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

That’s So TrueGracie Abrams

That’s So True

This work, which portrays the pain of heartbreak and the self-growth learned from it, is a perfect song for junior high school English learners.

The lyrics carefully depict the protagonist’s feelings as they watch their ex spend time with a new partner—cycling through jealousy, sadness, and self-reflection.

Gracie Abrams is a highly skilled singer-songwriter who served as the opening act for Taylor Swift’s tour.

Released in November 2024, this song is included on the deluxe edition of the album “The Secret of Us” and became her first number-one single in the UK.

The lyrics feature many everyday English expressions, allowing listeners to improve their listening skills while learning about the complex emotions of love.

It’s recommended for those who have experienced heartbreak and for junior high school students who enjoy emotionally rich Western pop music.

FeatherSabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter – Feather (Official Video)

Sabrina Carpenter, who has grown from a Disney Channel alum into a full-fledged pop artist.

Included on the deluxe edition of her album “emails i can’t send” and released as a single in August 2023, this track describes the lightness of being completely free from an ex, captured in the phrase “light as a feather.” Its snappy four-on-the-floor beat and disco-pop sound are easy on the ears, and the lyrics are simple with lots of repetition, making it easy for even middle schoolers to sing along.

It peaked at No.

21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached No.

1 on U.S.

pop radio.

Highly recommended when you want to feel positive!

greedyTate McRae

Tate McRae – greedy (Official Video)

Canadian singer-songwriter Tate McRae, who also has a career as a dancer, scored a global smash with the lead single from her 2023 album Think Later.

The song’s appeal lies above all in its catchy chorus packed into a brief two minutes and its message about the importance of having confidence in yourself.

The bold lyric “If I were you, you’d want me” could be a spark for middle schoolers to boost their self-esteem.

Since the track went mega-viral on TikTok, many of you have probably heard it already.

It uses lots of simple English expressions, making it perfect for listening practice.

As It WasHarry Styles

Harry Styles – As It Was (Official Video)

This is a centerpiece track from Harry Styles—known as a member of One Direction—on his album “Harry’s House,” released in May 2022.

Rooted in synth-pop and new wave, it explores themes of personal change and the shifting distance from one’s past.

It spent 10 consecutive weeks at number one on the UK charts and 15 weeks at number one on the US Billboard chart, topping the charts in over 45 countries worldwide.

The lyrics are simple yet profound, making it perfect for junior high school students to try translating into Japanese.

Plus, its comfortable tempo makes it catchy, so you’ll naturally memorize the phrases as you listen repeatedly.

drivers licenseOlivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo – drivers license (Official Video)

Released in January 2021 as the debut single that defined her career, this song became a phenomenal hit worldwide.

Depicting the complex feelings right after getting a driver’s license, it intertwines themes of heartbreak and growth, and its accessible English expressions make it appealing for middle school learners.

Starting with a restrained, piano-based arrangement that gradually builds in emotion, its structure also makes it ideal as English listening material.

Included on the album SOUR, the song spent eight consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won at the 2022 Grammy Awards.

By following the English lyrics and empathizing with the protagonist’s bittersweet feelings, you’ll naturally pick up English expressions.

If you’ve experienced heartbreak, you’ll be able to immerse yourself even more deeply in the world of the lyrics.

Shape of YouEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Shape of You (Official Music Video)

Ed Sheeran’s smash hit “Shape of You” took the world by storm.

Since it was released in 2017, even junior high school students are likely familiar with it.

It won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance, and as you can tell from its YouTube views, it was a massive commercial success.

Its laid-back melody suits both parties and drives, which may have helped it become such a hit.

It’s also a staple song for learning English, so be sure to check it out!

STAYThe Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber

The Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber – STAY (Official Video)

Released in July 2021, this track is a massive hit by Australian artist The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber.

In a compact 2 minutes and 21 seconds, it packs an attention-grabbing keyboard riff and lively drums into a hybrid of electropop and rap.

The lyrics straightforwardly express a heartfelt plea to “stay by my side,” resonating with the emotions of teens navigating love.

With its fast tempo and catchy melody, the English phrases naturally stick in your head as you listen on repeat.

Singing along to the rhythm also makes it perfect for pronunciation practice!