[2025] Uplifting songs recommended for people in their 50s: A collection of nostalgic classics
When we think of people in their 50s today, many likely spent their formative years during Japan’s musical golden era: late-1970s to 1980s TV shows like “The Best Ten,” the late-80s band boom, and the early-90s J-POP and trendy drama boom.
In this article, we’ll introduce high-energy songs that 50-somethings can enjoy and feel nostalgic about.
In the midst of busy, demanding daily life, music can bring back memories you’d almost forgotten.
We hope this article can be that spark for you!
It can also serve as a helpful guide for younger generations when choosing songs for karaoke with people in their 50s.
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[2025] Party-Perfect Songs for People in Their 50s: A Collection of Nostalgic Classics (41–50)
Like tonight's moonElephant Kashimashi
It’s a deeply moving masterpiece that powerfully sings of passion for the future while gazing into everyday feelings of emptiness and loneliness.
Set against the backdrop of a city at dusk, it portrays the solitude and struggles of people living in an urban landscape, yet conveys a strong will to keep looking forward and moving on.
The soulful vocals unique to Elephant Kashimashi and the melody that resonates with the heart are beautifully in harmony.
Released in July 1997, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night,” and was also included on the album “Run Toward Tomorrow – Moonlit Songs.” In 2017, it was performed in the band’s first appearance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, winning over even more listeners.
It’s a track that will evoke deep empathy when you feel lost in life or spend a night thinking of someone dear.
foreignerSaki Kubota
For those in their 50s, this must be a very nostalgic number: “Ihōjin.” It’s a song that represents the Showa era.
Saki Kubota had a lovely, simple singing voice.
It’s a wonderful work that transcends time, so I hope it will continue to be sung for years to come.
It’s also a number I can recommend to people in their 40s.
Ah, heartlessAnn Lewis
One of Ann Lewis’s signature songs, a classic distinguished by its catchy melody that epitomizes the 1980s.
It features a driving beat and Ann Lewis’s powerful vocals, cementing her status as a “kayō rocker.” With lyrics by Reiko Yukawa, it brilliantly captures the complexities of women’s emotions.
The song was also used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Toki no Fushin: Woman Wars,” boosting its popularity.
Released on April 21, 1986, it ranked high on many charts.
This track evokes a warm sense of nostalgia and is perfect for getting the crowd going at karaoke and similar occasions.
Midnight Door ~ Stay With MeMiki Matsubara
This work stands out for its light rhythm and wistful melody.
Released in 1979, Miki Matsubara’s debut single reached No.
28 on the Oricon charts and sold around 100,000 copies.
Known as a representative city pop song, it has gained increasing popularity overseas in recent years.
The lyrics, poignantly portraying lost love, offer a chance to reflect on past romances.
Although it wasn’t tied in with any films or TV dramas, it’s a track you can enjoy along with nostalgic memories.
It’s recommended both for livening up a karaoke session and for looking back on cherished moments with someone special.
Stardust StageThe Checkers
I think everyone in their 40s and 50s knows The Checkers.
They have a number of hit songs.
While The Checkers mostly had upbeat, catchy numbers, “Hoshikuzu no Stage” is a sad love song.
It’s a song I’d love to hear a man sing at karaoke.
Please take everyone into a world of tears.
single bedSharam Q
Released in 1994, this song became Sharam Q’s first million-selling hit and a milestone in their career.
Its lyrics, expressing regret and loneliness over a lost love, have resonated with many listeners.
It was also used as an insert song in the film Confession of Murder: 22 Years Later, earning support across a wide audience.
Featured on the album Inferiority Complex as well as on best-of compilations, it is known as one of Sharam Q’s signature tracks.
For those in their 50s, it may evoke even stronger feelings, overlapping with memories of moving to Tokyo for work in their 20s.
Distance of the Starry SkyTHE ALFEE
With so many hit songs by THE ALFEE, I don’t think you can just pick one and say “This is the best!” That said, when it comes to songs that supported their early years, many people would probably name “Hoshizora no Distance.” It opens with Sakurai’s masculine lead vocals, and the harmony in the chorus is striking—Sakurai, Sakazaki, and Takamizawa’s voices resonate with each other as perfectly as it gets.
Although it was released in 1984, it’s apparently still performed live quite often.
It’s a song I’d love to revisit and listen to while feeling nostalgic for the past!