[50s] Popular Song Ranking by Generation [2026]

Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji43rank/position

Kenji Sawada – Do As You Please (1977 TMF)

This was Kenji Sawada’s (Julie’s) 19th single overall, released in May 1977.

By now—as of 2023, when I’m writing this—it’s an undisputed masterpiece of Showa-era pop for anyone in their 50s! The moment in the chorus where Sawada throws off his hat was unforgettable.

I still vividly remember putting on makeup to look just like Julie and singing this song at my elementary school party.

It’s a very singable, upbeat number, so by all means try copying the choreography and have fun singing along.

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Kei Takahata

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Slow motionNakamori Akina44rank/position

[Official] Akina Nakamori 'Slow Motion (from “Hajimemashite”)' [1st Single (Released May 1, 1982)] Akina Nakamori / Slow Motion

A gem of a love song that portrays a fateful encounter on the beach as if time itself had stopped.

Its delicate lyrics and harmonious melody leave a striking impression, letting the protagonist’s pounding heartbeat seep into the listener’s own.

Released in May 1982 as Akina Nakamori’s debut single and included on the album “Prologue ,” the song is elevated by Nakamori’s vocals, which blend innocence with allure.

It’s a track perfect for the season of refreshing spring breezes, and anyone who has ever felt the thrill of budding romance is sure to relate.

Why not surrender to the pleasant early-summer wind and bask in those bittersweet memories?

metropoliskurisutaru kingu45rank/position

Daitokai – Crystal King

Speaking of Crystal King, it’s all about the high notes.

Vocalist Masayuki Tanaka’s high-tone voice was very striking.

In the song “Daitokai,” the high-pitched hook right at the start is crucial.

In fact, if you can get through that opening high hook, the rest should be fine.

But suddenly belting out high notes can strain your throat, so it’s better to warm it up beforehand.

I think it’s best to sing a few songs first and then tackle this one.

If you’re confident in your high range, definitely give it a try!

Words of FarewellKaientai46rank/position

Kaientai was an organization founded by Ryoma Sakamoto that handled tasks like transporting goods and brokering trade—essentially what we’d now call a general trading company.

Given that Takeda Tetsuya admired Sakamoto so much that he named his band Kaientai, his love for Ryoma is truly profound.

Speaking of Kaientai, “Okuru Kotoba” was the go-to song for graduation ceremonies when it was released.

Even after many years, we still remember the lyrics; the song’s quality combined with graduation memories has made it an unforgettable track in many people’s lives.

Whenever you sing it at karaoke, it always brings back memories of graduation—a song brimming with nostalgia.

Don’t give upZARD47rank/position

"Don't Give Up" Music Video

A signature ZARD song known for its powerful, heart-touching message and warm vocals.

Released in January 1993 as the theme song for the drama “Reiko Shiratori desu!” this piece beautifully sings of feelings for a cherished person working hard far away.

Izumi Sakai’s gentle voice conveys encouragement and deep love for a beloved, resulting in a song that feels close to the listener’s heart.

It has been used as the entrance march for the Spring High School Baseball Tournament and in the 24-Hour TV charity marathon, becoming established as a cheering anthem.

It’s a reliable companion when you want to support someone striving toward their dreams—or to rouse your own spirits.

Love Doesn’t Stop ~Turn It Into Love~Wink48rank/position

Love Won’t Stop ~Turn it Into Love~ / Wink [Official Music Video]

A gemlike love song that captures the bittersweet feelings everyone experiences at least once—the unstoppable stirrings of romance that sprout from friendship.

Released in November 1988 and gaining attention as the theme song for the drama “I Want to Chase You!”, the track reached No.

1 on the Oricon chart the following year, selling approximately 645,000 copies.

With a swelling premonition of love in one’s heart and emotions that can’t be contained even after learning the other person already has a partner, this timeless classic speaks to all who resonate with that poignant ache.

Broken RadioTokunaga Hideaki49rank/position

Hideaki Tokunaga – The Broken Radio

This was his 10th single and one of Hideaki Tokunaga’s signature songs.

It reached No.

5 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and became a huge hit ballad, selling a total of about 360,000 copies.

He also performed it at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 2006 and 2009, and it continues to be loved across generations.

Many people do impressions of Hideaki Tokunaga, but when you sing it at karaoke, I hope you’ll sing boldly in your own voice! The overall vocal range of the song is F#3 to A4, which may be comfortable for many male singers, but the chorus stays on the higher side, so if you’re not familiar with the song you might end up straining your throat.

It’s very important to keep your throat open and direct your breath toward the notes! Lift those facial muscles and sing with expression!

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Kubota Mami

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