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

My Dear EllieSazan Ōrusutāzu96rank/position

Southern All Stars – Itoshi no Ellie [Live at Southern All Stars Kickoff Live 2018 “A Slightly Naughty La-La Old Man”, 2018]

An undisputed classic of the Showa era.

Released in March 1979 as Southern All Stars’ third single, this song was used as the theme for the TBS drama “Fuzoroi no Ringo-tachi” and has since been re-released multiple times—a truly legendary Japanese rock/pop ballad.

Until this point, the band had a hot, powerful, and comical image, so the sudden shift to a heartbreaking slow ballad became quite the talk of the time—some of you may remember that.

If you fully immerse yourself in the song’s world when you sing it, it will surely resonate with whoever is listening.

Protect the Lightsupittsu97rank/position

Spitz / Protect the Light

It’s being used as the opening theme song for the anime SPY×FAMILY Season 3.

Spitz, who aren’t really known for anime theme songs, are apparently doing their first anime this time.

The melody has a gentle feel that slips right into your heart.

Since vocalist Kusano’s voice is a transparent-sounding mixed voice, you might feel the song is high when you listen, but the actual range is D#3 to A#4, so it’s not overly high.

That said, it’s a challenging range if you try to belt it out with force.

It’s easier if you imagine singing lightly and resonating in your head.

At the end, the note G#4 continues—here I recommend singing with a humming sensation rather than pushing yourself.

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Kubota Mami

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Winter,againGLAY98rank/position

GLAY / Winter, again

GLAY’s “Winter, again” was released in 1999 as their 16th single, and it’s a signature song for the band that’s cherished as a winter classic.

Its structure is striking, moving from a poignant mood that evokes the chill of winter to a gradual build in intensity toward the chorus, conveying a sense of strength to get through the season.

The song was used in JR East’s “JR SKI SKI” commercials, which was one of the factors that helped it become a well-known winter staple.

Because it overlaps so well with the feelings of winter’s cold and the sparkle of snow, it vividly highlights the excitement of heading into snowy landscapes.

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kappamaki

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Midsummer FruitSazan Ōrusutāzu99rank/position

Midsummer Fruit

Southern All Stars’ “Manatsu no Kajitsu” (Midsummer Fruit) is a song released in 1990 as the theme for the film Inamura Jane.

Its gentle acoustic sound is striking, and the lyrics portray poignant summer scenes.

Among Southern All Stars’ many hits, it could be considered a signature ballad.

As for commercial use, it was featured in a Recruit TV ad for Weekly B-ing starring Keisuke Kuwata; the contrast between the sorrowful song playing and Kuwata’s rapid speech in the commercial left a memorable impression.

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kappamaki

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That’s important.Daiji MAN Burazāzu Bando100rank/position

Daiji MAN Brothers Band – That's Important

A passionate commercial features various teams—such as soccer and cheerleading—forming huddles.

Watching them speak about their goals and unite their voices lights a fire in our own hearts.

The song playing in the background of this wonderful footage is the classic cheer anthem “Sore ga Daiji,” which celebrates the importance of never giving up.

The original is a 1991 track by Daiji MAN Brothers Band, but this commercial uses a choral version.

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Hane Keisuke

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