Moving Western songs recommended for junior high school students: world classics and popular hits

riverBruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen – The River (The River Tour, Tempe 1980)

A ballad from the double album “The River,” which could be called the peak of Bruce’s career.

From then to now, Bruce has consistently sung about America’s pride and failure, and the sorrows of the working class.

The harmonica at the beginning of “The River” eloquently evokes America’s tragedy.

This is also a song for which I strongly encourage you to look up the lyrics.

Love me like you doEllie Goulding

Ellie Goulding – Love Me Like You Do (Official Video)

This song is a quintessential example of the classical electropop that’s a current trend among female singers.

And it’s very British.

Its music video has been viewed 1.4 billion times.

It’s fun to compare British pop with American pop.

Let this song’s sense of scale set you thinking about the character and history of its homeland.

Stairway to HeavenLed Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin Stairway to Heaven English and Japanese lyrics

When it comes to the greatest guitar solos in rock, this song is bound to come up.

Led Zeppelin was the ultimate band—one that couldn’t exist if even a single member were missing.

This track is like an impossible prayer the legendary band left behind in the history of music.

Stick with youThe Pussycat Dolls

The Pussycat Dolls – Stickwitu (Official Music Video) ft. Avant

A song that holds the record for consecutive weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.

Acoustic-leaning singers have been increasingly incorporating rap and creating great tracks, with Ed Sheeran and Jason Mraz being prime examples.

A breezy, lovely love song that suits the sea.

Because I Love YouStevie Wonder

Stevie B – Because I Love You (The Postman Song) (Official Video)

This song is the piece we performed at our middle school music recital, and I also loved the original version—I remember singing it with friends after school.

It’s very mellow, and the piano part is so poignant and moving.

This is the one song I will never forget; it’s a piece filled with memories for a lifetime.