Recommended Western karaoke songs for middle school students
Western music has a kind of coolness that Japanese music doesn’t have.
I think many middle schoolers like it, too.
This time, we’ve selected Western songs that are perfect for middle school students.
We focused on high-energy tracks, so they’ll hype you up even when you’re listening with friends.
There are many famous artists included, so even those not familiar with Western music can enjoy it with confidence.
Feel free to use this as BGM for a friend’s birthday party or for a school festival performance.
Top 10 English-language karaoke songs recommended for junior high school students
As It WasHarry Styles
One Direction is a British boy band that gained worldwide popularity in the 2010s.
Even middle school students may know them through their parents or siblings.
Harry Styles was one of the most popular members of One Direction and is now thriving as a solo artist.
Among his works, a song I particularly recommend is As It Was.
Its sound is centered on synth-pop, a trend of the 2020s, giving it a nostalgic 1980s vibe.
ButterBTS
BTS is an idol group that’s extremely popular in Japan as well.
They’ve also gained a fair amount of popularity in English-speaking countries, and recently even earned a Grammy nomination.
Speaking of their hit songs, of course “Butter” comes to mind.
It’s one of their signature tracks, with an overall very catchy and pop feel.
Because of that, the song isn’t quirky or hard to approach, making it easy for anyone to enjoy.
For these reasons, it’s a track that can be recommended to middle school students too.
abcdefuGAYLE
Right now, the song getting the most attention on TikTok is “abcdefu.” It’s by the American singer-songwriter GAYLE, and its use on TikTok has propelled it to worldwide popularity.
The big appeal of this track is, without a doubt, its punchy lyrics.
The song seems to depict GAYLE’s own love life, serving up a scathing diss to her ex.
If you’re a middle schooler who just broke up and can’t stop feeling angry, definitely give it a listen.
STAYThe Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber
The rapper The Kid Laroi, who enjoys overwhelming popularity in Austria.
Although he’s a rapper, he has idol-like fame and is drawing attention from teenagers in Austria.
The work in which he collaborated with Justin Bieber—who likewise captures the gaze of teenagers around the world—is “STAY.” With a sound that blends synth-pop and hip-hop, it creates an overall refreshing vibe.
Be sure to check it out.
Light SwitchCharlie Puth
Singer-songwriter Charlie Puth, known for his high vocal range and wide musical versatility, has gained significant popularity.
He became instantly famous for singing See You Again, the theme song of the film Furious 7.
His new track is Light Switch.
Perhaps riding the synth-pop boom sparked by The Weeknd, it features a sound that’s very similar to his hit song Blinding Lights.
What Makes You BeautifulNEW!One Direction
A signature song from One Direction’s debut album “Up All Night” that propelled them to global stardom.
It’s also well known for winning the British Single of the Year at the 2012 BRIT Awards.
Born from the songwriter’s real-life experience, the heartwarming message—encouraging a loved one who feels “I’m not beautiful”—never fails to stir the emotions with every listen.
From the intro’s guitar riff it’s irresistibly catchy, and the unforgettable melody is guaranteed to light up any karaoke session.
The chorus is super simple, so even if you’re not confident in your English pronunciation, you can power through it—perfect for a big sing-along.
It’s the ultimate feel-good anthem.
Just The Way You AreNEW!Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars, a genius who effortlessly commands pop and R&B.
This is one of his signature songs and a hugely popular choice for wedding background music.
Its charm lies, above all, in the lyrics that unabashedly and straightforwardly lavish praise on the one you love.
Just listening to it makes you feel happy.
Released in July 2010 as his solo debut single and included on the album Doo-Wops & Hooligans, this track also won at the 53rd Grammy Awards.
With piano at its core and an easy-to-remember melody, it’s very approachable to try.
If you sing it when expressing your feelings to someone special, it’s sure to be a hit!