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

On Top Of The WorldImagine Dragons31rank/position

Imagine Dragons – On Top Of The World (Official Music Video)

Imagine Dragons often have a unique worldview, but this song stands out in contrast with its very poppy, happy melody.

It feels like a piece that teaches various perspectives on life, along with the message: Don’t give up even when you run into difficulties.

Don’t Look Back In AngerOasis32rank/position

Oasis – Don’t Look Back In Anger (Official Video)

The British rock band OASIS’s anthem “Don’t Look Back In Anger.” It’s a song that symbolizes the movement of the ’90s.

The chorus is definitely one that makes everyone want to sing along.

If you want to listen to Western rock bands or are interested in Western rock, I think this song is the perfect entry point.

I’d be happy if, starting from this song, you dive into other bands and many great tracks, and grow more and more interested in Western rock!

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Murakami Shinpei

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Best Day Of My LifeAmerican Authors33rank/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.

We Are THE CHAMPIONSQueen34rank/position

Queen – We Are The Champions (Official Video)

This is one of Queen’s signature songs, from the legendary big band whose influence even became a social phenomenon worldwide.

Everyone has heard the “We are the champions” part, so it’s easy to listen to and sing along with.

It’s often used as a cheer song, making it a safe choice even for elementary school students.

Bad DayDaniel Powter35rank/position

Daniel Powter – Bad Day (Official Music Video) [HD]

Daniel Powter’s song “Bad Day.” The title might sound a bit negative at first, but if you try translating the English lyrics into Japanese, your impression will change completely.

It was a huge hit in 2005, a warm track that gives you a boost when you’re feeling down.

Even years after its release, it remains a timeless classic, and the melody is wonderful—listening to it and making it the first English song you can sing as part of your repertoire would be pretty cool!

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Murakami Shinpei

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World’s Smallest ViolinAJR36rank/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.

Gotta Be YouOne Direction37rank/position

One Direction – Gotta Be You

It’s a One Direction number released in 2011.

In the music video, you can see the members looking fresh and still a bit innocent at the time.

It has a slow tempo and simple lyrics, making it easy enough to understand and likely helpful for junior high school English listening practice.

What Was I Made For?Billie Eilish38rank/position

Billie Eilish – What Was I Made For? (Official Music Video)

Billie Eilish, an American singer-songwriter whose downbeat musical style and profound messages have earned her the love of teenagers as well as many artists and listeners, is often perceived through the lens of her overwhelming artistic world.

While that can make things seem more elusive, her vocal lines are actually surprisingly simple.

In fact, with a basic sense of groove and some vocal ability, even an elementary school student could sing “What Was I Made For?” without much difficulty.

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Ryo

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Get LuckyDaft Pank ft. Pharrell Williams39rank/position

Daft Punk – Get Lucky (Full Video)

A collaboration between the French electro house duo Daft Punk and Pharrell Williams.

Its nostalgic, disco-style sound lifts your spirits, and the message—live without wasting time to seize good fortune—gives you strength.

Walk Like an EgyptianThe Bangles40rank/position

The Bangles – Walk Like an Egyptian (Official Video)

This is a song that became the opening theme for the anime adaptation of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, a manga in Weekly Shonen Jump that’s hugely popular among elementary school students.

Its melody is easy for kids to listen to and it matches the anime well, so it’s extremely popular—especially with elementary schoolers.