Lovely karaoke song

Songs popular among men in their 40s. Timeless classics that bring back memories.

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

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: classic tracks that bring back memories (21–30)

PowerPocket Biscuits

Power

Power Pocket Biscuits

Pocket Biscuits is a musical unit born from the variety show “Ucchan Nanchan no Urinari!!”.

Their fifth single “POWER,” released after collecting 1,784,892 signatures as part of a project on the show, became a hit and the group’s only No.

1 on the Oricon singles chart.

The ensemble, featuring Chiaki’s clear, soaring high-tone vocals, amps up the energy with its driving beat.

It’s a refreshing pop tune that I’d recommend as a karaoke pick or background music for people in their 40s who grew up with it.

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to youMONGOL800

To You by MONGOL800

MONGOL800 to you

Among people in their 40s, those in the early half may be more familiar with Japanese rock.

In particular, I think many were fans of MONGOL800.

With that in mind, I recommend their song “Anata ni.” The vocal range for this track is quite narrow, from mid1 D to mid2 G.

While mid1 D is slightly low and doesn’t leave much room to lower the key, men with naturally low voices will likely find the original key comfortably singable, so it shouldn’t be a major issue.

The pitch stays fairly consistent, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

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RobinsonSpitz

Spitz / Robinson

Robinson Spitz

Just the arpeggio in the intro is enough to make anyone over 40 burst into tears.

It was a huge hit in 1995, but when you sing a Spitz song at karaoke, it all comes down to how well you can reproduce Masamune Kusano’s high notes.

If you make it to the end, you’re sure to get a round of applause from your karaoke buddies!

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GLORIAZIGGY

ZIGGY「GLORIA」

GLORIAZIGGY

Released in 1988, this hit song was later featured in the Fuji TV drama “Dōkyūsei” (Classmates).

It’s one of ZIGGY’s most well-known tracks.

The catchy, easy-to-remember chorus is especially memorable, and it’s loved across generations.

Singing it with energy is also a great way to relieve stress.

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LOVE MachineMorning Musume

Morning Musume. 'LOVE Machine' (MV)

LOVE Machine - Morning Musume

I bet many men would say they devoted their youth to this song.

Released in September 1999, it became a massive hit single.

Its slightly mysterious melody and humor-filled lyrics leave a strong impression.

Some people might also remember the commercial for the aesthetic salon “Elaseine.” The song expresses hopes for a bright future through love.

It debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon charts and became the artist’s first million seller.

It remains a karaoke staple beloved by many even today.

Give it a listen when you’re worn out from work.

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summer festivalJITTERIN’JINN

Summer Festival – Whiteberry (Full)

Summer Festival JITTERIN'JINN

This is a signature song by JITTERIN’JINN, a female vocal band that took the J-POP scene by storm around 1990.

Incidentally, the song became even more famous when it was covered by the band Whiteberry in 2000.

As a result, it’s been loved by a wide range of generations, and many people in their 30s know it as well.

With its very catchy, easy-to-remember melody and its lyrics packed with the summer tradition of the “summer festival,” it’s one of the all-time great summer songs.

It’s also popular because it’s fun to sing together at karaoke.

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HeartMasaharu Fukuyama

Masaharu Fukuyama – Heart (Full ver.)

Heart - Masaharu Fukuyama

Masaharu Fukuyama is a singer-songwriter who enjoys immense popularity both as a musician and an actor, and whose funny personality also captivates fans.

His 12th single “Heart,” released as a double A-side with “you,” was used as the theme song for the TV drama Meguriai (Fateful Encounter).

Its refreshing melody, tinged with a sense of melancholy, further enhances the lyrics that evoke love.

With its relatively low key, it’s an easy karaoke pick—especially recommended for those in their 40s.

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