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

OneU2

U2 – One (Official Music Video)

U2, the legendary rock band Ireland is proud of.

With no lineup changes since their formation and a record 22 Grammy wins—the most for any group—their signature song is surely this classic released in March 1992.

Issued as a single from the album Achtung Baby, it topped the charts in Ireland and Canada and reached No.

10 on the U.S.

Billboard chart.

In fact, the song was born while the band was on the brink of breaking up during recording sessions in Berlin.

Sparked by a new chord progression The Edge played, it came together improvisationally and helped the members reaffirm their bond.

It was also featured on the soundtrack of the film The Family Man.

It’s a track that prompts deep reflection on human connections and relationships, making it perfect as background music for reuniting with an old friend.

Hard To Say I’m SorryCHICAGO

Chicago – Hard To Say I’m Sorry (stereo sound)

Active since 1967 and with numerous hit songs, Chicago has many tunes familiar in Japan from commercials and TV.

But the song that shone the brightest was this one from the 1980s, when Peter Cetera’s influence became especially prominent.

From around that time, the band came to be seen less as brass rock and more as one defined by its ballads.

Hotel CaliforniaThe Eagles

Eagles — Hotel California Lyrics song

The Eagles’ masterpiece album, Hotel California, is a landmark in American rock history and, in addition to winning the Grammy Award for Record of the Year, became a record-breaking hit in Japan as well.

The Beverly Hills Hotel featured on the album cover has become a famous tourist spot since the album’s success.

Lost in LoveAir Supply

Air Supply – Lost In Love

Thanks to Russell Hitchcock’s clear, high-tone vocals, the breezy ballads, and an album jacket that evoked the sea and salty breeze, it was especially popular with women.

It even felt like a kind of theme song for surfer girls of the time.

You’re Only LonelyJ.D. Souther

You’re Only Lonely – John David Souther

J.D.

Souther, a highly influential songwriter who provided songs for many artists representing the West Coast sound of the 1970s, such as Linda Ronstadt and the Eagles, also became well-known as a singer himself thanks to the success of this wistful, melancholic hit.

Born to RunBruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run (Official Video)

Bruce has now become such a heavyweight that he can even influence the U.S.

presidential election, and you could say his great story began with his signature masterpiece, the explosive Born to Run.

A decade later, in 1984, he would reach his peak with Born in the U.S.A.

Stayin’ AliveBee Gees

Bee Gees – Stayin’ Alive (Official Music Video)

It was included on the soundtrack of the blockbuster film Saturday Night Fever starring John Travolta, and it reached No.

1 in the U.S.

in 1978.

Riding the disco boom of the time, a Bee Gees craze swept the scene, including their youngest brother, Andy Gibb.