Ranking of Western Music Artists Popular Among People in Their 40s [2025]

Like A PrayerMadonna57rank/position

Madonna – Like A Prayer (Official Video)

This is an uplifting anthem by Madonna, whose masterful pop skills and exquisitely dance-like sound create a dazzling, high-energy track.

Its fresh, feel-good vibe makes it perfect for karaoke and especially approachable for women in their 30s.

All I Want for Christmas Is YouMariah Carey58rank/position

Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas Is You (Official Video)

When it comes to Mariah Carey songs that are best known among Japanese people and adored by women in their 40s, I think it has to be “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” It was used in the TV drama “29-sai no Christmas,” which I believe boosted its recognition in Japan.

The music video plays often during the Christmas season, and every time I see it, I think, “Mariah Carey was still slim back then.”

Family AffairMary J Blige59rank/position

Mary J. Blige – Family Affair (Official Music Video)

This is an uplifting anthem by Mary J.

Blige, a popular artist known for her strongly black music–influenced style that epitomizes 90s R&B.

With its rousing energy, it’s the kind of song you’ll want to sing at karaoke, and it feels approachable for women in their 30s.

All About That BassMeghan Trainor60rank/position

Meghan Trainor – All About That Bass (Official Video)

This is an uplifting song by Meghan Trainor that delivers a pleasing melodic sense with a deep track that’s high-pitched yet smooth.

With its beautiful style and relaxed feel, it’s the kind of song you’ll want to sing at karaoke, and it’s crafted to be relatable for women in their 30s.

Down UnderMen At Work61rank/position

Men At Work – Down Under (Official HD Video)

It hit No.

1 in the U.

S.

in 1983.

The band is an Australian group formed in 1979 around Colin Hay.

The album “Business as Usual,” which includes this song and “Who Can It Be Now?,” topped the U.

S.

charts for 15 weeks.

They also won the Grammy for Best New Artist—truly the height of the “Down Under” boom.

When A Man Loves A WomanMichael Bolton62rank/position

Michael Bolton – When a Man Loves a Woman

Percy Sledge’s smash hit “When a Man Loves a Woman,” which reached No.

1 in the U.

S.

, is a timeless classic covered by many artists.

Among them, the version especially popular with people in their 40s is Michael Bolton’s.

With his ruggedly sexy vocals, Bolton was a big favorite among adult women across America.

In Japan, his songs have also been used in a variety of commercials.

Billie JeanMichael Jackson63rank/position

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.