Youth Anthems in Western Music: Ranking [2025]

For YouLiam Payne, Rita Ora85rank/position

Liam Payne, Rita Ora – For You (Fifty Shades Freed)

This is the theme song of the final installment of the trilogy, the romance film Fifty Shades Freed.

A male–female duet sings of deep love.

With a music video depicting two people being united, it’s perfect for weddings and receptions.

Its bright tone also gives a sense of youth.

Boom ClapCharli XCX86rank/position

Charli XCX – Boom Clap (The Fault In Our Stars Soundtrack) [Official Video]

When it comes to a feel-good teen love song that everyone can clap along to, how about this track by Charli XCX? The catchy “Boom, clap!” chant really stands out.

I think it would energize a wedding or reception in a powerful way.

A Thousand MilesVanessa Carlton87rank/position

Vanessa Carlton – A Thousand Miles

It conveys the message that one can overcome any hardship to meet the person they deeply care about.

The title “A Thousand Miles” carries the idea: “If I could see you tonight, I would walk a thousand miles to be with you.” Though there is a touch of melancholy, it’s something everyone can relate to.

Rain On MeLady Gaga, Ariana Grande88rank/position

Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande – Rain On Me (Official Music Video)

The classic hit “Rain On Me,” which made a huge splash in 2020, is a collaboration between Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande.

As a team-up between a legendary star and a newer diva, it generated tremendous buzz.

Because the title mentions rain, you might expect a quiet song, but once you press play, you’ll find it’s a very uptempo, high-energy track.

It’s easy to dance to, so it would work well as background music when performing a dance at a school festival.

Happier Than EverBillie Eilish89rank/position

Billie Eilish – Happier Than Ever (Official Music Video)

A song by American artist Billie Eilish that candidly chronicles her past romantic experiences.

It begins as a quiet ballad and shifts into a guitar-driven rock style, a structure that brilliantly mirrors the emotional changes after a breakup.

Released in July 2021, it is the title track of the album Happier Than Ever and centers on themes of her growth and independence.

Reflecting on her relationship with an ex, the lyrics trace how she learned the importance of valuing herself.

This work conveys the joy of overcoming painful experiences and discovering a new self, making it recommended for those looking to recover from the pain of heartbreak.

Watermelon SugarHarry Styles90rank/position

Harry Styles – Watermelon Sugar (Official Video)

Harry Styles is a singer-songwriter who rose to fame as a member of One Direction and has continued to earn global acclaim as a solo artist.

Among the members, he’s the most successful as an artist, and his strong songwriting skills have been praised by many critics.

Watermelon Sugar is one of his signature songs, a work themed around heartbreak based on his own experiences.

You can get a candid look at his views on love, so if you’re a high school student in a relationship, be sure to check it out.

ShiversEd Sheeran91rank/position

Ed Sheeran – Shivers [Official Video]

Ed Sheeran, the British singer-songwriter whose popularity in Japan soared with the hit Shape of You, has become widely known here.

He keeps releasing hit songs one after another, so he’s an artist familiar to high school students as well.

Shivers, released as a single in September 2021, features a melody that’s both stylish and catchy, reminiscent of 2010s boy bands.