A wonderful classic

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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

If English class alone doesn’t quite satisfy you, but cracking open a workbook feels a bit heavy… then English study using Western pop music is exactly what we want junior high school students to try! When it’s music you like, it naturally sticks in your ears, which not only strengthens your listening skills but also trains your reading as you follow along with the lyrics.

In this article, we’ve rounded up a wide range of songs—mostly the latest hits—that junior high students can enjoy while improving their English.

From tracks with comfortable tempos that are easy to listen to, to songs with simple lyrics that are easy to understand, every pick is perfect as a study companion.

Find your favorite track and enjoy learning English through music!

[2026] Recommended Western Songs for Junior High School Students Learning and Studying English (31–40)

The TrooperIron Maiden

Iron Maiden – The Trooper (Official Video)

The TrooperIron Maiden

It’s a gem of a song by a globally successful British heavy metal band.

This track makes full use of Iron Maiden’s signature triple-guitar attack and is seriously cool.

It’s the kind of metal song that’ll hit a middle schooler right between the eyes, so I hope you listen to it while studying and get pumped up.

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What I’ve DoneLinkin Park

What I’ve Done (Official Music Video) [4K Upgrade] – Linkin Park

What I've DoneLinkin Park

A smash hit by a six-member, Grammy-winning American rock band.

This track was chosen as the theme song for the blockbuster film Transformers, blending electronic elements with straightforward guitar sounds to create a cool rock tune—perfect for boosting your motivation while studying.

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Where We BelongLostprophets

Lostprophets – Where We Belong (Video)

Where We BelongLostprophets

A song by a five-piece British rock band.

It’s a great track with a fresh, UK rock-style melody and standout harmonies.

I think junior high school students especially suit melodic, refreshing, and cool songs like UK rock, and I’d love for them to listen while studying.

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The Day That Never ComesMetallica

Metallica – The Day That Never Comes (Official Music Video)

The Day That Never ComesMetallica

A song by one of the Big Four of American thrash metal, a hugely popular band.

It starts with a melancholic guitar arpeggio melody, grows more intense in the chorus, and explodes in the guitar solo—the exquisitely crafted solo is especially fantastic.

I hope middle schoolers studying can get hyped up with some metal.

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DeadMy Chemical Romance

My Chemical Romance – “Dead!” [Live In Mexico]

DeadMy Chemical Romance

A song by a U.S.

rock band that remains globally popular even after disbanding.

Among their tracks, this one is especially poppy and upbeat, and it’s incredibly uplifting to listen to.

I think it would be perfectly acceptable even for middle school students, so I’d love for you to play it while studying.

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[2026] A roundup of recommended Western songs for junior high school students to learn and study English (41–50)

Story Of My LifeOne Direction

One Direction – Story of My Life

Story Of My LifeOne Direction

A hit song by a globally popular pop group, also featured in a commercial for a Japanese phone company.

This mid-tempo, ballad-style track showcases each member’s vocals to the fullest, and I hope that even middle school students will feel energized by their voices while studying.

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Snow (Hey Oh)Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers – Snow (Hey Oh) (Official Music Video)

Snow (Hey Oh)Red Hot Chili Peppers

A hugely popular song by a Grammy Award–winning American band.

It was also chosen as the theme song for a popular Japanese film, and is characterized by its gentle groove.

If middle school students play this while studying, its light and gentle rhythm—so typical of the band—will feel pleasant and help them focus.

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In producing this article

Editorial Policy

I selected the songs while consulting lyrics sites and drawing on my perspective as a music writer who is learning English. Assuming a junior high school audience, I focused on Western songs that are easy to listen to and don’t use many difficult words, and I’m creating articles that are useful for listening, reading, and vocabulary study.

KOH-1 (music writer)

[Evidence]

https://genius.com/

[About the order of publication]

Based on the editorial team’s research results, the final decision also takes into account the total number of your “Rank Up” and “Rank Down” button presses.

[Update History]

November 14, 2025: Added/updated 15 reviews and refreshed the entire article.
2023/12/27: Added and updated three reviews.
Added/updated four reviews on 2023/6/11.
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Added/updated 5 reviews on 2017/12/13.
September 13, 2017: Added/updated 18 reviews.
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Published the article on 2017/9/1.
2017/8/30: Added/updated one review.
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2017/6/14: Added and updated 8 reviews.
2017/5/4: Added/updated 9 reviews.