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For men in their 30s: Nostalgic music. Recommended popular songs

In your busy 30s, juggling work and personal life, it’s easy to have fewer chances to listen to music in your daily routine.

Of course, you probably still hear the latest hits, but the songs that really stay with you are likely the ones from your student days, when you listened to music the most, right?

People in their 30s today were likely students in the ’90s to ’00s, and there are so many songs from that era whose lyrics you can still sing along to even now.

In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of popular tracks that still resonate with men in their 30s!

You’re sure to come across songs that make you feel nostalgic!

[For men in their 30s] Nostalgic music: Recommended popular songs (91–100)

A third of pure-hearted feelingsSIAM SHADE

Although they disbanded once in 2002, SHIAM SHADE has captivated fans with several temporary reunions.

This signature song of theirs is widely known as the ending theme for the TV anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story.

Its structure is very straightforward: the chorus comes first, followed by verse A and verse B, building excitement.

The beginning of verse A hits the song’s lowest note, D#3, which might be a bit low even for male singers.

Be careful not to let your voice get muffled in this part.

Another challenging aspect of the song is the rhythm.

In the chorus, if you sing it in a typical 4/4 feel, it won’t lock in with the backing drums and will sound flat.

Try singing it with a driving triplet feel instead—you’ll sound much cooler! It may be difficult until you get used to it, but definitely give it a try.

Re:memberFLOW

FLOW “Re:member” Music Video (TV Tokyo anime ‘NARUTO’ opening theme)
Re:memberFLOW

FLOW’s anime tie-up song themed around hope for the future and rebirth features striking, powerful guitar riffs and energetic twin vocals.

The lyrics, born from the band members’ experiences overcoming trials, carry a determination to move forward without forgetting the past and a message about the importance of walking together with your companions.

Released in May 2006 and used as the eighth opening theme for the TV anime Naruto, the song reached No.

12 on the Oricon charts and stayed on the charts for eight consecutive weeks.

It is also included on the album FLOW ANIME BEST Kiwami and remains a staple at their live shows.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to sing nostalgic anime songs or cherish memories with friends.

I for YouLUNA SEA

A signature song by LUNA SEA, released in 1998.

It seems the original version already existed around the time of their early album “EDEN,” but there’s a story that they kept leaving it off, saying, “A piece this grand is still too early for us.” Many people have probably sung this song to someone they love.

cloudy skyDOES

DOES 'Donten' (TV Tokyo anime 'Gintama' opening theme)
cloudy skyDOES

The renowned trio DOES, formed in Fukuoka, rose to nationwide fame thanks to their signature song “Donten,” released in 2008.

It was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Gintama and became a major hit, reaching the top three on the Oricon charts.

The song’s raw, stripped-down guitar sound—made possible by the trio’s minimalist lineup—is incredibly cool, and it’s hugely popular at karaoke.

The rugged, husky vocals and blunt yet moving melody aren’t particularly difficult and are easy to sing, but because the melody doesn’t change much, be mindful to avoid sounding too monotone when you perform it.

confessionFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Confession”
confessionFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

There must be plenty of people in their thirties today who can’t help but squint with nostalgia at the sight of Eiichiro Funakoshi’s jacket with an umbrella.

“Kokuhaku” (Confession) is a hit song released in 2008, a masterpiece that belts out incredibly straightforward, honest lyrics with all its might.

True to their style, the lyrics are packed with words and delivered at a slightly rapid pace, but it’s quintessential 2000s J‑POP, and for those who were in their teens to twenties back then and are now in their thirties, it likely feels like the melody of their youth—something they can sing with ease.

Just a heads-up: the final chorus modulates up by a half step!

Theory of the Mindful HeartRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – A Theory of Heart [Official Music Video]
Theory of the Mindful HeartRADWIMPS

Yūshinron, RADWIMPS’s fourth major-label single, is one of their early signature songs and a beloved classic among fans.

Some people now in their 30s may have first discovered the band—who were then rising as a cutting-edge young act—through this track.

The song is memorable for its catchy chorus and lyrics with a distinctive worldview, but the part to watch out for when singing it at karaoke is the fast, rap-like delivery.

Practice to keep your rhythm steady, and try to avoid sounding too flat or mechanical as you sing.

Surfing JohnnyKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Surfin' Johnny (Short ver.)
Surfing JohnnyKuwata Keisuke

Just hearing that light, tinkling piano intro instantly brings back memories of those summers… It’s a Heisei-era masterpiece that colored the early 2000s! No explanation needed: “Naminori Johnny,” the smash hit released in 2001 under the solo name of Keisuke Kuwata, vocalist of Southern All Stars, is a karaoke staple and has been sung across generations.

With Kuwata’s signature style in full bloom and a wide vocal range, the melody darts busily between low and high notes, which might feel surprisingly challenging when you actually try to sing it.

At the same time, it’s so catchy you can memorize it right away just by listening.

If you sing it with clear contrast—keeping the soaring parts and the rhythmic parts in mind—you can aim for a high score at karaoke!