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

Uptown Funk ft. Bruno MarsMark Ronson

Mark Ronson – Uptown Funk (Official Video) ft. Bruno Mars

This is a song by Mark Ronson that really showcases Bruno Mars’s vocals.

Mark Ronson is a British artist whose main occupation is DJing, but he’s now a top-tier musician.

For middle schoolers looking for danceable tracks, I think his dance music is a perfect fit.

SugarMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Sugar (Official Music Video)

Maroon 5’s popular song is quite well-known in Japan—many of you have probably heard it somewhere.

It’s a track whose calm yet catchy melody really sticks in your head.

Be sure to check out the music video as well; its storytelling is a highlight.

Story of My LifeOne Direction

One Direction – Story of My Life

The British boy group One Direction.

They debuted in 2010 when they were around 16, and their success story became a worldwide phenomenon.

Their song “Story of My Life” was released in 2013, at the peak of their popularity.

The lyrics are beautiful, expressing passionate feelings for a single woman in a literary way—so I hope you’ll also enjoy the Japanese translation.

That said, it’s a track you can think is cool from the very first listen, so just enjoy the music!

Live While We’re YoungOne Direction

One Direction – Live While We’re Young

A five-member boys’ group from the UK.

The members all passed a music audition show, and they’re all great singers.

They made their major debut in 2011 and became so popular worldwide that they were called “the second coming of the Beatles.” They’re now down to four and each is pursuing a solo career.

All their numbers are pop and approachable, but this song is recommended because its theme is youth.

Good TimeOwl City & Carly Rae Jepsen

Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen – Good Time (Official Video)

After all, songs that let elementary school kids sway their bodies and jump around and have a blast are the best, right? For anyone looking for that kind of track, I highly recommend this one: “Good Time,” the 2012 song by Carly Rae Jepsen and Owl City.

A dance beat with an easy-to-follow, danceable chorus—just that alone makes it an amazing track.

The English lyrics have a great vibe and are full of encouragement to live positively and optimistically.

It’s a classic that’s perfect for both dancing and just listening!

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-DaThe Beatles

Ob-la-di ob-la-da – The Beatles (LYRICS/LETRA) [Original]

The Beatles’ 1989 song “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da.” This striking phrase is a coined expression, and it’s best understood as a word that conveys a kind of “fun, carefree vibe.” Among the Beatles’ catalog, it’s especially poppy, cheerful, and has a feel of something everyone can enjoy together.

Above all, the lyrics are simple, so it could even be used in elementary school English education.

It might also work well as teaching material for piano or acoustic guitar accompaniment.

As part of the pop music tradition, why not let children start listening from their elementary years?

I Want You BackThe Jackson 5

I Want You Back – The Jackson 5

The Jackson 5, the band that debuted in 1969 where the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, showcased his beautiful voice as a child.

As expected, all their songs are pop and influenced pop music around the world.

And among their songs, the one with an especially strong pop feel is “I Want You Back.” It’s famous for featuring Michael Jackson, then around 10 years old, as the lead vocalist.

For elementary school students, it’s essentially a voice from their own generation—how does it sound to you? Enjoy the lyrics, vocals, and performance to the fullest!