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

Green Green GrassGeorge Ezra43rank/position

George Ezra – Green Green Grass (Official Video)

Characterized by a cheerful melody and heartfelt lyrics, this song appears on George Ezra’s third album, Gold Rush Kid.

Inspired by a funeral he encountered while vacationing on the island of Saint Lucia, it embraces the fragility of life while celebrating the importance of living it to the fullest.

Released in June 2022, the track reached a high position on the UK Singles Chart.

It was also performed at the concert celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, drawing widespread attention.

Listen to it under a blue sky while gazing over green meadows, and it will surely warm your heart.

It’s the perfect track for relaxed time with friends or when you’re about to take a new step forward.

StayZedd, Alessia Cara44rank/position

Stay

A worldwide hit by DJ Zedd, this track is elevated by Alessia Cara’s powerful vocals.

It’s a mid-tempo EDM song with the vocals front and center, making it easy for beginners to listen to.

It’s been played on TV and radio in Japan, so many of you may have heard it.

The song portrays the fleeting moments in a woman’s life—definitely one you’ll want to understand the lyrics of as well.

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Murakami Shinpei

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I Just Called To Say I Love YouStevie Wonder45rank/position

Stevie Wonder – I Just Called To Say I Love You (Music Video)

Stevie Wonder was one of the artists who energized the new soul scene in the 1970s.

While contemporaries like Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, and Curtis Mayfield sadly passed away early, he continues to be active even today.

Because of that, many middle school students likely know who Stevie Wonder is.

A song of his I especially recommend is “I Just Called To Say I Love You.” Black music can be challenging, and this track also features some difficult vocal improvisations, but if you’re just aiming to hit the notes, it doesn’t require a particularly high range, so I think it’s quite singable.

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Ryo

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It’s My LifeBon Jovi46rank/position

Bon Jovi – It’s My Life (Official Music Video)

This is a signature work by the American rock band Bon Jovi, delivering a powerful message and a high-octane rock sound that champions the importance of staying true to yourself.

The song, which boldly sings about self-assertion and taking the helm of your own life, was included on the album Crush released in May 2000 and won strong support from younger listeners.

Its uplifting lyrics and catchy melody line are striking, and the exhilarating sound—like speeding down a highway—stirs the soul.

A must-have track for energizing dance scenes, it’s perfect as BGM for school sports days and athletic festivals.

A classic that gives you the courage and vitality to stand tall and follow your own path, it surpassed 1 billion views on its music video in July 2021.

HappyPharrell Williams47rank/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.

Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi48rank/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.

Viva La VidaColdplay49rank/position

Coldplay – Viva La Vida (Official Video)

It’s a famous Coldplay song released in 2008.

The title phrase is Spanish for “Long live life!” Its beautiful melody is easy to listen to for people of all ages and soothing to the heart.

The lyrics use many words you learn in world history, so they may be more difficult than the English vocabulary studied in junior high school, but it might be worth trying to listen carefully and pick them out.