[Elementary School Students] Popular Western Music Rankings [By Generation]

ImagineJohn Lennon8rank/position

IMAGINE. (Ultimate Mix, 2020) – John Lennon & The Plastic Ono Band (with the Flux Fiddlers) HD

When it comes to John Lennon’s anti-war songs, the single “Imagine,” released in 1971, immediately comes to mind.

It topped both the U.

S.

and U.

K.

charts and has remained a beloved classic for many years.

The lyrics, imbued with his wish for peace, truly resonate as you listen.

Because the song repeats a similar structure while slightly changing the wording, it’s easy to memorize and excellent for learning English.

“Imagine,” which also helps learners understand social issues, is a song I really hope elementary school students will listen to.

shape of youEd Sheeran9rank/position

Ed Sheeran – Shape of You (Official Music Video)

If you asked an elementary school child what Western pop song they like and they named this one, I’d think that’s really cool.

It’s “Shape of You,” a signature hit by the globally popular singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.

Precisely because the arrangement is simple with few instruments, the coolness of the vocals really stands out.

True to the EDM-influenced Western pop of the 2010s, the mature lyrics are part of its appeal.

The melody is excellent, and it’s a song you can lightly sway to and enjoy.

I think it’s a great choice to play as a quintessential example of cool music.

Uptown Funk ft. Bruno MarsMark Ronson10rank/position

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

Some people might not recognize it just by hearing the song title or artist name.

But if you hear the song, you’ll probably know it.

Since it’s used in the Honda Fit commercial, many of you have likely come across it.

Its lively funk rhythm makes you move your body without even thinking.

DynamiteBTS11rank/position

BTS (방탄소년단) ‘Dynamite’ Official MV

When it comes to signature songs by BTS, the Korean idol group taking the global music scene by storm, Dynamite is the one that comes to mind.

Released in 2020, the single hit number one on the U.

S.

charts and became a huge success in Japan as well.

With a sound that evokes classic disco music, its cool dance moves are extremely popular even among elementary school students.

There are plenty of videos on YouTube of kids dancing to this track.

The lyrics also contain many expressions and grammar points commonly used in conversation, so be sure to compare the English lyrics with their Japanese translations!

HappyPharrell Williams12rank/position

Pharrell Williams – Happy (Video)

Pharrell Williams, who hails from Virginia in the United States, is a music producer, songwriter, rapper, and singer who has showcased his talent since childhood and found success as part of The Neptunes.

Released in 2013, this song captivated audiences around the world with its catchy melody and infectious rhythm, and it appeared on the soundtrack for Despicable Me 2.

Created by Williams as he resolved to convey positivity and happiness through music after overcoming challenging times, the track is a Motown-style, mid-tempo song characterized by its uplifting lyrics and upbeat melody.

With its catchy tune and straightforward, positive lyrics, it’s a Western pop song that even elementary school children can easily enjoy.

We are youngFun13rank/position

Fun.: We Are Young ft. Janelle Monáe [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

The chorus is the kind of song that makes everyone want to raise their fists and sing along.

The lyrics—saying we’re young so we can do anything, something you’d want to tell elementary school kids—and the upbeat groove have a positivity that makes you want to recommend it not just to kids, but to everyone.

Story of My LifeOne Direction14rank/position

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!