Recommended Western music for women in their 50s: world classics and popular songs

Summer NightsJohn Travolta & Olivia Newton-John

John Travolta – Olivia Newton John – Summer Nights.mpg

“Summer Nights” is an insert song from the 1978 film Grease.

It was a duet by the co-leads John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.

The song plays in a scene where their high school friends, singing and dancing in separate groups of boys and girls around them, eagerly try to find out how far the two have gotten in their relationship.

Dancing QueenABBA

ABBA – Dancing Queen (Official Music Video)

When it comes to ’80s disco songs, this track is a must.

It’s an absolute banger and perfect for any party.

For a 50th birthday, it might be fun to reminisce about your youth, turn the room into a dance floor, and get your body moving.

True ColorsCyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper – True Colors (Official HD Video)

When it comes to hit songs from the ’80s, her presence is indispensable.

Thanks to its lyrics, the song has also been embraced as an anthem for the LGBTQ rights movement.

For a 50th birthday, it might be nice to reminisce about your youth.

HeroMariah Carey

Mariah Carey – Hero (Official HD Video)

For a 50th birthday, if you want to be swept away by the voice of a diva said to span seven octaves, how about this song? It was also the theme song for TBS’s PyeongChang Olympics coverage.

It’s an anthem that cheers you on as you add another year and continue through life.

Think It OverCheryl Ladd

CHERYL LADD Think It Over

Cheryl Ladd, who rose to fame on the 1970s TV show Charlie’s Angels.

Her clean yet sexy femininity was the envy of women at the time.

Her biggest hit is “Dancing American,” used in a whiskey commercial, but this wistful, moodier song is also a must-listen.

Its Japanese title is “Angel’s Sigh.”

BabooshkaKate Bush

Kate Bush – Babooshka – Official Music Video

Kate Bush is best known for Wuthering Heights, but this is a hit single from her third album, Never for Ever (Japanese title: Mamonogatari).

For Kate fans, it’s a favorite tune on par with Wuthering Heights.

“Babooshka” means “old woman” in Russian.

A fairy-tale-like, mysterious world of love unfolds.

ParadisePhoebe Cates

Phoebe Cates – Paradise (Full song – 1982)

Paradise (1982), often considered a follow-up to the Brooke Shields–starring film The Blue Lagoon.

The film’s star, Phoebe Cates, performed the theme song of the same name.

It’s a gem far too good to be left as just an idol song.

Phoebe’s exotic looks, reflecting her mixed Asian heritage, and her slightly lisping, cute singing voice are delightful.

Incidentally, her husband is the actor Kevin Kline.