Recommended Western music for women in their 50s: world classics and popular songs

Manic MondayThe Bangles

The Bangles – Manic Monday (Official Video)

The Bangles are an American all-female rock group.

They debuted in 1982, but their popularity surged with the hit of this song in 1986.

They continued to have hits afterward, but disbanded in 1989.

The song was written by Prince and sings about the dreary Monday of an office worker.

Country RoadOlivia Newton-John

Take Me Home, Country Roads (Country Road) / Olivia Newton-John

The original was sung by John Denver, but this version became an even bigger hit.

Olivia Newton-John, with her glamorous looks and assured vocal ability, was the most popular female vocalist in Western pop music at the time.

The Japanese translation is still sung in elementary and junior high schools today.

Endless LoveDiana Ross & Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie – Endless Love with Crystal Kay

Diana Ross is the Queen of Pop, with 18 number-one hits to her name.

Lionel Richie moved from the Commodores to a solo career and wrote many hit songs.

He also wrote this song, the theme for the romantic film “Endless Love.” It held the number-one spot for nine consecutive weeks in 1981.

Like A VirginMadonna

Madonna – Like A Virgin (Official Video)

Madonna, the “Queen of Pop,” is the most successful female artist in history and a living legend who remains active even in her late sixties.

The title track of her masterpiece album Like a Virgin, which sold 21 million copies worldwide, is a signature song of early Madonna.

Produced by Nile Rodgers, with Chic’s rhythm section Tony Thompson and Bernard Edwards, it’s an ’80s mega-hit in which Madonna’s cute vocals shine.

In JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, the name “Like a Virgin” also appears in Part 6, Stone Ocean, as the name of bracelet-type handcuffs used to prevent escapes.

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All I Want for Christmas Is YouMerry Christmas

Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas Is You (Official Video)

Mariah Carey’s signature song, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Although this piece is often cited as a difficult song, it’s not without singable elements.

The tricky part is mainly the slow-tempo opening; once the beat kicks in and the tempo picks up, the kind of wide-interval vocal runs heard in the intro appear less frequently.

Even so, the overall difficulty remains on the higher side, but given its top-tier recognition and popularity, it’s well worth the challenge.

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GhostbustersRay Parker Jr.

Original GhostBusters Theme Song

Known as the theme song for the 1984 film of the same name, this track is a masterpiece by American musician Ray Parker Jr.

Its catchy hook and upbeat rhythm are unforgettable—you’ve probably heard it at least once.

The lyrics brilliantly capture the movie’s world, sparking the adventurous spirit of the ghost-busting protagonists.

It was a massive hit, spending three consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It’s a perfect pick to amp up parties or Halloween events.

Sing along to the lively beat, and you’re guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.

maniac; nerdy; niche/obsessive (context-dependent)Michael Sembello

Michael Sembello – Maniac

Michael Sembello was originally a guitarist and has also produced other singers.

This song is a dance number from the smash-hit film Flashdance and reached number one in 1983.

It was reportedly originally composed for a horror movie.