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

ManeaterDaryl Hall & John Oates36rank/position

Daryl Hall & John Oates – Maneater (Official Video)

They are a duo representing the United States, consisting of Daryl Hall and John Oates.

With their distinctive pop sound infused with elements of Black music such as soul, they became hugely popular in the 1980s.

They are also very popular in Japan and performed there five times during the 1980s alone.

Walk Of LifeDire Straits37rank/position

Dire Straits – Walk Of Life (Official Music Video)

A song by Dire Straits, who were active from the 1970s through the 1990s and enjoyed worldwide popularity for their unique musical style that added originality to roots music.

Released as the fourth single from their fifth album, Brothers in Arms—known as their biggest hit with sales exceeding 30 million copies—the track hooks you with an arrangement that’s catchy yet distinctly apart from the trends of the time.

Its light, exhilarating sound still feels irresistibly addictive even today.

It’s a number that, while pop, carries a unique sense of melancholy—one that makes Dire Straits’ lasting popularity easy to understand.

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Hoshino Takashi

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SeptemberEarth, Wind & Fire38rank/position

Earth, Wind & Fire – September (Official HD Video)

Wouldn’t your heart leap if you could sing one of the iconic hits of the 1970s at karaoke? Earth, Wind & Fire’s signature song is a celebratory track that sings of love and joy.

With its catchy melody and rhythm, it’s been cherished for years at weddings and family gatherings.

Released in 1978, it reached No.

1 on the U.S.

R&B chart.

It has continued to be used in films, TV shows, and commercials, and in 2021 it was certified 6x Platinum by the RIAA.

Every year on September 21, it trends on social media.

The harmony woven by Philip Bailey’s soaring highs and Maurice White’s rich lows is breathtaking.

It’s perfect for getting a big crowd fired up.

LightsEllie Goulding39rank/position

Ellie Goulding – Lights (Official Video)

This is an uplifting song by Ellie Goulding, whose presence is defined by a glamorous artistry that builds a grand, lavish musical scale.

With smooth content that resonates with women in their thirties, it’s a track that stirs the urge to sing along at karaoke.

Only TimeEnya40rank/position

Enya – Only Time (Official 4K Music Video)

This is a motivational song by Enya, who, as a charismatic figure in the easy-listening world, creates a brilliant chill-out atmosphere with her unique artistry.

With its uplifting message, it’s a recommended track for women in their 30s and one you’ll want to sing at karaoke.

The Final CountdownEurope41rank/position

Europe – The Final Countdown (Official Video)

It was released in 1986 as the band’s biggest hit, included on the third studio album by the Swedish rock band Europe.

It’s characterized by a crystalline melody and a clear, transparent sound.

The song tells of an astronaut setting off on a journey, and its grand intro is famous in rock history.

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)Eurythmics42rank/position

Eurythmics, Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart – Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) (Official Video)

Sweet Dreams, a hit in 1983.

Its distinctive intro and interlude stick in your ears, and once you hear it, you can’t get it out of your head.

The cool electropop sound gained popularity and reached No.

1 in the U.S.

One of its draws was the androgynous, beautiful female vocals.

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Yoshizaki Keiko

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