A wonderful classic

Classic Western songs that elementary schoolers love. Must-listen! Popular English-language songs.

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

English classes have finally started in elementary schools, and with the recent popularity of K-pop, elementary school students now have more opportunities to encounter languages other than Japanese in various places, don’t they?

Some kids like studying English, while others find it difficult.

In this article, we’ll introduce not only the K-pop hits popular among elementary school students, but also classic Western songs everyone knows—perfect recommendations for the first English songs to listen to.

Start by listening to a song you like and look up the meaning of the lyrics.

It might spark a love for language learning—not just English!

Classic Western songs loved by elementary school kids. A must-listen! Popular English songs (21–30)

ProblemAriana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea

Ariana Grande – Problem ft. Iggy Azalea

ProblemAriana Grande 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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

It’s My LifeBon Jovi

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

It's My LifeBon Jovi

“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!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

My WayFrank Sinatra

My Way (2008 Remastered)

My WayFrank Sinatra

It’s one of the world’s most iconic songs, loved by people of all ages.

Since dads and moms often hum it, children naturally learn it too.

As long as you can sing the “my way” part, you’re pretty much set, so it’s a number that elementary school kids love.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

YesterdayPaul McCartney

Sir Paul McCartney – Yesterday (Live at the White House) JPsub Japanese Subtitles

YesterdayPaul McCartney

It’s one of Paul McCartney’s signature songs, who is also a member of The Beatles.

Although it’s a Beatles song, the version sung by Paul McCartney himself is the most compelling.

It’s gentle on the ears and great for elementary school kids too.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

ThrillerMichael Jackson

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!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem