Western music popular among women in their 40s. World-famous classics and hit songs.

close to youCarpenters

Carpenters Close To You

A love song that delicately expresses a maiden’s heart: “I want to be by your side—birds, stars, all the girls in town, and me.” It’s one of the Carpenters’ signature songs, and their gentle, storybook-like vocals are soothing.

I say a little prayerDiana King

Diana King – Say A Little Prayer

The renowned classic “I Say a Little Prayer” by the one and only Dionne Warwick needs no introduction.

Aretha Franklin’s cover is also very famous, but for many women in their 40s, it’s probably Diana King’s rendition—featured as the theme song of the 1997 film “My Best Friend’s Wedding”—that left the most memorable impression.

if we hold on togetherDiana Ross

Diana Ross If we hold on together

A quintessential 90s love ballad by Diana Ross.

It became a huge hit in Japan as a TV drama theme song at the time.

Rather than just saying “I love you,” the song carries a deeper message of walking through life together.

More than wordsExtreme

Extreme – More Than Words (Official Music Video)

Speaking of Extreme, it’s “More Than Words.” Even if you don’t know the band, many people have probably heard this song.

The guitar intro and gentle melody are so soothing that you’ll want to keep listening forever—it’s a lovely love song.

Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For YouGeorge Benson

NOTHING’S GONNA CHANGE MY LOVE FOR YOU (with lyrics) – GEORGE BENSON

This is a song included on George Benson’s 1984 album “20/20.” It has since been covered by many artists and was used in TV commercials in Japan.

Even people who aren’t familiar with Western music will likely feel, upon hearing the chorus, “I’ve heard this before!”

DOESN’T REALLY MATTERJanet Jackson

Janet Jackson – Doesn’t Really Matter (Official Video)

Released in 2000, this song was also used as a movie’s theme song.

It was a massive hit that played every night in clubs at the time, and it’s also famous for being covered by a Japanese artist.

It’s a lovey-dovey song with the message, “Nothing around us matters as long as we’re in love.”

I should be so luckyKYLIE MINOGUE

Kylie Minogue – I Should Be So Lucky

Kylie Minogue’s “I Should Be So Lucky,” which was a massive hit in Japan during the Eurobeat boom of the late 1980s.

There are also artists who covered her songs in Japanese and achieved major success.