Recommended Western music for elementary school boys: world classics and popular songs

I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way (Official HD Video)

This one is famous too, and I really love the chorus and the part right after it—it’s so cool, and I used to listen to it a lot.

There’s a time when you start admiring bands, and as a middle schooler you end up loving this kind of music and can memorize it quickly.

You really get into Western music.

It’s slow and easy to sing.

Have a nice dayBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – Have A Nice Day

Bon Jovi is easy to listen to and I really love them.

Even a junior high school student can enjoy their music and end up loving it.

As a junior high student, you feel like you’re listening to slightly grown-up rock, which makes you a big fan.

The melodies are easy to remember.

Runaway BabyBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Runaway Baby (Official Lyric Video)

Bruno Mars, who captivates the world with his high musicality and sweet looks, released the album “Doo-Wops & Hooligans” in 2010.

One of the tracks included is “Runaway Baby.” Its lively, upbeat sound makes it perfect as background music for dance, and there are many kids’ dance performances by elementary school students uploaded on YouTube.

The tempo is fast, so the lyrics are delivered quickly, making it great for pronunciation practice as well.

Bruno Mars sings many songs that show the influence of 1970s soul, so let this be an opportunity to spark your interest in older music, too.

I’m Good (Blue)David Guetta & Bebe Rexha

David Guetta & Bebe Rexha – I’m Good (Blue) [Official Music Video]

For energetic elementary school students, EDM can be considered one of the more approachable genres.

Among EDM tracks, a standout recommendation is “I’m Good (Blue).” It was one of the most-played club tracks in 2023, featuring a driving production by David Guetta and sleek vocals by Bebe Rexha that mesh perfectly.

While the catchy melody tends to steal the spotlight, the repeated phrases and narrow vocal range make it easy to sing—even for elementary schoolers whose voices may be unstable due to changes like the onset of voice deepening.

Baby ft. LudacrisJustin Bieber

Justin Bieber – Baby ft. Ludacris

Compared to Japanese music, Western music inevitably tends to be more challenging.

So this time, I focused on the vocal qualities of elementary school children and selected a song accordingly.

That song is “Baby ft.

Ludacris.” It’s the work that propelled the global idol singer Justin Bieber to worldwide fame.

Since it’s from before Justin Bieber’s voice changed, it’s a perfect match for elementary schoolers.

It’s an R&B-style track, but among R&B songs, the techniques like melisma (vocal runs) are on the easier side, so be sure to check it out.

SorryJustin Bieber

Justin Bieber – Sorry (PURPOSE : The Movement)

This is a song by Justin Bieber, who is now incredibly popular.

He sings it casually, but the meaning carries a strong message to today’s youth.

It’s slower than I expected, so it’s easy to catch the words and feels like he’s speaking to you, which makes it a good study resource.

ABCThe Jackson 5

ABC

When it comes to songs popular for elementary school English learning, The Jackson 5’s “ABC” is a classic.

Speaking of The Jackson 5, they were a sibling idol group with Michael Jackson as the lead vocalist, known for cranking out massive hits.

“ABC” was released as a single in 1970 and reached No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts.

With a title that uses the first three letters of the alphabet—essential for learning English—along with its upbeat rhythm and catchy melody, it’s perfect as a first step into Western pop music.

It’s a highly recommended track for anyone just starting to learn English!