Dance music in Western pop recommended for junior high school students

IffyChris Brown

Chris Brown – Iffy (Official Video)

Chris Brown has long been active as an R&B singer.

In the latter half of the 2010s, R&B entered a rapid decline.

However, because Chris Brown adapted R&B into a modern musical style, he continues to thrive today.

You have to admire his knack for catching trends.

One of his iconic tracks is Iffy.

Its blend of trap music and R&B is striking, resulting in a stylish, highly groovable sound.

PARANOIADARIA

DARIA MARX – PARANOIA (Official Music Video)

Many middle schoolers probably prefer catchy, poppy songs.

But there are surely some who like tracks with a more stylish vibe, right? For those people, I recommend PARANOIA.

It’s incredibly upbeat, yet the overall sound is kept cool, so it never feels overbearing—that’s the charm! The tempo is fast, too, so why not use it as BGM on your way to school?

UpINNA

INNA – Up

INNA is an artist who represents Romania.

She has gained worldwide popularity in deep house and EDM, consistently releasing hit songs thanks to her catchy style.

Among her works, the one I especially recommend is “Up.” This track is packed with elements of Romanian music.

Its Arabian-tinged musicality—shaped by Romania’s position between the Middle East and Europe—is particularly striking.

If you’re a middle school student who likes Latin music, Arabian flavors, and dance music, definitely give it a listen.

AcapulcoJason Derulo

Jason Derulo – Acapulco [Official Music Video]

Jason Derulo is a singer-songwriter who has been active since the 2000s.

In his early years he gained popularity as an R&B singer, but since the late 2010s he’s been active as a full-fledged dance music vocalist.

Among his works, a song I’d recommend to middle schoolers is Acapulco.

It’s a track with strong soca and reggaeton influences and an overall upbeat, catchy sound.

How about using it as background music when hanging out with friends?

Friday ft. Mufasa & Hypeman (Dopamine Re-edit)Riton x Nightcrawlers

Riton x Nightcrawlers – Friday ft. Mufasa & Hypeman (Dopamine Re-edit) [Official Video]

For junior high school students, summer is a fun season thanks to the summer break.

Many of you will probably go to the pool and make the most of summer, right? A perfect track for that situation is “Friday ft.

Mufasa & Hypeman (Dopamine Re-edit).” While retaining the stylish vibe of deep house, it’s a classic that leaves a pop, summer-evoking impression.

Be sure to use it as background music for leisure activities like the pool or the beach!

INFERNOSub Urban & Bella Poarch

Sub Urban & Bella Poarch – INFERNO (Official Music Video)

Speaking of singers who gained worldwide recognition thanks to their popularity on TikTok, Sub Urban and Bella Poarch are prime examples.

If you’re a middle school student using TikTok, you’ve almost certainly heard at least one of their songs.

The work where these two TikTok-representative stars collaborated is INFERNO.

While the overall melody is upbeat and catchy, because both artists excel at dark pop, it carries a dark, gothic vibe in places.

Head & HeartJoel Corry

Joel Corry x MNEK – Head & Heart [Official Video]

I want to be true to my heart more than my reason! This track by UK DJ Joel Corry explores that universal struggle and the sense of release that follows.

Featuring fellow British singer MNEK on vocals, it blends an irresistibly catchy, feel-good melody with an emotional vocal performance.

The music video contrasts a monochrome everyday life with a colorful, happy version of oneself, giving you the courage to take that first step.

Upon its July 2020 release, it spent six weeks at No.

1 on the UK charts and was later included on the album Another Friday Night, becoming a global hit.

Put it on when you want to break free from the daily grind and shine—you’re guaranteed to feel amazing!