Last Updated 12/29/2008 by José Luis Morales

Welcome to the first of a series of six-monthly posts that will keep you up to date with what your teenage learners are listening and dancing to out there. You can use this list in a number of ways:

1. Some lessons in Hey There! are generic, that is, the tasks can be applied to any song you/they like (Example: Hey There! 1, Unit 2, Song, Student page 33). Choose two of the songs from the list in advance and then let your students vote for the one they want to work with that day (it is advisable to narrow down the range of songs to a maximum of two each time, so as avoid time-consuming arguments over what to listen to). You can easily download the song and its lyrics — or even fun videos with lyrics — from a number of popular sites. If you need help with this, ask your learners, they are experts!
2. Some lessons in Hey There involve the learners in discussing different types of music, bands or solo artists (Examples: Hey There! 2, Unit 2, Song, Student Book page 31; Hey There! 3, Unit 2, Song, Student Book page 31). If the featured artist/band is on the list, invite the learners to use that song. If the artist is not featured on the list, ask your learners for suggestions, with the sole proviso that the lyrics should not contain rude language.
3. Some lessons in Hey There! deal with artists and/or music that made a mark in the world of popular music in the past (Example: Hey There! 2, Unit 6, Song, Student Book page 79). These artists/songs are probably not included in this selection. In this case, ask your learners for suggestions and involve them from the start in getting the music and lyrics (same proviso as in point 2 applies here).

The list below was compiled with the following criteria in mind:

1. They are among the current Top 40 hits according to at least two different sources.
2. The lyrics do not contain offensive or rude language (hard work finding one that doesn't!)
3. Your teenage learners are likely to know every word in the lyrics, even though they may not know what they mean exactly. You need not teach every word or expression, it will be enough to clarify meaning or even translate. Remember the object of the lesson is to enjoy the music the learners like and engage them in conversation about it.
4. The artists/songs are listed alphabetically and in no particular order of popularity.

Enjoy!