Best City Pop Classics: Recommended Popular Songs [Timeless & Modern]
City pop has been gaining momentum, especially overseas, after Mariya Takeuchi’s “Plastic Love” exploded in views on YouTube.
Originally, it referred to songs from the late 1970s to the 1980s that emphasized a sophisticated, urban vibe, but over time its definition and interpretation have gradually expanded.
Since the 2000s, it’s also been discussed in terms of its stylish, moody image, and perceptions vary from person to person.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of tracks—from classic, beloved city pop that laid the foundations of modern pop music to songs that capture a fresh, contemporary feel.
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- A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s
- Classic and hit J-pop songs from the nostalgic ’90s
- [Revisited] A roundup of popular and classic Showa-era songs that are trending now [2026]
- [Japanese Music] Masterpieces of 2000s Pop: A roundup of hit songs from 00s J-POP
- From City Pop to Ballads!! Mariya Takeuchi’s Easy-to-Sing Songs
- From Japan! Technopop masterpieces and recommended popular tracks
- Popular Showa-era pop. Timeless hit songs.
- Memorable Youth Songs: Looking Back on New Music Masterpieces from the 1970s–80s
- A Classic of Korean City Pop [KOREAN CITY POP]
- Nothing but iconic hits that defined an era! 2000s classics popular on TikTok
Best City Pop Classics: Recommended Popular Songs [Timeless & Modern] (71–80)
GRAVITATIONSInoue Akira
A song with a cool guitar riff in the intro.
All the lyrics are in English.
The sound is mostly fusion.
Released in 1981, this track was used at the time in a TV commercial for tires.
The strong sense of speed likely comes from the imagery of a car driving down the highway.
You And INakanishi Keizō
Keizo Nakanishi is a singer-songwriter who debuted in 1991.
He became widely known in 1992 when his single “Woman,” used in a Camellia Diamond commercial, became a hit, and he has also written many songs for artists such as ZOO and Pocket Biscuits.
“You And I” is a single released in January 1993, another Camellia Diamond commercial song following the previous year.
It’s a mature, city-pop-style track.
It peaked at No.
12 on the Oricon chart, with total sales of 343,000 copies.
No Future VacationUesaka Sumire
Anime songs from the ’80s are sometimes said to be the origins of city pop, and they were heavily influenced by New Music as well.
Listening from that perspective, many of them are fascinating and highly satisfying.
And Sumire Uesaka’s 2018 release “No Future Vacances” is a New Music-style track with exactly that ’80s anison vibe.
That crisp rhythm with this bass and guitar! It’s such a superb city pop number it’ll put a little grin on your face.
Simple LoveOhashi Junko
How can such a small body produce such a powerful voice? Junko Ohashi, a singer who effortlessly handles difficult songs.
Under the name “Junko Ohashi & Minoya Central Station,” she released “Simple Love,” a work that leaves an unforgettable impression after just one listen.
Released in 1977.
Purple TownYagami Junko
Junko Yagami’s 9th single, released in July 1980.
It was used for JAL’s New York campaign, and its lyrics—evoking the universally admired image of New York—became popular.
It peaked at No.
2 on the Oricon chart, earned her a spot on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and became one of her signature works.
Total sales reached 564,000 copies.
Dancin’ With Your LiesSing Like Talking
A song that showcases the vocal prowess of Sato Chikuzen, the singer of the three-piece band.
It was their debut single in 1988.
The track was also included on their 1989 album “Try And Try Again.” Although the band never had a major breakthrough, they continue to be supported by a dedicated fan base.
It’s a sad color, isn’t it?Ueda Masaki
Masaki Ueda’s biggest hit, released in 1982.
I think his true strengths shine more in gritty music like soul and R&B, rather than in what’s typically called city pop.
However, speaking of this song alone, despite being set in Osaka and featuring Kansai-dialect lyrics, it strongly conveys a city-urbanized sensibility, so it’s safe to say this is an exceptional city pop masterpiece.