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.
- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s
- [BGM] Attractive City Pop
- City pop perfect for creating a romantic date atmosphere (Adults Only)
- 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.
I want to be honest. Don’t you tell him?haifaisetto
A single released in 1984.
The lyrics and composition are by Masamichi Sugi.
For a Hi-Fi Set song, it has a notably strong pop sensibility—perhaps because Sugi, a devoted Beatles fan, let that influence shine through.
The key-changing chorus is filled to the brim with the feelings of a woman in love, making it irresistibly cute.
COBALT HOURArai Yumi
A light, fusion-tinged track.
The word “cobalt” gives the song a stylish flair, and its vibrant, dynamic sound still feels fresh today.
It was included on the self-titled album released in 1975.
The star-studded lineup—Haruomi Hosono on bass, Shigeru Suzuki on guitar, and backing vocals by Tatsuro Yamashita, Minako Yoshida, and Hi-Fi Set—also drew attention.
Best City Pop Classics: Recommended Popular Songs [Timeless & Modern] (81–90)
808Suchmos
This is a captivating disco-funk style track full of urban sounds.
Its groovy, danceable rhythm grabs listeners and won’t let go.
The lyrics skillfully weave in satire and social commentary, sounding an alarm about the information overload of modern times.
Released by Suchmos in February 2018, it was featured in Honda’s VEZEL commercial.
The comfortable beat driven by the synthesizer bass and the fusion with jazzy sounds make it a song that will soothe you in a city café.
It’s perfect for relaxing at home or creating a stylish atmosphere—be sure to give it a listen.
Colorful CityOhnuki Taeko
This is a song included on Taeko Ohnuki’s 1982 album “Cliché,” and she is known as an idiosyncratic singer.
Her voice has a distinctive sense of weightless floating.
So it’s no surprise that Tomoyo Harada—whose vibe similarly evokes a mysterious, airy feel—has covered this song.
Thrilling Uplifting StreetOzawa Kenji
Kenji Ozawa began his music career in an amateur band while attending the University of Tokyo.
Though he comes from a distinguished lineage—including his uncle, the conductor Seiji Ozawa—he has focused on popular music, helping to spread hip-hop in Japan.
After making his solo debut in 1993, he gained popularity and was even dubbed the “Prince of Shibuya-kei.” “Tsūkai Ukiuki Dōri” is a Christmas song released in December 1995, a quintessentially pop track in his style.
It peaked at No.
4 on the Oricon charts and sold a total of 278,000 copies.
High LineToki Asako
Singer-songwriter Asako Toki is known for her wide-ranging work, from commercial songs to narration, and for frequent guest appearances on tracks by prominent artists like Quruli.
With a long career and a large catalog, her 2019 release “High Line” stands out for its superb sound.
While the melody and mood evoke city pop, the rhythm and timbres feel entirely fresh, reaching a pinnacle for a programmed track.
Whether this song qualifies as city pop is something I encourage you to interpret in your own way.
