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

Hips don’y lieShakira50rank/position

Shakira – Hips Don’t Lie (featuring Wyclef Jean) (Official 4K Video) ft. Wyclef Jean

It’s an ultra-famous track by the Latin queen, Shakira.

It has a different vibe from American songs, with distinctive Latin rhythms woven generously throughout.

Her voice is unique, and the song is sure to immerse you in a captivating, otherworldly atmosphere.

I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys51rank/position

Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way (Official HD Video)

The Backstreet Boys were a hugely popular boy band in the 2000s.

They held a position similar to One Direction a little more recently, gaining international popularity especially among younger generations.

For those of you with elementary school–aged children, they might be just the right-generation boy group.

For such families, we recommend I Want It That Way.

It’s one of their signature songs, with a relaxed rhythm and a refreshing overall feel.

The vocal range is narrow and it doesn’t require many advanced techniques like runs or ad-libs, making it easy for elementary school students to sing.

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Last Friday NightKaty Perry52rank/position

Katy Perry – Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.) (Official Music Video)

A famous song by the globally acclaimed songstress Katy Perry.

The music video for this track is extremely entertaining, making it enjoyable both visually and musically.

Katy’s music videos are all meticulously crafted, so enjoy them by both watching and listening.

It’s My LifeBon Jovi53rank/position

Bon Jovi – It’s My Life (Official Music Video)

“It’s My Life” is a song by the American rock band Bon Jovi, released as a single in 2000.

In Japan, it’s popular as walk-up music for professional baseball players, so if you’re a baseball-loving kid, you may have heard it at the ballpark.

Rock rhythms often align with the rhythm of English, making them great for language learning.

You’ll find plenty of unique expressions that occur when words link together, so be sure to listen to “It’s My Life” while reading the lyrics!

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ProblemAriana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea54rank/position

Ariana Grande – Problem ft. Iggy Azalea

Problem is a collaboration between Ariana Grande, a female singer beloved worldwide as a pop icon, and rapper Iggy Azalea.

Released in 2014, the song was also included on the album My Everything, which came out the same year.

It reached No.

1 on the U.S.

charts, and on iTunes it hit No.

1 just 37 minutes after launch, setting a record for the fastest-selling digital single.

Ariana Grande’s English is easy to understand and great for listening practice, so it’s recommended even for elementary school students who are just beginning to learn English.

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FlowersMiley Cyrus55rank/position

Miley Cyrus – Flowers (Official Video)

Miley Cyrus is a female singer-songwriter with a husky, bass-rich voice who enjoys worldwide popularity.

Among her songs, the one I especially recommend for elementary school students is Flowers.

This track was a global hit in 2023 and gained huge popularity on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

While the overall pitch range is on the lower side, it stays within a low register that elementary school students can handle without strain.

It also has few long sustained notes, so even with basic vocal skills, as long as the rhythm is solid, it’s a song that tends to sound good.

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…Baby One More TimeBritney Spears56rank/position

Britney Spears – …Baby One More Time (Official Video)

Britney Spears, a pop singer who was hugely popular in the U.S.

scene in the 2000s.

If you’re a parent with an elementary school child now, she might be from your generation.

Among her songs, the one I particularly recommend is …Baby One More Time.

One of her signature tracks, it’s a cool piece of pop music with R&B elements.

Because the vocal range is narrow, it’s very easy to sing—even for elementary school kids who aren’t confident singers.

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