Recommended Western music for elementary school boys: world classics and popular songs

Smell Like Teen SpiritNirvana

Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit (Official Music Video)

This one song dropped like a bomb on America back when L.A.

metal was all the rage.

It’s the signature track from the band that catapulted grunge—a genre that wasn’t very familiar to the general public and wasn’t mainstream—into a full-blown boom.

A must-listen, especially for its explosive chorus.

Smoke on the waterDeep Purple

Deep Purple – Smoke On the Water (Official Music Video)

This riff is so striking that almost everyone has heard it at least once.

The Japanese commercial that used this song isn’t airing in Japan anymore, but even today’s elementary school kids, once they hear this clear and cool riff, will find themselves immersed in this band’s world.

It’s been a Hard Days NightThe Beatles

A Hard Day’s Night (Remastered 2015)

Speaking of the Beatles, they’re such a huge band that there’s hardly anyone in the world who doesn’t know them.

Their accessible pop-rock is of such quality that it’s hard to believe it was made in the 1960s.

As a band that was at the cutting edge of the world and still reigns at the very top today, this classic song is a must-listen.

DynamiteBTS

BTS (방탄소년단) ‘Dynamite’ Official MV

When it comes to signature songs by BTS, the Korean idol group taking the global music scene by storm, Dynamite is the one that comes to mind.

Released in 2020, the single hit number one on the U.S.

charts and became a huge success in Japan as well.

With a sound that evokes classic disco music, its cool dance moves are extremely popular even among elementary school students.

There are plenty of videos on YouTube of kids dancing to this track.

The lyrics also contain many expressions and grammar points commonly used in conversation, so be sure to compare the English lyrics with their Japanese translations!

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I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way (Official HD Video)

This one is famous too, and I really love the chorus and the part right after it—it’s so cool, and I used to listen to it a lot.

There’s a time when you start admiring bands, and as a middle schooler you end up loving this kind of music and can memorize it quickly.

You really get into Western music.

It’s slow and easy to sing.

Have a nice dayBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – Have A Nice Day

Bon Jovi is easy to listen to and I really love them.

Even a junior high school student can enjoy their music and end up loving it.

As a junior high student, you feel like you’re listening to slightly grown-up rock, which makes you a big fan.

The melodies are easy to remember.

Heal the worldMichael Jackson

Michael Jackson – Heal The World (Official Video)

Among Michael Jackson’s songs, this one is relatively easy to catch and has a relaxed melody, so it’s easy to remember and a good song.

Even junior high school students should be able to understand it well.

The chorus is especially easy to remember, so it’s recommended for singing.