[Middle School Students] Popular Songs Ranking by Generation [2026]

You don’t listen to rock.aimyon78rank/position

Aimyon – You Don’t Listen to Rock [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A coming-of-age song released in September 2017 by singer-songwriter Aimyon.

Told from a male perspective, this portrayal of the ache of unrequited love became a major hit, receiving heavy rotation on radio and surpassing 100 million streams.

Moments like trying to share music on a dust-covered record evoke a heartfelt desire to convey feelings through rock.

Aimyon herself is said to have written the song after being deeply moved by a Spitz concert.

It’s the kind of track that will stir your emotions even more when you hear it at a school or cultural festival.

A must-listen for students who feel the frustration of not being able to get their feelings across to someone they like.

You and the summer music festivalSHISHAMO79rank/position

SHISHAMO “You and the Summer Festival”

Are there people out there imagining what it would be like to go to a summer music festival with that special someone they adore? This song by the three-piece girls’ band SHISHAMO is packed with that kind of sweet, bittersweet youth.

The track is set around a festival date with someone you’re interested in.

It captures both a passion for music and the delicate emotional ups and downs of worrying about how the other person sees you—guaranteed to make your heart flutter.

Released in July 2014, the song is also included on the album “SHISHAMO 2.” It was used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s “JAPAN COUNTDOWN,” reaching many listeners.

If you want to start a summer romance, this song will surely give you the courage you need.

It’s also highly recommended for couples to listen to together!

KanadeSukima Suichi80rank/position

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

This song is a beautiful ballad that portrays parting with someone dear and the wish to stay connected at heart beyond that farewell.

Released by Sukima Switch in March 2004 as their second single, it features a sentimental sound centered on piano and guitar that truly resonates.

It was used as an insert song for the film “Rough,” the theme song for the drama “Sotsu Uta,” and in 2006 was selected as the ending theme for the final day of “Netto Koshien.” The protagonist’s earnest desire to reach someone through voice and song even when apart mirrors the feelings of junior high school students facing the milestone of graduation.

It’s a track that, while looking back on days with friends, makes you want to cherish those bonds going forward.

Sung as a chorus, it would surely fill the entire venue with warm tears.

I LOVE…Ofisharu Higedan Dism81rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – I LOVE… [Official Video]

It’s a bittersweet yet refreshing love song.

Released in February 2020 as the theme song for a drama, it sings not only of romantic love but also of love for friends and family.

Written by Official HIGE DANDism with heartfelt intent, it’s marked by vocalist Satoshi Fujihara’s clear, translucent voice.

The lyrics, where the words of love start to spill out but are held back, convey the anxieties and hesitations of someone in love.

The music video portrays various forms of love and simply watching it warms your heart.

This piece is perfect for moments when you want to think of someone dear or honestly express your feelings to someone.

bondhaji→82rank/position

Hazzie – Bonds.

Hajime’s “Kizuna” is perfect for when you want to express gratitude to someone important, like friends or upperclassmen from your club.

As the title suggests, it’s themed around the bonds between people, singing about appreciation for having met and the greatness of that connection.

Because the lyrics don’t specify the exact relationship with the other person, it’s easy to relate the song to all kinds of relationships.

Its laid-back vibe and conversational wording also make it a great choice to listen to with someone special when you want to relax.

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Charlesbarūn83rank/position

Charles / Balloon (self cover)

This song features a light, upbeat rhythm, stylish chord progressions, and a catchy melody that sticks in your head.

Released in 2016, it is Balloon (Keina Suda)’s 26th Vocaloid track, themed around lost love and parting.

Despite the bittersweet lyrics, its bright sound leaves a strong impression.

On YouTube, you can find a version sung by Keina Suda himself, while the Vocaloid version is available on Niconico.

It’s also included on the compilation album “EXIT TUNES PRESENTS Vocalostream feat.

Hatsune Miku,” so if you’re interested, be sure to check it out.

bad guyBillie Eilish84rank/position

Billie Eilish – bad guy

Billie Eilish, an American singer-songwriter who is highly acclaimed around the world, is known for her dark and melancholic songs, and she has continued to thrive without fundamentally changing her musical style since her debut.

Her biggest hit is “bad guy.” It was a massive hit in 2019, so even junior high school students are probably familiar with it.

While the track showcases her dark aesthetic, it’s crafted with an overall groovy, catchy melody.

It’s rare to find a song this upbeat with such a softly sung vocal line, so be sure to try it at karaoke.

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Ryo

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