Moving Western songs recommended for junior high school students: world classics and popular hits

Swing Life AwayRise Against

Rise Against – Swing Life Away

A track that conveys the message that a passionate relationship is far more important than money.

It was released in 2005 by the American rock band Rise Against.

This acoustic ballad has been certified Platinum in the United States.

When I Look At YouMiley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus – When I Look At You

Miley Cyrus, who starred in a Disney Channel series in the United States and rose to popularity.

This song also served as the theme for a film in which she played the lead, and she delivers it with a clear, soaring voice, singing about thinking of you when times are tough and she feels like she’s losing herself.

Fix YouColdplay

Coldplay – Fix You (Official Video)

This is a love song by Coldplay, a band that enjoys immense popularity thanks to their vibrant sound and overwhelming name recognition.

Its lyrics, centered on pure love, are easy for elementary school boys to relate to, and its singability makes it a great choice for karaoke.

XoBeyoncé

Beyoncé – XO (Video)

Beyoncé is extremely well-known in Japan thanks to Naomi Watanabe’s dance impressions.

While some of her music videos may be a bit too provocative for middle schoolers, she also has many moving ballads.

With her powerful vocals spanning a wide range and undeniable charisma, she has produced hit after hit.

This song, too, captivates as a strong, heartfelt ballad.

riverBruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen – The River (The River Tour, Tempe 1980)

A ballad from the double album “The River,” which could be called the peak of Bruce’s career.

From then to now, Bruce has consistently sung about America’s pride and failure, and the sorrows of the working class.

The harmonica at the beginning of “The River” eloquently evokes America’s tragedy.

This is also a song for which I strongly encourage you to look up the lyrics.

Love me like you doEllie Goulding

Ellie Goulding – Love Me Like You Do (Official Video)

This song is a quintessential example of the classical electropop that’s a current trend among female singers.

And it’s very British.

Its music video has been viewed 1.

4 billion times.

It’s fun to compare British pop with American pop.

Let this song’s sense of scale set you thinking about the character and history of its homeland.

Stairway to HeavenLed Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin Stairway to Heaven English and Japanese lyrics

When it comes to the greatest guitar solos in rock, this song is bound to come up.

Led Zeppelin was the ultimate band—one that couldn’t exist if even a single member were missing.

This track is like an impossible prayer the legendary band left behind in the history of music.