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

Born This WayLady Gaga50rank/position

Lady Gaga – Born This Way (Official Music Video)

A hit song by the world-famous pop star Lady Gaga, whose name is widely known even among junior high school students.

While Gaga’s visuals can be a bit intense for younger generations, the lyrics are incredibly powerful and offer listeners a sense of hope for life.

It’s a song I’d love junior high school students—who are entering a time of self-reflection—to sing passionately while savoring the meaning of the words.

Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi51rank/position

Lewis Capaldi – Someone You Loved

Lewis Capaldi is a singer-songwriter from Scotland.

He’s an artist known for his husky, powerful voice, and this song, released in 2018, became a worldwide hit.

It’s a ballad that portrays the protagonist’s anguish as he confronts lost love, with simple piano accompaniment and deeply emotional vocals that resonate in the heart.

The lyrics are written in relatively easy-to-understand English, and the relaxed tempo makes it great for listening practice.

Included on his debut album, “Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent,” it won Song of the Year at the 2020 BRIT Awards.

If you’re a junior high school student who wants to practice English listening while experiencing deep emotional expression, be sure to check it out.

Stay With MeSam Smith52rank/position

Sam Smith – Stay With Me (Official Music Video)

A supreme singing voice born in the UK.

A signature song by Sam Smith, who has won the world’s top honor, the Grammy Award.

The music video also opens with early-morning scenes, and the relaxed tempo makes it perfect for a gentle wake-up.

Of course his vocals are outstanding, but it’s also a track where the backing vocals deserve attention.

StitchesShawn Mendes53rank/position

Shawn Mendes – Stitches (Official Music Video)

A pop track released in 2015 by Shawn Mendes.

It reached the Top 10 on charts around the world and was nominated for the Teen Choice Awards.

In October 2016, it won Best Single at the BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards.

thank u, nextAriana Grande54rank/position

Ariana Grande – thank u, next (Official Video)

The 2019 song “thank u, next” by American singer Ariana Grande.

It already has quite a mature vibe, but I think it really resonates with middle schoolers too.

The catchy chorus makes the English easy to catch and the meaning easy to grasp.

It expresses a strong determination to move forward even after heartbreak.

Even if you don’t understand the lyrics, just having this track in your player makes you look a bit cooler—it’s that kind of cool song.

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Murakami Shinpei

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SacrificeBebe Rexha55rank/position

Bebe Rexha – Sacrifice [Official Music Video]

A true dance music classic, “Sacrifice.” This track was released in 2021 by American singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha and is included on the album “Better Mistakes,” released the same year.

Though it runs only about two and a half minutes, its catchy melody, shimmering piano sounds, and driving drum beat make for an undeniably cool vibe from start to finish.

Be sure to check it out.

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Yoimachi Jēn

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My UniverseColdplay X BTS56rank/position

Coldplay X BTS – My Universe (Official Video)

Coldplay is a world-renowned rock band.

If you’re a middle schooler who listens to Western rock music, you probably know Coldplay.

Their collaboration with today’s megastars BTS is the track My Universe.

While Coldplay’s alternative rock sound is memorable, this song has a more pop feel—perhaps because it puts their collaborators, BTS, front and center.

Be sure to check it out.

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Ryo

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