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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.

Ranking of Popular Western Music Artists Among Junior High School Students [2026] (61–70)

RoarKaty Perry61rank/position

A standout track with a powerful message and driving tempo.

Its lyrics boost self-esteem and draw out your inner strength, paired with a catchy chorus.

Released in August 2013, it became a massive hit, selling over 9.9 million units worldwide.

It’s included on Katy Perry’s fourth album, Prism.

The music video on YouTube has racked up over 3 billion views.

With its straightforward rhythm and repeated phrases, it’s perfect for karaoke.

Even those not confident in English can enjoy singing it in a fun, phonetic “katakana-style” way.

Dancing Feet ft. DNCEKygo62rank/position

Kygo – Dancing Feet (Official Video) ft. DNCE
Dancing Feet ft. DNCEKygo

Kygo is a music producer whose upbeat musicality has earned him a global fanbase.

As one of Norway’s leading producers, he has been active since the late 2000s and is hugely popular in genres like tropical house and progressive house.

Among his works, a track I especially recommend is “Dancing Feet ft.

DNCE.” With its refreshingly summery sound, it’s perfect for listening during summer vacation.

Shout Out to My ExLittle Mix63rank/position

Little Mix – Shout Out to My Ex (Official Video)
Shout Out to My ExLittle Mix

I chose it because it’s a song that blows away depression.

Watching them sing with all their might and perform with raw emotion makes me feel ashamed of my gloomy self, and I naturally start to feel energized.

Or, it’s so dazzling that it makes me even more depressed—one or the other.

HeroMariah Carey64rank/position

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

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

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.