Foreign music BGM to listen to at night: recommended classics and popular songs

True ColorsCyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper – True Colors (Official HD Video)

True Colors is a slow ballad by Cyndi Lauper, released in 1986, that spent two consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard chart.

With its softly flowing instrumentation, it’s a beautiful, soothing song.

The gentle tempo—imbued with a positive, healing quality that invites peaceful sleep—pairs perfectly with Cyndi’s tender, almost whisper-like vocals, making it a crowning masterpiece from one of the 1980s’ iconic divas.

Paradise CityGuns N’ Roses

Guns N’ Roses – Paradise City (Official Music Video)

Paradise City was included on their 1987 debut album and released as a single, reaching No.

5 on the US charts.

Above all, the song’s music video preserves the raw energy of a live show, interweaving footage of the band at their most electrifying on stage with behind-the-scenes moments, creating a documentary-like feel.

Watching the MV makes you feel as if you’re right there at the concert, letting you take in just how cool they look.

It’s a superb production that showcases the extraordinary power of the band at the peak of their popularity.

Tour de FranceKraftwerk

Kraftwerk – Tour De France [Music Video 2003]

Kraftwerk’s technopop.

Released in 1983.

Twenty years later, in 2003, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the professional road cycling race Tour de France, they also produced their 11th album, Tour de France.

BenMichael Jackson

Michael Jackson – Ben (lyrics)

This is a wonderful song—the theme from the film “Ben”—sung by Michael Jackson at the tender age of 14, during his growth years, with a gentle and beautifully clear voice.

Even then, you can tell he already possessed a captivating, expressive tone that drew people in.

The song reached No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Take On Mea-ha

a-ha – Take On Me (Official Video) [4K]

This was a-ha’s debut and signature song, released in 1985.

It features a striking techno-style intro, and there’s a theory that Japanese youth dancing to this section during the bubble era became the origin of the later popular dance culture known as “para para.”

HelloAdele

Adele – Hello (Official Music Video)

This is Adele’s “Hello,” which was a long-running hit spanning 2015 and 2016.

Her vocal prowess is overwhelmingly powerful, and her voice itself has an aura.

Even when you start listening casually, there’s something about it that keeps you until the very end.

I think she’s one of the few singers blessed with a truly remarkable voice.

Her ballads in particular are so smooth and evocative that you can almost picture a rainy night; they’re perfect as background music, never intruding on your work and naturally soaking into your body.

Swish Swish ft. Nicki MinajKaty Perry

Katy Perry – Swish Swish (Official) ft. Nicki Minaj

Isn’t a collaboration between Katy Perry featuring Nicki Minaj the ultimate powerhouse pairing of top divas? The music video uses basketball as a motif and has a comical, surreal feel.

When I first watched it, I wondered what on earth it was about—or maybe it was one of those things that doesn’t mean anything at all? As I looked into it, I found out people were saying the song is mainly a diss track.

From a Japanese perspective, I can’t help but think, is that really okay to broadcast publicly? Still, I’m also amazed by Katy Perry’s bold image change! And I’m surprised at how subtly handsome she looks, too!