Top Western Music Rankings by Generation: Popular Picks for People in Their 40s

Hold OnWilson Phillips15rank/position

Wilson Phillips – Hold On (Official Music Video)

A female group formed by Chynna Phillips and sisters Carnie and Wendy Wilson.

Their music style, which places a strong emphasis on harmonies, is quite rare.

This strategy, which fully capitalized on the unique qualities of the three voices, proved successful and made them regulars on the Adult Contemporary charts.

Seiko Matsuda also covered this song in 1991.

I Was Born To Love YouQueen16rank/position

Queen – I Was Born To Love You (Official Video)

It’s a 1985 work by Queen, but it was remastered and re-released after Freddie Mercury’s death, and in Japan it’s known as the theme song for the drama Pride starring Takuya Kimura.

When singing it at karaoke, channel a strong yet sinuous style reminiscent of Freddie, and perform with the bold flair of Kanatsuki.

Can’t Live Without Your Love And AffectionNelson17rank/position

Nelson – (Can’t Live Without Your) Love And Affection

With their silky long blonde hair and exhilarating twin vocals, the twin brothers Matthew and Gunnar—who left a powerful impression in the ’90s—form the duo Nelson.

This song is their biggest hit.

By the way, the two released their final album, Peace Out, in 2015, bringing 25 years of activity to a close.

if we hold on togetherDiana Ross18rank/position

Diana Ross If we hold on together

A quintessential 90s love ballad by Diana Ross.

It became a huge hit in Japan as a TV drama theme song at the time.

Rather than just saying “I love you,” the song carries a deeper message of walking through life together.

DOESN’T REALLY MATTERJanet Jackson19rank/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.”

Counting StarsOneRepublic20rank/position

OneRepublic – Counting Stars

Haven’t been getting much sleep lately? If that’s you, why not try learning “Counting Stars,” a stylish, rock-tinged track by OneRepublic.

With its bit of a shouty edge, this song demands solid vocal skills, but it’s a great pick for those who love a challenge.

Blank SpaceTaylor Swift21rank/position

Taylor Swift – Blank Space

This is a motivational song by Taylor Swift, approached with vocal skills that express both delicacy and power over a girlish acoustic sound.

With nuanced vocal work that also suits women in their 30s, it has a style that makes you want to sing it at karaoke.