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

We Will Rock YouQueen

Queen – We Will Rock You (Official Video)

Included on their sixth album, News of the World, “We Will Rock You” is known as one of Queen’s signature songs.

Created so the audience could take part, its ensemble of just handclaps and foot stomps is simple yet tremendously impactful.

With its narrow vocal range and minimal dynamics, it’s perfect as an entry point to Western pop music.

It’s a massive hit that, when sung at karaoke, is sure to get everyone joining in for a rousing sing-along.

HimRupert Holmes

RUPERT HOLMES ❖ him 【HD】

Rupert Holmes is a singer who transitioned from band work to a solo career, and before he became successful, he also worked as a producer and songwriter.

Along with “Escape,” this song was one of his hits, and its theme is questioning a woman on whether she will choose him or the other man.

Top Of The WorldCarpenters

Top Of The World

The Carpenters’ classic “Top Of The World” is memorable for its light, upbeat melody.

While the Carpenters are known as a pop duo, this song strongly reflects country music characteristics.

A key point of this piece lies in the English.

The vocal line has a narrow range and doesn’t require much dynamic variation, so it’s easy to sing.

However, among the Carpenters’ songs, the BPM here is relatively fast, which can make the English lyrics feel a bit crowded.

If you’re not confident in English, try linking the vowel of the previous word to the consonant of the next—for example, sing “Top of the world” more like “Topov th’ worl(d)”—to help it flow more naturally.

My SharonaThe Knack

My Sharona — The Knack

A song crafted by two of the members, featuring a striking octave bass line.

Despite being their debut single, it topped the U.

S.

chart for six consecutive weeks in 1979 and finished as the year’s number one.

Since then, many artists, including Japanese performers, have covered the song.

Girls Just Want To Have FunCyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper – Girls Just Want To Have Fun (Official Video)

This song titled “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” had such a cute, breezy vocal—wasn’t it wonderful? Listen to it while remembering yourself in your late teens or twenties.

No matter how old we get, women always keep a playful side like this, don’t we? Let’s keep having fun forever!

I’ve Never Been To MeCharlene

Charlene – I’ve Never Been To Me (1977/1982)

The original was sung by Randy Crawford, but isn’t this version sung by Charlene more famous? Known in Japan under the title “Ai wa Kagerō no Yō ni” (“Love Is Like a Heat Haze”), it’s a classic ballad where the gentle vocals shine against a beautiful melody.

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.