Recommended Western music for men in their 40s: world classics and popular songs

Like a VirginMadonna

Madonna – Like A Virgin (Official Video)

A song released in 1984.

It is included on Madonna’s second album, which became a massive hit surpassing her previous work, “Burning Up.” Nile Rodgers, the guitarist from Chic, was brought on as the producer.

Billie JeanMichael Jackson

Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Official Video)

A song released in 1983.

It’s also the song where the moonwalk was performed, and probably everyone tried to imitate it.

It’s included on the album Thriller.

In Japan, Mikí Asakura covered it with Japanese lyrics in 1984.

Don’t Look Back in AngerOasis

Oasis – Don’t Look Back In Anger (Official Video)

This song is a classic by Oasis, a band the UK takes pride in.

Included on the album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, it shot to the top of the UK charts upon its release in 1996.

Noel Gallagher’s crystal-clear vocals and the sweeping melody leave a strong impression.

Its message—don’t look back at the past, keep moving forward—resonated with many people.

After the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, it was sung as a symbol of remembrance and helped comfort people’s hearts.

The intro is said to have been inspired by John Lennon’s Imagine.

It’s the kind of song you want to hear at a night out with friends or when you’re standing at a crossroads in life.

Now & ForeverRichard Marx

Richard Marx – Now And Forever (Official Music Video)

Richard Marx, born in Chicago in 1963, reportedly worked as a local radio and commercial singer from the age of five.

This romantic song, which he publicly calls a “love letter to his wife,” was used in the film The Getaway.

I Just Called To Say I Love YouStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder – I Just Called To Say I Love You (Live in London, 1995)

The Japanese title is “Kokoro no Ai” (Love of My Heart).

It was used on the soundtrack of the film “The Woman in Red.” The song became Stevie Wonder’s first number-one hit on the UK Singles Chart.

It was also featured in Japanese TV dramas between 1997 and 2001.

Burning heartSurvivor

Survivor – Burning Heart (Video)

This song became famous in 1985 as the theme for the film Rocky IV.

The theme song for Rocky III, Eye of the Tiger, was also by Survivor.

It’s said that Burning Heart was composed after reading the script for Rocky IV.

Break Every RuleTina Turner

Tina Turner – Break Every Rule (Official Music Video)

She is a singer, dancer, and actress with a career spanning 50 years.

This song, which also became the title of her album, was released in 1986 and has sold over 4 million copies worldwide.

She holds a Guinness World Record for performing solo before the largest audience in history, approximately 184,000 people.