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

Eye Of The TigerSurvivor43rank/position

Survivor – Eye Of The Tiger (Official HD Video)

This is Survivor’s biggest hit, which won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance.

Its adrenaline-pumping intro helped it become an even bigger hit as the theme song for the movie Rocky III.

Even today, fighters still use it as their entrance music.

It’s a quintessential ’80s rock track, distinguished by its memorable guitar riff.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yoshizaki Keiko

Report a problem

Smooth CriminalMichael Jackson44rank/position

Michael Jackson – Smooth Criminal (Official Video)

Rather than calling him an artist representative of the ’80s, it’s better to say he’s one of the greats of the global music industry.

There’s probably no one who doesn’t know his name.

This song is from his monumental, smash-hit album “BAD.” It consistently ranks near the top in fan polls.

This track also features one of his signature dance poses.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yoshizaki Keiko

Report a problem

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)Eurythmics45rank/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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yoshizaki Keiko

Report a problem

My ImmortalEvanescence46rank/position

Evanescence – My Immortal (Official HD Music Video)

This is a motivational song by the artist Evanescence, whose exhilarating, fast-paced band sound fits perfectly with their punkish artistic identity.

With a bright, festive mood, it’s easy to sing at karaoke and has a depth that makes it appealing and familiar to women in their 30s.

Dancing QueenABBA47rank/position

ABBA – Dancing Queen (Official Music Video)

When it comes to Swedish artists who defined the ’70s and ’80s, ABBA needs no introduction.

Frida and Agnetha’s vocals effortlessly handle any genre—from pop and rock to disco—just as you’d expect.

Beyond this famously well-known song, they have countless catchy hit tunes.

FocusAriana Grande48rank/position

Ariana Grande – Focus (Official Video)

This is an uplifting song by Ariana Grande whose sophisticated R&B vocal approach and highly progressive sound create an urban atmosphere.

With its smooth style, it has a chic appeal that makes you want to sing it at karaoke, and its content is approachable for women in their 30s.

I Was Made For Lovin’ YouKISS49rank/position

Kiss – I Was Made For Lovin’ You

This song became a million-seller and a worldwide smash hit.

In response to the disco boom of the time, its guitar sound riding on a disco beat is especially striking.

The Japanese female idol duo Wink covered it with Japanese lyrics.