Band song rankings popular among people in their 60s [2026]

Cactus Flowerchūrippu1rank/position

Cactus Flower

A poignant love song themed around parting and renewal with a loved one.

Sparked by a small incident one day, the girlfriend storms out of the room; from there, the lyrics delicately depict the scene of the room left behind and the man’s inner feelings.

Gentle lines evoke everyday images—the snowy view from the window, a half-knitted glove, laundry—rising vividly to the mind.

Released in February 1975, this work is cherished by many fans as one of Tulip’s signature songs.

It drew renewed attention as the theme song for the 1993 TV drama “Under One Roof,” making it widely known among younger generations as well.

Its beautiful melody, conveying both the pain of heartbreak and a sense of hope, carries a universal message that resonates with the heart.

It’s the perfect song for looking back on a bygone romance or deepening your feelings for someone special.

Mary AnnTHE ALFEE2rank/position

Mary Ann

A classic youth anthem that beautifully fuses bittersweet romance with an energetic rock sound.

Released in June 1983, this track became THE ALFEE’s first major hit, reaching No.

7 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and No.

30 on the year-end ranking.

It later climbed to No.

3 on The Best Ten.

Riding this success, the band made their first appearance at the 34th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen at the end of 1983.

Also included on the album ALFEE’S LAW, the song has remained a beloved staple of THE ALFEE’s live performances.

With romantic lyrics woven together in perfect balance with hard rock, this piece is a must-listen for anyone cherishing a secret love.

Journey of the Heartchūrippu3rank/position

TULIP “Kokoro no Tabi” (Lyric Video)

When it comes to Tulip’s signature songs, this is probably the one many people think of.

Released in 1973 as their third single, it became their first major hit.

Its innovative structure—starting with the chorus—and Tatsuya Himeno’s sweet vocals are especially captivating.

The lyrics, depicting a parting from a loved one and the start of a new journey, beautifully express the bittersweetness and hope of youth.

Just five months after its release, it topped the Oricon charts and sold about 870,000 copies.

Covered by many artists and featured in commercials and dramas, it has become a timeless classic.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on your last night with someone special.

Suddenly, SinbadSazan Ōrusutāzu4rank/position

Suddenly Sindbad [2024 Remaster]

Just a few bars of the nimble percussion and the rapid-fire vocals, and that blazing summer from back in the day floods right back into your mind—that’s the kind of classic this is.

It’s the landmark debut single by Southern All Stars, released in June 1978.

With its innovative wordplay that blends Japanese and English and its Latin rock sound, the song sent shockwaves through the music scene at the time.

It’s also well known as the CM song for Asahi Soft Drinks’ Mitsuya Cider.

Put it on during a summer drive, and the sparkle of your youth—and the thrilling, slightly dangerous feeling of a summer fling—will come rushing back all at once.

TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu5rank/position

TSUNAMI

Known as a masterpiece that likens the pain of heartbreak to a tsunami, this work is a moving love song celebrated as one of Southern All Stars’ signature pieces.

It’s a gem of a ballad that expresses the sorrow of losing someone dear through a grand melody, fully showcasing Keisuke Kuwata’s exceptional songwriting and composing talent.

Released in January 2000, it topped the Oricon weekly charts and won the Japan Record Award the same year.

It was also selected as the theme song for the popular segment “Mirai Nikki III” on the TV program “U-nan no Hontoko!,” becoming a classic beloved across generations.

As a heartwarming song that offers comfort to those carrying the pain of losing someone special, it’s also highly recommended for karaoke.

Tears of Magnolia ~acoustic~Sutādasuto☆Rebyū6rank/position

“Tears of Magnolia ~acoustic~” Stardust☆Review [LIVE]

Let me introduce a timeless ballad in music history, “Mokuren no Namida.” It’s a signature song by the rock band Stardust Revue and is also known as a commercial song for Nikka Whisky.

The piece portrays a woman overwhelmed by grief, mourning a man who has passed away.

Those who have experienced something similar will likely find deep resonance in it.

Coupled with vocalist Kaname Nemoto’s husky voice, it’s enough to bring tears to your eyes.

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yamamoto

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Street Corner of BetrayalKai Band7rank/position

Kai Band – Street Corner of Betrayal

The Kai Band, a group that gained popularity with a distinctive musicality that blends elements of Japanese kayōkyoku into rock.

Many men in their 60s were likely drawn to their unadorned, rugged sound.

Among Kai Band’s songs, one I particularly recommend is “Uragiri no Machikado” (Street Corner of Betrayal).

The song spans mid1 C# to hi A#, which is somewhat wide, but since the average pitch is quite low, anyone who can produce brief mid-to-high notes should be able to sing it without issue.

However, because there are relatively few rests compared to the many long tones, it’s necessary to make adjustments—such as lowering the key slightly or tucking the chin—to avoid over-projecting your voice.

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Ryo

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