Nostalgic Songs Perfect as Driving BGM for People in Their 40s
Many of us probably feel that music is essential when going for a drive! Up-tempo songs that lift your spirits are perfect for the highway, while smoother, more mature tracks suit nighttime drives.
You want to choose the ideal BGM depending on when you’re going, who you’re with, and your destination.
In this article, we’ll introduce recommended driving songs especially for people in their 40s.
We’ve picked tracks by artists that will be familiar to those in their 40s, so find some tunes to accompany your next drive.
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- [40s] Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Rankings [By Generation]
- [Night Drive] Songs recommended for nighttime drives
[For People in Their 40s] Nostalgic Songs Perfect for a Driving BGM (11–20)
Crazy RendezvousB’z
A track included on the 5th album “IN THE LIFE,” which cemented the popularity of the rock duo B’z.
Thanks to its catchy melody and driving tempo, it remains a fan favorite despite never having been released as a single.
The production begins with the exhaust note of guitarist Takahiro Matsumoto’s then-beloved Chevrolet Corvette, a touch that perfectly syncs with the feeling of heading out for a drive and is sure to lift your spirits.
For those in their 40s, it’s an irresistible number that’s perfect as driving BGM.
Fun streamline glidechara+yuki
A track by the vocal duo Chara+YUKI, formed by Chara and YUKI, whose distinctive voices blend beautifully and linger in your ears.
Released 20 years after their previous work, “Ai no Hi 3tsu Orange,” this new song, “Tanoshii Kenobi,” is a long-awaited release for fans.
The sound is striking as well, seemingly designed to highlight the duo’s greatest strength—their voices.
It has a chic vibe with a restrained yet resonant bass tone, and you can feel your spirits lift in time with the rhythm.
I’ll walk home.Saitō Kazuyoshi
It’s a classic that can be called one of Kazuyoshi Saito’s early signature songs, heard frequently as the opening theme for the TV show “Ponkickies” and in numerous commercials.
True to its title, it features a relaxed sound that seems to depict the scenery you see while strolling through town, and it would also suit situations like a drive or a trip where the view keeps changing.
The lyrics, like the overall impression of the music, have an easygoing mood, and feel as if they’re encouraging you to live life without rushing.
It’s a fun yet calming track, so it seems perfect as driving BGM that keeps you moving at a comfortable pace.
Et cetera related to the seashorePUFFY
Some people might immediately think of PUFFY’s song about going out to eat crab.
It’s one of the tracks with lyrics by Yosui Inoue and music by Tamio Okuda, showcasing the distinctive sensibilities of both.
You can feel the refreshing summer air and the fun vibe of cruising along the coast in the sound.
Inoue’s unique lyrics are especially striking in this song: while the content portrays scenes spent by the seaside, the way the rhymes are woven makes the words stick in your ear and seems to further amplify the cheerful mood—a song with a curious charm.
Run, NumberShiina Ringo
A track included on Ringo Sheena’s album Hi Izuru Tokoro, it leaves a strong impression with a funk-infused sound that emphasizes groove throughout.
It’s said to have been created with the image of keyboardist Masayuki Hiyzumi playing a clavinet, and that clavinet tone seems to add lightness and pop flair amid the heft of the rhythm instruments.
Along with the fun, funky vibe of the sound, the lyrics incorporate driving-related words, making it a song that feels well-suited to a driving situation.
ALIVEFujii Fumiya
This song by Fumiya Fujii, also well known as the lead vocalist of The Checkers, is included on the album PURE RED.
The lyrics are striking in the way they speak to the hardships we face on life’s long journey, and the hopeful future that awaits once we overcome them.
It feels like a message of support meant to help those who have stopped in their tracks take a step forward again.
The lyrics and sound convey a strong sense of human kindness and warmth, making it a song that lifts the heart and clears the skies within.
[For People in Their 40s] Nostalgic Songs Perfect for Driving BGM (21–30)
OCEANB’z
B’z’s “OCEAN” evokes a magnificent oceanic scene.
Released in 2005, the song gained popularity as the theme for the drama “Umizaru: UMIZARU EVOLUTION.” Its lyrics convey a love as vast as the sea to someone precious, delivering emotion that matches the drama’s grand scale.
For those in their 40s who spent their youth with B’z, listening to this song as an adult may bring to mind their own family or beloved partner.
Try listening to it while quietly gazing at the ocean in summer.
