[40s] Popular Songs Ranking by Generation [2026]

Be kind to othersTHE BLUE HEARTS43rank/position

THE BLUE HEARTS – Be Kind to People

THE BLUE HEARTS are a quintessential Japanese punk rock band—spot-on for men in their late 40s.

Among their songs, the one I especially recommend for men in their 40s because it’s easy to sing is Hito ni Yasashiku (“Be Kind to People”).

Popular as the theme song of a drama with the same title, it features a catchy punk rock melody that anyone can sing along to.

Since the song stays in the mid-range, it can easily become monotonous.

If you want to add more expression, don’t hesitate to throw in some shouts and sing it with a bold, masculine edge.

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I want to take only you away just like this.DEEN44rank/position

I want to take only you away just like this.

Released in March 1993 as DEEN’s debut single, this masterpiece has long been cherished as one of their signature songs.

Its poignant melody and lyrics that portray a deep longing for someone drifting away strike right at the heart.

Written by Sho Uesugi and composed by Tetsuro Oda, it was also used in an NTT DoCoMo “Pocket Bell” commercial and went on to become a million seller at the time.

The sweet, clear vocals gently cradle the pain of heartbreak, making it a song many find themselves wanting to listen to in quiet moments.

It’s also a karaoke staple, a classic ballad perfect for singing with poise while reminiscing about those days.

It’s included on the album “DEEN,” so be sure to enjoy it with a sense of nostalgia!

Kiss me right nowLINDBERG45rank/position

LINDBERG / Kiss Me Now

LINDBERG is a rock band that was hugely successful in the 1990s.

Known for their energetic, upbeat pop-rock sound, the group has produced many classic songs.

Among them, “Ima Sugu Kiss Me” stands out as a particularly memorable piece.

While the song leans toward pop rock and maintains tremendous energy throughout, it surprisingly doesn’t feature sustained long notes in the mid-to-high or higher registers.

The overall vocal range isn’t especially wide, so even women with lower voices should be able to sing it comfortably in an appropriate key.

vexing lipsTakahashi Mariko46rank/position

vexing lips

Mariko Takahashi has remained popular since the 1970s.

She’s an exceptionally long-running artist who stayed at the forefront into the 1990s.

Because of that, I think even women in their 40s are quite familiar with her songs.

Among her works, the one I especially recommend is Hagayui Kuchibiru (“Frustrated Lips”).

It’s a striking piece featuring vocals influenced by Showa-era kayōkyoku and the distinctive synth sounds of the early ’90s.

In this song, the chorus reaches the highest notes, but it stays within the mid-to-high range overall, and the long sustained notes only appear in the lower register.

As a result, it’s a very singable tune for women with lower voices.

White kiteMy Little Lover47rank/position

My Little Lover “White Kite”

Younger listeners probably felt that this My Little Lover track is quintessentially summery.

At the same time, those who spent their youth in the ’90s may have had the sensation of being suddenly pulled back into a summer of that decade.

Released as a single in December 1995, the song is a refreshingly breezy tune overflowing with summertime imagery.

Beyond akko’s crystalline vocals, its contemporaneous UK rock flavor leaves a strong impression.

In 2021, it was also featured in a commercial for Suntory’s chu-hi “Horoyoi Shiroi Sour,” drawing renewed attention as a perfect song for the summer vibe.

Love will winKAN48rank/position

KAN - Love Will Win

When it comes to songs that give you an involuntary boost, this one is it.

Released in 1990, it was used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Quiz Omoshiro TV,” and later as an insert song on Fuji TV’s “Houchan’s Yamada Katsutenai TV.” It carries a powerful message that love will triumph no matter what hardships you face.

KAN reportedly wrote this song after giving relationship advice to a friend.

He was also conscious of Billy Joel’s style when composing it, and together with the sound of the piano, its warm message resonates in the heart.

It’s recommended for when you’re feeling down or want to push yourself.

It’s sure to lift your spirits.

At all times.Makihara Noriyuki49rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “No Matter What” (Music Video) [3rd Single] (1991) Noriyuki Makihara/donnatokimo [No. 1]

A signature work by Noriyuki Makihara that delivers a universal message about living true to yourself, carried by a powerful yet gentle melody.

It’s a classic imbued with a strong resolve to value your true self, even while grappling with doubts and anxieties in life.

Also included on the album “Who Will You Share a Happy Yawn With?”, it became a massive hit, surpassing one million copies within six months of its June 1991 release.

It was chosen as the entrance march for the 64th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in spring 1992.

The melody is marked by an acoustic guitar and a calm tempo, making it easy to sing.

It’s a song that resonates at life’s crossroads or when you feel you might lose yourself, and it’s cherished by many.