Songs popular among men in their 40s. Timeless classics that bring back memories.
As a man in your 40s, what kind of music do you usually listen to?
Of course, you probably hear a lot of the latest hits, but chances are you still love the songs that were with you during your youth.
In fact, when it comes to songs popular among men in their 40s today, many of them are tracks that made waves around the 1990s.
In this article, we’ll introduce a generous selection of Japanese songs—focusing on hits from that era—that are especially recommended for men in their 40s.
They’re full of classics perfect for karaoke or for listening to in the car, so definitely give them a listen.
They might just bring back memories from those days.
Popular songs among men in their 40s. Timeless tracks that bring back memories (1–10)
my graduationSPEED
A graduation song filled with both poignancy and warmth.
Released by SPEED in April 1998.
It portrays encounters and farewells, as well as the many “graduation” moments in life, in a positive light.
The lyrics, infused with gratitude for the past and hope for the future, truly resonate.
It’s also included on the albums RISE and MOMENT.
Great for hyping up a karaoke session, and equally perfect for listening in the car while reminiscing about your youth.
A song that stirs nostalgic memories and gives you the courage to take a new step forward—one that especially strikes a chord with men in their 40s.
SOUL LOVEGLAY
GLAY is a four-member rock band that churned out hit songs during the heyday of the visual kei movement in the 1990s and continues to be highly active today.
Their 14th single, “SOUL LOVE,” which was used as the campaign song for Kanebo’s “Bronze Love ’98 Summer,” is said to have been written by TAKURO in just ten minutes.
The arrangement moves from a twin-lead-guitar intro into a refreshingly GLAY-like ensemble, and for those in their 40s—the generation that grew up with it—simply hearing it may bring a flood of memories.
It’s one of GLAY’s signature tracks, sure to boost your mood when it comes on as background music during a drive.
Get WildTM NETWORK
“Get Wild” is the 10th single by TM NETWORK, released in 1987.
This signature song of TM NETWORK became a huge hit as the ending theme for the TV anime City Hunter.
Tetsuya Komuro’s stylish music still sounds incredibly cool even today.
RomancePENICILLIN
It’s a song by the visual-kei rock band PENICILLIN that overflows with the desire to convey passionate feelings.
Released as a single in January 1998, it was used as the theme song for Sexy Commando Gaiden: Sugoi yo!! Masaru-san.
The lyrics, depicting a bittersweet crush and unwavering love for a partner, leave a strong impression.
It’s a perfect track for those who want to bask in sweet, heartrending memories of love.
It might be nice to try singing it at karaoke again after a long time.
Mermaid of ReminiscenceTHE YELLOW MONKEY
This is The Yellow Monkey’s seventh single, “Mermaid of Reminiscence,” released in 1995.
It ranked 11th in a fan poll held in 2013 and is also included on the album “YEMON – FAN’S BEST SELECTION.” It’s a wonderful song that continues to be loved even after many years.
There will be love there -A place with love-the brilliant green
Known by the abbreviation “Buriguri,” the brilliant green is a musical unit that now operates as vocalist Tomoko Kawase’s solo project.
Their third single, There will be love there -Ai no aru basho-, which was used as the theme song for the TV drama Love Again, is one of Buriguri’s signature tracks and achieved their best-ever sales.
Its beautiful vocals and dramatic melody have a timeless charm that never fades, no matter how the times change.
With its simple melody, it’s a timeless classic we’d love people of all generations to sing at karaoke.
Beyond the Night SkySMAP
A moving classic that looks back on the past while finding hope for the future.
SMAP’s gentle yet powerful vocals deliver both nostalgia and a fresh sense of wonder.
Released in 1998, it became a million seller in its third week, with total sales reaching 1.
624 million copies.
Evoking a quiet night sky, the song is perfect as background music for a drive and is an easy, familiar choice for karaoke.
Its sentimental phrases will bring back memories of your youth each time you listen.
Take your time and savor this heartfelt work.