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

GLORIAZIGGY8rank/position

ZIGGY「GLORIA」

ZIGGY is one of the rock bands that sparked the band boom of the ’80s.

Their hallmark sound was influenced by LA metal and bad-boys rock, and they were especially known for their upbeat songs.

Speaking of ZIGGY’s classics, isn’t “GLORIA” the first that comes to mind? The vocal line in this song spans a fairly narrow range, from mid1 G to mid2 G, and the pitch movement isn’t very dramatic.

There’s a hi C used as a vocal embellishment, but since this is an ad-lib section that doesn’t earn extra points in karaoke scoring, you don’t need to stick to the original pitch there if the height is too demanding.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

DiamondsPRINCESS PRINCESS9rank/position

[MV] Diamonds / Misaki Aono

Released in 1989, this song is a rock ballad that vividly portrays the feelings of being in love.

Its straightforward lyrics from a woman’s perspective and powerful vocals leave a strong impression.

It was featured in a Sony audio tape commercial and became a major hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

Total sales surpassed 1.7 million copies.

As one of Princess Princess’s signature songs, it continues to be loved by many.

It’s perfect for when you want to rekindle feelings of love or convey your feelings to someone special.

Sing it at karaoke and it’s sure to get the crowd going.

Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Been Around Since Long Ago~My Little Lover10rank/position

My Little Lover "Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Been There Since Long Ago~

Just hearing the guitar phrase in the intro can instantly bring those scenes from back then flooding back—many of you may know that feeling.

My Little Lover’s third single, released in August 1995, was used as the theme song for the NTV drama “Owaranai Natsu” and became a massive hit, selling approximately 1.85 million copies in total.

The lyrical guitar riff by Kenji Fujii and akko’s translucent vocals weave a nostalgic sound that perfectly matches the lyrics, which portray both the bittersweetness and hope of leaving a familiar place.

JUJU’s 2010 cover also drew attention, and the song continues to be loved across generations.

It’s the quintessential spring classic that tightens your chest when you listen to it during graduation season—perfect for karaoke with friends from the same generation, too!

Tomorrow Never knowsMr.Children11rank/position

Mr.Children "Tomorrow never knows" Tour 2015 Incomplete Live

A song by Mr.Children, released in 1994, that changed the band’s destiny.

It portrays inner conflict and hope for the future, giving courage to everyone who listens.

It’s striking in the way it conveys the importance of finding your own path and moving forward with hope.

Its appeal lies in the powerful message of pressing on toward the future without yielding to any hardship.

Chosen as the theme song for “Wakamono no Subete,” it became their biggest hit single and had a major impact on the music scene of the time.

A masterpiece recommended for those struggling with worries or in need of courage.

frecklesJUDY AND MARY12rank/position

[4K] Judy and Mary WARP Tour Final (07/24) Freckles (Sobakasu)

A legendary four-piece rock band synonymous with the category of female-vocal rock bands, JUDY AND MARY’s ninth single.

Used as the opening theme for the TV anime Rurouni Kenshin -Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story-, the song’s lyrics and arrangement were deliberately crafted to be unrelated to the anime itself, which likely shocked many listeners at the time.

The cute vocals riding over the eccentric arrangement instantly take many in their forties—regardless of gender—back to their youth.

It’s a massive hit and the band’s only million-selling single.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Rose of PassionTHE BLUE HEARTS13rank/position

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS 'Rose of Passion' [6th Single (1990/7/25)] THE BLUE HEARTS / Jyounetsu no Bara

A classic hit released by THE BLUE HEARTS in the 1990s.

The lyrics, themed around a passionate rose, express eternity, truth, and the inner conflicts of human beings.

Carrying a message to nurture the powerful emotions deep within our hearts, it has become a song that resonates with many.

Released in July 1990, it became the band’s first single to reach No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

It was also used as a TV drama theme song and has been loved across generations.

Its catchy chorus and Hiroto Kōmoto’s powerful vocals leave a strong impression, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at karaoke.

It’s perfect for moments like company parties or class reunions when you want to have fun while feeling a touch of nostalgia.

Over DriveJUDY AND MARY14rank/position

JUDY AND MARY – Over Drive (MV)

It’s a classic song known for its exhilarating melody and bittersweet lyrics.

Released by JUDY AND MARY in June 1995, it reached No.

4 on the Oricon charts and became a major hit, selling over 600,000 copies.

The track is also included on the album “MIRACLE DIVING.” YUKI’s clear, translucent vocals and TAKUYA’s catchy guitar riffs blend perfectly, capturing the liberating spirit and sense of adventure of summer.

It’s ideal as background music for summer drives or when you want to liven things up at karaoke, and for those of that generation, it will surely bring back a wave of nostalgia and reignite those passionate feelings from back then.