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

Don’t Stop Me NowQueen50rank/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 Mraz51rank/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.

Try EverythingShakira52rank/position

Shakira – Try Everything (Official Video)

This is a song that gives you a powerful push on the back, saying, “It’s okay to fail over and over—just try again!” Sung by the world-famous star from Colombia, Shakira, the track was written as the theme song for the Disney film Zootopia.

The protagonist’s strong will to keep taking on new challenges without giving up—even after falling down and getting hurt—is vividly portrayed over a bright, pop melody.

The song became a beloved classic worldwide, earning a nomination for Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 59th Grammy Awards.

It’s perfect for when you hit a wall in your studies or club activities, or when you want to fire yourself up to start something new.

It’s sure to fill you with positive courage and make you think, “I can do it!”

everything i wantedBillie Eilish53rank/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 Styles54rank/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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Let It GoIdina Menzel55rank/position

Idina Menzel – Let It Go (from Frozen) (Official Video)

This is a song from the film Frozen, which was a huge hit worldwide.

It’s sung by Idina Menzel, a Broadway star and Tony Award–winning actress, famous for playing Elsa in the American version.

The song is truly an anthem of self-liberation, boldly declaring the resolve to break free from what’s been holding you back and live as your true self.

Her powerful vocals alone are enough to stir your heart and make you itch to sing along! This classic, which won Best Original Song at the 86th Academy Awards, is perfect for karaoke.

If you let your emotions explode and sing it with all your heart—as if blowing away all your worries—you’ll feel absolutely amazing.

She Looks So Perfect5 Seconds of Summer56rank/position

5 Seconds of Summer – She Looks So Perfect

A song by a rising pop-rock star that shines with simple yet memorable phrases.

Set to rhythmic guitar sounds, the lyrics express the feelings of love in a straightforward way that resonates with middle schoolers.

The catchy chorus has a melody you won’t forget after just one listen, and it’s fun to sing your own way—even in katakana English.

Released as a debut single in 2014, it became a worldwide hit, selling over 925,000 copies in the U.S.

alone.

Capturing the sweet-and-sour essence of youth that everyone knows, this track is sure to be a perfect pick for a fun karaoke time with friends.