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 (1–10)
Yoko of the Port, Yokohama, YokosukaDaun Taun Bugiugi Bando
A slightly mysterious love story set in a port town.
Released in April 1975, this song topped the Oricon charts for five consecutive weeks and marked the artist’s first appearance on that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Its distinctive structure—spoken narration over a guitar riff—leaves a strong impression.
The lyrics evoke the atmosphere of Yokohama and Yokosuka, vividly reflecting the youth culture of the time.
In 1997, it was also used in a Fujifilm commercial, endearing it to a wide range of generations.
It’s perfect for a drive—roll down the window and feel the sea breeze from the port town as you listen.
It might bring back nostalgic memories.
Midnight Door ~ Stay With MeMatsubara Miki
Known as a debut single and a City Pop classic, this song is also included on the album “POCKET PARK,” allowing you to enjoy the subtle differences in arrangement between versions.
Miki Matsubara’s delicate vocals weave a moving portrait of a woman in love.
It reached No.
28 on the Oricon chart and sold over 100,000 copies, and in recent years it has continued to be cherished across generations, even entering the rankings in 92 countries on Apple Music.
If it comes on during a nighttime drive, why not reminisce with your fellow passengers? It’s a song that’s sure to stir the hearts of listeners in their 70s.
SHININ’ YOU, SHININ’ DAYChar
A classic by Char that evokes nostalgia and warmth.
It’s included on his debut album “Char,” released in 1976.
The song’s charm lies in its lively rhythm and melodic guitar.
The lyrics center on themes of everyday happiness, hope, and love, expressing the importance of cherishing relationships with loved ones throughout a day that begins with waking up in the morning.
A fan favorite often performed live, it was also featured at the 45th anniversary concert in 2021.
With its pleasant melody and positive message, this track is sure to brighten the atmosphere in your car.
A freckled girlTin Pan Aree
This work by Tin Pan Alley was included on the album Caramel Mama in November 1975.
It’s a masterpiece whose delicate lyrics and gentle melody seep into the heart.
Its bittersweet reflections on past love will strike a chord with listeners.
It expresses lingering feelings, regret, and nostalgia for a freckled girl, resonating deeply with anyone who hears it.
The duet vocals by Shigeru Suzuki and Yoshitaka Minami are also captivating.
It’s perfect for a relaxed listen while gazing out the window on a drive.
It might even spark a lively trip down memory lane.
Love is a Shooting StarYoshida Minako
Minako Yoshida’s songs express the fragility and beauty of love through imagery of the starry sky.
It’s striking how her delicate vocals portray the passion of love that vanishes in an instant, like a shooting star.
The single released in March 1977 was arranged by Tatsuro Yamashita, resulting in a work where their talents blend beautifully.
While it’s pop, the track also carries a slightly mellow vibe, making it perfect for a relaxed listen on a drive.
It may let you pleasantly reminisce about the feelings of young love.
Playback part 2Yamaguchi Momoe
Momoe Yamaguchi’s 22nd single.
Its cool vibe and lyrics intertwine to portray the conflict between men and women.
The words by Yoko Aki, the music by Ryudo Uzaki, and Yamaguchi’s vocals blend beautifully.
Released on May 1, 1978, it was included on numerous best-of albums and was also covered by Yuko Nito and Midori Karashima.
The use of silence within the track was an uncommon technique at the time.
A perfect song for a mature woman who wants to reflect on her inner self during a drive.
Chuo FreewayMatsutōya Yumi
Among Yumi Matsutoya’s signature songs, this one is especially beloved.
Its exhilarating, fast-paced melody pairs perfectly with lyrics that depict lovers on a drive.
The words are striking for the way they convey both a desire to escape reality and the fragility of that feeling.
Released in 1976 as a track on the album The 14th Moon, it is an enduring classic that also appears on many of her best-of compilations.
It’s a song I highly recommend as background music for a drive with someone special.
As you take in the scenery along the way, it might be nice to reminisce about the memories you share.