Songs About Being 18
Let’s explore the songs about being 18 years old. For many artists, being 18 has a very special meaning. At this time, people’s energy and emotions are much higher. Here are the songs about being 18 years old, with their favorite examples from different genres, from rock to pop:
One Direction – 18
One Direction followed in the footsteps of JLS and The Wanted as another boy band to dominate global music charts, selling millions of records worldwide and filling arenas worldwide during their world tour.
One Direction are an English-Irish pop band composed of Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne and Harry Styles who have become popular for their boyish charm and unique sound.
The band formed in 2010 after each member auditioned individually for The X Factor’s seventh series as solo artists and were found worthy of being combined into a group by its judges. Once assembled as such, they finished third overall and were signed by Simon Cowell’s record label Syco. Since then they have released five albums, gone on a world tour, made several movies, etc. This track is one of the most popular songs about being 18.
Skid Row – 18 And Life
Skid Row was unlike many of their rock-era contemporaries who were forced by handlers to modify their music in order to remain popular (such as Motley Crue, Ratt and Guns N’ Roses), who instead relied on powerful songcraft such as bassist Rachel Bolan’s to maintain popularity (compare Motley Crue, Ratt and Guns N’ Roses for examples of this trend), due to a dedicated fanbase. From their 1989 self-titled debut and 1991’s Slave to the Grind respectively; lead vocalist Sebastian Bach caused further issues but the group persevered until 1996 when personal differences and changing trends finally led to its disbandment and lineup fracture. This song is one of the most original songs about being 18.
Anarbor – 18
Anarbor has already made waves on the national scene despite not yet having released their full-length album, embarking on an extensive tour and having their songs featured on national television. Furthermore, their hit track “You and I” can currently be heard airing on Cartoon Network’s show Stoked as well as receiving its own music video!
Anarbor, a Phoenix-based rock band formed while they were still high schoolers, signed to Hopeless Records while still junior high and have since been touring extensively, sharing stages with bands such as Fall Out Boy and Gin Blossoms. Their music can also be found on national talk shows Good Day L.A. and ESPN’s Sports Center; plus they wrote and recorded the theme song for a new Scooby Doo movie! This work by Anarbor is one of the first ones that come to mind among songs about being 18.
Alice Cooper – I’m Eighteen
Alice Cooper is an iconic rock musician, often credited with shaping the sound and look of heavy metal music. A cultural figure in both Detroit and rock music circles, Cooper has appeared in multiple movies such as Wayne’s World, Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows, and Jesus Christ Superstar: the Movie Version.
Vincent Furnier formed two bands during high school: Earwigs (Earwigs), then Spiders. This trio performed locally before eventually finding success under producer Bob Ezrin’s guidance; initially under their former names (Earwigs then Spiders), they went on to form Alice Cooper (later taking on stage shows with boa constrictors, guillotines and fake blood as part of a stage show); they refined their style on albums School’s Out and then Billion Dollar Babies respectively. This unforgettable song is one of the most high-energy among songs about being 18.
Bryan Adams – 18 Till I Die
Bryan Adams has been a beloved musician for four decades, selling more than 100 million records worldwide and serving as both photographer and philanthropic activities.
Born November 5, 1959 in Kingston, Ontario Canada to a diplomat father serving the British army, his family regularly relocated, living places like Lisbon Portugal and Vienna Austria.
Adams began his musical career performing in bands in Vancouver. Later he replaced Nick Gilder in Sweeney Todd and recorded their album If Wishes Were Horses which proved immensely popular and launched Adams solo career as an artist. Furthermore he gained notoriety at events such as 1985 Live Aid event and 1987 Princes Trust All-Star rock concert held at Wembley Stadium. This successful song has one of the most emotional lyrics among songs about being 18.
Daughtry – 18 Years
Daughtry made his professional rock debut after appearing on American Idol’s fifth season and has gone on to sell over four million copies of their self-titled debut album, reaching #1 on Billboard charts.
Daughtry has maintained his musical interests over the years, while also expanding into other entertainment arenas. He has appeared in movies, performed stunts and illustrated comic books – activities which provide him with another source of joy that compliment his musical endeavors.
He is currently at work on his next album and says that the first song has already been composed. His music reflects life around him – the COVID-19 pandemic and other political concerns among them.
5SOS – 18
Aussie Boys is Australia’s best-selling boy band, having charted five consecutive #1 albums. Furthermore, they outlasted One Direction who initially gave them an edge.
5SOS (Luke Hemmings, Michael Clifford, Calum Hood and Ashton Irwin) first formed in Sydney in 2011 and started posting YouTube videos. Over time they amassed an international following before touring with One Direction in 2014.
After 2018’s Youngblood, the band took some time off to “reinvent themselves.” CALM is the result of this period – an adult pop album produced with some of the industry’s top producers and featuring Easier as its first single – taking elements that worked on Youngblood and reinvigorating them with new influences and collaborators to produce an infectiously catchy New Wave track that promises another hit single! This track is considered as one of songs about being 18.
Pale Waves – Eighteen
Pale Waves first gained notoriety five years ago as they donned dramatic hairdos and heavy makeup to emulate goth rock icons Siouxsie & the Banshees and The Cure. Soon thereafter, they earned themselves their debut NME cover featuring The 1975 frontman Matty Healy with their debut LP covered in an 80s sheen.
The four-piece band worked diligently in the studio to craft their second album ‘Who Am I?’as an expression of purpose; dedicated to their LQBTQ+ community and meant for its sound to reflect this sentiment. “Eighteen” is a striking example for the songs about being 18.
Ray Price – I Wish I Was 18 Again
Ray Price hailing from Perryville, Texas eventually turned his sights toward music after exploring other careers such as ranching and veterinary science. Originally playing honky-tonks and performing at Dallas’ Big D Jamboree before singing for KRBC’s Hillbilly Circus during World War II forced him into service as part of the Marines.
Price then recorded demos for Bullet Records in Dallas, which caught the attention of Lefty Frizzell who introduced him to Hank Williams who became Price’s manager allowing him to room with this Grand Ole Opry icon.
Price expanded his singing abilities during this period and pioneered the 4/4 bass-driven beat that would come to define country music in the early 1950s. This innovation contributed greatly to making the country more mainstream. This amazing song can be listed as one of songs about being 18 .
Khalid – 8TEEN
Khalid, raised with a single mother due to her military job, has made quite the name for himself as an emerging singer. His debut single “Location” reached No. 2 on the US charts while his debut album American Teen reached No. 4.
Khalid’s vocals bring an intimate and melancholic tone to Marshmello’s single “Silence.” His soulful and emotive voice captures both loneliness and desire for connection in equal measure.
Khalid captures the expansiveness of love on his song “Ocean”, featuring Martin Garrix. A soothing piano melody and electronic beats accompany Khalid’s soothing vocals perfectly while melodic guitar chords and soothing synth riffs provide perfect accompaniment for his soothing lyrics about its ability to transform one.
Among songs about being 18, it would be impossible not to mention this song by Khalid.