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

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.

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!

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!

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.

Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi

Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved

Lewis Capaldi is a singer-songwriter from Scotland.

He’s an artist known for his husky, powerful voice, and this song, released in 2018, became a worldwide hit.

It’s a ballad that portrays the protagonist’s anguish as he confronts lost love, with simple piano accompaniment and deeply emotional vocals that resonate in the heart.

The lyrics are written in relatively easy-to-understand English, and the relaxed tempo makes it great for listening practice.

Included on his debut album, “Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent,” it won Song of the Year at the 2020 BRIT Awards.

If you’re a junior high school student who wants to practice English listening while experiencing deep emotional expression, be sure to check it out.