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Ranking of Western Music Artists Popular Among Junior High School Students [2026]
When kids move from elementary to junior high school, their musical tastes often change regardless of gender.
It’s only natural, since they start to understand the meanings of more mature songs.
It’s also the age when many discover Western music, with lyrics in other languages and melodies different from Japanese pop.
Here’s a ranking of Western artists popular among junior high school students.
Western Music Artists Popular with Junior High School Students: Rankings [2026] (1–10)
Good TimeOwl City & Carly Rae Jepsen1rank/position
This is an exceptionally happy track created by Owl City, a leading figure in electropop, and the globally popular singer Carly Rae Jepsen.
The lyrics paint a picture of an incredibly fun time where you can laugh things off with a cheerful “It’s all good!” no matter what happens.
It’s brimming with a positive energy that says, “Let’s just enjoy the moment.” Released in June 2012, the song appears on both artists’ albums, The Midsummer Station and Kiss, and topped the charts in Canada and New Zealand.
Its brisk melody and the harmonious blend of male and female vocals are a delight, and it’s a sure-fire crowd-pleaser that will light up the room if you duet it at karaoke.
Shape of YouEd Sheeran2rank/position
Ed Sheeran’s smash hit “Shape of You” took the world by storm.
Since it was released in 2017, even junior high school students are likely familiar with it.
It won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance, and as you can tell from its YouTube views, it was a massive commercial success.
Its laid-back melody suits both parties and drives, which may have helped it become such a hit.
It’s also a staple song for learning English, so be sure to check it out!
APT.ROSÉ & Bruno Mars3rank/position
This track stands out with a pop-rock sound full of wave-riding rhythm and powerful energy.
It’s a collaboration between Rosé, the main vocalist of Korea’s BLACKPINK, and 15-time Grammy winner Bruno Mars.
Released in October 2024, it topped the charts in more than 25 countries worldwide.
Inspired by a drinking game popular among young people, it deftly weaves together the exhilaration of a party and the sweetness of romance.
The wistful vocals and edgy guitar work blend seamlessly, resulting in a polished, sophisticated song.
It’s perfect for boosting team motivation at school sports festivals or anytime you want to hype up the crowd with powerful chants.
bad guyBillie Eilish4rank/position
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.
GirlfriendAvril Lavigne5rank/position
Set to an exhilarating pop-punk sound, this track captures the straightforward emotions born from a one-sided crush.
Released in February 2007 by Canadian artist Avril Lavigne, it showcases her quintessential powerful vocals and energetic performance that captivated music fans around the world.
As the lead single from the album “The Best Damn Thing,” it topped the Billboard Hot 100 and has achieved over 7.3 million in global sales.
It’s a perfect pick for school festivals and cultural events, instantly lifting the mood of the venue.
Beloved by many at parties and dance events as well, this vibrant song continues to energize crowds everywhere.
Love YourselfJustin Bieber6rank/position
This work, one of his signature songs, is a hit number from the album Purpose, released in November 2015.
With a simple arrangement centered on the sound of the guitar, the melody is remarkably easy to remember.
Since it’s sung in a whisper rather than belted out, some listeners may find it surprisingly easy to sing.
The song reached No.
1 on the U.S.
charts and impressively topped the year-end chart for 2016.
Call Me MaybeCarly Rae Jepsen7rank/position
Carly Rae Jepsen’s song “Call Me Maybe” is perfect for learning English.
Released in 2011 and later becoming a huge hit, the song features clear lyrics and a catchy, easy-to-remember melody.
Its tempo is manageable even for beginners, and you’ll find yourself naturally humming along as you feel the rhythm.
Since the lyrics portray the bittersweet feelings of teenage romance, it’s easy to relate to, letting you enjoy the song while learning the language.
Why not start studying English, guided by Carly’s charming voice, as she continues to captivate audiences worldwide as a Canadian singer-songwriter?