[Nostalgic Collection] Classic oldies masterpieces. Recommended popular songs

When a Man Loves a WomanPercy Sledge

When a Man Loves a Woman

This is the debut classic by American singer Percy Sledge, a song that portrays unconditional love for someone special.

Released in 1966, it topped both the Billboard pop and R&B charts, with Sledge’s soulful vocals powerfully conveying how far a man can devote himself for a woman.

The backstory—that it was born from the pain of heartbreak—seems to add depth to the song.

Its timeless appeal is evident in how it found renewed success after being featured in a Levi’s commercial.

If you’re troubled by love, this song is sure to resonate with your heart.

Navy BlueDiane Renay

DIANE RENAY ~ “NAVY BLUE” 1963

This is a hit song released in 1964 by Diane Renay, a female singer from Philadelphia.

Set to a catchy pop melody, it expresses her yearning for her boyfriend who joined the Navy and went far away.

With the success of this song, Diane Renay was recognized as a star—she was 17 years old at the time.

Jailhouse RockElvis Presley

Jailhouse Rock (Remastered)

It’s a rock ’n’ roll classic that could be called the origin of modern rock! By today’s standards, the rhythm of the performance feels a bit loose and there are a few rough edges.

Still, the moment this song starts playing, the room suddenly feels like an American pub straight out of the ’50s—that’s the true magic of it.

It’s a standard number I’d love for young band musicians to listen to at least once.

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Kei Takahata

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Come on, Let’s goRitchie Valens

RITCHIE VALENS – “COME ON, LET’S GO!” (1958)

This is the debut song by Ritchie Valens, the ill-fated rock star who lost his life in a plane crash at just 17, the year after his debut.

It’s a bright, catchy number that blends pop and rock, and Ritchie Valens’s vocals give it a truly distinctive flavor.

It’s My PartyLesley Gore

It’s My Party

The Japanese title is “Namida no Birthday Party” (“Tears at the Birthday Party”).

It reached number one in the United States in 1963.

When the song became a hit, Lesley was only 17 years old, so “17” became a keyword in later Japanese titles, such as “Koi to Namida no 17-sai” (“Seventeen of Love and Tears”) and “Koi o Yumemiru 17-sai” (“Seventeen Dreaming of Love”).

RunawayDel Shannon

Del Shannon – Runaway

Del Shannon’s signature song “Runaway,” which reached No.

1 on the Billboard charts.

In Japan, it’s known by the title “Kanashiki Machikado” (“Sad Street Corner”).

It was such a hit in Japan that other works of his started getting “Machikado” added to their titles, and he even ended up being called the “Street-Corner Man”—a bit unfortunate for him, in a funny way.

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Ryo

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La BambaRitchie Valens

La Bamba (Remastered)

La Bamba is a song based on a Mexican folk tune.

It became a global hit as various artists released versions from the 1950s through the 1980s.

Because it was used in the film “La Bamba,” Ritchie Valens’s version is now the most widely known around the world.

It is also famous as a representative song of early rock and roll.

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Saitō Ayumu

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