[Nostalgic Collection] Classic oldies masterpieces. Recommended popular songs
When you think of classic oldies, what songs come to mind?
For those who lived through that era, they’re all songs full of nostalgia.
These days, it seems that young people who didn’t grow up with oldies are being captivated by their classic vibe through various media like commercials and movies.
It’s true that the foundations of most genres—jazz, rock, blues, and more—were laid in that period.
And it’s interesting to see popular bands and singers revive those sounds by incorporating their essence.
This time, we researched some classic oldies hits!
We’ve carefully selected them, so please take a look!
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[Nostalgic Collection] Oldies Masterpieces: Recommended Popular Songs (101–110)
Up on the RoofThe Drifters
The American R&B group The Drifters released a classic in 1962—a heartwarming number that portrays a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
With lyrics and melody crafted by the renowned duo Gerry Goffin and Carole King, the song gently depicts a protagonist finding peace of mind on a rooftop.
The warm tones woven by soulful vocals and harmonies seem to embrace the listener’s heart.
In early 1963, it reached No.
5 on the Billboard charts, resonating with many.
It’s a song I highly recommend for anyone looking to break free from the stresses of daily life.
Short ShortsThe Royal Teens
It’s the hit single released in 1958 by the rock band The Royal Teens, which reached No.
3 in the United States.
The song is about short underwear, “short shorts,” which were popular in America at the time.
In Japan, it’s well known for being used as the opening theme of the variety show Tamori Club.
The Lion Sleeps TonightThe Tokens
The Japanese title is “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” It originally comes from a traditional South African folk song.
The falsetto chorus in the opening (a kind of roar?) gives it an African feel.
It hit number one in the U.S.
in 1961.
Speaking of The Tokens, Neil Sedaka was actually a member, wasn’t he? The Tokens’ harmonies are wonderful, aren’t they? Songs like “She Lets Her Hair Down” are also excellent.
DowntownPetula Clark
It’s a smash hit that topped the U.S.
charts in 1965.
Maybe because of its uplifting lyrics, you hear it often in Japan regardless of the era.
Of course, the song’s high level of craftsmanship by the genius songwriter Tony Hatch is undeniable, but Petula Clark’s vocals are truly outstanding.
Wake Up Little SusieThe Everly Brothers
A country duo of real brothers.
A single released by the Everly Brothers in 1957.
No.
1 in the U.S.
and No.
1 in the U.K.
They churned out hit songs from the late 1950s onward and had a major influence on artists like the Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel.
[Nostalgic Collection] Oldies Masterpieces: Recommended Popular Songs (111–120)
Maybe BabyBuddy Holly
Released in 1958, this is one of Buddy Holly’s signature songs and a classic that has been covered by many artists.
With its very catchy mid-tempo feel, it’s perfect as background music.
Wichita LinemanGlen Campbell
A single released in 1968 by Glen Campbell, a country singer and guitarist.
It reached No.
3 in the United States and No.
1 on the Canadian singles chart.
He is a legendary singer, with over 80 of his released songs ranking on the Billboard charts.