RAG MusicWorld Ranking
Wonderful Western Music Ranking

[Elementary School Students] Popular Western Music Rankings [By Generation]

We’re excited to present the latest Top 100 ranking of Western (non-Japanese) songs popular among elementary school students, listed in order of most views!

The selection focuses on TV show theme songs, commercial tie-ins, and major hit numbers that even elementary schoolers are sure to recognize.

The playlist is updated weekly.

[Elementary School Students] Popular Western Music Rankings [By Generation] (1–10)

Uptown Funk ft. Bruno MarsMark Ronson8rank/position

Mark Ronson – Uptown Funk (Official Video) ft. Bruno Mars
Uptown Funk ft. Bruno MarsMark Ronson

Some people might not recognize it just by hearing the song title or artist name.

But if you hear the song, you’ll probably know it.

Since it’s used in the Honda Fit commercial, many of you have likely come across it.

Its lively funk rhythm makes you move your body without even thinking.

HappyPharrell Williams9rank/position

Pharrell Williams – Happy (Official Video)
HappyPharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams, who hails from Virginia in the United States, is a music producer, songwriter, rapper, and singer who has showcased his talent since childhood and found success as part of The Neptunes.

Released in 2013, this song captivated audiences around the world with its catchy melody and infectious rhythm, and it appeared on the soundtrack for Despicable Me 2.

Created by Williams as he resolved to convey positivity and happiness through music after overcoming challenging times, the track is a Motown-style, mid-tempo song characterized by its uplifting lyrics and upbeat melody.

With its catchy tune and straightforward, positive lyrics, it’s a Western pop song that even elementary school children can easily enjoy.

Story of My LifeOne Direction10rank/position

The British boy group One Direction.

They debuted in 2010 when they were around 16, and their success story became a worldwide phenomenon.

Their song “Story of My Life” was released in 2013, at the peak of their popularity.

The lyrics are beautiful, expressing passionate feelings for a single woman in a literary way—so I hope you’ll also enjoy the Japanese translation.

That said, it’s a track you can think is cool from the very first listen, so just enjoy the music!

[Elementary School Students] Popular Western Music Rankings [By Generation] (11–20)

STAYThe Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber11rank/position

The Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber – STAY (Official Video)
STAYThe Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber

Another figure who made headlines through a collaboration with the manga Tokyo Revengers, which is gaining popularity even among elementary school students, is the Australian rapper The Kid LAROI.

In 2021, he collaborated with Justin Bieber on Stay, which reached number one on the U.S.

charts and ranked tenth on Japan’s Billboard Japan Hot 100.

The lyrics include slang and other colloquial expressions, making it a song where you can learn more than just polished grammar.

ImagineJohn Lennon12rank/position

IMAGINE. (Ultimate Mix, 2020) – John Lennon & The Plastic Ono Band (with the Flux Fiddlers) HD
ImagineJohn Lennon

When it comes to John Lennon’s anti-war songs, the single “Imagine,” released in 1971, immediately comes to mind.

It topped both the U.S.

and U.K.

charts and has remained a beloved classic for many years.

The lyrics, imbued with his wish for peace, truly resonate as you listen.

Because the song repeats a similar structure while slightly changing the wording, it’s easy to memorize and excellent for learning English.

“Imagine,” which also helps learners understand social issues, is a song I really hope elementary school students will listen to.

shape of youEd Sheeran13rank/position

Ed Sheeran – Shape of You (Official Music Video)
shape of youEd Sheeran

If you asked an elementary school child what Western pop song they like and they named this one, I’d think that’s really cool.

It’s “Shape of You,” a signature hit by the globally popular singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.

Precisely because the arrangement is simple with few instruments, the coolness of the vocals really stands out.

True to the EDM-influenced Western pop of the 2010s, the mature lyrics are part of its appeal.

The melody is excellent, and it’s a song you can lightly sway to and enjoy.

I think it’s a great choice to play as a quintessential example of cool music.

SorryJustin Bieber14rank/position

Justin Bieber – Sorry (PURPOSE : The Movement)
SorryJustin Bieber

This is a song by Justin Bieber, who is now incredibly popular.

He sings it casually, but the meaning carries a strong message to today’s youth.

It’s slower than I expected, so it’s easy to catch the words and feels like he’s speaking to you, which makes it a good study resource.