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

ComplicatedAvril Lavigne61rank/position

Avril Lavigne – Complicated (Official Video)

This is one of Avril Lavigne’s signature numbers that suddenly burst onto the scene in the 2000s and racked up smash hits.

Its upbeat vibe and flowing melody are hugely popular with elementary school students, and I especially recommend it for those in the upper grades.

Lately, you can even see elementary schoolers humming along to it.

All I Want for Christmas Is YouMariah Carey62rank/position

Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas Is You (Official Video)

This is one of Mariah Carey’s signature songs—she’s a world-famous idol and artist—and it was also used as the theme song for the drama “29-sai no Christmas,” which starred Tomoko Yamaguchi and Toshiro Yanagiba.

Its upbeat rhythm makes it fun to listen to, so it’s popular even among elementary school children.

GirlfriendAvril Lavigne63rank/position

Avril Lavigne – Girlfriend (Official Video)

A signature song by the Canadian pop diva Avril Lavigne, who was a global sensation and hugely popular in Japan over a decade ago.

Her voice meshes perfectly with the upbeat rhythm, making it a danceable party tune.

Let’s listen to one of her iconic tracks—she’s still active today.

Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)Elton John, Dua Lipa64rank/position

Elton John, Dua Lipa – Cold Heart (PNAU Remix) (Official Video)

Dua Lipa, whose disco-driven musical style has won fans around the world.

This collaboration with Elton John—known for having the sharpest critiques in the UK music scene—is the track “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix).” Its disco-, funk-, and R&B-infused sound makes it very easy to catch the rhythm, so it should be easy to sing not only for elementary school students but also for those who aren’t very confident with music.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Break My HeartDua Lipa65rank/position

Dua Lipa – Break My Heart (Official Video)

Among elementary school girls interested in Western pop music, some may admire Dua Lipa’s musicality and fashion style.

Of Dua Lipa’s songs, the one I especially recommend is Break My Heart.

This track is built on the disco-funk and dance-pop sound she excelled at through 2023.

Because it emphasizes groove, the vocal difficulty is low; as long as you lock in the rhythm and English pronunciation, even elementary school students with limited singing experience can perform it well.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Wavin’ FlagK’NAAN66rank/position

K’NAAN – Wavin’ Flag (Coca-Cola Celebration Mix)

The official sponsor song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The lyrics calling out “Come on, wave your flags!” give it a truly cheering-song vibe and are energizing.

It’s a song I’d love to hear young athletes sing.

I think it gets even more exciting when the whole team sings it together.

The lyrics repeat a lot, so it’s not very difficult.

Take Me Home, Country RoadsJohn Denver67rank/position

John Denver – Take Me Home, Country Roads (Official Audio)

In Japan, it is affectionately known as “Country Road.” Olivia Newton-John’s cover is famous for being used as the theme song for the Studio Ghibli film Whisper of the Heart.

The lyrics are written in easy-to-understand English, so it’s also recommended as a learning resource.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

StrongerKelly Clarkson68rank/position

Kelly Clarkson – Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) [Official Video]

A sound that pumps up your motivation right from the intro.

A masterpiece that blends Kelly Clarkson’s powerful vocals with an upbeat rhythm.

The English pronunciation is clear, so it’s great for listening practice, and it’s a cool song to sing, too.

The ClimbMiley Cyrus69rank/position

Miley Cyrus – The Climb

Miley Cyrus is known as an American singer and actress, and she gained worldwide popularity through the Hannah Montana series.

Her songs convey the importance of overcoming life’s challenges and hardships.

This work, released in 2009, is a power ballad that was also used as the theme song for the film Hannah Montana: The Movie.

Through the metaphor of “climbing the mountains of life,” it sings about the significance of continuing to strive toward one’s goals, delivering a message that resonates with everyone living with dreams and hopes.

Its positive and uplifting lyrics are sure to give listeners courage and energy.

Don’t Worry Be HappyBobby McFerrin70rank/position

Bobby McFerrin – Don’t Worry Be Happy (Official Music Video)

A hit song by American jazz singer Bobby McFerrin.

The intro, which starts with whistling, is memorable, and many adults have surely heard it.

It’s a work whose message—“Don’t worry, stay positive”—resonates with the heart.