Oldies of Western Music: Popular Rankings [2026]

IrisGoo Goo Dolls64rank/position

Goo Goo Dolls – Iris [Official Music Video] [4K Remaster]

A heart-stirring rock ballad born from the story of the film City of Angels.

Released by America’s Goo Goo Dolls in April 1998, this song richly conveys the aching feelings of an angel who has fallen in love with a human.

Its beautiful melody weaves together a gentle gaze toward people striving to live and the protagonist’s resolve to seek love, even at the cost of eternal life.

Included on the band’s album Dizzy Up the Girl, the track became a massive hit, spending 18 consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart.

It’s a recommended listen for those who want to reflect deeply on the determination to change oneself for a loved one, as well as the doubt and resolve that come at life’s crossroads.

Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get EnoughMichael Jackson65rank/position

Michael Jackson – Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (Official Video – Upscaled)

Michael Jackson’s classic “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough,” released in 1979, is a track that fully showcases his signature falsetto and helped shape the prototype of disco music with strong hallmarks of 1980s dance music.

In Japan, it was used between 1981 and 1982 as the commercial song for Suzuki’s scooter “Love,” so many people may find it familiar.

Groovy and smooth, yet infused with pop elements, this song is a disco number that can be enjoyed by listeners of any generation.

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Ryo

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Let’s GrooveEarth, Wind & Fire66rank/position

Earth, Wind & Fire – Let’s Groove (Official HD Video)

Earth, Wind & Fire are iconic figures in funk and disco music.

While they were hugely active in the 1970s, they also produced hit songs in the early 1980s.

Speaking of their 1980s work, their biggest hit of that era is likely “Let’s Groove.” The sound mixes their signature funk with electronic music, making it incredibly compelling.

If you’re a fan of Black music, be sure to check it out.

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Ryo

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Dream OnAerosmith67rank/position

Aerosmith – Dream On (Audio)

Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” included on their 1973 debut album.

Although it didn’t make a big splash on the charts at the time, its 1975 re-release achieved the remarkable feat of reaching the U.S.

Top 10.

With Steven Tyler’s heartfelt vocals woven together with a plaintive piano-driven melody, the song stands as a quintessential classic rock ballad.

It’s also fresh in our memories that in 2023 it surpassed one billion streams on Spotify.

A song that lingers in everyone’s heart, its timeless appeal continues to be loved across generations.

Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest WordElton John68rank/position

Elton John – Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word

This gem of a piano ballad, poignantly detailing the pain of parting, is a work released in 1976 by the British artist Elton John.

As a relationship nears its end, it delicately portrays the question “What must I do to be loved?” alongside the inner struggle of being unable to voice an apology.

Unusually, Elton John first created the melody and part of the lyrics, after which Bernie Taupin completed the song.

It reached No.

6 on the U.S.

Billboard chart, was included on the album Blue Moves, and, in 2002, topped the UK charts through a collaboration with Blue.

Its quiet yet urgent melody and profound emotional expression will surely resonate when you seek to soothe the pain of heartbreak or are contemplating a farewell with someone dear.

Heaven Is a Place On EarthBelinda Carlisle69rank/position

Belinda Carlisle – Heaven Is A Place On Earth (Official Music Video) (4K Remaster)

This is the song “Heaven Is a Place on Earth,” released in 1987.

It’s sung by Belinda Carlisle, a singer who was extremely popular in Japan at the time.

Her soaring, electrifying voice captivated the world.

Although it was released in 1987, it’s still a classic that you often hear on TV and elsewhere even today!

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Yoimachi Jēn

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The ReflexDuran Duran70rank/position

Duran Duran – The Reflex (Official Music Video)

A song by Duran Duran, the British rock band that helped ignite the New Romantic movement and the MTV boom in the 1980s.

With its bright, flamboyant style layered with luxurious choruses, it’s a number that centers on a band-driven sound while also featuring the characteristically New Romantic, pleasing synthesizer tones.

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Hoshino Takashi

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