[Middle School Students] Popular Western Music Ranking [By Generation]

Counting StarsOneRepublic92rank/position

OneRepublic – Counting Stars

This is a work released in June 2013 by OneRepublic, a pop-rock band from the United States.

It expresses the emotions of modern people swayed by materialism and anxiety about the future through an impressive folk-pop sound.

Included on the 2013 album “Native,” it became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.

1 in the UK.

Used in the end credits of the film “Earth to Echo” and in the TV drama “Rookie Blue,” this song offers courage and hope in the face of adversity.

It also makes a great background track for school sports days, encouraging a spirit of challenge.

RoarKaty Perry93rank/position

Katy Perry – Roar

A standout track with a powerful message and driving tempo.

Its lyrics boost self-esteem and draw out your inner strength, paired with a catchy chorus.

Released in August 2013, it became a massive hit, selling over 9.

9 million units worldwide.

It’s included on Katy Perry’s fourth album, Prism.

The music video on YouTube has racked up over 3 billion views.

With its straightforward rhythm and repeated phrases, it’s perfect for karaoke.

Even those not confident in English can enjoy singing it in a fun, phonetic “katakana-style” way.

PerfectEd Sheeran94rank/position

Ed Sheeran – Perfect (Official Music Video)

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!

Girls Like YouMaroon 5 ft. Cardi B95rank/position

Maroon 5 – Girls Like You ft. Cardi B (Official Music Video)

In the fall, when it’s easy to feel nostalgic, you tend to want to listen to songs that bring back memories.

This Maroon 5 track is a love song that tells a story while looking back on the past.

The lyrics portray a bittersweet heartbreak, so give it a listen when you’re in the mood for something wistful.

Lean On feat. MOMajor Lazer & DJ Snake96rank/position

Major Lazer & DJ Snake – Lean On (feat. MØ) [Official 4K Music Video]

This song, a collaboration between the American electronic group Major Lazer, French DJ Snake, and Danish singer-songwriter MØ, is a very catchy, danceable track that portrays the bittersweet feelings of youth.

Mi GenteJ Balvin, Willy William97rank/position

J Balvin, Willy William – Mi Gente (Official Video)

This is a collaborative work by J Balvin from Colombia and Willy William from France, blending exhilarating dance beats with energetic rhythms.

Skillfully weaving in elements of moombahton, reggaeton, and dancehall, the track sparked a global sensation the moment it was released in June 2017.

It was also featured in the popular Just Dance video game series, and the music video achieved 400 million views just 47 days after its release—an all-time record.

With its powerful sound and catchy melody line, it’s an ideal choice to add flair to dance performances at school sports days and athletic festivals.

BabyJustin Bieber98rank/position

Justin Bieber – Baby ft. Ludacris

A hit song by the world’s headline-grabbing singer Justin Bieber.

Many people prefer his early vocals to his current ones, and even with its up-tempo beat, his clear, ringing voice shines through, making it very easy to listen to.

It’s also a perfect track for mornings when you want a boost of energy before school.