Lovely karaoke song

[2025] Recommended for people in their 20s! A roundup of classic Western hits that always get the crowd going

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

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 Your 20s! A Compilation of Surefire, Crowd-Pleasing Western Music Classics (31–40)

What LoversMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – What Lovers Do ft. SZA (Official Music Video)

What LoversMaroon 5

I chose this song simply because it’s a real crowd-pleaser, but another reason is that SZA sings on it as well.

The harmony between Maroon 5 and SZA is fantastic.

Speaking of SZA, she’s an artist who’s gradually becoming more well-known in Japan, and she’s a great singer—I really like her.

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Me TooMeghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor – Me Too (Official Video)

Me TooMeghan Trainor

I first found out about this song because someone on YouTube was lip-syncing to it, and it’s super upbeat and exciting.

The melody is so catchy that if you keep listening, you’ll end up humming along without realizing it, and you’ll want to play it over and over.

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Just like FireP!nk

P!nk – Just Like Fire (From”Alice Through The Looking Glass” – Official Video)

Just like FireP!nk

This song became very famous, partly because it was used as the theme song in Alice in Wonderland.

Her music always gives me energy, and I especially love this track because it’s so dynamic.

I’ve been listening to it on repeat.

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AliveSia

Sia – Alive (Official Video)

AliveSia

The girl appearing in this music video is Japanese, and there’s a story that she’s incredibly talented and was directly offered the role by Sia.

She’s performing a very advanced kata, but since many people overseas aren’t familiar with this form, some have said they don’t understand the meaning of the MV.

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Lush LifeZara Larsson

Zara Larsson – Lush Life

Lush LifeZara Larsson

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.

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[2025] Recommended for people in their 20s! A roundup of surefire, crowd-pleasing Western music classics (41–50)

AloneAlan Walker

Alan Walker – Alone

AloneAlan Walker

I have the impression that Alan Walker suddenly appeared out of nowhere and became popular in no time.

I really like the tempo of this song and listen to it often.

He provides songs to many people and collaborates with others, but the fact that we can’t see anything about his private life is something that personally intrigues me.

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In conclusion

Looking back at the hit songs of the 2010s, there really aren’t many rock bands—most of the tracks are by singer-songwriters and pop singers.

Many of the artists who sold explosively in that era are still active in the 2020s, and teens today might find this playlist refreshing if they check it out!