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

Born This WayLady Gaga57rank/position

Lady Gaga – Born This Way (Official Music Video)

A hit song by the world-famous pop star Lady Gaga, whose name is widely known even among junior high school students.

While Gaga’s visuals can be a bit intense for younger generations, the lyrics are incredibly powerful and offer listeners a sense of hope for life.

It’s a song I’d love junior high school students—who are entering a time of self-reflection—to sing passionately while savoring the meaning of the words.

My Heart Will Go OnCéline Dion58rank/position

Céline Dion – My Heart Will Go On (from the 2007 DVD “Live In Las Vegas – A New Day…”)

One of Céline Dion’s signature songs, the theme from the film Titanic, which moved people around the world.

Because most of the lyrics are clearly enunciated and the tempo is relaxed, it’s easy for junior high school students who aren’t familiar with English to sing.

It’s also a recommended choice for students singing Western music for the first time.

I Was Born To Love YouQueen59rank/position

Queen – I Was Born To Love You (Official Video)

Queen is a British rock band that thrilled listeners around the world with numerous classic hits.

Until recently, they weren’t all that familiar to many young people, but their 2018 biographical film Bohemian Rhapsody became a huge hit, bringing them back into the spotlight among younger generations.

I imagine many junior high schoolers know them, too.

Their song I Was Born To Love You is one of those classics.

The high notes can be tough, but its crisp, upbeat vibe makes it a great crowd-pleaser at karaoke.

MiracleCalvin Harris, Ellie Goulding60rank/position

Calvin Harris, Ellie Goulding – Miracle (Official Video)

Let me introduce an exceptionally pop and danceable track! It’s the latest collaboration “Miracle” by Calvin Harris, the hugely popular Scottish DJ and hitmaker, and Ellie Goulding, the powerhouse singer from the UK.

Following their previous team-ups “I Need Your Love” (2013) and “Outside” (2014), this third collaboration took the charts by storm upon its release in March 2023, hitting No.

1 on the UK Dance Chart and Ireland’s Singles Chart.

Ellie’s angelic vocals deliver a lyrical plea for forgiveness to a lover over a nostalgic, ’90s-inspired sound.

If this plays at a summer event, the whole crowd will surely become one.

Come dance to “Miracle” too!

MotherMeghan Trainor61rank/position

Meghan Trainor – Mother (Official Music Video)

Meghan Trainor is a female singer-songwriter who has gained popularity for her distinctive style that adapts doo-wop—a genre that was trendy in the 1950s—to modern musical sensibilities.

Her songs are extremely popular on TikTok as well, so many of you may already know her.

Among her tracks, the one I especially recommend is “Mother.” Its nostalgic melody—combining catchy rhythm and adorable charm—will definitely get stuck in your head.

Teeth5 Seconds of Summer62rank/position

5 Seconds of Summer – Teeth (Lyric Video)

This 5 Seconds of Summer track is defined by its exhilarating guitar sound and dynamic drums.

Since its release in August 2019, it has continued to captivate music fans around the world, including many middle schoolers.

The balance between its edgy sound and delicate vocals is outstanding, gripping listeners’ hearts and never letting go.

It’s also featured on the soundtrack for Season 3 of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why.

The lyrics, which portray a complicated romantic relationship, express youthful yet profound emotions—you might find they resonate with your own feelings.

Blending the charm of older music with a modern twist, this song is a fresh recommendation for middle schoolers, and it’s perfect for a drive, too!

SorryJustin Bieber63rank/position

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.