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.
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Recommended driving songs for people in their 70s: A roundup of BGM to listen to in the car (11–20)
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?
Simple LoveŌhashi Junko to Minoya Sentorarusuteishon
A heartwarming love song by Junko Ohashi and Minoya Central Station.
The lyrics, themed around simple yet profound expressions of love, convey a caring sentiment toward the other person and the pure affection within the couple’s relationship.
It’s a masterpiece where Junko Ohashi’s extraordinary vocal ability, uncommon among Japanese singers, blends beautifully with the musicality she created together with the band members.
Released as a single on April 5, 1977, it was also included on that year’s album RAINBOW.
It became an important track for the group.
It’s a recommended song for a peaceful drive, especially when going out with someone in their seventies, or any time you want to spend calm, gentle moments.
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.
MoneyHamada Shogo
The song included on the album “DOWN BY THE MAINSTREET,” released in October 1984, portrays desire for money and the transformation of human nature.
It explores how wealth changes the heart and what it means in one’s life.
While it sings of a longing for a luxurious lifestyle, it also touches on the loneliness that can accompany it.
With lyrics penned from Shogo Hamada’s unique perspective, the piece resonates with many listeners and has been loved for years.
How about listening to it while reflecting deeply on life?
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.
Recommended driving songs for people in their 70s: A roundup of BGM to listen to in the car (21–30)
Beach of MemoriesZa Wairudowanzu
Let me introduce a song whose sparkling 12-string guitar tone resonates in the heart like the gentle surf at summer’s end.
When you listen to it, it brings back those bittersweet summer memories of youth, doesn’t it? You can almost picture the protagonist of the lyrics alone on the beach, quietly reflecting on a love that has passed.
It’s a little wistful, yet it leaves you with a warm feeling.
The fresh harmonies of The Wild Ones are wonderful, too! This piece was released in November 1966 as their debut single, and it became a classic loved by many, selling over a million copies.
The B-side featured a song called “Your Baby.” It also served as the theme song for the film “Omoide no Nagisa” and for the TV drama “Shitetsu Ensen 97 Bunsho.” Why not give it a listen on a summer day to cool off, or when you want to sink into cherished memories? It’s sure to bring you a moment of peace.