Prayer for Success: Recommended for Exam Takers! A Collection of Motivational Western Songs [2025]

HurricanesRina Sawayama

Rina Sawayama – Hurricanes (Official Video)

I am experiencing a hurricane 🌪 Hurricanes – Rina Sawayama [Japanese translation]

Rina Sawayama, a new-generation pop star from Niigata Prefecture who is now based in the UK and active on the global stage.

She finally made her long-awaited first visit to Japan at Summer Sonic 2022 and appeared on TV shows, which has greatly boosted her recognition in Japan.

With songs rich in message and a commanding presence as a scene icon, her music gives people of all genders the courage and strength to rise up.

From her second album, Hold The Girl, released in September 2022, let me introduce Hurricanes—a track I especially recommend to students preparing for exams.

It’s a masterpiece with an anthemic melody that really strikes the heart, and its lyrics, which soar as she sings about continuing to run through hurricanes, convey a message of facing life’s hardships head-on and overcoming them.

Even just listening to Rina’s voice can fill you with a mysterious power, so give it a spin as a spark to keep you going when you’re worn out from studying!

It’s All GoodSuperorganism

Superorganism – It’s All Good (Official Video)

“It’s All Good” is a single released in 2017 by Superorganism, a London-based multinational band.

Their sound, while uniquely edited, still pursues pop sensibilities and catchy hooks, and has been attracting major attention worldwide.

The lyrics encourage Orono, the Japanese girl who serves as the vocalist, and listening to the song gives you a warm feeling.

If you’re feeling stuck and frustrated with studying, why not give “It’s All Good” a listen and take the pressure off?

Title HolderThe Interrupters

The Interrupters – “Title Holder” (Lyric Video)

Not only have The Interrupters been leading the ska-punk scene since the 2010s, but while staying true to their core sound, they’ve also earned worldwide popularity with a flexible approach—for example, their cover of Billie Eilish’s hit “Bad Guy” has surpassed 7.

6 million views on YouTube.

In 2022, they released the long-awaited new album In The Wild, further building momentum.

The song we’re featuring here, “Title Holder,” is a fantastic, feel-good killer tune that opens their third album, 2018’s Fight the Good Fight.

Literally, the title means “championship holder,” and the lyrics powerfully urge you to fight without fear like a chosen warrior, never give up, and keep challenging yourself—sure to encourage anyone battling through the “exam wars.” It’s great how they deliver an irresistibly catchy melody with brisk ska-punk and 2 Tone vibes.

And frontwoman Aimee Interrupter’s husky vocals are absolutely top-notch!

Good JobAlicia Keys

Alicia Keys – Good Job (Official Audio)

[Please share! #ThankYouKorofunaFighters] Good Job -Interview + CNN Live ver- / Alicia Keys [Western Music Japanese-to-English Translation]

The song I want all students fighting in the thick of the entrance-exam wars to hear is Alicia Keys’s “Good Job.” It’s a single from her 2020 album “Alicia,” which reached No.

4 on the U.

S.

R&B chart.

Originally, it was a message song for healthcare workers on the front lines of COVID-19 and for people in affected professions, but it’s also an anthem of support for unsung individuals who work hard out of the spotlight.

When you feel like your studies are getting the better of you, give “Good Job” a listen!

I’m The BestNicki Minaj

I’m The Best

There are days when you lose confidence, right? At times like that, I want you to listen to “I’m The Best.” It’s a track from Nicki Minaj’s album Pink Friday.

The lyrics depict her journey from her younger days to success, conveying the message, “I’m strong because I’ve overcome so many challenges.” Why not listen to it while reflecting on your own days of studying hard?

ShallowsLady Gaga and Bradley Cooper

Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper sings Shallow Oscars 2019 Best Performance

Western music Japanese translation Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper – Shallow

The film A Star Is Born was released in 2018.

It’s a remake of the 1937 film of the same title and achieved strong box-office results.

Shallow was created as the movie’s theme song and is performed by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.

The track itself was a major hit and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

With its soothing melody rooted in country music and folk-pop, it’s perfect for relaxing—students preparing for exams should definitely give it a listen.