Ranking of Popular Band Songs Among People in Their 40s [2026]

Thank youikimonogakari71rank/position

Ikimonogakari 'Arigatou' Music Video

Since the late 2000s, Ikimonogakari has boasted top-tier sales and popularity in the J-pop scene, enjoying exceptional name recognition across all ages.

Their songs span a wide variety of genres, yet the melodies—anchored by simple, classic chord progressions—are incredibly pleasant and universally appealing.

It’s impressive how they consistently release “good songs” that don’t alienate any listeners.

Released in 2010, “Arigatou” served as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Gegege no Nyobo and is one of Ikimonogakari’s signature tracks, highly popular at karaoke.

While the chorus reaches slightly higher notes, it stays within a range manageable in chest voice, and there aren’t any large interval jumps, making it very singable and a strong candidate for a high karaoke score.

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Kotodama of Love ~ Spiritual MessageSazan Ōrusutāzu72rank/position

Kotodama of Love ~Spiritual Message~ [2024 Remaster]

Southern All Stars’ classic song “Kotodama of Love ~Spiritual Message~.” Many people have probably heard it often at karaoke but didn’t know the title.

Among Southern All Stars’ songs, this one boasts one of the narrowest vocal ranges.

Not only is the range narrow, but it also centers on the low-to-mid register where male voices are most comfortable, so you’re unlikely to find it difficult from a vocal production standpoint.

The vocal line is gentle with little ups and downs, so be sure to give it a try.

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Ryo

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STAY GOLDHi-STANDARD73rank/position

Hi-STANDARD – Stay Gold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Opening with a sense of exhilarating speed, this track features energetic vocals and a catchy melody.

Included on Hi-STANDARD’s album “MAKING THE ROAD,” released in June 1999, it has sold over one million copies in Japan and abroad.

Long hailed as a milestone of the melodic hardcore scene, it’s a fan favorite that the band always plays live.

It’s a song to listen to when you want to push toward your goals or when you feel like you’re losing your way.

It will surely give you a powerful push forward.

STARTJUN SKY WALKER(S)74rank/position

JUN SKY WALKER(S) – START

Known by the abbreviation “Jun-Suka,” JUN SKY WALKER(S) is a four-piece rock band that rose to popularity during the late-1980s second band boom.

Their fourth single, “START,” was used in a LAWSON commercial, and many people in their 40s likely remember its powerful vocals and harmonies.

With its straightforward message and exhilarating rock sound, the track truly gives you a push forward, just like its title suggests.

It’s a timeless rock tune that’s guaranteed to hype up any karaoke session.

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Hoshino Takashi

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RomancePENICILLIN75rank/position

[Official] PENICILLIN 'Romance' (MV) [8th Single] Penicillin/Romance

HAKUEI’s distinctive vocals, which sing of a bittersweet yet intense love, and the exhilarating, fast-paced sound really leave an impression.

Released in January 1998, it’s one of PENICILLIN’s signature singles and is well-known as the opening theme for the TBS anime “Sexy Commando Gaiden: Sugoi yo!! Masaru-san.” It was a massive hit, selling around 900,000 copies, and is also included on the album “Ultimate Velocity.” While the contrast with the gag anime became a talking point, the song itself is a quintessential PENICILLIN rock tune—hard, danceable, and full of driving momentum.

Belt it out at karaoke with people of the same generation, and those passionate feelings from back then will come rushing back—guaranteed to get the crowd going.

Go for it!!Urufuruzu76rank/position

Ulfuls – Guts da ze!!

An energetic rock tune where uplifting messages and powerful sound blend beautifully.

It sings of courage and passion welling up from the heart, expressed in down-to-earth words that anyone can relate to.

Released in December 1995, it reached No.

6 on the Oricon chart the following year.

Included on the album “Banzai,” it became a massive hit, selling over one million copies.

The music video won two awards at the SPACE SHOWER Music Video Awards, and Ulfuls made their first appearance on the 1996 Kohaku Uta Gassen.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you need a boost, a push forward, or the courage to take the first step.

cherry blossomKetsumeishi77rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Sakura”

Ketsumeishi established a melodic rap style in the 2000s, appealing even to listeners who weren’t hip-hop fans and achieving nationwide popularity.

Their 2005 release “Sakura” is the landmark smash hit that truly brought their name into living rooms across the country.

Many people probably have memories of listening to their music in their twenties while driving with friends or a significant other.

Even in the Reiwa era, it remains a karaoke favorite.

Not only is the melodic part catchy enough to hum right away, but the rap sections aren’t particularly difficult, so even those who feel unsure about rapping should give it a try.

It can be a lot of fun to split the song with friends—one person handling the melody and another the rap!

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