Ranking of Western Music Artists Popular Among Junior High School Students [2026]

HeroMariah Carey64rank/position

Mariah Carey – Hero (From Mariah Carey (Live))

It’s a classic song, but a nostalgic youth anthem that gives you confidence.

The message is that anyone can be a hero and that there’s a hero in your heart.

When you’re going through something tough or painful, try calling on the hero in your heart—you might find strength.

Sunday MorningMaroon 565rank/position

Maroon 5 – Sunday Morning

Since the massive success of their 2002 debut album Songs About Jane, Los Angeles–born Maroon 5 have remained at the forefront of the music scene.

Among their songs—distinguished by a keen sense for skillfully blending diverse musical styles into contemporary pop—I’d like to highlight Sunday Morning from that debut album.

Chosen for a Toyota commercial, it’s also a very popular track in Japan.

With a vibe that would fit perfectly as lounge music playing in a café, it’s an ideal song for junior high school students who want to take a small step up and listen to something stylish.

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WonderwallOasis66rank/position

Oasis – Wonderwall (Official Video)

A quintessential masterpiece of the ’90s, this timeless classic continues to be loved by music fans around the world.

Created by Oasis’s Gallagher brothers, the song captured countless listeners with its catchy melody and relatable lyrics.

Released in 1995, it reached No.

2 in the UK and No.

8 in the US.

It won Best British Single at the 1996 BRIT Awards and was nominated for a Grammy the following year.

The crowd sing-alongs at live shows are nothing short of breathtaking.

It’s also a karaoke staple adored across generations, and it’s a song that even those not confident in English will find easy to sing.

ApologizeOneRepublic67rank/position

OneRepublic – Apologize

OneRepublic is an American rock band formed in 2002.

Their debut single, “Apologize,” was released in 2007 and reached number one on the charts in Canada and Australia.

It was also nominated for a Grammy Award in 2009.

HappyPharrell Williams68rank/position

Pharrell Williams – Happy (Official Video)

This song by American artist Pharrell Williams features a refreshing rhythm that blends elements of neo-soul and funk, expressing the joy of life and a positive outlook.

Its lyrics convey the importance of staying happy even in the most challenging situations, empowering every listener.

Released in November 2013, it was created for the soundtrack of the animated film Despicable Me 2 and was later included on the album G I R L.

Its appeal is evident from its achievement of holding the No.

1 spot on the U.S.

Billboard Hot 100 for 10 consecutive weeks.

It’s perfect as background music for event entries or dance performances at school sports days, with the power to unite all participants.

This Is MeThe Greatest Showman Cast69rank/position

The Greatest Showman Cast – This Is Me (Official Audio)

It’s a powerful anthem that teaches us the importance of taking pride in our true selves.

This moving song is performed by The Greatest Showman Cast, featuring Hugh Jackman from Australia.

With its gospel-style chorus, it celebrates the beauty of not fearing your differences and turning them into your shining strength.

Included on the film’s album, The Greatest Showman: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, it was used in the figure skating exhibition at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, bringing an emotional close to the event.

When you’ve lost confidence by comparing yourself to others, listening to this song will help you affirm your unique individuality with strength.

It’s a special track that gives you the courage to take that first step.

A COLD PLAYThe Kid LAROI70rank/position

The Kid LAROI – A COLD PLAY (Official Video)

This track by Australian rapper The Kid Laroi, released in September 2025, is only about two minutes long yet packed with raw feelings of sadness and regret.

Over a cold, minimal beat, he lays bare the reality that you can’t change someone, while conveying the lingering emotions he can’t let go of—a direct transmission of the pain right after a breakup.

Since it came out shortly after his split with ex-girlfriend Tate McRae, it can be seen as a work that strongly reflects his true feelings.

Recommended for middle schoolers who are struggling because they can’t forget someone.