![[2025] Recommended for people in their 20s! A roundup of classic Western hits that always get the crowd going](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/iP6XpLQM2Cs/maxresdefault.webp)
[2025] Recommended for people in their 20s! A roundup of classic Western hits that always get the crowd going
The 2010s were an era when smartphones and social media brought sweeping changes to culture, and our values around how we approach and listen to music shifted dramatically.
For those in their twenties today who spent their teenage, formative years during that whirlwind period, we’ve put together a list of classic Western pop hits that, from the very first intro, will transport you back and get you hyped both body and soul.
Many of these were massive hits you still hear even after the 2020s began, so it’s an article that teens who were too young to clearly remember the 2010s can enjoy as well.
If you’re part of the spot-on generation, feel free to use this as a reference for karaoke sessions with peers or background music at events.
[2025] Recommended for people in their 20s! A roundup of guaranteed crowd-pleasing Western music classics (1–10)
Tik TokKe$ha
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.
Uptown Funk (ft. Bruno Mars)Mark Ronson
If there’s a song that boldly heralded the revival of ‘80s funk and became a massive hit in the 2010s, it has to be this track released in 2014.
It was a huge hit around the world, and since it was used in commercials here in Japan, even people who don’t usually listen to Western music have probably heard it at least once.
It’s a smash hit born from the collaboration between Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars—a renowned music producer who has worked on countless famous artists’ albums since the 2000s and a hugely popular singer-songwriter.
It’s a song that makes you want to move with the rhythm, guaranteed to hype up any party or karaoke session.
Counting StarsOneRepublic
I’ve been listening to this song since I was in high school, and for about three years now I’ve made sure to listen to it once a week.
The tempo is great, so even when I’m feeling down, listening to it makes me think, “Oh well,” and move on.
I recommend it to anyone who needs a boost.
Moves Like Jagger ft. Christina AguileraMaroon 5
This work, distinguished by its memorable whistling motif, captivates with an instantly catchy melody fused with a funk-rock groove.
Its free-spirited, sexy beat invites you to dance and inevitably lifts the listener’s mood.
Christina Aguilera’s powerful vocals add extra flair, infusing the track with a polished, grown-up vibe.
Upon its release in June 2011, it held the No.
1 spot in the U.
S.
for ten weeks and became a massive hit, selling over seven million copies.
Leading you into an up-tempo world, this song is perfect for parties with friends or for those moments when you want to boost your spirits.
See You Again (ft. Charlie Puth)Wiz Khalifa
Accompanied by the piano melody, Charlie Puth’s vocals resonate deeply.
This collaboration with rapper Wiz Khalifa became a worldwide hit as the theme song for the 2015 film “Furious 7.” The lyrics, which sing of friendship, loss, and hope for reunion, were intended as a tribute to actor Paul Walker, who appeared in the series and passed away in an accident in 2013.
The song became a cultural phenomenon, at one point becoming the most-viewed video on YouTube.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when remembering someone special or when you want to feel the bond you share with friends.
HappyPharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams, who began working as The Neptunes in the 1990s and expanded the possibilities of pop music with his innovative sound, released this work in November 2013 as part of the soundtrack for the film Despicable Me 2, and it became a worldwide smash hit.
Featuring an uptempo rhythm and positive lyrics, it topped the charts in more than 20 countries.
It is also known for sparking a global trend of tribute videos of people dancing to the song, which became a social phenomenon.
It’s a perfect track for when you want to forget your worries and dance, or to hype up a party with friends.
Break Free (ft. Zedd)Ariana Grande
The ultimate anthem to light up the summer club scene has arrived! Teaming up with EDM genius producer Zedd, Ariana Grande released this track in July 2014, and it quickly became a massive hit.
Dropped as the lead single from the album “My Everything,” the song brilliantly blends Ariana’s soaring vocals with Zedd’s sophisticated production.
The lyrics, which celebrate the courage to reclaim your true self and the exhilaration of letting go, are sure to resonate with many listeners.
When it premiered on MTV’s “Total Request Live,” it reportedly captivated everyone in the audience.
It’s a perfect pick for amping up a karaoke session or when you need a boost of energy.