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!

Playlist

2025: Classic Western Songs Recommended for Middle School Students (English Songs)
	Title	Playlist	One point
1	Good TimeOwl City & Carly Rae Jepsen		A refreshing summer track, a positive song
2	NobodyOneRepublic		Theme song of Kaiju No. 8: a ballad depicting love and bonds
3	APT.ROSÉ & Bruno Mars		Rosé and Bruno Mars's exhilarating collaboration track becomes a smash hit.
4	We Are the WorldUSA For Africa		A song for world peace filled with love for humanity, “We Are the World.”
5	EspressoSabrina Carpenter		Sabrina Carpenter’s fiery pop song
6	I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys		A poignant love song, a worldwide hit
7	What Makes You BeautifulOne Direction		Popular singles by One Direction
8	A Bar Song (Tipsy)Shaboozey		A hybrid song blending country and hip-hop
9	Beautiful ThingsBenson Boone		A moving song by a young singer-songwriter
10	Call Me MaybeCarly Rae Jepsen		The Birth of the Smash Hit 'Call Me Maybe'
11	Shape of YouEd Sheeran		Ed Sheeran's hit song 'Shape of You'
12	I Had Some Help (feat. Morgan Wallen)Post Malone		A masterpiece that portrays irritation, responsibility, and the struggles of love
13	I Don’t Think That I Like HerCharlie Puth		Expressing the anxieties of love through innovative music
14	obsessedOlivia Rodrigo		Olivia Rodrigo’s new song expresses romantic feelings.
15	If We Ever Broke UpMae Stephens		A moving song that portrays romantic feelings
16	we can’t be friends (wait for your love)Ariana Grande		Ariana’s heartbreak and feelings for her ex
17	Been Like ThisMeghan Trainor, T-Pain		A song about living with confidence and looking forward
18	TOO MUCHThe Kid LAROI, Jung Kook, Central Cee		The Kid and company perform a love song in a '70s–'80s style.
19	We Are The ChampionsQueen		A triumphant anthem of overcoming adversity
20	Nothing Would ChangeThe Linda Lindas		The restlessness and hope of youth as depicted by a young punk band
21	Mamushi (feat. Yuki Chiba)Megan Thee Stallion		Megan and Yuki Chiba’s first collaborative track
22	What Do You Mean?Justin Bieber		Explanation of Justin Bieber's love songs
23	bad guyBillie Eilish		Billie Eilish’s “bad guy” is a smash hit.
24	WaterTyla		South African young singer Tyla’s smash hit song
25	I’ve seen ur exflowerovlove		Gen Z singer portrays the complex emotions of love
26	StayZedd, Alessia Cara		A powerful, meaningful track by Zedd and a singer
27	used to youmxmtoon		A coming-of-age song by a Gen Z icon, singing of nostalgia
28	2002Anne-Marie		A musical work that sings about memories from 2002
29	I Don’t CareEd Sheeran & Justin Bieber I Don’t Care		A collaboration song by a famous artist that sings about emotions
30	Love YourselfJustin Bieber		Introduction to Justin Bieber’s popular songs
31	We Are Never Ever Getting Back TogetherTaylor Swift		Taylor's masterpiece—an iconic song everyone can enjoy!
32	FadedAlan Walker		Young producer, worldwide hit song
33	What Am IWhy Don’t We		An inspiring introduction to Ed Sheeran’s moving songs
34	Waiting For LoveAvicii		Avicii’s moving, heart-touching song
35	Don’t Start NowDua Lipa		Dua Lipa's music is skyrocketing in popularity.
36	SOS ft. Aloe BlaccAvicii		A moving track from Avicii’s posthumous album “SOS”
37	This Is MeThe Greatest Showman Cast		An anthem of courage that celebrates being yourself
38	Into the Unknown (From “Frozen 2”)Idina Menzel, AURORA		The theme song of Frozen 2 is captivating.
39	Rain On MeLady Gaga, Ariana Grande		Ari Gaga’s hit song “Rain On Me”
40	Santa Tell MeAriana Grande		A Christmas song about Ariana’s bittersweet feelings of love
41	High HopesPanic! At The Disco		A powerful song about not giving up on your dreams and continuing to believe in yourself
42	On My WayAlan Walker, Sabrina Carpenter & Farruko		Alan Walker from Scandinavia sings of a woman's determination.
43	GirlfriendAvril Lavigne		Avril Lavigne’s hit song “Girlfriend”
44	Here With Me Feat. CHVRCHESMarshmello		A bittersweet love song by Marshmello and CHVRCHES
45	34+35Ariana Grande		Ariana Grande's captivating music
46	PerfectEd Sheeran		The Appeal of Ed Sheeran’s Hit Song “Perfect”
47	My Head & My HeartAva Max		Ava Max’s high-energy song
48	Symphony (feat. Zara Larsson)Clean Bandit		A song that expresses the richness and strength of love
49	Closer ft. HalseyThe Chainsmokers		The Chainsmokers and Halsey’s mature love song
50	YummyJustin Bieber		Sing emotionally expressive lines in “Yummy”
51	One TimeJustin Bieber		Justin Bieber's early hit songs
52	Left And Right (feat. Jung Kook of BTS)Charlie Puth		Charlie and Jungkook's refined song
53	Don’t Stop5 Seconds of Summer		5 Seconds' smash hit, MV trending
54	Here We Go AgainOliver Tree & David Guetta		Popular music on TikTok, perfect for summer
55	DaylightDavid Kushner		David Kushner's masterpiece 'Daylight'
56	Don’t Stop Me NowQueen		Queen’s movie sparks a hit song’s comeback
57	Nobody’s LoveMaroon 5		A love song of love sent during the COVID-19 pandemic
58	Now That I Found YouCarly Rae Jepsen		Carly Rae Jepsen’s captivating love song
59	This Is How We DoKaty Perry		Katy Perry with a powerful voice and bright, upbeat music
60	Good As Hell (feat. Ariana Grande)Lizzo		Lizzo’s ultra-confident anthem “Good as Hell”
61	Beautiful People (feat. Khalid)Ed Sheeran		A moving masterpiece that criticizes the glamorous entertainment industry
62	If You Had My LoveJennifer Lopez		Jennifer Lopez's hit songs
63	StargazingMyles Smith		Miles Smith's moving love song
64	Watermelon SugarHarry Styles		Harry Styles' solo song “Watermelon Sugar”
65	my futureBillie Eilish		A masterpiece I made with Finneas during the COVID-19 pandemic
66	Here With Med4vd		A classic that exudes the vibe of 1970s soul music
67	DANCE MONKEYTones and I		Tones and I’s worldwide hit song
68	Sk8er BoiAvril Lavigne		Avril's nostalgic youth song
69	All NightThe Vamps, Matoma		Notable musical works incorporating EDM
70	South of the Border (feat. Camila Cabello & Cardi B)Ed Sheeran		Ed Sheeran’s lavish love song, a deep expression in the lyric video
71	Don’t Wake Me UpJonas Blue, Why Don’t We		A bittersweet longing for someone I can only meet in dreams
72	Viva La VidaColdplay		Coldplay’s masterpiece, a hymn to life
73	Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi		Baritone vocalist from Scotland
74	Grown ManMarshmello, Polo G, Southside		Marshmello’s hip‑hop classic!
75	Hello, GoodbyeThe Beatles		The Beatles’ timeless songs continue to captivate.
76	Somebody To YouThe Vamps ft. Demi Lovato		A collaboration song by The Vamps and Demi Lovato
77	Don’t Start NowDua Lipa		Dua Lipa’s signature song “Don’t Start Now”
78	MOTTONF		Popular songs by the white rapper NF
79	ClassicMKTO		US pop duo MKTO, global hit song
80	HoudiniDua Lipa		Dua Lipa’s new song “Houdini” is awesome!
81	FRIENDSMarshmello & Anne-Marie		A friendship song by DJ Marshmello and Anne-Marie
82	Teeth5 Seconds of Summer		The exhilarating 5SOS classic “Teeth”
83	ReplayZendaya		Zendaya's popular songs, strength and beauty
84	CelestialEd Sheeran		A coming-of-age song in collaboration with Pokémon
85	Beautiful Mistakes ft. Megan Thee StallionMaroon 5		Maroon 5 and Meghan release a spring/summer-oriented song
86	Peaches ft. Daniel Caesar, GiveonJustin Bieber		The musical evolution of Justin Bieber
87	Heart AttackDemi Lovato		A popular song that sings about the courage to fall in love.
88	FunnyZedd & Jasmine Thompson		Zedd’s new song “Funny” is musically sophisticated.
89	BoatEd Sheeran		Ed Sheeran’s heartbreak song “Boat”
90	what would you do?Tate McRae		Learning English with Tate McRae’s songs
91	24K MagicBruno Mars		Enjoy Bruno Mars's diverse musicality
92	Until I Found YouStephen Sanchez		Songs with simple lyrics that are perfect for learning English
93	WhateverOasis		Gritty, hard-hitting guitar rock that grabs your heart
94	Viva Las VengeancePanic! At The Disco		Panic! At The Disco's classic song
95	I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVEMåneskin		Expressing modern emotions with retro music
96	Fake My Own DeathSUM41		A catchy track bursting with youthful energy
97	BoyfriendBig Time Rush ft. Snoop Dogg		A collaboration song by Big Time Rush and Snoop Dogg
98	It’s My LifeBon Jovi		A Bon Jovi classic that gives you courage
99	Perfect IllusionLady Gaga		The compelling appeal of Lady Gaga’s powerful music
100	RumorsLindsay Lohan		an autobiographical song by a pop star
101	Becky from The BlockBecky G		Becky G’s cover of J. Lopez’s classic hit
102	MiracleCalvin Harris, Ellie Goulding		Calvin Harris’s EDM classic “Miracle”
103	Next To MeOtto Knows		A memorable song of mine: Otto Knows “Next To Me.”
104	Candy Cane LaneSia		A cheerful song to enjoy at a Christmas party
105	PILLOWTALKZAYN		Zayn’s captivating music, a moving track
106	Late Night TalkingHarry Styles		Harry Styles' popular songs and appeal
107	DollsBella Poarch		Singing about the importance of having confidence
108	Some NightsFun		A globally successful pop song
109	BelieveShawn Mendes		Shawn Mendes songs popular among middle school students
110	Life Is Good ft. DrakeFUTURE		An iconic track by a top rapper in the trap scene
111	Despacito ft. Daddy YankeeLuis Fonsi		The reggaeton smash hit “Despacito”
112	LUNCHBillie Eilish		Billie Eilish’s sensual new song
113	Green Green GrassGeorge Ezra		A profound song of blue skies and grasslands, love and death
114	BoyfriendJustin Bieber		Justin Bieber's music track
115	Blinding LightsThe Weeknd		The Weeknd is popular worldwide for his 80s-style music.
116	SuckerJonas Brothers		A passionate love song by a three-brother band
117	SunroofNicky Youre, dazy		The TikTok hit “Sunroof” is extremely popular among junior high school students.
118	A Whole New WorldMena Massoud, Naomi Scott		A song of love and adventure, a moving work that captivates the heart
119	Top 10 staTues tHat CriEd bloOdBring Me The Horizon		The new, emotion-filled song moves the heart.
120	Stay With Me ft Justin Timberlake, Halsey & PharrellCalvin Harris		Calvin Harris’s star-studded collaborative dance track
121	Easy Lover feat Big SeanEllie Goulding		Ellie Goulding's new song is captivating.
122	Worth It ft. Kid InkFifth Harmony		Kid Ink and a hugely popular R&B song
123	Waffle HouseJonas Brothers		A young, popular sibling band with songs brimming with youthful energy
124	All My Life ft. J. ColeLil Durk		The Success Story of Lil Durk and J. Cole
125	Billie JeanMichael Jackson		Michael Jackson’s hit song “Billie Jean”
126	All Or NothingO-Town		Make teen pop hit songs a worldwide smash
127	Without YouValcos & Chris Linton		An emotional EDM released by Valcos and Chris
128	HollywoodMarina And The Diamonds		A Dreaming Girl’s Hollywood Life
129	WingsLittle Mix		An anthem for the younger generation, praising the courage to spread their wings.
130	MonsterShawn Mendes, Justin Bieber		Mendes and Bieber’s collaboration song “Monster”
131	This Time AroundMichael Jackson		Music that blends nostalgia and modernity is popular.
132	Pretty BabyVanessa Carlton		Soothed by Vanessa’s soothing song
133	The Lazy SongBruno Mars		“The Lazy Song” conveys relaxation and being yourself.
134	StitchesShawn Mendes		Shawn Mendes’s hit song wins the grand prize
135	Right There ft. Big SeanAriana Grande		Ariana’s refreshing classic hit by the hugely popular songstress
136	DEATHMelanie Martinez		Melanie Martinez’s musical world
137	We Are One (Ole Ola)Pitbull & Jennifer Lopez & Claudia Leitte		A trilingual World Cup song with samba-ritual vibes
138	Black And YellowWiz Khalifa		Rapper Wiz Khalifa from Pittsburgh
139	V.A.NBAD OMENS x POPPY		A Song of Environmental Destruction and Technology
140	MotherMeghan Trainor		Doo-wop-style Meghan Trainor classic
141	DiamondsSam Smith		Sam Smith’s captivating songs and artistry
142	Cure For MeAURORA		Aurora’s self-affirmation message song
143	JadedAerosmith		Aerosmith’s classic “Jaded” is timeless.
144	Banga! Banga!Austin Mahone		Austin Mahone's hit songs and appeal
145	BAILAR CONTIGOBlack Eyed Peas, Daddy Yankee		A reggaeton song by the Black Eyed Peas
146	…Baby One More TimeBritney Spears		A catchy pop classic that sings about the pain of heartbreak
147	Please MeCardi B & Bruno Mars		A mature collaboration track by Cardi B and Bruno Mars
148	Run Away With MeCarly Rae Jepsen		Refreshing music that colors the brilliance of youth
149	SirensCher Lloyd		Singer-songwriter from the United Kingdom
150	ParadiseColdplay		A masterpiece breathing anew in the revival culture
151	This One’s For YouDavid Guetta ft. Zara Larsson		An anthem of unity cheering on soccer
152	Troubled TimesGreen Day		English music learning ideal for junior high school students
153	BounceIggy Azalea		A smash hit by a rapper who has mastered twerking
154	Chained To The RhythmKaty Perry		A fusion of retro charm and modern sound
155	TalkKhalid		Khalid’s love song “Tolk” is captivating.
156	FaintLinkin Park		Linkin Park’s classic track “Faint” is fire.
157	Prisoner ft. Dua LipaMiley Cyrus		The iconic duet by Miley and Dua
158	american jesusNessa Barrett		A music star who portrays the emotions of teenage girls
159	Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)Taylor Swift		Moved by Taylor Swift's new release
160	New RomanticsTaylor Swift		A groundbreaking masterpiece of the Revival Cross
161	Hey JudeThe Beatles		A timeless classic that resonates across generations: Hey Jude
162	Paint It, BlackThe Rolling Stones		A masterpiece that fuses the sitar with Western music
163	Favorite SongToosii		Toosii’s “Favorite Song” is popular.
164	Deep DownAlok x Ella Eyre x Kenny Dope feat. Never Dull		Alok’s exhilarating track, with irresistibly captivating bass
165	7 ThingsMiley Cyrus		Miley’s bittersweet heartbreak rock song
166	Really LoveD’Angelo and The Vanguard		A quintessential neo-soul track, a masterpiece by D’Angelo
167	Wild ThingsAlessia Cara		Sing about the importance of living true to yourself
168	Lonely DancersConan Gray		Conan Gray's song of salvation
169	Hide AwayDaya		Music by the young singer-songwriter Daya
170	AfterglowEd Sheeran		Ed Sheeran’s moving song “Afterglow”
171	Starry EyedEllie Goulding		Ellie’s sparkling song, a fantasy like a starry sky
172	Leave (Get Out)JoJo		Debut of a globally popular R&B track
173	Burnin’ UpJonas Brothers		Popular songs by the Jonas Brothers
174	INDUSTRY BABYLil Nas X, Jack Harlow		Lil Nas X's hit song has a good groove.
175	TomorrowLillix		Signature song of the Canadian band Lillix
176	RudeMAGIC		Popular reggae-pop song, success on the world charts
177	CandyMandy Moore		The theme is “Mandy Moore’s hit songs.”
178	HardwiredMetallica		Metallica's 'Hardwired' is an anthem for youth.
179	Smells Like Teen SpiritNirvana		Embodying the rebellious spirit of revival music
180	Tell Me Something I Don’t KnowSelena Gomez		Selena’s up-tempo song—fun!
181	Find Me ft. BirdySigma		The Mysterious Music of Sigma and Birdie
182	Our SongTaylor Swift		Taylor’s song, a cute love song for couples
183	Foxey LadyThe Jimi Hendrix Experience		Retro charm, funky classic
184	Glad You CameThe Wanted		A breezy global hit song, released in 2011
185	Can’t Feel My FaceThe Weeknd		Urban and sophisticated music that resonates across generations
186	With or Without YouU2		A timeless masterpiece: the struggle of love and the allure of music
187	I Will Always Love YouWhitney Houston		A tumultuous love song, a masterpiece that conveys the depth of love
188	Keep SmilingBars&Melody		An encouraging song by Bars and Melody
189	Your PowerBillie Eilish		Billie Eilish’s quietly powerful song
190	ElectricKaty Perry		Katy Perry’s new song featuring Pikachu
191	Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi		The smash hit song “Someone You Loved” is popular.
192	Daydream BelieverThe Monkees		The Monkees’ classic transcends time.
193	Selfish LoveDJ Snake & Selena Gomez		DJ Snake and Selena’s new song is stylish.
194	I Won’t Let You DownOK Go		Collaboration between an indie rock song and Perfume
195	Can’t Blame a Girl for TryingSabrina Carpenter		Sabrina’s Refreshing Folk Song