Recommended driving songs for people in their 70s. A roundup of BGM you’ll want to listen to in the car.
When you’re driving alone it’s one thing, but when you head out on a drive with a few people, a lot of us like to put on some music, right?
At times like that, many people find it surprisingly hard to choose the right BGM.
That’s especially true if your passengers aren’t from the same generation and there’s a bigger age gap.
So in this article, I’ll introduce some recommended songs for a drive that people in their 70s will enjoy.
I’ve picked tracks with a sense of speed as well as mellow, relaxing tunes—songs that are popular among people in their 70s.
Use this as a reference when choosing your BGM.
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Recommended driving songs for people in their 70s. A roundup of BGM to listen to in the car (1–10)
Playback part 2Momoe Yamaguchi
Momoe Yamaguchi’s 22nd single.
Its cool vibe and lyrics intertwine to portray the conflict between men and women.
The words by Yoko Aki, the music by Ryudo Uzaki, and Yamaguchi’s vocals blend beautifully.
Released on May 1, 1978, it was included on numerous best-of albums and was also covered by Yuko Nito and Midori Karashima.
The use of silence within the track was an uncommon technique at the time.
A perfect song for a mature woman who wants to reflect on her inner self during a drive.
Chuo FreewayYumi Matsutoya
Among Yumi Matsutoya’s signature songs, this one is especially beloved.
Its exhilarating, fast-paced melody pairs perfectly with lyrics that depict lovers on a drive.
The words are striking for the way they convey both a desire to escape reality and the fragility of that feeling.
Released in 1976 as a track on the album The 14th Moon, it is an enduring classic that also appears on many of her best-of compilations.
It’s a song I highly recommend as background music for a drive with someone special.
As you take in the scenery along the way, it might be nice to reminisce about the memories you share.
Friday ChinatownYasuha
Set against the exotic backdrop of Chinatown, this debut song by Yasuha paints a night of neon fizz, chance encounters with foreigners, and carefree freedom.
Released in 1981, it was re-evaluated by a Korean DJ and became a hot topic, earning high praise both in Japan and abroad.
It’s a track that lets you relive an extraordinary experience—heading to Chinatown at midnight and surrendering yourself to its fresh, foreign atmosphere—all from behind the wheel.
Recommended driving songs for people in their 70s: A roundup of BGM to listen to in the car (11–20)
Time, stop.Eikichi Yazawa
A timeless classic among classics.
Released in 1978, the song became a massive hit from the moment it debuted as the theme for a Shiseido commercial.
It captures the feeling of eternity in each fleeting moment spent with a loved one, and its passionate resolve to give everything to that moment—no matter how transient—strikes a chord.
Its universal message and beautiful melody are sure to deeply resonate with people in their 70s.
It’s also a perfect companion for a drive.
Please, Time MachineSadistic Mika Band
It’s a song that tickles your sense of adventure across time.
The distinctive musicality of the Sadistic Mika Band adds vivid color to this time- and space-spanning theme.
Released in October 1974, it was also included on the album “Kurofune.” It’s been used as an anime opening theme and as an insert song in films.
Blending nostalgia with hope for the future, this track is perfect for listening to on a drive while enjoying the scenery.
It also seems like the kind of song that could spark lively reminiscences.
LOVE AFFAIR ~Secret Date~Southern All Stars
Released in February 1998 as Southern All Stars’ 41st single, this song was issued to commemorate the 20th anniversary of their debut.
Portraying a bittersweet yearning for love, it has captured the hearts of many.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “Sweet Season” and in commercials for Mitsuya Cider, making it popular across a wide audience.
Total sales reached nearly 600,000 copies, ranking as the 12th best-selling song among their releases.
The lyrics feature real dating spots like Yokohama and Daikokufuto, and Keisuke Kuwata is said to have written them while consulting guidebooks.
It’s a perfect track for anyone looking to reminisce about memories of a drive date.
In the SpaceSpectrum
Released in 1979, this is one of Spectrum’s signature songs.
Centered on themes of love and travel, it portrays human emotion on a cosmic scale.
Distinguished by its brassy sound and falsetto vocals, its refined musicality is part of its allure.
This work had a tremendous influence on high school brass band clubs across Japan.
Although their performances—featuring flashy costumes and choreography—sometimes led to the misunderstanding that they were a novelty act, their musicianship has been highly acclaimed.
It’s perfect for a drive, delivering a delightful sense of speed.