2025: Classic Western Songs Recommended for Middle School Students (English Songs)
In the 2020s, with subscriptions in full swing, we live in an era where you can enjoy music from all over the world—from the latest hits to classics from decades ago—anytime, anywhere.
The barrier to listening to Western music has definitely gotten lower.
That said, with talk of younger people drifting away from Western music, this article picks out classic English-language songs recommended for middle schoolers, including tracks popular on TikTok and Spotify.
In the first half, we feature the latest buzzworthy and hit songs; in the second half, we include timeless classics.
From upbeat killer tunes to mellow numbers, we focus on tracks with melodies that feel familiar even if you don’t understand the lyrics.
We hope this becomes your gateway to getting into Western music!
Top Western Music Classics Recommended for Middle Schoolers in 2025 (English Songs) (1–10)
Good TimeOwl City & Carly Rae Jepsen
It’s a brisk, energetic track that captures the cheerful vibe of summer.
The lyrics, full of positive energy, emphasize the importance of sharing good times.
Released in June 2012, it became a major hit in North America and Oceania.
In the U.
S.
, it peaked at No.
8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over one million copies.
Its refreshing music video also drew a lot of attention.
It’s the perfect song for fun moments like drives with friends or parties.
With its bright, uplifting sound, it’s also recommended when you want a change of pace and a lighter mood.
NobodyOneRepublic
A song by the American pop-rock band OneRepublic, written specifically as the ending theme for Kaiju No.
8.
Its lyrics, centered on deep devotion and unconditional love, are striking, expressing strong support and affection for those facing loneliness and hardship.
The powerful message—“we’ll overcome any difficulty together”—is especially compelling, resulting in a moving, heart-stirring ballad that aligns with the anime’s world.
Released digitally in April 2024, this is a track middle school students in particular should hear.
It conveys the importance of being supported by someone and leaves you with the warm feeling that you’re not alone.
APT.ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
In October 2024, a collaborative track by Rosé of the popular K-pop group BLACKPINK and global pop star Bruno Mars has been making waves.
The song features a catchy chorus inspired by a Korean drinking game and a refreshing sound that incorporates pop-rock elements.
Its lyrics, which celebrate the thrill of romance and the fun of partying, have resonated with young listeners and become a worldwide hit, enjoying cross-border popularity with a nine-week run at No.
1 on the Billboard Global 200 chart.
It’s a perfect track for hyping things up with friends or lifting your mood.
We Are the WorldUSA For Africa
A song of human love created by the coming together of top artists from around the world.
It carries a powerful message about the importance of people joining hands and supporting one another.
Released in March 1985, it became a global hit in no time, winning numerous awards including a Grammy and selling over 20 million copies.
This work achieved the remarkable feat of raising roughly 7 billion yen in donations to relieve famine in Africa.
A truly timeless classic that lights a beacon of hope in people’s hearts—highly recommended for anyone who wishes for world peace.
I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys
This song captivates with its soulful, beautiful melody and lyrics that sing of bittersweet love.
The protagonist’s conflicted feelings about their relationship are conveyed through the Backstreet Boys’ gorgeous harmonies.
Released in April 1999, it became a massive hit, topping the charts in over 25 countries worldwide.
Featured on the album Millennium, it achieved the remarkable feat of earning three Grammy nominations.
In 2021, it was also used in a Samsung commercial, and even more than 20 years later, it retains its timeless appeal.
It’s a perfect track for healing the pain of heartbreak or reaffirming your feelings for someone special.
EspressoSabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter, who hails from the United States, began her career as a singer and actress in her teens and made her debut with Hollywood Records in 2014.
Her 2022 album “Emails I Can’t Send” became a hit, marking her highest-charting release in the U.
S.
The single she released in April 2024 is a bright, catchy track centered on dance-pop and pop.
In the lyrics, feelings of being in love are likened to “espresso,” mixing in metaphors to convey the kind of positive emotions characteristic of teenagers.
It’s an energizing number that you can enjoy and get pumped up to with friends!
What Makes You BeautifulOne Direction
A track released as a single by One Direction in 2011.
It sold 153,000 copies in its first week after release and won the Brit Award in 2012.
It was inspired by The McCoys’ 1965 track “Hang on Sloopy.”