[Middle School Students] Popular Western Music Ranking [By Generation]

Dancing Feet ft. DNCEKygo92rank/position

Kygo – Dancing Feet (Official Video) ft. DNCE

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.

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Ryo

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BoatEd Sheeran93rank/position

Ed Sheeran – Boat [Official Video]

Ed Sheeran, a singer-songwriter from the UK loved by many listeners for his catchy musical style.

I think many middle schoolers know about him too.

Among Ed Sheeran’s works, the one I especially recommend is Boat.

Content-wise, it’s a painfully heartbreaking breakup song.

For middle schoolers who’ve just gone through a breakup, I think the lyrics will be highly relatable, so definitely give it a listen.

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Ryo

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HeroMariah Carey94rank/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.

A COLD PLAYThe Kid LAROI95rank/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.

What Am IWhy Don’t We96rank/position

Why Don’t We “What Am I” (with Japanese subtitles)

The song “What Am I,” which Ed Sheeran wrote for the idol-type boy band Why Don’t We in Japan’s terms, features wonderfully romantic, dreamy lyrics.

The title itself also has a depth that makes you curious about its meaning at first glance.

Be sure to enjoy it while listening to the lyrics!

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Murakami Shinpei

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Counting StarsOneRepublic97rank/position

OneRepublic – Counting Stars

This is a work released in June 2013 by OneRepublic, a pop-rock band from the United States.

It expresses the emotions of modern people swayed by materialism and anxiety about the future through an impressive folk-pop sound.

Included on the 2013 album “Native,” it became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.

1 in the UK.

Used in the end credits of the film “Earth to Echo” and in the TV drama “Rookie Blue,” this song offers courage and hope in the face of adversity.

It also makes a great background track for school sports days, encouraging a spirit of challenge.

RoarKaty Perry98rank/position

Katy Perry – Roar

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.