Top Western Music Rankings by Generation: Popular Picks for People in Their 40s

Billie JeanMichael Jackson29rank/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.

Sweet Child O’ MineGuns N’ Roses30rank/position

Guns N’ Roses – Sweet Child O’ Mine (Official Music Video)

Originally a track from their first album, Appetite for Destruction, it was released as a single in 1988.

The intro guitar—Slash’s arpeggio—is memorable, but according to him, it was just a phrase he played off the cuff.

HaloBeyoncé31rank/position

Beyoncé – Halo

This is an empowering anthem by Beyoncé, whose luxurious artistry and exhilarating, energetic vocal work enjoy absolute popularity.

With its glamorous atmosphere that boosts your excitement, it’s the kind of song that makes you want to sing it at karaoke.

Never Gonna Give You UpRick Astley32rank/position

Rick Astley – Never Gonna Give You Up (Official Video) (4K Remaster)

A powerful beat, a catchy melody, and lyrics everyone can enjoy.

That classic hit was released in 1987 as the debut single from Rick Astley’s first album, Whenever You Need Somebody, and it became a worldwide sensation.

Its lyrics, pledging unwavering love and support, capture the spirit of 80s youth.

In 2007, it regained attention as an internet meme, and with over 1.

5 billion views on YouTube, it continues to be loved across generations.

At company parties or karaoke, if everyone belts it out together, it’s sure to liven up the room in no time!

Girls Just Want To Have FunCyndi Lauper33rank/position

Cyndi Lauper – Girls Just Want To Have Fun (Official Video)

This song titled “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” had such a cute, breezy vocal—wasn’t it wonderful? Listen to it while remembering yourself in your late teens or twenties.

No matter how old we get, women always keep a playful side like this, don’t we? Let’s keep having fun forever!

Every Breath You TakeThe Police34rank/position

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

It topped the UK charts for four consecutive weeks and the US Billboard for eight consecutive weeks.

At the 1984 Grammy Awards, it won Song of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group.

The Japanese title is “Mitsumete Itai” (“Every Breath You Take”).

While it’s often interpreted as a love song, it actually portrays a person who watches over someone with malicious intent.

The Final CountdownEurope35rank/position

Europe – The Final Countdown (Official Video)

It was released in 1986 as the band’s biggest hit, included on the third studio album by the Swedish rock band Europe.

It’s characterized by a crystalline melody and a clear, transparent sound.

The song tells of an astronaut setting off on a journey, and its grand intro is famous in rock history.