Famous songs we’d like women in their 40s to sing, by age group
For women in their 40s, what do you sing at karaoke?
There are probably all kinds of options—latest hits, personal favorites, or your go-to “signature” songs that you always sing—but I’m sure many people also feel, “I don’t know what I should sing.”
For those people, we’ve picked out songs we’d love to see women in their 40s try.
If you have a rock-solid go-to track ready for when you go to karaoke or when someone asks you to sing something, it’ll definitely give you confidence!
[By Age Group] Famous Songs (1–10) I’d Like Women in Their 40s to Sing
StoryAI
This is the 12th single by AI, a female singer-songwriter who has won support from a wide range of listeners with her soulful vocals—imbued with gospel influences—and catchy R&B sound that showcases her voice.
The track was used as the ending theme for the Nintendo 3DS game Rhythm Thief & the Emperor’s Treasure, and it’s also famous for bringing AI’s name to a broader audience.
Its powerful, maternal message may gently embrace men who tend to tense up under pressure.
For women in their 40s, the song is an emotional number you’ll want to add to your karaoke repertoire.
Marigoldaimyon
A female singer-songwriter, Aimyon, who has gained popularity especially among younger generations for her uniquely relatable perspective and expressive lyrics, paired with a gentle acoustic guitar sound, released this as her fifth major-label single.
With total streams surpassing 300 million, it’s widely known across generations as one of her signature songs.
Its nostalgic, feminine melody likely makes many men hope women will sing it at karaoke.
While the song itself may not belong to the formative musical era of women in their 40s, it’s a must-know mega hit for the karaoke crowd.
366 daysHY
A four-member hybrid band, HY, which is based in their home of Okinawa Prefecture and has gained popularity with a wide variety of songs featuring dual male-and-female vocals.
This track is included on their fifth album, HeartY—sharing the name with their own self-produced natural brand—and although it was never released as a single, it’s known as one of HY’s signature songs.
The lyrics, which express a strong lingering affection even after a breakup, might be both heartening and painful for men to hear.
With powerful vocals and heartrending words that pierce the heart, it’s a ballad number I’d love to see women in their 40s—the generation it resonates with—sing with deep emotion.
Whimsical Romanticikimonogakari
This is the 12th single by Ikimono-gakari, a male-female duo whose hallmark is classic pop numbers that resonate with listeners of every generation—so much so that every A-side released since their major-label debut has had a commercial tie-in.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Celeb to Binbō Tarō” (Celeb and the Poor Taro), the track is a catchy number featuring a driving beat and expansive string arrangements.
Its lyrics reveal the complexities of a young woman’s heart, which might strike male listeners as fresh and charming.
With its poppy, exhilarating sound, it’s a karaoke-ready tune packed with the very best of Ikimono-gakari’s appeal, sure to liven up any session.
planetariumOtsuka Ai
This is the 10th single by singer-songwriter Ai Otsuka, whose songs—ranging from catchy pop numbers to lyrical ballads—are loved for their wide expressive range.
Chosen as the image song for the TV drama “Boys Over Flowers,” the track’s ensemble of traditional Japanese instruments and piano creates a dreamlike atmosphere.
The message, which sings of feelings for someone you can never meet again, paired with the song’s heartrending melody, evokes the delicacy and vulnerability of women.
Its fragile beauty resonates with men as well, making it a perfect number for women in their 40s to sing at karaoke.
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko
A singer-songwriter whose sharp, female-perspective insights and exquisite lyrical expressions are beloved across generations, aiko’s fourth major single is widely known as one of her signature songs.
It was used as the ending theme for the music program COUNT DOWN TV and the variety show Jobireba!?.
With themes and phrases unlikely to occur to men, it’s the kind of song that women can’t help but relate to.
It’s a poignant love song that 40-something women will want to sing—and if someone belts it out at karaoke, it’s sure to steal men’s hearts.
MHamasaki Ayumi
This is the 19th single by singer-songwriter Ayumi Hamasaki, who enjoyed explosive popularity from the 1990s through the 2000s and continues to be active today as one of the Heisei era’s leading divas.
Composed under her own pen name “CREA,” it is also known as the first single released under the CREA moniker.
Its lyrics depict a grand romance, with lines that many women in their 40s—having gone through various experiences—may find themselves relating to.
With a cool yet catchy arrangement and a heartfelt, single-minded message that resonates with men as well, it’s a karaoke favorite guaranteed to fire up anyone from that generation.
Love SongUru
This is the 11th single by singer-songwriter Uru, who gained attention for covering numerous classic songs on her YouTube channel and releasing 100 videos before her major-label debut.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Oshi no Ojisama,” it features a soothing combination of her translucent vocals, piano sound, and a shuffle beat.
The lyrics, which express straightforward feelings for someone you love, can capture men’s hearts at karaoke as well.
It’s a love song with a timeless message that conveys a sense of universality.
User ManualNishino Kana
This is the 27th single by pop singer Kana Nishino, who gained popularity with lyrics that seemed to speak for women’s feelings and a catchy pop sound, but suspended her activities in 2019.
The track was selected as the theme song for the film “No Longer Heroine,” and thanks to its lyrics, it’s also known as a go-to BGM choice at weddings.
Its message may be hard for men to fully understand or accept, but that, too, highlights a certain charming cuteness unique to women.
It’s a song that’s sure to resonate at all-girl karaoke gatherings and has become a beloved new staple among wedding songs.
Cherry on the beakEGO-WRAPPIN’
This is the second single by the music duo EGO-WRAPPIN’, whose original sound—evoking Showa-era pop—has earned high acclaim not only in Japan but overseas as well.
Written as the theme song for the TV drama Private Detective Mike Hama, the track’s jazzy atmosphere and thrilling development really lift the energy.
The sight of a woman mastering its complex melody and beat might come across as undeniably cool, even from a man’s perspective.
It’s a number that lets singers showcase a handsome, not-cute-in-the-usual-way voice at karaoke—one I’d especially love to hear women nail.