One of the biggest challenges facing middle school social studies educators is creating powerful lessons that engage young adolescents in acquiring knowledge, stimulate critical thinking skills, inspire passionate interest in social studies and social issues, encourage active participation in civic life, and provide them with opportunities to express their thoughts, values, and emotions. Therefore, it is important that teachers create activities that generate critical thought and passion in students and allow them to be actively involved in all of their educational experiences. One of the most effective, enjoyable, and interesting ways to teach social studies to young adolescents is to integrate lessons with music, art, and other disciplines that engage students cognitively and emotionally. Teaching social studies through the arts--music, art, and literature--is a highly effective method with students. Music provides students with important insights into the specific political, economic, and social conditions in a given historical era. By playing music or showing a music video, teachers can provide students with a vast array of images, sounds, symbols, and actions to analyze and discuss in ways that appeal to the intellectual, social, and emotional needs of young adolescents. This article discusses creative methods in teaching social studies using popular music and offers alternative teaching suggestions in integrating music into social studies and other academic disciplines. The author concludes that by combining serious academic work with pleasurable and intellectually challenging activities, teachers can improve student achievement and motivation, create involved citizens who demonstrate a passion for social studies, and make a positive difference in students' lives. (Contains 8 figures.)