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

Just The Way You AreBruno Mars

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

This is an original song by Bruno Mars.

He elevated niche-oriented soul and funk into a higher level of pop music.

That’s what led to his overwhelming sales and popularity.

Of course, he’s popular among middle schoolers too, so if you don’t know him, you should check him out.

Bad DayDaniel Powter

Daniel Powter – Bad Day (Official Music Video) [HD]

Daniel Powter’s song “Bad Day.” The title might sound a bit negative at first, but if you try translating the English lyrics into Japanese, your impression will change completely.

It was a huge hit in 2005, a warm track that gives you a boost when you’re feeling down.

Even years after its release, it remains a timeless classic, and the melody is wonderful—listening to it and making it the first English song you can sing as part of your repertoire would be pretty cool!

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Murakami Shinpei

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shape of youEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Shape of You (Official Music Video)

If you asked an elementary school child what Western pop song they like and they named this one, I’d think that’s really cool.

It’s “Shape of You,” a signature hit by the globally popular singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.

Precisely because the arrangement is simple with few instruments, the coolness of the vocals really stands out.

True to the EDM-influenced Western pop of the 2010s, the mature lyrics are part of its appeal.

The melody is excellent, and it’s a song you can lightly sway to and enjoy.

I think it’s a great choice to play as a quintessential example of cool music.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Party Rock Anthem ft. Lauren Bennett, GoonRockLMFAO

LMFAO – Party Rock Anthem ft. Lauren Bennett, GoonRock

There are lots of rap and club music tracks that just make you feel happy simply by listening to them.

Especially with songs like this one that you hear in commercials and various other settings, they can be something everyone around you can get excited about together.

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kappamaki

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Everything you doM2M

M2M – Everything You Do (HD)

A single released in 2000.

M2M is a female two-member girl duo.

This song became known in Japan through NHK’s children’s program Tensai Terebi-kun.

The child performers who appeared on the show in the 2000s sang a Japanese version.

The highlights are its futuristic visuals and techno sound.

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en

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Uptown Funk ft. Bruno MarsMark Ronson

Mark Ronson – Uptown Funk (Official Video) ft. Bruno Mars

This is a song by Mark Ronson that really showcases Bruno Mars’s vocals.

Mark Ronson is a British artist whose main occupation is DJing, but he’s now a top-tier musician.

For middle schoolers looking for danceable tracks, I think his dance music is a perfect fit.

SugarMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Sugar (Official Music Video)

Maroon 5’s popular song is quite well-known in Japan—many of you have probably heard it somewhere.

It’s a track whose calm yet catchy melody really sticks in your head.

Be sure to check out the music video as well; its storytelling is a highlight.

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kappamaki

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