Top Western Music Rankings Popular with People in Their 60s (By Generation)

Heart Of GlassBlondie1rank/position

Blondie – Heart Of Glass

A song written in early 1974, shortly after Debbie Harry and Chris Stein met, who later married.

It was inspired by a stalker who was pursuing Debbie.

The sound of the CR-78 drum machine draws inspiration from the groove of the Bee Gees’ song “Stayin’ Alive.”

Alone AgainGilbert O’Sullivan2rank/position

Gilbert O’Sullivan – Alone Again (original version)

A 1972 hit by Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan.

It features a melodious and very refreshing sound.

In Japan, it was reportedly used in 1986 as the theme song for the film “Maison Ikkoku” and as the opening theme for episode 24 of the TV anime “Maison Ikkoku.”

Top Of The WorldCarpenters3rank/position

Top Of The World

The Carpenters’ classic “Top Of The World” is memorable for its light, upbeat melody.

While the Carpenters are known as a pop duo, this song strongly reflects country music characteristics.

A key point of this piece lies in the English.

The vocal line has a narrow range and doesn’t require much dynamic variation, so it’s easy to sing.

However, among the Carpenters’ songs, the BPM here is relatively fast, which can make the English lyrics feel a bit crowded.

If you’re not confident in English, try linking the vowel of the previous word to the consonant of the next—for example, sing “Top of the world” more like “Topov th’ worl(d)”—to help it flow more naturally.

A Whiter Shade Of PaleProcol Harum4rank/position

[HD] Procol Harum – A Whiter Shade Of Pale

A 1967 smash hit by the British group Procol Harum.

The Japanese title is “Aoi Kage” (A Whiter Shade of Pale).

The Bach-like organ is highly striking and shapes the overall image of the piece.

Around 1990, this number was used in a commercial for the Nissan Silvia.

It’s a very classical and cool song—one you’ll want to nail the English pronunciation for and sing perfectly.

Smoke on the WaterDeep Purple5rank/position

Deep Purple – Smoke on the Water (LIVE 1974)

Deep Purple’s signature song, released in 1972, took the world by storm with a guitar riff made of just four notes.

This classic of rock history was inspired by a fire that broke out at a Frank Zappa concert.

On December 4, 1971, a flare gun fired by an audience member ignited the ceiling at a casino in Switzerland.

Witnessing the scene firsthand, the band members masterfully transformed it into music.

Though simple, the riff has a profound allure, and the song is known as a rite of passage for many guitarists.

Beloved by people of all ages, it conveys the timeless power of rock.

Sugar Baby LoveThe Rubettes6rank/position

The Rubettes – Sugar Baby Love

The debut single and biggest hit by the British band The Rubettes, who were active in the 1970s.

In Japan, many people rediscovered the charm of this song after it was used as the synchronized swimming track in the Fuji TV drama WATER BOYS.

It’s an irresistibly bright, fun, feel-good tune no matter when you listen to it.

You Can’t Hurry LoveThe Supremes7rank/position

You Can’t Hurry Love — The Supremes

A number released in 1966 by the vocal trio The Supremes, which included Diana Ross.

It’s a song you might recognize from commercials and the like.

As you can hear, it’s an ultra-upbeat track with a very singable melody.

It’s a classic pop song that lets you liven things up with ease.