Recommended driving songs for people in their 70s. A roundup of BGM you’ll want to listen to in the car.
When you’re driving alone it’s one thing, but when you head out on a drive with a few people, a lot of us like to put on some music, right?
At times like that, many people find it surprisingly hard to choose the right BGM.
That’s especially true if your passengers aren’t from the same generation and there’s a bigger age gap.
So in this article, I’ll introduce some recommended songs for a drive that people in their 70s will enjoy.
I’ve picked tracks with a sense of speed as well as mellow, relaxing tunes—songs that are popular among people in their 70s.
Use this as a reference when choosing your BGM.
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Classic nostalgic hits: A collection of youth songs
- Recommended driving songs for people in their 70s. A roundup of BGM you’ll want to listen to in the car.
- Nostalgic Days of Youth: A Collection of Western Music Recommended for Men in Their 70s [2026]
- Also great for dementia care! Recommended dance songs for people in their 70s: Let’s dance to those classic hits
- Recommended love songs for men in their 70s: A collection of nostalgic love songs
- Energizing songs recommended for men in their 70s: A roundup of nostalgic power tracks
- Easy-to-sing songs recommended for men in their 70s: A collection of classic hits you’ll want to sing at karaoke
- Easy-to-sing songs recommended for women in their 70s: A collection of classic hits perfect for karaoke
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Songs that really move you. Beloved classic Japanese hits of the past.
- Recommended love songs for women in their 70s: A collection of nostalgic love songs
- [Karaoke] 70-Something Women Will Get Fired Up! A Collection of Nostalgic Western Songs [2026]
- Songs I want men in their 70s to sing: a roundup of tracks I'd like to hear at karaoke
- Recommended Cheer-Up Songs for People in Their 70s: A Collection of Uplifting Tunes
Recommended driving songs for people in their 70s: A roundup of BGM to listen to in the car (11–20)
Moonlight SurferIshikawa Seri
Set against a seaside scene wrapped in the scent of the tide, the song conveys a longing for lost love alongside a fleeting sense of release amid beautiful nature.
Released in 1979 as Seri Ishikawa’s ninth single, it has remained popular across generations in karaoke.
Its transparent vocals and summer-tinged melody are sure to resonate with listeners.
On a drive, humming it together with someone in their seventies will likely spark conversation—it’s a song that invites fond memories of days gone by.
DOWN TOWNEPO
The timeless classic “DOWN TOWN,” beloved across generations.
As EPO’s debut work, its distinctive musicality feels strikingly modern, as if it were ahead of its time.
With lyrics by Ginji Ito that consciously embrace Japanese pop sensibilities, it deftly captures both the glitz of the city at night and the buoyant feelings of its people.
Carried by EPO’s soulful vocals, the story of “DOWN TOWN” vividly rekindles the youth of those now in their seventies, while also giving a flutter of excitement to those of us living today.
Why not enjoy a special night drive, different from the everyday, while listening to this song through your car speakers? Be sure to experience the dreamy sonic world EPO weaves.
LOVE AFFAIR ~Secret Date~Sazan Ōrusutāzu
Released in February 1998 as Southern All Stars’ 41st single, this song was issued to commemorate the 20th anniversary of their debut.
Portraying a bittersweet yearning for love, it has captured the hearts of many.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “Sweet Season” and in commercials for Mitsuya Cider, making it popular across a wide audience.
Total sales reached nearly 600,000 copies, ranking as the 12th best-selling song among their releases.
The lyrics feature real dating spots like Yokohama and Daikokufuto, and Keisuke Kuwata is said to have written them while consulting guidebooks.
It’s a perfect track for anyone looking to reminisce about memories of a drive date.
In the SpacesupeKUTORAMU
Released in 1979, this is one of Spectrum’s signature songs.
Centered on themes of love and travel, it portrays human emotion on a cosmic scale.
Distinguished by its brassy sound and falsetto vocals, its refined musicality is part of its allure.
This work had a tremendous influence on high school brass band clubs across Japan.
Although their performances—featuring flashy costumes and choreography—sometimes led to the misunderstanding that they were a novelty act, their musicianship has been highly acclaimed.
It’s perfect for a drive, delivering a delightful sense of speed.
Riverside HotelInoue Yosui
Among the many classics by Yosui Inoue, who has led the music scene since the 1970s, this is a supreme track that continues to be loved across generations.
Originally released in 1982 as his 18th single, it didn’t attract much attention at first.
But when it was re-released in 1988 and chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “New York Love Story,” it quickly gained widespread recognition.
The song’s distinctive lyrical world—depicting an extraordinary realm just a step removed from everyday life—pairs beautifully with its melody, captivating many listeners with a tale of a young couple’s sweet escapade.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to play slowly, just the two of you, to close out a drive date—a true hidden gem for grown-ups.
Why not spend a special moment enjoying it together with your partner or someone dear to you?
A Midsummer IncidentHirayama Miki
A song that made waves in the 1970s music scene with its captivating husky vocals and catchy melody.
Its poignant lyrics and memorable phrases evoke deep emotion.
One of Miki Hirayama’s signature tracks, it has been covered by many artists and remains a timeless classic beloved across generations.
Released as a single in 1971, it reached No.
5 on the Oricon chart.
It appears on numerous releases, including the albums “GOLDEN☆BEST: Miki Hirayama Sings Kyohei Tsutsumi” and “THE HIT MAKER: The World of Kyohei Tsutsumi.” An ideal song to play while driving—especially for couples cruising along the seaside at night.
A gem of a love song that links to fleeting yet beautiful midsummer memories.
Recommended driving songs for people in their 70s: A roundup of BGM to listen to in the car (21–30)
Let’s go, Shake!Terauchi Takeshi & Banīzu
A happy tune from March 1967 that weaves together a seaside coming-of-age romance and the explosive sound of electric guitar.
A classic that epitomizes the golden era of Group Sounds, it won fervent support in dance halls and go-go clubs, symbols of youth culture.
Known as a signature work by Takeshi Terauchi and the Bunnys, it was included on the album “Let’s Go ‘Fate’” and won the Arrangement Award at the 9th Japan Record Awards.
The energetic sound born from Terauchi’s exceptional guitar technique and the band’s tight cohesion makes this a gem that conveys the essence of surf rock.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to relive the radiance of youth or explore the history of Japanese rock.