[2025] Recommended for people in their 50s! A roundup of timeless, crowd-pleasing Western music classics

My SharonaThe Knack

The Knack – My Sharona

The Knack’s debut track is marked by its catchy guitar riff.

Released in 1979, the song became a massive hit, spending six consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard chart.

The backstory—that the band wrote it with their feelings for a woman they actually fell in love with—may be one reason it resonated with so many people.

Its power-packed sound and lyrics about fervent romance continue to captivate listeners even today.

It’s a song that brings both nostalgia and energy to social gatherings and makes a great choice for karaoke.

We Will Rock YouQueen

Queen – We Will Rock You (Official Video)

Released in 1977, this song is characterized by its distinctive stomp-stomp-clap rhythm.

Its simple yet powerful beat was created using multitrack recording and delay effects, producing a massive sound as if a huge crowd were participating.

In live performances, it was often paired with another classic and closed out the set at Live Aid in 1985.

There’s also a story that the music video was filmed in the cold.

Perfect for pumping up sports events or karaoke, it’s a timeless Western pop classic that continues to be loved across generations, propelled by Queen’s soul-stirring performance.

Summer of 69Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams – Summer Of ’69 (Official Music Video)

Bryan Adams, the rock ’n’ roller who captivated rock-loving boys and young men in the 1980s.

It’s hard to choose because Bryan Adams has so many great songs, but isn’t this the one that gets everyone the most fired up and brings back those days? It reminds me of my sparkling youth.

I remember a band from the light music club playing this song at the boys’ school festival when I was in high school.

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pretty vacantSEX PISTOLS

Sex Pistols – Pretty Vacant

The punk movement out of London in the ’70s was the most shocking and sensational of its time.

Even in Japan, I imagine many people now in their 50s dressed in punk fashion and spiked up their hair back then.

Among that punk movement, the Pistols were arguably the most iconic presence.

This song is, without a doubt, the classic that gets everyone the most fired up.

ReflexDuran Duran

Duran Duran – The Reflex (Official Music Video)

In the 1980s, it’s no exaggeration to call them the most famous foreign band in Japan.

Among their songs, this dance track produced by Nile Rodgers became the band’s biggest hit.

They enjoyed idol-level popularity and drove female fans wild, yet they were also a highly skilled group with many male fans.

It’s a song that makes you want to start dancing.

i was made for loving youKISS

Kiss – I Was Made For Lovin’ You

Kiss, the original visual-kei band that thrilled men and women in their 50s.

I think they’re an essential band for people in their fifties.

You can’t help but get excited and fired up.

They have so many hits that it’s hard to choose, but I picked this one.

I bet the people who used to paint their faces like Kiss and go to their concerts back then still go wild when this song comes on.

too much too youngspecials

The Specials – Too Much Too Young (Live)

Madness as well, but when it comes to the original ska band, it’s The Specials.

Ska itself really gets people in their 50s fired up, I think.

Back then, ska felt incredibly stylish to me—the fashion and the sound.

It originally came from reggae and Black music, but I remember being amazed at how stylish it was.

This is a song that just makes you want to get pumped up.