Recommended Western music for junior high school students — from popular classics to the latest hits

WonderwallOasis

Oasis – Wonderwall (Official Video)

Oasis is a British rock band that was active in the ’90s and 2000s.

They truly became legends in rock history, and even after their breakup, they remain beloved by many listeners.

But they’re not just an amazing band from the past—Oasis influenced rock bands around the world that came after them.

Of course, many of Japan’s newest rock musicians have also been influenced by their songs.

For middle school students, if Oasis becomes your starting point for listening to Western rock bands, you can trace music back from there or explore new sounds—the ways you can listen from here are limitless.

Ain’t It FunParamore

Paramore: Ain’t It Fun [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

When Paramore made their album debut in 2005, their vocalist Hayley Williams was just 17 years old.

Even with more than 15 years of experience under their belt, she was still in her early thirties as of 2020, which really shows how young they were when they started out.

“Ain’t It Fun,” included on Paramore’s acclaimed 2015 album Paramore and winner of the Best Rock Song at the 57th Grammy Awards, exemplifies this.

Centered on Hayley’s superb vocals, its funky rhythms and beats feel great, and it stands out as a masterpiece with exceptional pop craftsmanship.

It’s also a great pick for a dance assignment!

Sunday MorningMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Sunday Morning

Since the massive success of their 2002 debut album Songs About Jane, Los Angeles–born Maroon 5 have remained at the forefront of the music scene.

Among their songs—distinguished by a keen sense for skillfully blending diverse musical styles into contemporary pop—I’d like to highlight Sunday Morning from that debut album.

Chosen for a Toyota commercial, it’s also a very popular track in Japan.

With a vibe that would fit perfectly as lounge music playing in a café, it’s an ideal song for junior high school students who want to take a small step up and listen to something stylish.

It’s my lifeBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – It’s My Life (Official Music Video)

Bon Jovi, the monster band that achieved worldwide success in the 1980s and is also known for its strong bond with Japanese fans.

While their signature songs are largely the massive hits released in the ’80s, the track that became a new anthem for them was It’s My Life, released in 2000.

Considering they only released two albums in the 1990s, this song could hardly be more fitting as a masterpiece to usher in a new phase of their career from the 2000s onward.

Built on tight rhythms and hard-edged guitar riffs, the instantly memorable melody line is nothing short of remarkable.

Its empowering lyrics make it a great cheer song even for junior high school students studying for entrance exams.

Master of PuppetsMetallica

Metallica-Master Of Puppets (Lyrics)

A song by Metallica, a four-piece metal band with over 100 million albums sold worldwide.

The palm-muted guitar riff that runs throughout the track is played entirely with down-picking despite the fast tempo, creating a relentlessly thrilling sound.

At the start of the guitar solo, the mood shifts from the preceding intensity to a sorrowful arpeggio, then unfolds into a weeping twin-lead guitar solo—a structure rich in storytelling that epitomizes metal.

Since its release, it has become one of the indispensable classics in the history of metal.

Count on MeBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Count on Me (Official Lyric Video)

A heartwarming song about the importance of bonds with friends! This work by American superstar Bruno Mars features a soothing acoustic guitar sound and rhythms that evoke Hawaii.

The straightforward message—when you’re in trouble, I’ll help you, so I want you to rely on me too—will surely move you.

The track is included on the classic album Doo‑Wops & Hooligans, released in October 2010.

In Australia, it gained popularity through radio play and reached No.

19 on the charts.

If you’ve had a fight with a close friend or want to cheer up someone who’s feeling down, listening to this song will surely help you be honest with your feelings.

Santa Tell MeAriana Grande

Ariana Grande – Santa Tell Me (Official Video)

This is a Christmas song by American pop diva Ariana Grande that’s loved around the world every winter.

Set to an upbeat, heart-lifting sound, she sings a slightly bittersweet love story, asking Santa, “Will he still be by my side next year?” The glittering holiday atmosphere and the delicate feelings of a love in flux blend perfectly, making your heart skip a beat.

Released in November 2014 on the EP “Christmas Kisses,” the track was also performed on a Disney Parks special.

Its popularity steadily grew, and it became a new holiday staple—becoming the first 21st-century song to break into the U.

S.

Top 5.

It’s the perfect tune for anyone pining after someone special, and if you play it at a party while chatting about love with friends, you’re sure to share those sweet-and-sour feelings and have a great time.