For people in their 50s: Songs that make you want to sing—perfect for driving
What kind of music do you play when you go for a drive?
Some people listen to classic driving songs, their personal favorites, or whatever’s playing on the radio.
In this article, we’re introducing driving songs recommended for people in their 50s!
We’ve gathered tracks that will spark nostalgia for people in their 50s—songs you spent your youth with, or the ones you listened to when you first started driving as a working adult.
Put on those nostalgic tunes and you’ll find yourself singing along in the car before you know it!
Above all, drive safely and enjoy a fun driving time with great music.
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[For People in Their 50s] Songs That Make You Want to Sing! Recommended Tracks for Driving (11–20)
Broken-winged angelNakamura Ayumi
This is the third single by singer-songwriter Ayumi Nakamura, whose husky voice epitomizes rock vocals.
Used in a Nissin Cup Noodles commercial, the song was released in 1985 yet still racks up high play counts on streaming services and YouTube—it’s Nakamura’s biggest hit.
With lyrics that capture the spirit of youth and a melody steeped in wistful emotion, listeners in their 50s who heard it in real time may find it overlapping with their own memories.
A catchy rock number with a nostalgic yet unfading melody—perfect for listening to on a drive.
It’s a sad color, isn’t it?Ueda Masaki
A song by singer-songwriter Masaki Ueda, who honed his soulful vocals while studying at Gifu University, training at cabarets and discos around the country.
It was used as the theme song for the film Sad Colors (in which he also appeared), and became a major hit with its emotional melody delivered in his husky voice.
The message, made all the more realistic by its Kansai dialect, has a stylish vibe that makes you want to play it on a nighttime drive.
For those in their 50s, it’s a poignant number that’s sure to bring back memories from that time.
A Member of the Fire BrigadeRATS&STAR
This was the first single by the chorus group Rats & Star, who gained popularity with songs influenced by Black music such as doo-wop and soul, centered around singer Masayuki Suzuki.
Used as a Shiseido campaign song, it became a major hit with a danceable arrangement that incorporated funk-latina rather than the oldies-style sound they had as Chanels before they changed their name.
Its catchy lyrics and melody, delivered with an emotional vocal, are irresistible sing-alongs for many in their 50s.
It’s a classic that has also become known to younger generations after being covered by singer Kumi Koda in 2010.
Dancing Hero (Eat You Up)Oginome Yōko
This is the seventh single by idol singer Yoko Oginome, who made her showbiz debut after appearing on the TV program “Chibikko Utamane Best Ten” in fourth grade.
It’s a Japanese-lyric cover of “Eat You Up,” which became a worldwide smash hit by British singer Angie Gold.
Its quintessential disco sound of the era made a striking impact on the J-pop scene, setting it apart from other idol songs.
More recently, it enjoyed a revival hit in 2017 thanks to the “Bubble Dance” performance by the Osaka Prefectural Toin Gakuen High School dance club.
It’s a dance tune that gets not only people in their 50s—the generation who grew up with it—but also younger listeners hyped as a perfect driving BGM.
Love Story Comes SuddenlyOda Kazumasa
This is the sixth single by singer-songwriter Kazumasa Oda—also known as the leader of the four-piece band Off Course, who made history by successfully holding 10 consecutive concerts at Japan’s sacred venue for bands, the Nippon Budokan.
Released as a double A-side with “Oh! Yeah!,” this song was written as the theme for the TV drama Tokyo Love Story and became a major hit.
From its dramatic, floating-feel intro to Oda’s delicate vocals, everything about it is likely to evoke memories for those in their 50s.
With a refreshingly exhilarating arrangement perfect for driving, it stands as a classic of 1990s J-pop.
Wedding BellSugar
A three-woman vocal chorus group named Sugar, whose name comes from the idea that they are “not sweet (like sugar),” released this as their debut single.
With rich, layered harmonies and a cute melody contrasted by subtly ironic lyrics, it’s a catchy track that has become the group’s signature number.
The brisk, bright arrangement is poppy enough to recommend as background music for a drive.
For those in their 50s, the powerful message will likely bring back memories of their youth and linger in the ear.
For People in Their 50s: Songs You'll Want to Sing! Recommended Tracks for Driving (21–30)
ultra soulB’z
B’z is a rock unit that continues to lead Japan’s rock scene, repeatedly evolving while maintaining a solid signature style.
Their 31st single “ultra soul,” used as the theme song for World Aquatics broadcasts, blends techno textures with Latin beats to deliver a rock sound that really cranks up the energy.
The chorus makes you want to throw your fist in the air, instantly hyping up the atmosphere in the car on a drive.
Frequently performed as a staple at their live shows, it’s one of B’z’s signature songs.