26 Best Songs to Learn English: Improve Your Skills with These Top Tracks

Learning a new language can be challenging, but music offers a surprisingly effective and enjoyable way to improve your English comprehension and pronunciation. This list isn't just a random collection of popular tunes; it's a carefully curated selection designed to expose you to a diverse range of styles and vocal techniques, helping you become more comfortable with the nuances of the English language. From the heartfelt vulnerability of a ballad that resonates across generations to the infectious energy of anthems that defined a whole era, these songs represent a journey through some of the most iconic sounds in music history. Each track provides a unique opportunity to absorb natural speech patterns and expand your vocabulary, making learning both fun and enriching.

The songs we've chosen showcase the evolution of popular music, demonstrating the power of songwriting to express a vast spectrum of human emotion. Whether it’s the masterful storytelling found in classic rock anthems or the infectious melodies of more modern pop hits, this collection is intended to be a celebration of musical artistry and an invaluable tool for language learners. Prepare to be transported to different eras and moods, improving your English along the way. We believe that exploring this list will not only enhance your language skills but also introduce you to some unforgettable and timeless pieces of musical history. Dive in and discover the magic of learning English through music!

1. Thinking out Loud (Ed Sheeran - 2025)

Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud" a romantic ballad from his acclaimed album 'x,' is a superb choice for intermediate English learners. Its clear pronunciation and relatively straightforward lyrics, focusing on themes of enduring love and commitment, make it easily accessible. The song features common vocabulary related to relationships and emotions, alongside simple yet elegant grammatical structures. Learners can enhance their understanding by utilizing readily available resources such as lyric videos with translations and pronunciation guides. The song's popularity ensures ample opportunities to find accompanying learning materials online. "Thinking Out Loud" offers a blend of lyrical beauty and grammatical clarity, making it an ideal track for improving English comprehension and vocabulary.

Thinking Out Loud is an iconic love ballad by Ed Sheeran, but to explore more of his songwriting prowess, check out our [Top 46 Ed Sheeran Songs of All Time] featuring 46 of his greatest hits. Similarly, this collection showcases Sheeran's ability to craft meaningful and unforgettable melodies.

2. Wake Me Up (Avicii)

"Wake Me Up" Avicii's globally acclaimed track featuring Aloe Blacc, is a fantastic choice for intermediate English learners. The song boasts clear pronunciation and a relatively simple lyrical structure, making it easy to follow along. The uplifting melody and positive message, reflected in listener comments expressing feelings of hope and peace, create an engaging learning experience. The vocabulary focuses on everyday expressions and positive affirmations, while the grammatical structures are straightforward. To enhance learning, utilize online resources such as lyric websites with translations and pronunciation guides, and accompanying music videos to visualize the song's context. The song's accessibility and positive message make it an effective tool for both improving English comprehension and expanding vocabulary.

As Avicii's "Wake Me Up" fills the room with its infectious dance beat, it's hard not to move and feel the energy of the moment. If you're looking for more tracks that will get your heart pumping and your body grooving, be sure to check out The 28 best dance bar music playlist songs , where you'll find a curated playlist of the hottest dance anthems that will keep the party going all night long.

3. Smells Like Teen Spirit (1991)

What makes a song transcend generations and become a cultural touchstone? Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" released in 1991, offers a compelling answer. This iconic track, the lead single from Nevermind, unexpectedly catapulted grunge into the mainstream, achieving chart-topping success globally and solidifying its place in rock history. Written by the band's members, the song's raw energy and relatable lyrics resonated deeply with a generation, earning critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's influential songs list. Its enduring popularity, evident in its continued streaming and widespread recognition, showcases its lasting impact on music and culture.

While Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" may have popularized alternative rock, it draws inspiration from the energetic and rebellious spirit of British bands like The Jam. For those interested in exploring more of this genre, be sure to check out Top 30 Essential Tracks from The Jam: Their Best Hits for a comprehensive list of their best hits and essential tracks that shaped the sound of alternative and indie music.

4. Bohemian Rhapsody (1975)

Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" a six-minute musical journey released in 1975, remains a timeless classic. Its diverse sections—from ballad to operatic to hard rock—offer a rich tapestry of vocabulary and grammatical structures, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced English learners. The song showcases a wide range of pronunciation styles, and while the lyrics are complex, they’re incredibly engaging. Learners can benefit from focusing on the varied vocabulary used in each section and the song's dynamic grammatical shifts. Supplemental learning resources like lyrics with translations, pronunciation guides readily available online, and accompanying music videos enhance understanding and engagement, helping learners master this iconic piece of musical history.

5. Sweet Child O' Mine (1987)

In the realm of classic rock anthems, Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child o' Mine" reigns supreme. Released in 1987 on their seminal album Appetite for Destruction, the song's instantly recognizable guitar riff, penned by Slash, became a cultural touchstone. Its enduring popularity, evidenced by its billion-view milestone and consistent chart success, including a number one spot on the US Billboard Hot 100, speaks to its universal appeal. Inspired by Axl Rose's then-girlfriend, the song transcends generations, connecting with listeners through its powerful melody and evocative lyrics, creating a legacy cemented by its inclusion in the Grammy Hall of Fame and numerous film appearances. The song’s emotional resonance is evident in countless listener stories, highlighting its ability to soundtrack both joyful and poignant life experiences.

This classic anthem from the era of big hair and leather pants has become a go-to for anyone looking for a dose of nostalgic rock. If you're yearning for even more rock anthems that will transport you back to the good old days, check out our playlist of the 37 best bar rock music playlist songs .

• 

  6

  Billie Jean

  Michael Jackson

  1982

  Thriller

• 

  7

  I Will Always Love You

  Whitney Houston

  1993

  The Bodyguard - Original Soundtrack Album

• 

  8

  Every Breath You Take

  The Police

  1983

  Synchronicity (Remastered 2003)

• 

  9

  Livin' On A Prayer

  Bon Jovi

  1986

  Slippery When Wet

• 

  10

  Hotel California

  Eagles

  1976

  Hotel California (2013 Remaster)

• 

  11

  Hey Jude

  The Beatles

  1968

  With The Beatles (Remastered)

• 

  12

  California Dreamin'

  The Mamas and the Papas

  1965

• 

  13

  Imagine

  John Lennon

  1971

  Imagine

• 

  14

  Don't Stop Believin'

  Journey

  1981

  Escape (2022 Remaster)

• 

  15

  Under the Bridge

  Red Hot Chili Peppers

  1991

  Blood Sugar Sex Magik (Deluxe Edition)

• 

  16

  Purple Rain

  Prince

  1984

  Purple Rain

• 

  17

  Budapest

  George Ezra

  2014

  Wanted on Voyage (Expanded Edition)

• 

  18

  Beautiful Day

  U2

  2000

  All That You Can't Leave Behind

• 

  19

  Let It Be

  The Beatles

  1970

  Let It Be (Remastered)

• 

  20

  Stairway to Heaven

  Led Zeppelin

  1971

  Led Zeppelin IV (Deluxe Edition)

• 

  21

  And I Love Her

  The Beatles

  1964

  A Hard Day's Night (Remastered)

• 

  22

  Like a Rolling Stone

  Bob Dylan

  1965

  Highway 61 Revisited

• 

  23

  Our House

  Madness

  1982

• 

  24

  What A Wonderful World

  Louis Armstrong

  1967

  What A Wonderful World

• 

  25

  ABC

  Jackson 5

  1970

• 

  26

  Always On My Mind

  Elvis Presley

  1972

  Elvis (Fool)