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

Just The Way You AreBruno Mars15rank/position

Bruno Mars – Just The Way You Are (Official Music Video)

This is an original song by Bruno Mars.

He elevated niche-oriented soul and funk into a higher level of pop music.

That’s what led to his overwhelming sales and popularity.

Of course, he’s popular among middle schoolers too, so if you don’t know him, you should check him out.

DynamiteBTS16rank/position

BTS (방탄소년단) ‘Dynamite’ Official MV

When it comes to signature songs by BTS, the Korean idol group taking the global music scene by storm, Dynamite is the one that comes to mind.

Released in 2020, the single hit number one on the U.S.

charts and became a huge success in Japan as well.

With a sound that evokes classic disco music, its cool dance moves are extremely popular even among elementary school students.

There are plenty of videos on YouTube of kids dancing to this track.

The lyrics also contain many expressions and grammar points commonly used in conversation, so be sure to compare the English lyrics with their Japanese translations!

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Hamada Takuya

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What Makes You BeautifulOne Direction (Wan Dairekushon)17rank/position

One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful (Official Video)

A signature song from One Direction’s debut album “Up All Night” that propelled them to global stardom.

It’s also well known for winning the British Single of the Year at the 2012 BRIT Awards.

Born from the songwriter’s real-life experience, the heartwarming message—encouraging a loved one who feels “I’m not beautiful”—never fails to stir the emotions with every listen.

From the intro’s guitar riff it’s irresistibly catchy, and the unforgettable melody is guaranteed to light up any karaoke session.

The chorus is super simple, so even if you’re not confident in your English pronunciation, you can power through it—perfect for a big sing-along.

It’s the ultimate feel-good anthem.

RadioactiveImagine Dragons18rank/position

Imagine Dragons – Radioactive

This song has an extraordinary atmosphere.

The heavy bass and the vocalist’s clear melodic line are addictive.

Just listening to it makes a mysterious power well up inside you.

Give it a listen before an important exam.

We are youngFun19rank/position

Fun.: We Are Young ft. Janelle Monáe [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

The chorus is the kind of song that makes everyone want to raise their fists and sing along.

The lyrics—saying we’re young so we can do anything, something you’d want to tell elementary school kids—and the upbeat groove have a positivity that makes you want to recommend it not just to kids, but to everyone.

ThrillerMichael Jackson20rank/position

Michael Jackson – Thriller (Official 4K Video)

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!

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Hamada Takuya

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The NightAvicii21rank/position

Avicii – The Nights

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.