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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!

[2025] Classic Western Songs Recommended for Junior High School Students [English Songs] (41–50)

GirlfriendAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne – Girlfriend (Official Video)
GirlfriendAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne is a singer-songwriter who began gaining worldwide popularity in 2000.

She’s known for helping to popularize pop rock and power pop globally.

Her song “Girlfriend” is one of her signature tracks and was released in 2007.

It became a major hit and won Best Song at the MTV Europe Music Awards.

Since it’s been used in many forms of media, even middle school students are likely to recognize it!

Here With Me Feat. CHVRCHESMarshmello

Marshmello – Here With Me Feat. CHVRCHES [Official Lyric Video]
Here With Me Feat. CHVRCHESMarshmello

Here With Me is a collaboration between the enigmatic masked DJ Marshmello—known for his marshmallow-like headgear—and the UK electropop band CHVRCHES.

The song expresses feelings of longing and bittersweet emotion for someone special.

It conveys the singer’s thoughts about that person, and concludes with the line, “Cause I need you here with me.”

34+35Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande – 34+35 (official video)
34+35Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande is a singer who has gained worldwide popularity with her wide vocal range and adorable looks.

While she is often compared to Mariah Carey for her style, she has shifted toward a more stylish musical direction compared to her early days, making her recent work highly distinctive.

One of her stylish masterpieces is “34+35.” If you like cool, laid-back dance music, be sure to check it out.

PerfectEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Perfect (Official Music Video)
PerfectEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran’s classic “Perfect,” released in 2017, benefited from his star power and went on to win the Choice Single: Male Artist at the Teen Choice Awards and Single of the Year at the MuchMusic Video Awards.

The lyrics tell the love story between Ed and his childhood friend Cherry, who is now his wife.

If you’re a middle schooler with a significant other, be sure to give it a listen!

My Head & My HeartAva Max

Ava Max – My Head & My Heart [Official Music Video]
My Head & My HeartAva Max

Ava Max, an American singer-songwriter who is a leading figure in the electro-pop genre, has released many high-energy tracks and consistently ranks high on dance music charts.

Her new song, My Head & My Heart, maintains a stylish vibe while delivering an upbeat, exhilarating sound.

If you like flashy tracks, be sure to check it out.

Symphony (feat. Zara Larsson)Clean Bandit

Clean Bandit – Symphony (feat. Zara Larsson) [Official Video]
Symphony (feat. Zara Larsson)Clean Bandit

A collaboration between the songwriter group Clean Bandit and singer Zara Larsson.

It’s a piece whose rich expressiveness is captivating, blending a sense of fragility beneath its strength.

With beautiful, literary expressions likening love to a symphony, it portrays the couple’s romance in a graceful way.

The chorus’s rhythmic drive is dramatic, making it a track you can enjoy both for its translated lyrics and the music itself.

Closer ft. HalseyThe Chainsmokers

The Chainsmokers – Closer (Lyric) ft. Halsey
Closer ft. HalseyThe Chainsmokers

A 2016 track by The Chainsmokers—songwriters and DJs who also performed in Japan—collaborating with Canadian singer Halsey.

Halsey’s charming, sweet vocals pair perfectly with The Chainsmokers’ smooth, mature production.

Take in the sophisticated romance of overseas culture by appreciating the meaning behind the suggestive title and the song’s atmosphere.