Global Soundtrack

The 17th century Scottish Patriot Andrew Fletcher is quoted as saying “Let me make the songs of a nation, and I care not who makes its laws."

Music has always had the power to move us, draw our attention and inspire change. Today is no different, from K-pop idols to underground protest poets, young artists continue to churn out beats that transform their listeners and provide blueprints for change.

Music is more than entertainment, it can be resistance, it can give hope. From Seoul to Abuja, here are some tracks based on SDGs under review in 2025 that resonate with young people worldwide.

SDG 3

Good Health and Well-Being

Doechii – Anxiety

Mental health anthems are connecting with youth like never before, and Doechii’s viral hit “Anxiety” is a prime example. After quietly releasing “Anxiety” on YouTube in 2019, the 25-year-old rapper saw the song explode in popularity this year, even launching an official music video that became a viral sensation. With raw, relatable lyrics, Doechii nails the physical and mental symptoms of anxiety and lets listeners know they aren’t alone . The song’s honesty struck a chord on TikTok and beyond – and Doechii took it further by creating a mental health resource hub called “Anxiety Is Watching Me” to support fans . In an era when young people face unprecedented stress, “Anxiety” has become an unexpected anthem for self-care, reminding us that seeking help and taking a breath are acts of strength, not weakness.

Alessia Cara – Scars to Your Beautiful

Canadian singer Alessia Cara struck a chord with young listeners with her pop ballad “Scars to Your Beautiful,” an empowering song about body positivity and self-acceptance. In an age of Instagram filters and impossible beauty standards, “Scars to Your Beautiful” offers a gentle counter-narrative: you’re beautiful just the way you are.
Cara wrote the song when she was 19, drawing from her own struggles with insecurity and being bullied about her appearance. The result is a kind of modern mantra for anyone (but especially young women) facing pressure to look “perfect" in order to love your true self. “Scars” climbed to the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, fueled by millions of young fans relating to its message. Alessia doubled down by partnering with organizations that support girl’s confidence and even stopped wearing makeup during live performances of the song to embody its ethos. In short, “Scars to Your Beautiful” has become the kind of pop song that makes people cry happy tears – a reminder that in the quest for a better world, learning to love yourself is a revolutionary act in itself.

Bad Bunny: “DTMF”

This Spanish-language hit (short for Debí Tirar Más Fotos, “I Should Have Taken More Photos”) became a TikTok sensation as young people used it to honor loved ones. In the song, Bad Bunny expresses deep regret for not cherishing moments with friends and family who are now gone. The emotional lyrics struck a chord globally, reminding listeners to value relationships and memories – a key to mental health and well-being. As fans created photo montages of lost loved ones to “DTMF,” Bad Bunny himself was moved to tears by the trend. The song’s heartfelt message of love, nostalgia, and living fully resonates with SDG 3 by encouraging emotional openness and support among young people.

SDG 5

Gender Equality

Mashrou’ Leila – Roman

Lebanon’s indie-rock heroes Mashrou’ Leila have never shied away from controversy, and on “Roman” they deliver a fierce ode to Arab female empowerment. The music video (directed by Jessy Moussallem) is a stunning montage of women in traditional dress arranged like an imperial army – a direct challenge to simplistic depictions of Arab women. Released in 2017 on their album Ibn El Leil, “Roman” became an underground feminist anthem across the Arab world. The band’s openly queer frontman, Hamed Sinno, already an icon for LGBTQ+ youth in the region, used this song to also shine a light on women’s rights. “Roman” encapsulates the spirit of SDG 5 in a local context – asserting that Arab women can be fierce feminist icons on their own terms. The song’s bold imagery and lyrics gave many young listeners in the Middle East a jolt of pride – a reminder that strength and defiance run deep in their cultural heritage, and that the fight for equality has many faces.

Vivir Quintana ft. El Palomar – “Canción sin miedo”

From Mexico comes “Canción sin miedo” (“Song without Fear”), a heart-stirring feminist anthem that has given voice to a movement. Originally written for International Women’s Day, this soulful folk song speaks out about missing women and femicides, demanding justice and remembrance . It’s not just popular in Mexico – its powerful chorus has echoed at women’s marches across Latin America and beyond, uniting young people in solidarity. The song’s cultural impact is immense: it has become an anthem for feminist protests worldwide, often sung by crowds of women to honor victims and declare “Ni Una Menos” (not one woman less). With its haunting melody and unflinching lyrics, “Canción sin miedo” inspires courage and sisterhood, embodying the fight for gender equality on a global scale.

Beyoncé (ft. WizKid & Blue Ivy) – Brown Skin Girl

Few songs have celebrated Black girl magic as joyfully as “Brown Skin Girl.” This R&B track – by Beyoncé, her daughter Blue Ivy and with Nigerian star WizKid immediately became a cultural touchstone as part The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack. The song “celebrates Black beauty” and name-drops icons like Lupita Nyong’o and Naomi Campbell as inspirations. Beyoncé explained that in the music video was important to represent “all different shades of brown” in a “regal light” – and indeed the video features women across the African diaspora glowing with pride. For young Black girls who rarely see themselves centered in media, hearing Beyoncé and 8-year-old Blue Ivy harmonize “your skin is just like pearls, the best thing in the world” was affirming beyond measure. The song won numerous awards (Blue Ivy even earned a Grammy as a co-writer at age 9!). More importantly, it sparked a viral #BrownSkinGirlChallenge, with women posting selfies to celebrate their skin. In line with SDG 5’s aim for gender equality, “Brown Skin Girl” is basically a 4-minute musical hug telling every brown-skinned listener: you’re gorgeous, you’re valuable, and you belong in the spotlight.

SDG 8

Decent Work and Economic Growth

BTS – Silver Spoon

Leave it to global K-pop phenoms BTS to turn social commentary into a bop that youth can’t get enough of. “Silver Spoon” (also known by its Korean title “Baepsae” is a fiery hip-hop track that speaks for a generation of young people facing unfair economic odds. In Korean slang, a “silver spoon” refers to those born privileged (the “storks”), while “Baepsae” symbolize the underprivileged strivers. BTS uses this metaphor to call out the deep socioeconomic inequality in society. The song’s lyrics urge hardworking young people not to be discouraged by a system stacked against them – mocking the older elites who preach about “hard work” despite having everything handed to them. With explosive energy, BTS give voice to young people's frustrations, referencing Korea’s “N-po generation” (young people forced to give up on marriage, home ownership, and more due to economic pressure). “Silver Spoon” has become especially popular among young fans worldwide who chant along to its rebellious hook, feeling seen and understood. It’s a stellar example of pop music fueling a conversation about decent work and inclusive growth – all while making you want to dance and shout “Not today!” at the status quo

Burna Boy – Dangote

Nigerian Afro-fusion superstar Burna Boy has youths everywhere singing “Dangote,” a mid-tempo Afrobeat hit with a powerful economic message. Named after Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, the song uses his hustle as inspiration – “Dangote still dey find money o…” Burna Boy chants, meaning “Dangote is still looking for money”. The track is an expression of daily struggles in Nigeria, vividly portraying the struggles of ordinary people hustling to survive. Yet it’s also motivational: if even a billionaire works hard every day, none of us should be ashamed to grind for a better life. Young people in West Africa and beyond have embraced “Dangote” as a hustle anthem, dancing to its infectious beat while taking its message to heart. The song’s cultural impact goes beyond entertainment – it spotlights economic inequality and unemployment, urging young listeners to persevere and overcome poverty.

Dolly Parton – “9 to 5”

Originally released in 1980, Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” has surged back into relevance, resonating with a new generation of workers in 2025. This upbeat country-pop classic – famously written for the comedy film 9 to 5 – is more than just a catchy tune; it’s an anthem about workplace gender discrimination, giving voice to women office workers striving for fair treatment . Dolly’s witty lyrics (“they just use your mind and never give you credit”) captured the frustration of being underpaid and overlooked, while also affirming dreams for economic independence. Today’s young people, growing up with #MeToo and calls for equal pay, find fresh power in this song’s message. It’s frequently featured in TikTok reels and empowerment playlists, proving that its rallying cry for women’s rights and workplace equality is truly timeless. From the U.S. to abroad, “9 to 5” inspires listeners to pour themselves “a cup of ambition” each morning and keep fighting for decent work conditions and economic equality.

SDG 14

Life Below Water

Dhee (ft. Arivu) – Enjoy Enjaami

A genre-blending sensation out of South India, “Enjoy Enjaami” is a Tamil-language hit that took the world by storm in 2021 – and carries a deep social message. Sung by Dhee (a Sri Lankan-Australian artist) with lyrics by rapper Arivu, the song is a celebration of ancestors, land, and the bounty of Mother Earth. Beneath its addictive beat – a fusion of traditional oppari folk melodies with Afro-Caribbean rhythm – lies a tribute to marginalized tea plantation workers. Arivu drew inspiration from his own grandmother, who toiled as a landless laborer and shared stories of exploitation and resilience. Lines like “the sweat and blood of our ancestors” drive home the song’s call for social and ecological justice. “Enjoy Enjaami” (which loosely means “enjoy, my dear”) urges listeners to cherish their roots and environment, reminding us that the riches we enjoy today were cultivated by those before us . The track went viral – racking up tens of millions of views within weeks of release – and sparked global dance challenges. More importantly, it intruded on regressive norms and sparked conversations about caste, land rights, and unity between humans and nature . It’s a song that you can also groove to, proving that advocacy can wear a smile and a killer hook.

Auli’i Cravalho – “How Far I’ll Go”

This soaring ballad from Disney’s Moana has captured the hearts of young people everywhere, becoming an unofficial love song to the ocean. Hawaiian actress Auli’i Cravalho’s pure voice gives “How Far I’ll Go” an authentic island spirit that resonates deeply across cultures. The song’s lyrics – “See the line where the sky meets the sea? It calls me” – express a yearning to explore the open water and a respect for the sea’s allure. Young people find the track emotionally uplifting; many relate Moana’s story to their own desire to protect what they love. By inspiring a sense of wonder for the sea, “How Far I’ll Go” subtly nurtures the next generation of ocean advocates. Whether belting it out at karaoke or sharing clips on social media, young fans are reminded of the beauty of life below water and why we must cherish it.

Dhee (ft. Arivu) – Enjoy Enjaami

A genre-blending sensation out of South India, “Enjoy Enjaami” is a Tamil-language hit that took the world by storm in 2021 – and carries a deep social message. Sung by Dhee (a Sri Lankan-Australian artist) with lyrics by rapper Arivu, the song is a celebration of ancestors, land, and the bounty of Mother Earth. Beneath its addictive beat – a fusion of traditional oppari folk melodies with Afro-Caribbean rhythm – lies a tribute to marginalized tea plantation workers. Arivu drew inspiration from his own grandmother, who toiled as a landless laborer and shared stories of exploitation and resilience. Lines like “the sweat and blood of our ancestors” drive home the song’s call for social and ecological justice. “Enjoy Enjaami” (which loosely means “enjoy, my dear”) urges listeners to cherish their roots and environment, reminding us that the riches we enjoy today were cultivated by those before us . The track went viral – racking up tens of millions of views within weeks of release – and sparked global dance challenges. More importantly, it intruded on regressive norms and sparked conversations about caste, land rights, and unity between humans and nature . It’s a song that you can also groove to, proving that advocacy can wear a smile and a killer hook.

Billie Eilish - Ocean Eyes

This dreamy pop ballad, which Billie famously wrote as a young teen, has regained viral love as a soothing ode to the ocean’s beauty. With her airy vocals, Eilish compares someone’s eyes to the depths of the sea, giving way to healing blue calm. The song’s ethereal imagery makes listeners, especially Gen-Z fans, feel like they’re floating in a gentle tide – a stark contrast to the noisy world above water. Beyond the lyrics, Billie Eilish herself has emerged as an outspoken climate advocate for her generation. She’s used her platform to support ocean conservation and climate action, even organizing “Overheated” climate forums on tour. When youth stream “Ocean Eyes” in 2025, they don’t just hear a love song – they feel a connection to nature. The mellow waves of this track encourage us to appreciate our blue planet’s tranquility and to protect that serenity in real life. In line with SDG 14, “Ocean Eyes” inspires young people to fall in love with the ocean’s magic, fostering care for marine life and our shared environment.

SDG 17

Partnerships for the Goals

Miles Caton - I Lied to You

American indie-pop duo Sinners took the world by surprise with their introspective, emotionally resonant hit, “I Lied to You.” Initially appearing as a catchy breakup anthem, listeners quickly discovered deeper layers in the lyrics. At its core, the song speaks powerfully about honesty, trust, and repairing broken relationships—resonating deeply with SDG 17’s focus on partnership, cooperation, and rebuilding trust. Young people worldwide embraced the song’s raw vulnerability and its call to reflect, apologize, and bridge divides. With viral TikTok trends encouraging users to mend fractured relationships, “I Lied to You” became an unlikely soundtrack for reconciliation, unity, and collaboration, reminding us that lasting global partnerships, just like personal ones, thrive on truth and authenticity.

K’naan – Wavin’ Flag

Back in 2010, a song by Somali-Canadian artist K’naan became the unofficial soundtrack of youthful hope around the globe. “Wavin’ Flag” was originally written about K’naan’s experience as a refugee from war-torn Somalia yearning for freedom. The song’s inspiring chorus – “When I get older, I will be stronger, they’ll call me freedom, just like a waving flag” – took on new life when it was chosen as the anthem of the FIFA World Cup 2010. Suddenly, “Wavin’ Flag” became an international anthem with powerful words of hope crossing generations and borders. Many young people around the world first heard it during that World Cup and instantly fell in love with its message. But unlike most sports anthems, “Wavin’ Flag” carries the soul of social justice. It speaks of resilience amid struggle – a nod to K’naan’s own journey fleeing civil war at 13 and finding a new home in Canada. In the years since, “Wavin’ Flag” has been rerecorded countless times and there are now versions in over 20 languages, and it hit #1 in 19 countries. Beyond the charts, the song has been used in classrooms to teach about global cooperation, in rallies calling for unity, and in refugee camps to give hope. It embodies SDG 17’s vision of global solidarity and partnership – because it brought people together across borders under one melody.

Dem Mob – Soul of the Lion

Australia’s Indigenous hip-hop sensation, Dem Mob, brings powerful storytelling and vibrant energy with their track “Soul of the Lion.” Originating from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, Dem Mob uniquely blends English lyrics with Pitjantjatjara language, celebrating Aboriginal identity and resilience while confronting injustices faced by Indigenous communities. The track’s compelling beats amplify calls for global unity. “Soul of the Lion” not only gives voice to marginalized youth, but also urges society toward unity, peace, and respect for Indigenous rights. Resonating widely among young listeners across Australia and beyond, Dem Mob’s music has become a vibrant anthem promoting justice, cultural pride, and community solidarity.