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

Thinking Out LoudEd Sheeran29rank/position

Ed Sheeran – Thinking Out Loud (Official Music Video)

This single by Ed Sheeran, which he says is his favorite on his own album, won numerous awards at the 58th Grammy Awards.

I felt that his voice—powerful yet gentle—has a mysterious charm that mesmerizes listeners.

Wake Me UpAvicii30rank/position

Avicii – Wake Me Up (Official Video)

The music of Swedish artist Avicii, which shines like fireworks blooming in the summer night sky, captivated many with its innovative sound that fuses EDM and folk.

This work, themed around life’s journey and self-discovery, is marked by Aloe Blacc’s powerful vocals and the warm melodies woven by acoustic guitar.

Released in June 2013 and reaching number one on the charts in 22 countries, it asserted a presence like a grand firework launched into the music world.

It’s a song I highly recommend for your walk home from a summer festival or for those standing at a turning point in life.

Just The Way You AreBruno Mars31rank/position

Bruno Mars – Just The Way You Are (Official Music Video)

Bruno Mars, a genius who effortlessly commands pop and R&B.

This is one of his signature songs and a hugely popular choice for wedding background music.

Its charm lies, above all, in the lyrics that unabashedly and straightforwardly lavish praise on the one you love.

Just listening to it makes you feel happy.

Released in July 2010 as his solo debut single and included on the album Doo-Wops & Hooligans, this track also won at the 53rd Grammy Awards.

With piano at its core and an easy-to-remember melody, it’s very approachable to try.

If you sing it when expressing your feelings to someone special, it’s sure to be a hit!

We Will Rock YouQueen32rank/position

Queen – We Will Rock You (Official Video)

With its powerful handclaps and stomping rhythm, this staple track energizes sports festivals and dance events.

Released in October 1977 by the British rock band Queen from the album “News of the World,” the song celebrates the determination to overcome setbacks and hardships in pursuit of victory.

As a rousing anthem symbolizing unity and fighting spirit, it continues to be embraced across sports scenes worldwide.

The foot stomps and handclaps recorded by the band members themselves create a sense of togetherness that draws in the audience, and in 2002 it was also adopted as the title song for the musical “We Will Rock You.” It’s the perfect choice for those who want to bring an entire venue together during school sports days or dance performances.

Dance The NightDua Lipa33rank/position

Dua Lipa – Dance The Night (From Barbie The Album) [Official Music Video]

Born in London, England, Dua Lipa is one of the most talked-about millennial pop stars, working as both a singer-songwriter and a fashion model.

Released in May 2023, her track “Dance The Night” drew attention as part of the soundtrack for the film Barbie, in which she also appears.

Inspired by the disco sound of the ’80s, the song perfectly matches Lipa’s sultry vocals with a poppy, catchy melody, making it an ideal dance number—great even as background music for school sports days and athletic festivals.

Its uplifting lyrics, which depict dancing the night away while embracing one’s own radiance, are sure to resonate with young listeners.

Yesterday Once MoreCarpenters34rank/position

Yesterday Once More

The Carpenters were a duo that enjoyed tremendous popularity in Japan.

Known for their laid-back pop tunes, they released hit songs one after another until vocalist Karen Carpenter passed away.

Although they’re artists from the past, many people—even junior high school students—are familiar with them today because their songs are still used widely in the media.

Among their repertoire, Yesterday Once More is especially easy to sing.

There are relatively few vowels compared to the number of notes, making the lyrics easy to memorize and the pronunciation fairly simple.

While it may lack punch compared to more modern tracks, it’s one of the easiest songs featured in this article, so be sure to check it out.

abcdefuGAYLE35rank/position

[Japanese Translation] GAYLE “abcdefu” [Official]

Singer-songwriter GAYLE has gained immense popularity among listeners worldwide through TikTok.

For many junior high school students, TikTok is now an essential social media platform, and plenty of people have probably heard her songs.

The track that propelled her to fame is “abcdefu.” This song, an alternative rock piece with strong power-pop elements, packs a serious punch.

Because of that, many might assume it demands a high level of vocal ability.

Despite its punchy melody, the chorus stays in the mid-range, so the vocal difficulty is actually quite low.

For middle schoolers going through voice changes, a slightly husky tone can make the performance even more compelling.