Most Popular Western Music Artists Among Elementary School Students [2026]

World’s Smallest ViolinAJR8rank/position

AJR – World’s Smallest Violin (Official Video)

AJR’s song “World’s Smallest Violin” is a work that portrays the difficulty of getting others to understand your troubles.

The message embedded in the track is the conflict of feeling that one’s personal problems seem trivial when compared to someone else’s bigger issues.

The protagonist’s inner life is candidly revealed, touching on a grandfather’s wartime experiences and friendships.

While emphasizing the need for emotional expression, it also highlights society’s tendency to dismiss emotions.

It’s a track that strongly reflects the musical identity of AJR, an American indie pop band.

Released on the 2021 album OK ORCHESTRA, it became a viral hit on social media.

It has also racked up views in YouTube Shorts and is hugely popular even among elementary school students.

Try everythingShakira9rank/position

Zootopia Theme Song 'Try Everything' – Shakira <Japanese Subtitles>

Shakira’s song “Try Everything,” used in the Disney film Zootopia.

In the animal-inhabited kingdom of Zootopia, a small rabbit girl pursues her dream of becoming a police officer, overcoming setbacks again and again.

This song perfectly matches that story, giving listeners the courage to take on challenges.

It’s a track with a four-on-the-floor dance beat and catchy lyrics, and even in the Japanese version there are memorable phrases.

I think it’s wonderful if you listen with the curiosity of wondering, “What does that phrase sound like in English?”

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem

Take a chance on meABBA10rank/position

ABBA – Take A Chance On Me (Official Music Video)

It’s a song characterized by its upbeat sound and catchy melody line.

It’s quite an old track, but it still gets you moving even today.

It used to be played constantly on TV for a while, but lately there are far fewer chances to hear it.

Starting right off with the chorus would be shocking for elementary school kids.

It’s a wonderful song that makes you feel the importance of passing down old music through the generations.

How Far I’ll GoAlessia Cara11rank/position

Alessia Cara – How Far I’ll Go (Official Video)

It’s the theme song from the international version of the Disney film “Moana” (released as “Moana” overseas).

While the song is also used as an insert track, this particular version was used as the end song.

It’s a grand yet warm piece that evokes the vast ocean, connecting closely to the film’s story.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Best Day Of My LifeAmerican Authors12rank/position

American Authors – Best Day Of My Life

A hit song by the rock band American Authors.

Its upbeat, happy melody and optimistic lyrics—saying “Today is gonna be the best day of my life”—make it a track that fires you up.

And that catchy “Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh, oh” hook will get everyone pumped and singing along after just one listen.

Get Back Up AgainAnna Kendrick13rank/position

“Get Back Up Again” Clip | TROLLS

A song used in the movie Trolls, sung by Anna Kendrick, who also provided the voice acting.

It’s an incredibly poppy, uplifting anthem that says, “No matter how many times I get knocked down, I’ll always get back up.

I’ll never give up.” It’s a piece that we want to be performed with full energy.

ProblemAriana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea14rank/position

Ariana Grande – Problem ft. Iggy Azalea

Problem is a collaboration between Ariana Grande, a female singer beloved worldwide as a pop icon, and rapper Iggy Azalea.

Released in 2014, the song was also included on the album My Everything, which came out the same year.

It reached No.

1 on the U.S.

charts, and on iTunes it hit No.

1 just 37 minutes after launch, setting a record for the fastest-selling digital single.

Ariana Grande’s English is easy to understand and great for listening practice, so it’s recommended even for elementary school students who are just beginning to learn English.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hamada Takuya

Report a problem