[2026] Best Western Songs for Middle School Students to Learn and Study English

Favorite SongToosii

Toosii – Favorite Song (Official Video)

Toosii is an American rapper who is also active as a singer.

His signature track “Favorite Song” went viral on TikTok and gained worldwide recognition.

Many middle schoolers may be familiar with this track, too.

The song’s appeal lies in its lyrics, which emphasize the message that it’s okay to be yourself with the person you like.

For sensitive student couples, there’s a lot they can relate to.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

What Am IWhy Don’t We

Why Don’t We “What Am I” (with Japanese subtitles)

The song “What Am I,” which Ed Sheeran wrote for the idol-type boy band Why Don’t We in Japan’s terms, features wonderfully romantic, dreamy lyrics.

The title itself also has a depth that makes you curious about its meaning at first glance.

Be sure to enjoy it while listening to the lyrics!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem

PILLOWTALKZAYN

ZAYN – PILLOWTALK (Official Video)

“PILLOWTALK” is a track defined by profound lyrics and a hard-hitting groove that showcases Zayn’s unique, sensual appeal.

It’s a song that can prompt even middle schoolers to reflect on their own emotions.

While it rides the wave of a revival sound, it also feels fresh, with an easy-to-listen-to melody that makes it recommendable across generations.

Drawing inspiration from the past while looking toward the future, its sound captivates listeners.

Be sure to experience the depth and breadth of Western pop music through this song.

thank u, nextAriana Grande

Ariana Grande – thank u, next (Official Video)

The 2019 song “thank u, next” by American singer Ariana Grande.

It already has quite a mature vibe, but I think it really resonates with middle schoolers too.

The catchy chorus makes the English easy to catch and the meaning easy to grasp.

It expresses a strong determination to move forward even after heartbreak.

Even if you don’t understand the lyrics, just having this track in your player makes you look a bit cooler—it’s that kind of cool song.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem

SeptemberEarth, Wind & Fire

Earth, Wind & Fire – September (Official HD Video)

It’s a bit from the older generation, but it’s still a dance number heard in many settings today.

The chorus features a phrase everyone has heard, making it familiar across generations.

Since most of the lyrics are simple words to pronounce, it’s easy to use as a learning material, and with a bit of practice, even junior high school students who have just started learning English can sing it right away.

Live While We’re YoungOne Direction

One Direction – Live While We’re Young

One Direction, the boy band that achieved top-tier success in the 2010s.

The feats they pulled off in the few years before going on hiatus in 2016 can’t be summed up in a short sentence.

Of course, they’re hugely well-known in Japan as well, and the song we’re featuring this time, “Live While We’re Young,” was a massive hit released in 2012.

It was even used as the theme song for the TV show Mezamashi Doyoubi, so many of you have probably heard it.

It’s a pop song bursting with youthful energy—quintessentially them at their peak—and its lyrics about enjoying your youth will likely resonate directly with junior high students in the midst of adolescence.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

It’s My LifeBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – It’s My Life (Official Music Video)

What does Western rock music mean to middle schoolers? It might be a bit old-fashioned and outdated.

Still, it’s true that there’s always a certain number of students who absolutely love it.

And since they tend to prefer classic, straight-ahead rock, Bon Jovi is always popular.