A wonderful classic

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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

What kind of image comes to mind when you hear the phrase “Western music” if you’re a current junior high school student?

Some of you might feel like, “I can’t understand the English lyrics,” or “I’m not sure what they mean.”

This time, we’ve put together a selection of recommended songs for students who are just starting to listen to Western music or are thinking of giving it a try.

Focusing on tracks with easy-to-listen-to melodies and lyrics that use simple English words, we’ve selected a wide range across genres—from classic pop masterpieces to loud, intense rock bands, and the latest hit songs!

Recommended Western Music for Middle School Students – From Popular Classics to the Latest Hits – (51–60)

Part-Time LoverStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder – Part Time Lover (Lyrics)

Part-Time LoverStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder is one of the most iconic musicians from the United States.

Part-Time Lover is a single released in 1985, and it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

In Japan, it was covered by Yoko Oginome.

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Work from HomeFifth Harmony

Fifth Harmony – Work from Home (Official Video) ft. Ty Dolla $ign

Work from HomeFifth Harmony

Fifth Harmony is an American music group formed in 2012.

Work from Home is a single released in 2016 that reached number three on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Canadian Hot 100.

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Cry Me A RiverJustin Tinberlake

Justin Timberlake – Cry Me A River (Official Video)

Cry Me A RiverJustin Tinberlake

Justin Timberlake is an American singer-songwriter who is also active as an actor.

“Cry Me a River” is a single released in 2002, which reached No.

3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

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UmbrellaRihanna

Rihanna – Umbrella (Orange Version) (Official Music Video) ft. JAY-Z

UmbrellaRihanna

Rihanna is a singer-songwriter from Barbados who is also active as a model.

“Umbrella” is a single released in 2007 that became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart.

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Recommended Western Music for Junior High School Students – From Popular Songs to the Latest Hits – (61–70)

Lush LifeZara Larsson

Zara Larsson – Lush Life

Lush LifeZara Larsson

Zara Larsson is a singer from Sweden.

Lush Life is a single released in June 2015, and it debuted at number one on the Swedish charts.

It has also been used in an Estée Lauder commercial.

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PILLOWTALKZAYN

ZAYN – PILLOWTALK (Official Video)

PILLOWTALKZAYN

ZAYN (Zayn Malik) is a singer from England.

He is a former member of One Direction and made his solo debut in 2016.

“PILLOWTALK” reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and the Canadian Hot 100.

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In conclusion

When you first start listening to Western music, it feels exciting, as if you’re touching a different world.

Music you hear during the sensitive years of junior high is, of course, a precious experience you can only have at that time.

I hope you’ll find a favorite song from this article and take your first step into the vast world of Western music!