Ranking of Western Music Artists Popular Among People in Their 50s [2025]

Dancing QueenABBA1rank/position

ABBA – Dancing Queen (Official Music Video)

When it comes to ’80s disco songs, this track is a must.

It’s an absolute banger and perfect for any party.

For a 50th birthday, it might be fun to reminisce about your youth, turn the room into a dance floor, and get your body moving.

Hotel CaliforniaThe Eagles2rank/position

Hotel California (2013 Remaster)

The Eagles’ classic “Hotel California.” Did you think, “Isn’t that hard?” Well, yeah, it’s kind of hard, but depending on the arrangement, it’s actually the kind of song you can sing pretty easily.

That’s because there aren’t many high notes in it.

Plus, it’s a song where you can use edge voice—tightening the throat to produce sound—so it’s super easy to mask imperfections.

Edge voice lets you blur the ends of phrases and transition smoothly into a whispery tone, so it really helps you get away with things.

That said, the difficulty can skyrocket depending on the arrangement, so watch out (lol).

Hard To Say I’m SorryCHICAGO3rank/position

Chicago – Hard To Say I’m Sorry (Official Music Video)

This is a signature work by the American brass-rock band Chicago, depicting the pain of heartbreak alongside an elegant piano melody.

Released in September 1982 and produced by David Foster, the song elevates the rich musicality of the brass section into a pop arrangement.

It topped the U.

S.

singles chart for two consecutive weeks.

Chosen as the ending theme for the film “Blue Lovers,” it also became familiar in Japan as a commercial song for Osaka Gas and Toyota.

The lyrics portray a man who, after being told goodbye by his lover, regrets his past behavior—feelings that many listeners can surely empathize with.

Time After TimeCyndi Lauper4rank/position

Cyndi Lauper – Time After Time (Official HD Video)

A track released in 1984 by American singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper.

It has been used in numerous media, including the film “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion” and McDonald’s commercials, and has been covered by artists such as Miles Davis.

Every Breath You TakeThe Police5rank/position

The Police – Every Breath You Take (Official Music Video)

A signature masterpiece by the British rock band The Police, this memorable song prominently features the timbre of the double bass.

Though it holds a “quiet love song” status and enjoys overwhelming popularity among women even today, it’s actually a socially conscious track characteristic of Sting, written with the idea of a malicious surveillance society in mind.

Depending on how you listen, you can also notice a lurking eeriness reminiscent of the modern issue of stalking.

That said, it certainly tickles the feeling of “I’d want to be sung to like this by someone I love,” so perhaps it’s best to keep thinking of it as a love song.

Beat itMichael Jackson6rank/position

Michael Jackson – Beat It (Official 4K Video)

When you want to safely get a wide range of ages excited at a year-end or New Year party, nothing beats a hit song everyone knows.

This historic masterpiece, released in 1983, is the kind of track that makes many people grin the moment the intro starts.

With top-tier musicians like Eddie Van Halen and Steve Lukather participating, it gave birth to those legendary riffs and solos.

It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks and sold over eight million copies.

The moment it plays at karaoke or an event, your body just starts moving—it’s a song that can be enjoyed across generations.

Don’t Stop Me NowQueen7rank/position

Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now (Official Video)

A track from Queen’s seventh album, Jazz, by the now truly legendary British rock band.

Their music was so original that anyone, anywhere could recognize it as “Queen.” They cherished their Japanese fans, who—along with rock magazines—were among the first to champion them.

With this upbeat song, let’s think of the one-of-a-kind vocalist, Freddie.