Recommended Western music for junior high school students — from popular classics to the latest hits
What kind of image comes to mind when you hear the phrase “Western music” if you’re a current junior high school student?
Some of you might feel like, “I can’t understand the English lyrics,” or “I’m not sure what they mean.”
This time, we’ve put together a selection of recommended songs for students who are just starting to listen to Western music or are thinking of giving it a try.
Focusing on tracks with easy-to-listen-to melodies and lyrics that use simple English words, we’ve selected a wide range across genres—from classic pop masterpieces to loud, intense rock bands, and the latest hit songs!
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Recommended Western Music for Junior High School Students: From Popular Classics to the Latest Hits (11–20)
NumbLinkin Park
Formed in 1996, the American alternative rock band Linkin Park is a perfect choice for a Western rock band to start listening to from middle school.
Their songs feature choruses that genuinely soar, verses brimming with a sense that something’s about to happen, heavily distorted guitars, and emotional vocals—every element is just incredibly cool.
Their track “Numb” exemplifies this, and I believe it’s a song that can open a musical door you’ve never opened before.
Ain’t It FunParamore
When Paramore made their album debut in 2005, their vocalist Hayley Williams was just 17 years old.
Even with more than 15 years of experience under their belt, she was still in her early thirties as of 2020, which really shows how young they were when they started out.
“Ain’t It Fun,” included on Paramore’s acclaimed 2015 album Paramore and winner of the Best Rock Song at the 57th Grammy Awards, exemplifies this.
Centered on Hayley’s superb vocals, its funky rhythms and beats feel great, and it stands out as a masterpiece with exceptional pop craftsmanship.
It’s also a great pick for a dance assignment!
It’s my lifeBon Jovi
Bon Jovi, the monster band that achieved worldwide success in the 1980s and is also known for its strong bond with Japanese fans.
While their signature songs are largely the massive hits released in the ’80s, the track that became a new anthem for them was It’s My Life, released in 2000.
Considering they only released two albums in the 1990s, this song could hardly be more fitting as a masterpiece to usher in a new phase of their career from the 2000s onward.
Built on tight rhythms and hard-edged guitar riffs, the instantly memorable melody line is nothing short of remarkable.
Its empowering lyrics make it a great cheer song even for junior high school students studying for entrance exams.
HappyPharrell Williams
Released in 2014, this funky, pop-infused masterpiece by Pharrell Williams became a global smash hit.
Beyond the brilliance of the song itself, its music video is indispensable to the story.
Billed as the world’s first 24-hour music video, the groundbreaking visual project drew major attention, and soon after, fan-made tribute videos of people dancing to the track popped up worldwide, further propelling its success.
It’s a hit that perfectly embodies the internet era.
By the way, you should also know that Pharrell Williams is first and foremost a renowned music producer who had already achieved global recognition since the 1990s through his work with groups like The Neptunes and N.E.R.D.
Master of PuppetsMetallica
A song by Metallica, a four-piece metal band with over 100 million albums sold worldwide.
The palm-muted guitar riff that runs throughout the track is played entirely with down-picking despite the fast tempo, creating a relentlessly thrilling sound.
At the start of the guitar solo, the mood shifts from the preceding intensity to a sorrowful arpeggio, then unfolds into a weeping twin-lead guitar solo—a structure rich in storytelling that epitomizes metal.
Since its release, it has become one of the indispensable classics in the history of metal.
