Moving Western songs recommended for junior high school students: world classics and popular hits
I’ve picked out some moving Western songs that I’d recommend to junior high school students.
I’ve included a wide range—from fairly recent tracks to older ones.
They’ll give you goosebumps.
Please use this as a reference.
Be sure to share them with your classmates, too!
Moving Western songs recommended for junior high school students: world masterpieces and popular songs (1–10)
Try EverythingShakira
This is a song that gives you a powerful push on the back, saying, “It’s okay to fail over and over—just try again!” Sung by the world-famous star from Colombia, Shakira, the track was written as the theme song for the Disney film Zootopia.
The protagonist’s strong will to keep taking on new challenges without giving up—even after falling down and getting hurt—is vividly portrayed over a bright, pop melody.
The song became a beloved classic worldwide, earning a nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 59th Grammy Awards.
It’s perfect for when you hit a wall in your studies or club activities, or when you want to fire yourself up to start something new.
It’s sure to fill you with positive courage and make you think, “I can do it!”
Santa Tell MeAriana Grande
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.
This Is MeThe Greatest Showman Cast
It’s a powerful anthem that teaches us the importance of taking pride in our true selves.
This moving song is performed by The Greatest Showman Cast, featuring Hugh Jackman from Australia.
With its gospel-style chorus, it celebrates the beauty of not fearing your differences and turning them into your shining strength.
Included on the film’s album, The Greatest Showman: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, it was used in the figure skating exhibition at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, bringing an emotional close to the event.
When you’ve lost confidence by comparing yourself to others, listening to this song will help you affirm your unique individuality with strength.
It’s a special track that gives you the courage to take that first step.
Count on MeBruno Mars
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.
Thinking out loudEd Sheeran
The best-selling singer-songwriter right now.
He rose from the streets to become a big star, yet his music remains very simple and sincere.
He’s a nice guy whose character shines through his expressions, but his solo live shows can be intense at times, and his rap parts are technically sharp.
This song is an award-winning ballad that even took home a Grammy.
It’s moving.
High HopesPanic! At The Disco
An irresistibly cheerful anthem that gives you a nudge and says, “I can do it!” This song is by the American rock band Panic! At The Disco.
The powerful horn section and Brendon Urie’s soaring vocals alone are enough to fill you with energy.
The track centers on his childhood dreams and sings about the importance of continuing to set ambitious goals, even when things don’t go well.
Featured on the album Pray for the Wicked, it became a massive hit, spending 65 weeks at No.
1 on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs chart.
It was also used in a Honda commercial, so many people may find it familiar.
Listen to it when you’re working toward your dreams and goals, and you’ll feel inspired to believe that “nothing is impossible!”
Don’t look back in angerOasis
The global success of Oasis’s first and second albums might be the last beautiful outlier in the history of mega-hits by rock bands.
That’s how packed these two albums are with superb melodies, with no throwaway tracks.
Among them, this classic—always a massive sing-along at concerts—is perfect as an introduction to Western rock music.