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

gloriousGLAY36rank/position

GLAY / Glorious

The 1990s J-POP classic “Glorious” is a song that seems to embody the radiance of youth.

Its clear guitar tones and rhythmic drum beats fill listeners with brightness and exhilaration.

The lyrics are sprinkled with phrases that evoke the scenery of that era, easily conjuring images of people in their 40s passionately belting it out at karaoke.

Humming along to this song can suddenly revive the passion of younger days, bringing a warm surge to your chest.

With that sentiment in mind, it’s a number I especially recommend for those in their 40s.

Nameless PoemMr.Children37rank/position

Mr.Children “Nameless Poem” Mr.Children “HOME” TOUR 2007 ~in the field~

Mr.Children, popularly known as “Misuchiru,” have a massive hit song called “Namonaki Uta” (“A Nameless Song”).

It was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Pure,” so some men in their 40s who watched the show at the time may remember it.

The song features tongue-twister-like lyrics, and many people probably recall memorizing that part perfectly for karaoke.

Since Misuchiru are popular across generations, you can’t go wrong choosing this song for karaoke.

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miyabi

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Mermaid of ReminiscenceTHE YELLOW MONKEY38rank/position

THE YELLOW MONKEY – Reminiscence Mermaid

Released in July 1995 as THE YELLOW MONKEY’s seventh single.

THE YELLOW MONKEY was a hugely popular band at the core of the late-’80s to ’90s band boom, so many people in their 40s likely covered them in their own bands as teenagers.

Musically, it’s a very simple rock song, making it easy for anyone to sing.

Listen closely to the accented snare drum in the backing track and make sure you lock into the beat as you sing.

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Kei Takahata

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powder snowRemioromen39rank/position

Remioromen – Powder Snow

This is Remioromen’s eighth single, a song that paints a poignant and beautiful winter scene.

Used as an insert song for the TV drama “1 Litre of Tears,” it stands alongside “March 9th,” which was also featured in the show, as one of the band’s signature tracks.

Its sound, evoking snowy landscapes, and its deeply resonant lyrics delicately express the winter season, when people long for companionship.

With a memorable melody that stirs the heart, it is widely cherished as a classic winter song.

It’s also a karaoke staple, making it a track that both older and younger listeners can enjoy together.

Surely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Miho & WANDS40rank/position

Surely more than anyone else in the world

It’s a very famous song and one of Miho Nakayama’s signature tracks.

I imagine many people sing it.

The collaboration with the rock band WANDS is also quite special.

The overall vocal range is F#3 to B4, and since the chorus uses the top note B4 quite often, it’s an easy key for those who are good with high notes.

If you feel it’s “too high” when singing, don’t force it—try lowering the key by one or two steps.

If you struggle with chest voice, adding clear accents in the high parts will help you produce sound more easily.

You can probably sense where the high sections are while singing, so try aiming for those spots and pronouncing them with an “ah” first.

Also, for syllables with the vowel “i,” pulling the mouth too wide will create tension.

Try to create space inside your mouth and be mindful not to overemphasize the “ee” sound.

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Kubota Mami

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I want to hug you.Mr.Children41rank/position

Mr.Children “I Want to Hold You” MUSIC VIDEO

This song by Mr.Children is a heartwarming ballad that sings of deep feelings for a loved one.

Set to a gentle melody, it expresses the desire to cherish the other person and the resolve to walk forward together.

Released in December 1992, the track didn’t attract much attention at first, but gradually gained popularity and became a classic that resonated with many listeners.

In 1996, it was also used as an insert song in a Fuji TV drama.

It’s a recommended track for times when you want to be close to someone special or feel the warmth of love.

TRAIN-TRAINTHE BLUE HEARTS42rank/position

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS 'TRAIN-TRAIN' [3rd Single (1988/11/23)] THE BLUE HEARTS / TRAIN-TRAIN

A rock tune that stays close to each listener and keeps delivering a powerful message.

With its straightforward spirit and energetic performance, this is a signature work by THE BLUE HEARTS that truly breaks through.

Hidden within are hints for finding your own way of life—guidance for the road of life.

After its release in November 1988, it ranked for five consecutive weeks on a TBS music program, and starting in January 1989 it was also chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “High School Graffiti.” This track has become a staple at sporting events as well, used as a cheer song in high school baseball and as walk-up music by many professional baseball players.

It’s recommended for times when you’re feeling down, ready to take a new step forward, or standing at a crossroads in life.

It’s a song that’s sure to give you courage and hope.