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

Have Never Been MellowOlivia Newton-John

Have You Never Been Mellow (The Temptation of a Gentle Breeze) / Olivia Newton-John

In the 1970s, Olivia was the very image of a pure idol—like a singing fairy—captivating men across Japan as she sang with her blonde hair fluttering in the wind.

While her beautiful features made her looks a topic of admiration, her work from the 1980s onward shows clearly that she also possessed solid talent as a singer.

PrivateEyesDaryl Hall & John Oates

Daryl Hall & John Oates – Private Eyes (Official HD Video)

They were a male duo known for their blue-eyed soul who had been popular since the 1970s, and they really broke big in Japan once the ’80s began.

Especially from the late ’70s to the early ’80s, every song they released seemed to soar into the upper ranks of the charts, and their music videos were played on Best Hit USA almost every week.

Upwhere we belongJoe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes

Up Where We Belong : Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes

An insert song from the film An Officer and a Gentleman starring a young Richard Gere.

In the climactic scene where this song plays, Richard Gere looks cool even from a man’s perspective.

The harmony between Joe Cocker’s husky voice and Jennifer Warnes’s soaring vocals is also outstanding.

Every breath you takeThe Police

The Police – Every Breath You Take (Official Music Video)

The Police, a quintessential presence in the New Wave that emerged in the UK, initially had a slightly edgy sound that appealed to a niche audience tired of mainstream rock.

But as the 1980s began, their exceptionally tasteful sound broke through in the American music scene as well, and with this song their popularity soared to its peak.

Take On Mea-ha

a-ha – Take On Me (Official Video) [4K]

Released in 1985, a-ha’s synth-pop masterpiece is known as one of the defining mega-hits of the ’80s.

The fresh sound crafted by the Norwegian trio blends seamlessly with Morten Harket’s striking high-register vocals.

Centered on the courage to take a chance on love, the lyrics underscore the importance of embracing risks and striving forward.

Its innovative animated music video became a sensation as well, winning six MTV Video Music Awards.

Capturing the radiant spirit of the 1980s, this work overflows with a universal appeal that anyone can hum along to.

I can’t be honestCHICAGO

Chicago – Hard To Say I’m Sorry (Official Music Video)

“Hard to say I’m sorry.” When a couple has had a fight, that’s definitely a “so true!” kind of feeling, right? But you still miss them and want to be held, don’t you? Gentlemen of a certain age, this is recommended for when you’ve had a quarrel with your wife or partner.

Yesterday OncemoreCarpenters

Carpenters Yesterday Once More

The sibling duo The Carpenters, Karen and Richard, were beloved for their beautiful melodies and Karen’s vocals.

For junior high school students back then, this was the go-to Western song to listen to for studying English.

Released in 1973, it became a hit in Japan, selling over one million copies.