shots that evoke winter, making it perfect for late autumn as we head into the colder season.

HelloAdele11rank/position

Adele – Hello (Official Music Video)

This song was covered by Taka from ONE OK ROCK, and one of my male students practiced it a lot in our lessons! It was the Taka version, but as he kept practicing, he was able to hit the high notes in the chorus cleanly and comfortably.

So it might be a good practice piece, and it’s also a song that feels amazing to sing once you can do it, so I recommend it! The A and B sections are basically low and gentle, but the chorus jumps into high notes, so the trick is to sing without tensing up.

You might feel like belting, but imagine sending the sound far out.

There are also falsetto ad-libs, so if you keep resonating in the space between your eyebrows and the top of your head, switching between chest voice and falsetto will become smoother.

Try to stay mindful of lifting your facial muscles as you sing!

All of MeJohn Legend12rank/position

John Legend – All of Me (Official Video)

A piano ballad written by America’s John Legend for his then-fiancée and now wife, Chrissy Teigen.

It has been covered by artists such as Engelsgleich and Savannah Outen.

A remix version by Dutch DJ Tiësto won a Grammy Award.

CAN’T STOP THE FEELING!Justin Timberlake13rank/position

Justin Timberlake – CAN’T STOP THE FEELING! (from DreamWorks Animation’s “TROLLS”) (Official Video)

When I see Justin Timberlake, personally I can’t help but think of Hiroshi Abe.

He’s got so many great songs, but if we’re talking about tracks that really hype things up, isn’t it this one? It became famous in Japan too, and I used to hear it playing in stores all the time.

24K MagicBruno Mars14rank/position

Bruno Mars – 24K Magic (Official Music Video)

The sparkling, glamorous vibe is truly captivating! This is the lead single from Bruno Mars’s third album, 24K Magic, released in November 2016.

Skillfully blending ’80s synth-funk with ’90s swingbeat grooves, the track bursts with a party-ready energy that evokes the dance floor.

Apparently, the groove came together after a fun session in the studio.

It’s a song that fully showcases Bruno’s playful spirit and musicality, making it perfect for karaoke or event BGM.

It’s sure to add extra sparkle to lively gatherings of teens and people in their twenties.