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

Don’t Worry Be HappyBobby McFerrin57rank/position

Bobby McFerrin – Don’t Worry Be Happy (Official Music Video)

A hit song by American jazz singer Bobby McFerrin.

The intro, which starts with whistling, is memorable, and many adults have surely heard it.

It’s a work whose message—“Don’t worry, stay positive”—resonates with the heart.

Dani CaliforniaRed Hot Chili Peppers58rank/position

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Dani California [Official Music Video]

A famous song by the world-renowned American band Red Hot Chili Peppers.

From the moment you hear the intro, you’ll be guaranteed to get pumped.

It was also used in the movie Death Note, making it familiar to many Japanese listeners.

The band has gone through many lineup changes, and this track—created when they were at their best—is a must-listen.

BonesImagine Dragons59rank/position

Imagine Dragons – Bones (Official Music Video)

Imagine Dragons is an American band that captivates listeners around the world with a powerful yet emotional rock sound.

Their songs give us courage and hope to face life’s hardships and uncertainties.

Among them, one track that has become one of the band’s signature songs is a deeply insightful work that emphasizes the importance of believing in the inner strength that lies within each of us.

Released in April 2022, the song drew major attention, ranking high on Billboard’s rock charts.

Its music video, which evokes the spirit of a Michael Jackson classic, also became a hot topic.

In fact, the song is hugely popular in the hit game Fortnite and as a so-called “sound-sync” trend on TikTok.

There are surely even elementary school students for whom this is their very first English-language song!

Under the SeaSamuel E. Wright60rank/position

Samuel E. Wright – Under the Sea (from The Little Mermaid) (Official Video)

This is the international version of an insert song from the Disney film The Little Mermaid.

It’s a number where the character Sebastian sings about the wonders of the underwater world.

The track is lively and bustling, featuring a variety of instrumental timbres throughout.

I’m Good (Blue)David Guetta & Bebe Rexha61rank/position

David Guetta & Bebe Rexha – I’m Good (Blue) [Official Music Video]

For energetic elementary school students, EDM can be considered one of the more approachable genres.

Among EDM tracks, a standout recommendation is “I’m Good (Blue).” It was one of the most-played club tracks in 2023, featuring a driving production by David Guetta and sleek vocals by Bebe Rexha that mesh perfectly.

While the catchy melody tends to steal the spotlight, the repeated phrases and narrow vocal range make it easy to sing—even for elementary schoolers whose voices may be unstable due to changes like the onset of voice deepening.

On Top Of The WorldImagine Dragons62rank/position

Imagine Dragons – On Top Of The World (Official Music Video)

Imagine Dragons often have a unique worldview, but this song stands out in contrast with its very poppy, happy melody.

It feels like a piece that teaches various perspectives on life, along with the message: Don’t give up even when you run into difficulties.

Don’t Look Back In AngerOasis63rank/position

Oasis – Don’t Look Back In Anger (Official Video)

The British rock band OASIS’s anthem “Don’t Look Back In Anger.” It’s a song that symbolizes the movement of the ’90s.

The chorus is definitely one that makes everyone want to sing along.

If you want to listen to Western rock bands or are interested in Western rock, I think this song is the perfect entry point.

I’d be happy if, starting from this song, you dive into other bands and many great tracks, and grow more and more interested in Western rock!