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

All I Want for Christmas Is YouMariah Carey43rank/position

Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas Is You (Official Video)

This is one of Mariah Carey’s signature songs—she’s a world-famous idol and artist—and it was also used as the theme song for the drama “29-sai no Christmas,” which starred Tomoko Yamaguchi and Toshiro Yanagiba.

Its upbeat rhythm makes it fun to listen to, so it’s popular even among elementary school children.

ComplicatedAvril Lavigne44rank/position

Avril Lavigne – Complicated (Official Video)

This is one of Avril Lavigne’s signature numbers that suddenly burst onto the scene in the 2000s and racked up smash hits.

Its upbeat vibe and flowing melody are hugely popular with elementary school students, and I especially recommend it for those in the upper grades.

Lately, you can even see elementary schoolers humming along to it.

Try EverytingShakira45rank/position

Shakira – Try Everything (Official Video)

Since it’s the theme song of the movie Zootopia, many of you may have heard it.

It’s a piece that feels like it gives you a push to try anything.

The pop melody is easy to sing, and because it’s such a powerful song, it’s also a great recommendation for boys.

Live While We’re YoungOne Direction46rank/position

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.

GirlfriendAvril Lavigne47rank/position

Avril Lavigne – Girlfriend (Official Video)

A signature song by the Canadian pop diva Avril Lavigne, who was a global sensation and hugely popular in Japan over a decade ago.

Her voice meshes perfectly with the upbeat rhythm, making it a danceable party tune.

Let’s listen to one of her iconic tracks—she’s still active today.

Break My HeartDua Lipa48rank/position

Dua Lipa – Break My Heart (Official Video)

Among elementary school girls interested in Western pop music, some may admire Dua Lipa’s musicality and fashion style.

Of Dua Lipa’s songs, the one I especially recommend is Break My Heart.

This track is built on the disco-funk and dance-pop sound she excelled at through 2023.

Because it emphasizes groove, the vocal difficulty is low; as long as you lock in the rhythm and English pronunciation, even elementary school students with limited singing experience can perform it well.

We Will Rock YouQueen49rank/position

Queen – We Will Rock You (Official Video)

When it comes to iconic songs by the quintessential British rock band Queen, We Will Rock You is a must.

You’ve surely heard the “boom boom clap” rhythm that kicks it off.

Released as a single in 1977, in Japan it’s often associated with sports like soccer and combat sports.

The band’s biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, also made waves in 2018.

The lyrics feature many b and p sounds, which are said to be well-suited for upper-elementary English education, so consider using it as a practice song for class!