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] (21–30)

ThrillerMichael Jackson21rank/position

Michael Jackson – Thriller (Official 4K Video)
ThrillerMichael Jackson

One of the signature songs by Michael Jackson, who reigned as a global pop star, is “Thriller.” It’s the title track from Thriller, released in 1983 and known as the best-selling album of all time.

The horror movie-style music video, which runs for about 13 minutes, also became a hot topic, and the dance featured in it is popular among elementary school students as choreography to perform on Halloween.

Michael’s vocal style is distinctive and not necessarily easy to understand in English, but there’s spoken dialogue included as well, so give it a try and listen carefully!

The NightAvicii22rank/position

The piece, which conveys the life view and message your father shared when you were young—“Live your best in the present”—may resonate with children as well.

It’s a work that also conveys parental love.

It’s a bit fast-paced and might be challenging, but it’s definitely a song I hope you’ll try.

High HopesPanic! At The Disco23rank/position

Panic! At The Disco – High Hopes (Official Video)
High HopesPanic! At The Disco

Panic! At The Disco is a distinctive rock band formed in Las Vegas, USA.

Their music features a unique sound that blends elements of pop punk, emo, electronica, dance, and indie rock, with emotionally charged lyrics and theatrical flair making a strong impression.

This work centers on the spirit of setting lofty goals and overcoming obstacles to make dreams come true.

It offers listeners hope and optimism, encouraging them to believe in themselves and take on the impossible.

It’s a song that can give you courage just by listening, and one we’d love for elementary school students—who are painting sparkling dreams of the future—to hear as well.

Try EverytingShakira24rank/position

Shakira – Try Everything (Official Video)
Try EverytingShakira

Since it’s the theme song of the movie Zootopia, many of you may have heard it.

It’s a piece that feels like it gives you a push to try anything.

The pop melody is easy to sing, and because it’s such a powerful song, it’s also a great recommendation for boys.

Live While We’re YoungOne Direction25rank/position

One Direction – Live While We’re Young
Live While We're YoungOne Direction

A five-member boys’ group from the UK.

The members all passed a music audition show, and they’re all great singers.

They made their major debut in 2011 and became so popular worldwide that they were called “the second coming of the Beatles.” They’re now down to four and each is pursuing a solo career.

All their numbers are pop and approachable, but this song is recommended because its theme is youth.

Fight SongRachel Platten26rank/position

Rachel Platten – Fight Song (Official Video)
Fight SongRachel Platten

Rachel Platten is an American singer-songwriter who learned piano and guitar from a young age and has nurtured a deep passion for music.

Her songs celebrate the importance of overcoming life’s hardships and believing in one’s inner strength, inspiring courage and hope in many listeners.

This piece marked a turning point for Platten and stands as a powerful anthem that symbolizes her musical journey.

After its release, it was featured across various media and events, and was memorably used during the 2016 U.S.

presidential election.

Laden with a message that resonates differently with each listener, this classic offers comfort to anyone facing setbacks and provides the energy to face tomorrow.

We Will Rock YouQueen27rank/position

Queen – We Will Rock You (Official Video)
We Will Rock YouQueen

When it comes to iconic songs by the quintessential British rock band Queen, We Will Rock You is a must.

You’ve surely heard the “boom boom clap” rhythm that kicks it off.

Released as a single in 1977, in Japan it’s often associated with sports like soccer and combat sports.

The band’s biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody, also made waves in 2018.

The lyrics feature many b and p sounds, which are said to be well-suited for upper-elementary English education, so consider using it as a practice song for class!

MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)Lil Nas X28rank/position

Lil Nas X – MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) (Official Video)
MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X, a global rapper who’s hugely popular among many heads.

He has come out as gay, and you can see him pursuing authentic self-expression across every genre.

A song packed with his charm is “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name),” which became a massive hit on social media.

The rap sections are a bit challenging, but the hook has a simple melody, making it very easy to sing even for elementary school students whose voices may be unstable due to voice changes.

FirefliesOwl City29rank/position

Owl City – Fireflies (Official Music Video)
FirefliesOwl City

If you’re a middle schooler who likes the Poppo Song, you know Owl City too, right? This track is becoming a new benchmark for pop songs, so it’s definitely not one to miss.

In those sensitive middle school years, you need pop with this level of sparkle.

BonesImagine Dragons30rank/position

Imagine Dragons – Bones (Official Music Video)
BonesImagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons is an American band that captivates listeners around the world with a powerful yet emotional rock sound.

Their songs give us courage and hope to face life’s hardships and uncertainties.

Among them, one track that has become one of the band’s signature songs is a deeply insightful work that emphasizes the importance of believing in the inner strength that lies within each of us.

Released in April 2022, the song drew major attention, ranking high on Billboard’s rock charts.

Its music video, which evokes the spirit of a Michael Jackson classic, also became a hot topic.

In fact, the song is hugely popular in the hit game Fortnite and as a so-called “sound-sync” trend on TikTok.

There are surely even elementary school students for whom this is their very first English-language song!