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

Let It BeThe Beatles

The Beatles – Let It Be

A gospel-tinged masterpiece from the Beatles’ well-known final album.

A perfect intro and chorus, a tear-jerking guitar solo in the interlude, and the majestic sound of a pipe organ.

It may be the ballad that most conveys Paul’s genius.

What feelings were imbued in the lyric “let it be”? Try comparing the album version with the single version as well.

Top of the worldCarpenters

Carpenters Top of the World The Carpenters HQ

This song is packed with the joy, poignancy, tenderness, and beauty of pop music.

It’s the kind of masterpiece that deserves a place in music textbooks.

Music—no, music alone—truly heals people.

The magic of a three-minute pop song; Karen’s voice is eternal.

AngieThe Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones – Angie [Official]

It’s hard to pick just one Rolling Stones song under the theme of moving or inspiring, but this acoustic, sorrow-filled classic might be the right choice.

Compared to their fellow Brits, The Beatles, their music leans more heavily into the blues and aimed more directly at American roots music.

Keith Richards’ guitar is incredibly cool.

I wish more young people would emulate it.

I Saw the LightTodd Rundgren

I Saw the Light

Todd Rundgren may not be a household name, but countless musicians have been influenced by his pop sensibilities.

He’s still active today, yet every album he released in the ’70s is excellent.

Often called a wizard of pop, his love songs are tender and make your heart skip a beat.

Favorite SongToosii

Toosii – Favorite Song (Official Video)

A popular song by Toosii that expresses the feeling of being in love in a refreshing way.

Its beautiful piano lines and melodic rap are pleasing and linger in your ears.

Released in February 2023, it immediately became a hot topic on social media and broke into the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

It’s a track that feels even more sentimental when you listen to it while thinking of someone you like.

The lyrics are full of relatable points that are perfect for middle school students as well.

Why not take your time listening, savoring the beauty of the wording and the melody?

Graduationbenny blanco, Juice WRLD

benny blanco, Juice WRLD – Graduation (Official Music Video)

A moving graduation song that poignantly portrays memories of high school life and personal growth.

This collaboration by benny blanco and Juice WRLD was released in August 2019 and dominated charts around the world.

The music video features many celebrities and depicts the futures of graduating students.

Set to a melody that samples Vitamin C’s classic hit, Juice WRLD’s delicate vocals sing about past friendships, inner struggles, and hope for the future.

Its honest portrayal of adolescent emotions will surely resonate with junior high school students as well.

It’s a song that gives you the courage to take a new step forward.

Blowing In The WindBob Dylan

Blowing In The Wind (Live On TV, March 1963)

It goes without saying that this is Bob Dylan’s classic “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Although it’s an older song and might seem a bit early for younger listeners, I strongly feel that it’s precisely high school students—living in the heart of their youth—who should hear it.

It leaves something warm in your chest and continues to soothe the heart, a truly wonderful piece of music.