Ranking of Popular Western Music Artists Among People in Their 40s [2026]

One More TryGeorge Michael8rank/position

George Michael – One More Try

It hit No.

1 in the U.S.

in 1988.

Following Wham!’s breakup and the No.

1 duet “I Knew You Were Waiting” with Aretha Franklin, his solo album was released and went on to become the No.

1 album on the year-end chart.

After reaching No.

2 with the first single “I Want Your Sex,” he achieved the remarkable feat of four consecutive No.

1 hits with “Faith,” “Father Figure,” this song, and “Monkey.”

DOESN’T REALLY MATTERJanet Jackson9rank/position

Janet Jackson – Doesn’t Really Matter (Official Video)

Released in 2000, this song was also used as a movie’s theme song.

It was a massive hit that played every night in clubs at the time, and it’s also famous for being covered by a Japanese artist.

It’s a lovey-dovey song with the message, “Nothing around us matters as long as we’re in love.”

ImagineJohn Lennon10rank/position

IMAGINE. (Ultimate Mix, 2020) – John Lennon & The Plastic Ono Band (with the Flux Fiddlers) HD

An ultra-famous solo number by former Beatle John Lennon.

People in their 50s probably all know this song.

Sing it at karaoke when everyone’s starting to get a little tired; if you sing it while the energy is high, it might dampen the mood a bit.

Still, the melody is exceptionally easy to sing, so lean into the vibe and perform it with feeling!

FootlooseKenny Loggins11rank/position

Footloose (From “Footloose” Soundtrack)

Triggered by the main theme song of the worldwide smash hit film Footloose, this track also became a massive hit.

With its lively sound and irresistibly danceable vibe, it stands as one of the quintessential songs of the 1980s.

It brings back memories of everyone tapping their shoes and dancing as they walked.

It was Kenny Loggins’s biggest hit and is still loved today.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yoshizaki Keiko

Report a problem

creepRediohead12rank/position

Radiohead – Creep

This is an early signature song by Radiohead, a globally renowned band that combines exceptional charisma with cutting-edge innovation among currently active groups.

Although it’s an extremely popular track, it stopped being performed live after a certain point in time.

However, it seems to have been brought back recently, and it’s been a huge crowd-pleaser at concerts.

Soak Up The SunSheryl Crow13rank/position

Sheryl Crow – Soak Up The Sun

One of the hit songs by Sheryl Crow, a singer-songwriter primarily associated with American country and western music, is Soak Up the Sun.

Both the lyrics and the music video have a surfing vibe, making it a refreshing track.

WaterfallsTLC14rank/position

TLC – Waterfalls (Official HD Video)

When it comes to the girl groups that were big during the middle and high school years of women now in their 40s, TLC is surely one of the first names that comes up.

One of their signature songs is Waterfalls.

It’s a track that I think can bring back memories of that time and get everyone excited.