RAG MusicJunior
A wonderful classic

Dance music in Western pop recommended for junior high school students

When you think of dance music, many people probably imagine upbeat, high-energy tracks.

While that kind of dance music is certainly mainstream, since the 2020s, songs with a stylish tone have also been gaining popularity.

This time, we’ve selected dance tracks that we can recommend especially to lively middle school students.

In addition to up-tempo songs, we’ll also feature downbeat, stylish pieces—so please sit back, relax, and enjoy to the end!

Dance music in Western pop recommended for middle school students (1–10)

Light SwitchCharlie Puth

Charlie Puth – Light Switch [Official Music Video]
Light SwitchCharlie Puth

Charlie Puth is a singer-songwriter who has gained popularity for his wide-ranging musicality.

He rose to global fame with the theme song for the film Furious 7, See You Again ft.

Charlie Puth.

His track Light Switch, released in January 2022, drew attention for its catchy sound.

It isn’t exactly an orthodox song; by incorporating synth-pop—a genre that trended in the 1980s—it blends an upbeat, fresh feel with a hint of nostalgia.

If you’re a middle school student who enjoys retro-sounding tracks, be sure to give it a listen.

IntentionsJustin Bieber

Justin Bieber – Intentions (Official Video (Short Version)) ft. Quavo
IntentionsJustin Bieber

It’s a song in which Justin Bieber sings with heartfelt feelings for his loved one.

Released in February 2020, the track features a melodic sound and striking lyrics that celebrate the other person’s inner beauty.

Bieber’s gentle vocals and rapper Quavo’s feature are woven together in a perfectly balanced way.

Included on the album Changes, the song reached No.

5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and captured the hearts of many.

It’s top-tier as a dance track—a well-loved classic often played on the dance floor thanks to its feel-good melody.

It’s recommended for times when you want to express gratitude to someone you love or when you want to cherish yourself.

Bad HabitsEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Bad Habits [Official Video]
Bad HabitsEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran, a singer-songwriter from the UK who gained worldwide popularity with his 2017 release “Shape of You,” is also hugely popular in Japan.

“Bad Habits” is one of his famous songs, released in 2021.

While keeping to his signature catchy pop style, it features a distinctive melody that incorporates trendy synth-pop.

It has an upbeat feel with a stylish vibe, so junior high school students might consider using it as background music on a date.

Dance music in Western languages recommended for junior high school students (11–20)

CradlesSub Urban

Sub Urban – Cradles [Official Music Video]
CradlesSub Urban

Sub Urban is known as a prime example of an artist who gained worldwide popularity through TikTok.

In Japan, many people might not recognize his name, but the moment you hear his songs, you’ll go, “Oh, that one!” His track Cradles is one of his signature works.

It has a very dark vibe and helped spark the current dark-pop boom.

Although it was released in 2019, it’s still widely used on TikTok, so it’s recommended even for middle school students.

Don’t Be ShyTiësto & Karol G

Tiësto & Karol G – Don’t Be Shy (Official Music Video)
Don't Be ShyTiësto & Karol G

Tiesto, a music producer who has been churning out hit songs since 2022, scored an especially big success with “Don’t Be Shy,” his collaboration with Colombia’s Karol G.

The charm of this track lies above all in its distinctive sound and stylish structure.

It’s not the kind of dance music that sends you into a frenzy, but it has a quirky, catchy groove, making it a great recommendation even for middle schoolers!

Permission to DanceBTS

BTS (방탄소년단) ‘Permission to Dance’ Official MV
Permission to DanceBTS

It’s a song from BTS that fills you with positivity.

Released in July 2021, it carries a message of expressing freedom through dance.

Co-created with Ed Sheeran and others, the track portrays a post-pandemic world and is said to include an homage to everyday heroes.

The “Permission to Dance Challenge” was also held on YouTube, providing an opportunity to deepen connections with fans.

With its bright, upbeat lyrics and melody, it’s perfect when you want a boost of energy or a change of pace.

Many people have probably heard it, and as dance music it’s enjoyable for everyone from children to adults.

Middle schoolers, why not listen to this song and have fun dancing to it?

IffyChris Brown

Chris Brown – Iffy (Official Video)
IffyChris Brown

Chris Brown has long been active as an R&B singer.

In the latter half of the 2010s, R&B entered a rapid decline.

However, because Chris Brown adapted R&B into a modern musical style, he continues to thrive today.

You have to admire his knack for catching trends.

One of his iconic tracks is Iffy.

Its blend of trap music and R&B is striking, resulting in a stylish, highly groovable sound.