Western pop songs that junior high school students like. World-famous classics and popular songs.

Top Of The WorldCarpenters

The Carpenters – Top Of The World

It’s a song that many people probably sang in their middle school English classes.

Although it’s from over 40 years ago, it’s still widely used today, including in TV commercials.

The rhythm is calm and the pronunciation is clear, making it easy even for beginners in English to sing.

ParadiseColdplay

Coldplay – Paradise (Official Video)

Among rock bands, Coldplay is popular with junior high school students.

They can relate to how this earnest and straightforward young man became a big star.

Above all, the melodies—convincing whether in Western music or to Japanese listeners—are unforgettable.

New RomanticsTaylor Swift

Taylor Swift – New Romantics

You start getting into Western music around middle school, right? And you naturally look up to grown-ups like Taylor Swift.

This song was, of course, a huge hit, so I think everyone knows it by now, but if you don’t, you can get a feel for a new side of Taylor.

ChandelierSia

Sia – Chandelier (Official Video)

With this striking music video, it quickly became popular among Japanese middle schoolers and other young people.

I think it’s rare to see a music video that incorporates dance scenes to this extent.

And we’re all drawn to those powerful, commanding vocals, aren’t we? I’ve heard it’s been popular at karaoke lately, too.

7 ringsAriana Grande

Ariana Grande – 7 rings (Official Video)

This is “7 rings,” the hit single released in 2019 by the hugely popular artist Ariana Grande.

The intro is a parody of “My Favorite Things” from the musical The Sound of Music.

Beyond the song’s catchy appeal, it also drew major attention when she—who openly expresses her fondness for Japan—got the kanji characters for “seven rings” tattooed on her palm, which, due to a mix-up, read as “shichirin” (a small charcoal grill).