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

Beautiful ThingsBenson Boone21rank/position

Benson Boone – Beautiful Things (Official Music Video)

Released in January 2024, this signature song by Benson Boone swept charts around the world.

It’s an emotionally rich ballad that expresses gratitude for happy days while also portraying the fear of losing them.

The lyrics use simple, easy-to-understand English, making it accessible even for junior high school students.

Its universal themes of gratitude toward loved ones and family, and the anxiety of loss, resonate deeply alongside soulful vocals.

Produced as the lead single for his debut album, “Fireworks & Rollerblades,” the song won Best Alternative Video at the MTV Video Music Awards.

With its moving melody and relatable lyrics, it’s sure to naturally boost motivation for learning English.

Just The Way You AreBruno Mars22rank/position

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

Bruno Mars, a genius who effortlessly commands pop and R&B.

This is one of his signature songs and a hugely popular choice for wedding background music.

Its charm lies, above all, in the lyrics that unabashedly and straightforwardly lavish praise on the one you love.

Just listening to it makes you feel happy.

Released in July 2010 as his solo debut single and included on the album Doo-Wops & Hooligans, this track also won at the 53rd Grammy Awards.

With piano at its core and an easy-to-remember melody, it’s very approachable to try.

If you sing it when expressing your feelings to someone special, it’s sure to be a hit!

NumbLinkin Park23rank/position

Numb (Official Music Video) [4K UPGRADE] – Linkin Park

Formed in 1996, the American alternative rock band Linkin Park is a perfect choice for a Western rock band to start listening to from middle school.

Their songs feature choruses that genuinely soar, verses brimming with a sense that something’s about to happen, heavily distorted guitars, and emotional vocals—every element is just incredibly cool.

Their track “Numb” exemplifies this, and I believe it’s a song that can open a musical door you’ve never opened before.

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Murakami Shinpei

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SeptemberEarth, Wind & Fire24rank/position

Earth, Wind & Fire – September (Official HD Video)

It’s a bit from the older generation, but it’s still a dance number heard in many settings today.

The chorus features a phrase everyone has heard, making it familiar across generations.

Since most of the lyrics are simple words to pronounce, it’s easy to use as a learning material, and with a bit of practice, even junior high school students who have just started learning English can sing it right away.

Here With Me Feat. CHVRCHESMarshmello25rank/position

Marshmello – Here With Me Feat. CHVRCHES (Official Music Video)

Marshmello is an American DJ who has gained popularity with his unique marshmallow headgear.

“Here With Me” is a collaboration with the Scottish electropop band CHVRCHES.

Marshmello’s spacious, polished rhythm combined with vocalist Lauren Mayberry’s youthful yet steady and unwavering voice creates a sense of reassurance that isn’t overly casual, making the song very easy to listen to.

For a school sports day, I recommend using it not for intense events but for activities like beanbag tosses or dances.