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

HappyPharrell Williams50rank/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 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.

Viva La VidaColdplay52rank/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.

Don’t Stop Me NowQueen53rank/position

Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now (Official Video)

Bohemian Rhapsody is a film that focuses on Freddie Mercury, the legendary lead vocalist of the band Queen.

Since its release in April 2019, it quickly gained popularity and grossed over 12.7 billion yen at the box office.

For many junior high school students, this movie was likely their first introduction to Queen.

Don’t Stop Me Now, which was featured during one of the most exciting scenes in the film, experienced a resurgence in popularity from 2019 to 2020.

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I’m YoursJason Mraz54rank/position

Jason Mraz – I’m Yours (Official Video) [4K Remaster]

This song is characterized by the refreshing tone of an acoustic guitar and a heartwarming melody.

Included on the 2008 album “We Sing.

We Dance.

We Steal Things,” it became a worldwide hit.

Jason Mraz’s gentle vocals tenderly envelop lyrics that celebrate love and life.

With themes of freedom and self-acceptance, it carries a message of cherishing the present moment, soothing listeners’ hearts.

It’s a perfect choice for a first attempt at karaoke, and one that anyone can find comfort in.

Its lively rhythm and catchy melody make it enjoyable even if you’re not fluent in English.

everything i wantedBillie Eilish55rank/position

Billie Eilish – everything i wanted

Released in November 2019, Billie Eilish’s work lays bare the loneliness and anxiety brought on by sudden success, a song steeped in deep darkness.

Sparked by a nightmare in which she jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge and no one seemed to care, it poignantly voices the emotional pain that comes with fame.

Yet at its core is the powerful bond between siblings: at the edge of despair, her brother Finneas vows, “As long as I’m here, no one can hurt you.” Whispered vocals, minimal piano, and a drifting, weightless atmosphere gently cradle her delicate state of mind.

Winner of Record of the Year at the 2021 Grammys, this piece reminds us how vital family support can be—and is a song that middle schoolers feeling lonely should especially hear.

Watermelon SugarHarry Styles56rank/position

Harry Styles – Watermelon Sugar (Official Video)

Harry Styles, one of the members of One Direction.

Lately, he’s been holding back on group activities and focusing more on his solo career.

His song “Watermelon Sugar” was released in 2019, and it’s said to have been written for Camille Rowe, the model who used to be his girlfriend.

It isn’t just a breakup song, though; it portrays the feelings of a slightly goofy guy reminiscing about their many intimate memories.

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