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.
- For people in their 50s: Songs that make you want to sing—perfect for driving
- [2026 Edition] Youth Anthems for Your 40s! A Roundup of Popular Heart-Pounding × Heartwarming Songs
- Emotional tracks perfect for a drive; road trip songs that deepen your memories.
- Songs popular among men in their 40s. Timeless classics that bring back memories.
- Popular Japanese songs among women in their 40s: recommended classics and standard hits
- [40s] Popular Songs Ranking by Generation [2026]
- Perfect for driving BGM and karaoke! Recommended summer songs for people in their 40s [2026]
- Recommended songs for a drive (for people in their 30s)
- Drive Song Rankings [2026]
- Going out will definitely be more fun! Drive songs recommended for Gen Z
- An anthem for your 30s. Beloved and popular songs that are both heart-pumping and heart-fluttering.
- [40s] Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Rankings [By Generation]
- [Night Drive] Songs recommended for nighttime drives
[For people in their 40s] Nostalgic songs perfect as driving BGM (1–10)
Driver’s HighL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
This is the 17th single by L’Arc~en~Ciel, a four-piece rock band in which every member has released hit songs as a composer.
Released as a single cut from their 6th album, ark—which drew attention for being released simultaneously with their 7th album, ray—the track was used as the opening theme for the TV anime GTO.
From the opening that begins with the sound of a car engine and transitions into an airy guitar phrase, the refreshing arrangement makes it perfect BGM for heading out on a drive.
Born from the concept of “a song that feels good to listen to while driving,” it’s an especially recommended number for drivers in their 40s—the generation that grew up with it.
blue carsupittsu
Masamune Kusano’s resounding vocals in the chorus are especially striking, conveying a sense of someone trying to deliver their feelings.
While the lyrics seem to look back on painful memories, the mid-tempo sound—light on its feet—also suggests a positive outlook, as if moving past those memories and stepping forward.
Like in this song, taking a drive to revisit places tied to memories might be a chance to change your perspective or find hope to move ahead.
Over DriveJUDY AND MARY
A song where you can fully feel JUDY AND MARY’s signature refreshing sense of speed; when it was released, it was also used in a car commercial, so it likely evokes a strong image of driving.
The bright, radiant sound in the chorus feels like it’s depicting the expansive view that opens up after emerging from a tunnel.
While the sound gives a cheerful impression, the lyrics portray suffering and the strong resolve to overcome it, as well as someone offering encouragement.
Run, Future!GLAY
This is a song by GLAY that strongly conveys a sense of exhilaration and speed.
It was also used as the opening theme for the anime Ace of Diamond.
As the theme song for a baseball-themed work, its content feels like a portrayal of youth, expressing the drive to grow through steady effort.
The sound evokes the air of adolescence and a refreshing, bright atmosphere, and its overall momentum makes it a track you’ll want to play not only as a youth anthem but also whenever you want to lift your spirits.
The song conjures images of wide-open blue skies and a breeze rushing through, making it seem perfect for a driving scenario as well.
Messenger from Sunday↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓
This is one of the signature songs by THE HIGH-LOWS, a rock band formed around Hiroto Kōmoto and Masatoshi Mashima.
It’s a track that has been featured in many tie-ins, such as commercials and movie theme songs.
Because it was used in a Honda commercial, some listeners may associate the song with machines or cars.
Both the sound and the lyrics evoke images of clear blue skies and a gentle breeze, making it an ideal song to soundtrack a journey.
Chuo FreewayMatsutōya Yumi
This is a song included on the 1976 album The 14th Moon.
Its calm sound carries a refreshing feel that would suit a driving situation.
The lyrics are modeled on the Chuo Expressway, describing in detail the scenery visible from it, incorporating specific place names.
Precisely because the images of what you see are so concrete, it’s the kind of song that makes you want to use it as background music and actually experience the landscapes depicted in the lyrics.
wandererOkuda Tamio
This is a song by Tamio Okuda with a gentle, airy sound that soothes the heart.
When it was released, it was used as the theme song for a drama, but since it has been featured in various travel-themed TV programs afterward, it may be more strongly associated with travel shows.
The lyrics also use travel as a motif, giving the impression of wandering in search of oneself.
With its calm sound and vocals, it’s the kind of track that settles the mind and makes you want to set off on a journey with it as your BGM.