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

Family AffairMary J Blige57rank/position

Mary J. Blige – Family Affair (Official Music Video)

This is an uplifting anthem by Mary J.

Blige, a popular artist known for her strongly black music–influenced style that epitomizes 90s R&B.

With its rousing energy, it’s the kind of song you’ll want to sing at karaoke, and it feels approachable for women in their 30s.

All About That BassMeghan Trainor58rank/position

Meghan Trainor – All About That Bass (Official Video)

This is an uplifting song by Meghan Trainor that delivers a pleasing melodic sense with a deep track that’s high-pitched yet smooth.

With its beautiful style and relaxed feel, it’s the kind of song you’ll want to sing at karaoke, and it’s crafted to be relatable for women in their 30s.

All I Want for Christmas Is YouMerry Christmas59rank/position

Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas Is You (Official Video)

Mariah Carey’s signature song, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Although this piece is often cited as a difficult song, it’s not without singable elements.

The tricky part is mainly the slow-tempo opening; once the beat kicks in and the tempo picks up, the kind of wide-interval vocal runs heard in the intro appear less frequently.

Even so, the overall difficulty remains on the higher side, but given its top-tier recognition and popularity, it’s well worth the challenge.

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When A Man Loves A WomanMichael Bolton60rank/position

Michael Bolton – When a Man Loves a Woman (Official Video)

Percy Sledge’s smash hit “When a Man Loves a Woman,” which reached No.

1 in the U.S., is a timeless classic covered by many artists.

Among them, the version especially popular with people in their 40s is Michael Bolton’s.

With his ruggedly sexy vocals, Bolton was a big favorite among adult women across America.

In Japan, his songs have also been used in a variety of commercials.

Billie JeanMichael Jackson61rank/position

Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Official Video)

A song released in 1983.

It’s also the song where the moonwalk was performed, and probably everyone tried to imitate it.

It’s included on the album Thriller.

In Japan, Mikí Asakura covered it with Japanese lyrics in 1984.

Black or WhiteMichael Jackson62rank/position

Michael Jackson – Black Or White (Official Video – Shortened Version)

Speaking of Michael Jackson’s signature songs from the early ’90s, I think it has to be “Black or White” from the album Dangerous.

It’s also famous for featuring Macaulay Culkin in the music video.

It’s a rock-tinged, danceable number with Michael’s shouts in top form, so try doing an impression and sing along.

TornNatalie Imbruglia63rank/position

Natalie Imbruglia – Torn (Official Video)

Originally a model and actress in Australia, Natalie Imbruglia moved to the UK in pursuit of success as a musician, and she rose to fame with her signature and smash-hit song, Torn.