An anthem for your 30s. Beloved and popular songs that are both heart-pumping and heart-fluttering.
Introducing songs that will instantly make people in their 30s think, “So nostalgic…!” I’m sure everyone has that one track that links straight to their teenage memories.
Don’t you ever get the irresistible urge to listen to those songs when they come to mind? In this article, we’ve gathered unforgettable tracks—mainly from the ’90s and 2000s—that anyone in their 30s has likely heard at least once.
These are songs that bring back memories from those days, making you laugh, cry, or want to see someone again.
As a small break from your busy day, why not take a moment to look back at the past?
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- Familiar winter songs for people in their 30s. Lots of classic hits!
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Youth songs for people in their 30s. Beloved and popular heart-thumping × heart-fluttering hits (131–140)
a single flowerHIGH and MIGHTY COLOR
Featuring male-female twin vocals and a heavy, powerful sound that shakes the heart, this is one of HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR’s signature songs.
It drew attention for being used as an opening theme for the anime Bleach and also marked the band’s first hit in a while.
Its aggressive, razor-sharp sound and sense of speed give the impression of empowering you to move forward.
The shout-like singing is another highlight, delivering with force the resolve to protect someone important.
Cherry on the beakEGO-WRAPPIN`
This is EGO-WRAPPIN’s “Kuchibashi ni Cherry,” released in 2002.
It was the theme song for the hugely popular drama Private Detective Mike Hama and became a big hit.
The lead actor, Masatoshi Nagase, is a fan of EGO-WRAPPIN’, and the song was written specifically for the show.
It fit perfectly with the drama’s edgy, stylish world.
The music video also has a timeless coolness.
JAMTHE YELLOW MONKEY
Many people in their 30s, regardless of gender, would say The Yellow Monkey (Iemon) defined their youth.
When their reunion was announced, that generation in particular got really excited.
The 1996 release JAM also drew attention for its somewhat dark lyrics.
If you’re in your 30s, you might remember being startled back then by lyrics that felt mature and laden with deeper meaning.
It’s also a song that’s frequently named as a favorite among The Yellow Monkey’s tracks.
Goodbye, my beloved.Hana＊Hana
A ballad by Hana*Hana that delicately portrays parting with someone precious.
Feelings for a lost love and the strength to keep moving forward are expressed through lyrics that capture the pain of farewell in a way anyone can relate to.
Released in October 2000, the song was also used as the theme for the drama “Oyaji,” starring Masakazu Tamura.
It’s a heartwarming piece that offers comfort to those who have lost someone dear or are facing a farewell right now.
Each time you listen, it may bring back fond memories and the faces of those you hold dear.
Goodbye Busyuzu
It’s nostalgic to think that this was the title track of a single released by Yuzu in 1993 and also their last work to come out on the so-called 8-centimeter “tanzaku” CD format.
The sound is marked by striking harmonica and acoustic guitar tones, conveying the quintessential Yuzu blend of youthful poignancy and freshness.
Another highlight is how their voices layer—not so much in harmony as in unison at the same pitch—evoking a sense of fun and camaraderie.
It’s a song packed with the bittersweetness of youth: the sadness of parting and the pain of seeing someone dear off.
Give me a ShakeMAX
A hit song by MAX with lyrics by Yuko Ebine and music by Yasuhiko Hoshino.
At the time, it was an unusual, danceable R&B-style track for them.
Many people may have discovered MAX through this song.
In that era, many female artists from Okinawa were active besides MAX, such as Namie Amuro, SPEED, and Rina Chinen.
I imagine many women also admired the Okinawa Actors School.
DEPARTURESglobe
globe is a group that represents the ’90s.
When you think of globe, they have many hit songs, but for many people, this is the one.
“DEPARTURES” is globe’s fourth single, released on New Year’s Day in 1996.
It’s still a staple as a snow-themed, winter song.
It was also used as the commercial song for JR East’s winter image campaign “JR ski ski.” For those who remember that time and were of that generation, it’s a go-to song to sing at karaoke!