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

Material GirlMadonna

Madonna – Material Girl (Official Video) [HD]

If Michael Jackson was the defining male artist of the ’80s, then wouldn’t Madonna be the defining diva of the ’80s? Even more than 30 years after her debut, her continued success truly makes her the “Queen of Pop.”

The One That You LoveAir Supply

The One That You Love (Remastered)

When talking about the Western music scene of the ’80s, we mustn’t forget Air Supply.

Everyone was captivated by their beautiful voices, lush sound, and grand melodies.

Following their previous hit “Lost in Love,” this song became one of their biggest hits.

You could say it established the quintessential Air Supply sound.

I remember hearing it everywhere—on the streets, in cafés, in all sorts of places.

Don’t CryASIA

Asia – Don’t Cry [HQ]

A supergroup formed in 1982 by members hailing from some of the biggest names in the progressive rock scene of the ’70s.

There’s none of the typical prog complexity here; instead, John Wetton’s outstanding pop sensibility shines through in catchy songs that became massive hits worldwide.

AllentownBilly Joel

Billy Joel – Allentown (Official Video)

Peaked at No.

17 in the U.

S.

in 1983.

Billy Joel’s 1982 album The Nylon Curtain is now regarded as a classic, but at the time of its release it was harshly criticized as “dark” and “uncharacteristic.” It was probably a turning point for him, coinciding with his motorcycle accident.

This song was the second single, following “Pressure.” The lyric “I’ve got the diploma on the wall but it never helped me at all” really resonates.

Billy soon released An Innocent Man, reeling off a string of hit singles and blowing away the negative reception of this album, though in hindsight An Innocent Man itself feels a bit curious.

It’s Still Rock and Roll to MeBilly Joel

It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me

A singer-songwriter, vocalist, pianist, and composer—he wears many hats and is undoubtedly one of the defining artists of the 1970s and 1980s.

Following his 1970s signature song “Piano Man,” this rock ’n’ roll track became a massive hit in the ’80s as well.

His music is loved across generations and has been covered by many artists, making him one of the greats who have influenced the history of music.

You May Be RightBilly Joel

Billy Joel – You May Be Right (Official Audio)

From the image of a stylish, urban-sounding songwriter who had hits in the late ’70s with ‘The Stranger’ and ’52nd Street,’ he made a sharp turn with 1980’s ‘Glass Houses,’ showcasing a new side with a sound strongly rooted in American rock.

Call MeBlondie

Blondie – Call me

Number one in the U.

S.

in 1980.

It’s the theme from the Richard Gere film American Gigolo.

Giorgio Moroder, who was in charge of the music, supposedly first approached Stevie Nicks.

The song matched the film’s opening scene of driving along the coastline very well.