Youth-themed Western music. World classics and recommended popular songs.

GraduationVitamin C

Vitamin C – Graduation (Friends Forever) [Official Music Video]

Even youth has its endings and turning points.

Among them, graduation is perhaps the most memorable, isn’t it? “Graduation,” sung by Vitamin C, as the title suggests, is a work themed around graduation, featuring moving lyrics that, even in the face of parting, show respect for each person’s path.

In the English-speaking world, it’s no exaggeration to say that this song is synonymous with graduation.

If you’re approaching your own graduation, be sure to check it out.

Teenage DreamKaty Perry

Katy Perry – Teenage Dream (Official Music Video)

Katy Perry is an artist who’s hugely popular in Japan as well.

When you think of Katy Perry, you think of her powerful vocals and uplifting, energy-filled, positive lyrics.

That side of her really shines through in Teenage Dream, which captures the feelings of a young woman enjoying her youth in her own way.

If you’re a student—especially a woman—who’s feeling bored with life right now, why not give this song a listen and boost your spirits?

Beach Housedaydreamers

daydreamers – Beach House (Visualiser)

Daydreamers, a rising star of the UK rock scene, champion a sound they call “Sad Euphoria,” where wistfulness and exhilaration coexist.

Despite debuting in 2024, they’ve already landed slots at major festivals like Reading & Leeds.

One of their signature tracks is this song from their debut EP, “daydreamers.” It’s an indie pop number marked by shimmering guitar tones and a driving band sound that conjures radiant summer scenes.

The lyrics reflect on a past romance as a beautiful memory while acknowledging the bittersweet truth that it wasn’t meant to last, with the song’s breezy melody ironically amplifying that ache.

It’s a gem you’ll want to play at summer’s end, when you feel like lingering in your memories just a little longer.

YOUTHTroye Sivan

Troye Sivan – YOUTH (Official Video)

Troye Sivan, an Australian singer-songwriter who has risen to global fame on TikTok.

If you use TikTok, you’ve probably heard his songs at least once.

Among his works, the perfect track for youth is “YOUTH.” As the title suggests—meaning “young people” in Japanese—it’s a song about the youth of young people.

While the lyrics read like a love song, it’s likely his own message directed to his fans.

You’ve Got a FriendCarole King

Carole King – You’ve Got a Friend (Official Audio)

Carole King’s classic “You’ve Got a Friend,” which became a worldwide hit in the 1970s, is, as the title suggests, a song about friendship.

In the U.

S.

, when it comes to works themed around friendship, this song is so famous that it’s no exaggeration to call it the definitive example.

Beyond its lyrics, the melody is also exceptional, giving the entire piece a calm, gentle feel.

Whether you’re in the midst of your youth or looking to reminisce about days gone by, be sure to give it a listen.

UnwrittenNatasha Bedingfield

Natasha Bedingfield – Unwritten (Official Video) (as featured in Anyone But You)

Natasha Bedingfield’s hit song “Unwritten.” While it’s not all that well-known in Japan, it’s extremely famous overseas and enjoys overwhelming popularity as a coming-of-age anthem.

The charm of the song lies above all in its relatable lyrics: you may not have decided what you want to do yet, but you keep moving forward toward something.

If you’re a student worried because your future feels hazy, be sure to give it a listen.

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.