Heart-wrenching Western songs recommended for middle schoolers: world-class masterpieces and popular hits

HumanThe Killers

The Killers – Human (Official Music Video)

It’s a wonderful masterpiece by The Killers, with a refreshing melody that sticks in your head.

While it has a slightly more mature vibe, it’s a song I especially want high school students—who live in a world full of competition like club activities and entrance exams—to listen to.

Stick with youThe Pussycat Dolls

The Pussycat Dolls – Stickwitu (Official Music Video) ft. Avant

A song that holds the record for consecutive weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.

Acoustic-leaning singers have been increasingly incorporating rap and creating great tracks, with Ed Sheeran and Jason Mraz being prime examples.

A breezy, lovely love song that suits the sea.

With or Without YouU2

U2 – With Or Without You (U2 At The BBC)

If there’s one quintessential U2 classic, it’s this song.

Their delicate melodies and the song’s evocative atmosphere almost bring you to tears.

The album it’s on, The Joshua Tree, is also widely celebrated as a masterpiece.

I’d especially recommend it to music-loving guys with sharpened sensibilities.

Say It Ain’t SoWeezer

Weezer – Say It Ain’t So (Version 3)

The full-on Weezer, slightly melancholic melody line brings you to the brink of hot tears.

That signature Weezer sound—evoking the spirit of boys in their adolescent years—resonates deeply, and it’s likely to strike a powerful chord with high schoolers.

See You Again ft. Charlie PuthWiz Khalifa

Wiz Khalifa – See You Again ft. Charlie Puth [Official Video] Furious 7 Soundtrack

When it comes to must-listen tearjerker songs for young people, this is the one! It was also used as an insert song in the hugely popular film Fast & Furious, and it’s a wonderful track filled with the passion of deep friendship.

It’s a classic beloved not only in Japan but by young people all around the world.

Graduationbenny blanco, Juice WRLD

benny blanco, Juice WRLD – Graduation (Official Music Video)

A moving graduation song that poignantly portrays memories of high school life and personal growth.

This collaboration by benny blanco and Juice WRLD was released in August 2019 and dominated charts around the world.

The music video features many celebrities and depicts the futures of graduating students.

Set to a melody that samples Vitamin C’s classic hit, Juice WRLD’s delicate vocals sing about past friendships, inner struggles, and hope for the future.

Its honest portrayal of adolescent emotions will surely resonate with junior high school students as well.

It’s a song that gives you the courage to take a new step forward.

Piano ManBilly Joel

Billy Joel – Piano Man (Official HD Video)

From the late 1970s to the 1980s, Billy Joel enjoyed exceptional popularity around the world, including in Japan, and left behind numerous classic songs.

Many people probably started listening to Western music with Billy.

Among them, this piano ballad is a masterpiece you should savor by reading the lyrics.

At times gentle, at times passionate, Billy’s voice shines with an evergreen brilliance.