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.
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- [Nostalgic Hits] Japanese dance music that resonates with people in their 40s.
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Popular songs among men in their 40s. Timeless tracks that bring back memories (1–10)
ROCKET DIVEhide with Spread Beaver
This is a track defined by its energetic sound and heartfelt lyrics.
hide’s distinctive voice and the band’s powerful performance leave a strong impression.
Released in January 1998, it became a popular song that reached No.
4 on the Oricon charts.
The lyrics sing about breaking free from the monotony of everyday life and finding the courage to embark on new adventures.
It also includes a song produced the day before the live event “MIXED LEMONed JELLY.” Perfect for belting out at karaoke or listening to on a drive.
A must-hear classic that will bring back memories, especially for men in their 40s.
That's important.Daiji MAN Brothers Band
It was released in 1991 as the third single by Daiji MAN Brothers Band.
Although it didn’t become a big hit at first, it was used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Hok-chan no Yamada Katsutenai Terebi,” gradually gaining recognition and popularity.
It was also used as a support song for the Tohoku region, and total sales at the time exceeded 1.
8 million copies.
For people of that generation, of course, but also for a wide range of listeners, it likely has a strong image as a positive, much-loved song.
everything; the whole lot; lock, stock, and barrelKREVA
Despite the resort vibe, the lyrics—capturing sudden pangs of wistfulness and the melancholy of passing seasons—soak into the heart atop a sophisticated beat in this classic by KREVA.
Many listeners may be reminded of “those days” when they used to play it as stylish background music.
Released in June 2005, the track was also used as the ending theme for the TV show Debuya.
The later album it was included on, the landmark Ai Jibun Haku, became the first by a solo hip-hop artist to reach No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
It’s perfect for a drive packed with nostalgic summer memories, or for nights when you want to indulge in a slightly sentimental mood.
Songs popular among men in their 40s. Classic tracks that bring back memories (11–20)
PIECES OF A DREAMCHEMISTRY
CHEMISTRY, who debuted from the popular audition show ASAYAN.
Many of you were probably captivated by their memorable debut release at the time.
This track blends a mellow R&B sound with the duo’s beautiful harmonies.
Even while holding onto fragments of imperfect dreams, it looks forward, stirring the heart with a bittersweet yet subtly warm emotion.
Released in March 2001, it spent 15 weeks in the top 10 of the Oricon charts.
It’s a perfect song for a sentimental night or as stylish background music for a drive.
As I love you selfishly, I won’t hurt anyone but you.B’z
A song released by B’z in 1993 as their 12th single.
It is B’z’s biggest hit, and it drew attention at the time for selling over two million copies.
The fact that its title is taken directly from the chorus—making it the longest title in B’z’s history—is also one reason for the song’s high recognition.
Driver’s HighL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
L’Arc~en~Ciel’s 17th single.
A single cut from the classic album “ark,” it was also used as the opening theme for the TV anime GTO.
Kicking off with the roar of a car engine and shifting into a high-velocity guitar sound, the arrangement heightens the anticipation for the extraordinary journey ahead.
True to the theme vocalist and lyricist hyde described—“the exhilaration of driving while listening to music”—it rekindles that invincible rush we felt back then, as if we could break free from mundane days and go anywhere.
It’s a perfect rock tune not only for a refreshing drive scene, but also for switching your mood.
STORMLUNA SEA
It’s a track that pairs a fast, exhilarating rock sound with deeply emotional lyrics.
Released in April 1998, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart and earned a Platinum certification.
Centered on themes of love and courage, it sings about the strength to overcome hardships together with a partner.
Guitarist SUGIZO reportedly crafted it with shoegaze in mind, giving it an appealing psychedelic vibe.
The music video also received high praise.
It’s a perfect song for men in their 40s—great for listening in the car or belting out at karaoke.
A timeless classic that resonates in the heart, bringing back memories of youth.