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

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.

Just The Way You AreBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Just The Way You Are (Official Music Video)

As one of the best-selling singer-songwriters and a global superstar, Bruno Mars released this memorable debut single in 2010.

It became popular across generations, partly because EXILE’s ATSUSHI covered it in Japanese in 2018.

Its simple yet moving arrangement, outstanding melody, and vocals strike a perfectly balanced pop masterpiece.

The straightforward lyrics that lavish praise on a woman are very easy to understand—clear enough for middle schoolers.

Listen to this track and you just might learn the secrets of being a charming guy!

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ViennaBilly Joel

Vienna-Billy Joel (Lyrics in Description)

It’s a beautiful song featuring Billy Joel’s supple, far-reaching vocals and a wistful, emotional melody.

The accordion that comes in partway through is great, too! I’d also highly recommend the lyrics to middle school students—they’re the kind of words that can give you the courage to take on a challenge.

Dream onAerosmith

Aerosmith – Dream On (with Southern California Children’s Chorus) – Boston Marathon Bombing Tribute

When it comes to Aerosmith, the theme song from the movie Armageddon might be the first thing that comes to mind, but longtime fans would probably pick this song as their signature.

It unfolds like the ideal ballad from a hard rock band.

Steven Tyler absolutely detonates in the chorus—on an Armageddon scale.

Child of mineCarole King

Carole King “Child of Mine” with lyrics

Carole King’s influence on oldies pop is immeasurable, and her historical significance as a pioneering female singer-songwriter is equally beyond measure.

Japanese J-pop has also absorbed plenty of her essence.

For women with children, this song is impossible to listen to without tears.