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

B-A-B-YCarla Thomas

Carla Thomas – B-A-B-Y

If you’re thinking of spending your 50th birthday watching a movie, I recommend the innovative car-action film Baby Driver.

There’s no doubt you’ll want to imitate the scene where the protagonist, Baby, introduces himself by saying, “B-A-B-Y, Baby.” I’m dedicating this track, which could be called the film’s theme song, to you.

True ColorsCyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper – True Colors (Official HD Video)

When it comes to hit songs from the ’80s, her presence is indispensable.

Thanks to its lyrics, the song has also been embraced as an anthem for the LGBTQ rights movement.

For a 50th birthday, it might be nice to reminisce about your youth.

HeroMariah Carey

Mariah Carey – Hero (Official HD Video)

For a 50th birthday, if you want to be swept away by the voice of a diva said to span seven octaves, how about this song? It was also the theme song for TBS’s PyeongChang Olympics coverage.

It’s an anthem that cheers you on as you add another year and continue through life.

Up!Shania Twain

Shania Twain – Up! (Official Music Video) (Green Version)

For a birthday in your 50s, how about this song, which was also used in a commercial, to lift your spirits? It makes you feel like spending your time positively.

The singer, Shania Twain, was born in 1965 and is in her 50s.

I think it will give you energy.

SummertimeJanis Joplin

Janis Joplin – Summertime

Janis Joplin, the legendary songstress who passed away at the young age of 27.

One of her signature pieces, Summertime, was originally composed in 1935 by George Gershwin for the opera Porgy and Bess.

She performed it in a blues-rock style, changing some of the lyrics, and that became this rendition.

Joplin’s distinctive vocal style leaves a powerful impression in this track.

Summer NightsJohn Travolta & Olivia Newton-John

John Travolta – Olivia Newton John – Summer Nights.mpg

“Summer Nights” is an insert song from the 1978 film Grease.

It was a duet by the co-leads John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.

The song plays in a scene where their high school friends, singing and dancing in separate groups of boys and girls around them, eagerly try to find out how far the two have gotten in their relationship.

A Summer PlacePercy Faith

Love of a Summer Day — Percy Faith — A Summer Place — Percy Faith

“Theme from A Summer Place” is the theme song from the 1959 film A Summer Place.

As the film’s title suggests, it’s an instrumental number that evokes that very impression.

It’s the kind of piece that conjures the image of a woman standing by a lakeside, wearing a demure one-piece dress with an elegant summer knit cardigan draped over her shoulders.

The performer, Percy Faith, is a composer who represents the easy listening genre.