Tear-jerking coming-of-age songs in Western music

Young BloodThe Naked And Famous

The Naked And Famous – Young Blood

The Naked and Famous are a world-famous band from New Zealand.

Just like the title suggests, doesn’t listening to this song make memories with your friends from your youth flash before your eyes? This track was also the one that led to their breakthrough.

Rather than listening to it with a group, I think you’ll connect with it more if you listen alone and really take it in.

Miles ApartYellowcard

Yellowcard – Miles Apart Acoustic

It’s a refreshing song by the punk rock band Yellowcard.

The band has since disbanded.

While their signature tracks can have a heavier edge, this one features acoustic guitar and a light, dancing violin melody, making it easy for first-time listeners to enjoy.

The way the intro starts and the chorus melody are very emotional.

It unfolds in a way that brings back memories with friends one by one.

SeventeenAlessia Cara

Alessia Cara – Seventeen (Official Video)

Alessia Cara, a Canadian singer-songwriter attracting attention from around the world, is an artist who rose to popularity via YouTube and is widely expected to take center stage in the music scene.

Her youth-themed track “Seventeen” captures this spirit.

As the title suggests, it portrays a 17-year-old girl who, while struggling with decisions about her future, moves forward positively on her own path.

Since 17 is typically the age of a college freshman overseas, those planning to enter university should definitely give it a listen.

Young BloodBea Miller

Bea Miller – Young Blood (Official Video)

Youth often carries a fun and vibrant image, but when you’re actually living through it, the sheer number of worries can be disheartening.

Many of you might feel desperate to lean on something, even if it’s just a straw.

If that sounds like you, why not give “Young Blood” a listen? Released in 2014 by American singer-songwriter Bea Miller, its lyrics that capture the pounding heart of youth and its grand, sweeping melody might help ease your troubles.

Be sure to check it out.

19 You + MeDan + Shay

Dan + Shay – 19 You + Me (Official Music Video)

Summer vacation is the time in our youth that most easily becomes filled with especially fun memories.

Whether it’s working a part-time job to save money, going to get your driver’s license, or taking trips and doing leisure activities with friends, everyone has some happy memories from summer break.

A song I highly recommend for that kind of youthful summer is “19 You + Me,” a classic by the musical duo Dan + Shay that portrays teenagers enjoying the summer.

It’s a highly energetic country track, so be sure to check it out.

ThirteenElliott Smith

Elliott Smith – Thirteen (from New Moon)

This is singer-songwriter Elliott Smith’s cover of Big Star’s 1972 song.

It’s a sweet, melancholy ballad that portrays pure young love against the backdrop of summer pools and school dances.

SpringsteenEric Church

Eric Church – Springsteen (Official Music Video)

Eric Church is an American singer-songwriter known for his country rock and Southern rock.

While he may not be very well-known in Japan, he enjoys popularity overseas for his strongly message-driven lyrics.

Among his works, Springsteen is a perfect fit for the theme of youth.

Its positive, powerful lyrics can light the way through the many struggles of adolescence.

Be sure to give it a listen.