Ranking of Popular Band Songs Among People in Their 50s [2026]

Under the big onionbakufū suranpu36rank/position

Bakufu Slump: Under the Big Onion at Budokan

I think there are many men in their 50s who used to listen to Bakufu Slump a lot.

When it comes to their cheer songs, “RUNNNER” is the first that comes to mind, but “Under the Big Onion” also feels like a bittersweet cheer song and is very popular.

Sly womanSha ran Q37rank/position

Sharan Q “Sly Woman” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

This was Sharam Q’s seventh single, released in May 1995.

It came out during what could be called the peak of J-pop, and became a huge hit, selling over 1.4 million copies, so chances are most people have at least heard the chorus melody.

Back then, one of the key conditions for a hit song was that it be easy to sing at karaoke, and this track fits that mold—making it one of the best choices for people who aren’t confident singers.

If you have trouble with the high notes in the chorus where it flips into falsetto, try adjusting the key on the machine to match your range.

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Kei Takahata

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Heartbroken over JuliaChekkāzu38rank/position

The Checkers “Heartbroken Over Julia” (LIVE)

A classic hit by The Checkers that vividly portrays the pain of heartbreak.

Its sweet, wistful melody and piercing lyrics beautifully capture the complex emotions that follow a breakup.

Released in November 1984, it became one of The Checkers’ signature songs and made a major impact on the music scene, including reaching No.

1 on the Oricon chart the following year.

It’s a perfect choice for karaoke, with lyrics that naturally inspire empathy and instantly enliven the atmosphere.

An ideal song for those who want to deliver a heartfelt performance wrapped in nostalgia.

DiamondsPRINCESS PRINCESS39rank/position

Princess Princess 'Diamonds <Diamond>'

Princess Princess released their seventh single in April 1989.

The band had been gradually gaining recognition up to this release, but this song broke into the Oricon Top 10 and became the catalyst for Princess Princess’s big breakthrough.

Many women in their 50s may have covered and performed this song at high school or university festivals.

It’s a song from the era that rode the band-boom wave, so plenty of people will be familiar with it in that way.

For karaoke, the melody itself doesn’t have a wide range and is very easy to sing, but try to keep it light and make sure you don’t lag behind the slightly bouncy beat.

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Kei Takahata

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threadBank Band40rank/position

Ito (Thread) — Bank Band

Released by Miyuki Nakajima in 1992 and now regarded as one of her masterpieces, this song features truly moving lyrics that can bring listeners to tears no matter who sings it.

Even if you’re not confident in your vocal ability, simply singing it sincerely from the heart will convey your feelings to those who listen.

Try singing it with Kazutoshi Sakurai’s renowned cover as a reference.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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BEYOND THE TIME (Beyond the Möbius Universe)TM NETWORK41rank/position

BEYOND THE TIME (Beyond the Möbius Universe) -2025 Version-

When it comes to TM NETWORK, who took the world by storm with their synth-driven sound, many will surely recall this masterpiece that plays like a grand sci-fi epic.

Released in March 1988 as their 13th single, the track was used as the theme song for the film Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack.

More recently, it suddenly found new life when it was featured as an insert song in episode 11 of Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, which aired in June 2025, sparking huge buzz and rocketing to No.

1 across various streaming charts.

The song portrays a fate that repeats like a Möbius strip, and the powerful emotions that connect people across time and space.

The torrent of sound woven by futuristic synthesizers and dramatic strings hasn’t faded one bit even today.

If you were immersed in the film’s world back then, just hearing the intro is enough to set your heart ablaze.

It’s also a surefire crowd-pleaser at karaoke!

If only I had held you tighterWANDS42rank/position

If I Had Held You Tighter

It’s a love song with a gentle atmosphere that seems to wrap up tender crushes and heart-fluttering feelings.

Released by WANDS in July 1992, this piece beautifully matches the soaring vocals of first-generation vocalist Sho Uesugi with a catchy melody line, achieving long-term sales success.

It became a massive hit, selling 1.663 million copies.

It was also used as a commercial song for Mitsui Life featuring Atsuko Asano, which greatly boosted its recognition.

Beginning with a scene of two people walking together at dusk as a slightly chilly wind blows, it carefully depicts the feelings of the protagonist, who harbors emotions bubbling up inside.

It’s a song we especially recommend to those who can relate to the poignant feeling of being in love yet unable to honestly put it into words.