A wonderful classic

Dance music in Western pop recommended for junior high school students

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!

When you think of dance music, many people probably imagine upbeat, high-energy tracks.

While that kind of dance music is certainly mainstream, since the 2020s, songs with a stylish tone have also been gaining popularity.

This time, we’ve selected dance tracks that we can recommend especially to lively middle school students.

In addition to up-tempo songs, we’ll also feature downbeat, stylish pieces—so please sit back, relax, and enjoy to the end!

Dance music in Western pop recommended for junior high school students (51–60)

Locked AwayR. City ft. Adam Levine

R. City – Locked Away ft. Adam Levine

Locked AwayR. City ft. Adam Levine

R.

City, also known as Rock City and Planet VI, is an American production duo active since 2003.

This pop-reggae track, featuring vocals by Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, was released as a digital download in 2015.

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Fight SongRachel Platten

Rachel Platten – Fight Song (Official Video)

Fight SongRachel Platten

An anthem track about not giving up.

It was released in 2015 by American singer-songwriter Rachel Platten.

The track, which was used in the trailer for the TV show “Supergirl” and in a Ford commercial, became a hit around the world.

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No TypeRae Sremmurd

Rae Sremmurd – No Type (Official Video)

No TypeRae Sremmurd

Rae Sremmurd is an American hip-hop duo active since 2009.

This track was released as a digital download in 2014 and has been certified platinum in the United States.

Two remix versions have also been released, including one by American rapper Lil Wayne.

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LifestyleRich Gang ft. Young Thug, Rich Homie Quan

Rich Gang – Lifestyle (Official Music Video) ft. Young Thug, Rich Homie Quan

LifestyleRich Gang ft. Young Thug, Rich Homie Quan

A collaboration by the American hip-hop group Rich Gang and rappers Young Thug and Rich Homie Quan.

It was released as a digital download in 2014.

The track reached No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts and has been certified Platinum.

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Dance music in Western pop recommended for junior high school students (61–70)

When I’m GoneAlesso, Katy Perry

Alesso, Katy Perry – When I’m Gone (Official Music Video)

When I'm GoneAlesso, Katy Perry

Here’s a song I’d love middle schoolers who are just starting up the stairs to adulthood to hear: “When I’m Gone.” It was created in 2022 by Swedish DJ Alesso and American singer Katy Perry.

The groovy synth sound enveloping Katy Perry’s powerful vocals is striking.

Crafted as an exotically tinged electronica-pop track, it’s easy to get into even for newcomers to EDM.

Why not listen to this stylish dance number and bring out your coolest self?

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Follow MeDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Follow Me (Music Video)

Follow MeDua Lipa

Dua Lipa is a British singer-songwriter known as an icon of UK pop.

She won a Grammy Award in 2018.

Among her songs, the one I especially recommend for middle school students is Follow Me.

Its sound, reminiscent of house music, is captivating.

Another highlight is her emotional flow, overflowing with clarity and transparency.

If you like songs such as Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You, I think you’ll especially enjoy this track.

It also works great as an introduction to Western pop music, so be sure to check it out!

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Black WidowIggy Azalea ft. Rita Ora

Iggy Azalea – Black Widow ft. Rita Ora

Black WidowIggy Azalea ft. Rita Ora

A collaboration between Australian rapper Iggy Azalea and British artist Rita Ora.

Produced with involvement from Katy Perry, it was released in 2014.

The music video was inspired by 1970s kung fu films and Quentin Tarantino’s movies.

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In conclusion

This time, I selected mainly the latest hit songs within dance music.

Because of that, you probably got the impression that there’s a lot of stylish, contemporary dance music in the mix.

While dance music is a genre where trends tend to evolve slowly, there are also major shifts like the ones we’re seeing now, so let this article be your cue to check them out.