Famous songs we’d like women in their 40s to sing, by age group

StoryAI

AI – Story

This is the 12th single by AI, a female singer-songwriter who has won support from a wide range of listeners with her soulful vocals—imbued with gospel influences—and catchy R&B sound that showcases her voice.

The track was used as the ending theme for the Nintendo 3DS game Rhythm Thief & the Emperor’s Treasure, and it’s also famous for bringing AI’s name to a broader audience.

Its powerful, maternal message may gently embrace men who tend to tense up under pressure.

For women in their 40s, the song is an emotional number you’ll want to add to your karaoke repertoire.

MarigoldAimyon

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A female singer-songwriter, Aimyon, who has gained popularity especially among younger generations for her uniquely relatable perspective and expressive lyrics, paired with a gentle acoustic guitar sound, released this as her fifth major-label single.

With total streams surpassing 300 million, it’s widely known across generations as one of her signature songs.

Its nostalgic, feminine melody likely makes many men hope women will sing it at karaoke.

While the song itself may not belong to the formative musical era of women in their 40s, it’s a must-know mega hit for the karaoke crowd.

The Door to TomorrowNEW!I WiSH

I WiSH “Door to Tomorrow” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Released in 2003, this song became a big hit as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Ainori.” Its overall vocal range is A#3 to D5, and the chorus goes a bit higher, but the melody is very simple, making it easy to keep pitch and the lyrics are straightforward and easy to convey.

It’s often recommended even for karaoke beginners or those who struggle with pitch.

The lyrics are relatively dense and it’s sung almost continuously, so taking breaths at each phrase will help you avoid running out of breath and make it easier to sing.

While listening to the song, it might help to visualize, “I’ll breathe here.” The basic image is to sing lightly while staying relaxed.

Once you can hum lightly, try resonating in the same place and turn it into your singing voice.

If your throat stays comfortable the whole time, you’re good!

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko

aiko - 'Kabutomushi' music video

A singer-songwriter whose sharp, female-perspective insights and exquisite lyrical expressions are beloved across generations, aiko’s fourth major single is widely known as one of her signature songs.

It was used as the ending theme for the music program COUNT DOWN TV and the variety show Jobireba!?.

With themes and phrases unlikely to occur to men, it’s the kind of song that women can’t help but relate to.

It’s a poignant love song that 40-something women will want to sing—and if someone belts it out at karaoke, it’s sure to steal men’s hearts.

BELIEVENEW!MISIA

MISIA – BELIEVE （Official HD Music Video）

For more recent listeners, MISIA is probably strongly associated with being a classic, orthodox diva, but for women in their 40s, doesn’t she evoke more of an R&B singer image? Among her songs from that era, the one I especially recommend is BELIEVE.

Although the chorus features a high-pitched phrase with quite dramatic pitch jumps, most of the rest sits in the low-to-mid range.

Since there are repeated falsetto passages, if you’re not comfortable with head voice, try lowering the key before you tackle it.

planetariumAi Otsuka

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium

This is the 10th single by singer-songwriter Ai Otsuka, whose songs—ranging from catchy pop numbers to lyrical ballads—are loved for their wide expressive range.

Chosen as the image song for the TV drama “Boys Over Flowers,” the track’s ensemble of traditional Japanese instruments and piano creates a dreamlike atmosphere.

The message, which sings of feelings for someone you can never meet again, paired with the song’s heartrending melody, evokes the delicacy and vulnerability of women.

Its fragile beauty resonates with men as well, making it a perfect number for women in their 40s to sing at karaoke.

366 daysHY

HY – 366 Days (Official Music Video)

A four-member hybrid band, HY, which is based in their home of Okinawa Prefecture and has gained popularity with a wide variety of songs featuring dual male-and-female vocals.

This track is included on their fifth album, HeartY—sharing the name with their own self-produced natural brand—and although it was never released as a single, it’s known as one of HY’s signature songs.

The lyrics, which express a strong lingering affection even after a breakup, might be both heartening and painful for men to hear.

With powerful vocals and heartrending words that pierce the heart, it’s a ballad number I’d love to see women in their 40s—the generation it resonates with—sing with deep emotion.