Why Do These Songs Still Feel Fresh After Over 50 Years? "ABC," "Imagine," and Other Timeless Western Songs
"I've Heard This Song Somewhere Before"
Listening to such Western songs from start to finish can unexpectedly move your heart. You might notice an unexpected development before the familiar chorus or the nuances in the voice you casually listened to. Knowing the song title and truly savoring the song can be surprisingly different experiences.
American music media outlet American Songwriter introduces three pop songs from the 1970s that still sound fresh even after more than half a century.
These are "ABC" by the Jackson 5, "Imagine" by John Lennon, and "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough" by Diana Ross.
These songs were released in 1970 and 1971. From the perspective of 2026, they are all works from over 55 years ago. Yet, what they convey the moment you play them can be appreciated even without a deep knowledge of music history.
Comparing the highlights of these three songs reveals that there isn't a single fixed form for pop songs that are listened to for a long time.
Jackson 5 "ABC"—The Joy That Moves the Body Before Reason
Released in 1970, "ABC" is a number that symbolizes the momentum of the Jackson 5. It was included in their second album of the same name and topped the US singles chart.
The first thing you feel when you listen to this song again is the density within its brightness.
On a bouncing rhythm, the lead vocals and chorus respond to each other in succession. Just when you think the song has jumped out in front, another voice catches it, and the performance pushes it forward again. The places to focus your ears constantly change, so you never get bored with the repetition of short phrases.
At the center is the voice of a young Michael Jackson. But the charm isn't just in the youthfulness of his voice. The way he cuts words, accents them, and the moments he starts singing with momentum have the power to move the rhythm.
The concept of the song is also approachable. By linking the enjoyment of love with the letters and numbers one starts learning, it creates an entry point that doesn't require complicated explanations. Even if you don't fully understand the English lyrics, the interplay of voices and the bounce of the sound convey the song's joy.
For those in Japan who usually listen to J-POP or dance music, try focusing on "voices other than the main vocals." The chorus doesn't just stay in the background; it progresses the song together.
The freshness of "ABC" lies not in its resemblance to the latest sounds but in its structure that makes you look forward to the next moment. Even the familiar chorus should sound different if you follow the interactions before and after it.
John Lennon "Imagine"—The Quiet Music That Leaves Questions
If "ABC" is a song that moves the body, then "Imagine" from 1971 is a song that makes you want to stop and listen.
With piano and vocals at its center, some might have the impression of a solo performance. However, the recording also includes bass, drums, and strings. It's not that there are few sounds, but rather that it's arranged to bring the vocals and piano to the forefront.
The combination of its modest sound and the big questions the song poses is striking.
It invites listeners to reconsider boundaries and values that separate people from a different perspective. It envisions a world without assuming conflict and division as a given. Such content is presented not with intense performance but with gentle melodies.
There is a background here that Japanese listeners should also be aware of. John Lennon's official site introduces this song as a collaboration between John and Yoko Ono, explaining the influence from Yoko's book "Grapefruit."
Listening to "Imagine" as a work born from the expressions and dialogue of two people, rather than just from the inner world of one star, slightly changes its contours.
Moreover, this song isn't necessarily one that everyone receives with the same feelings. Some may be encouraged by its ideals, while others might feel a gap with reality.
Nevertheless, the melody's ability to welcome listeners is strong. It creates time to think without rushing to conclusions. This space might be one reason it has been listened to for so long.
Diana Ross "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough"—Turning the Same Song into a Different Drama
The third song is "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough," released by Diana Ross in 1970.
This song has a prior hit version by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell from 1967. Hearing the title, some might first think of the lively male-female duet.
The appeal of Diana's version lies in how it presents the song in a completely different flow of time.
Especially in the album version, the conversational singing, pauses in words, and increasingly rich chorus work towards a grand climax. It doesn't reveal everything immediately but gradually raises the listener's expectations.
Its charm can't be explained just by the volume of the voice. It's because there are parts where the voice is restrained that the sense of release in the latter half stands out. The song unfolds like a short stage play.
According to the official Motown site, label founder Berry Gordy requested that the chorus be moved forward for the single release, but producers Ashford & Simpson did not comply. Subsequently, radio broadcasts led to its hit.
As a result, this song became Diana's first solo number one in the US.
Where to introduce the most easily recognizable highlight also holds the song's individuality. When listening to Diana's version, rather than judging by the famous parts alone, enjoy the flow leading up to that point.
How Are They Being Listened to on Social Media? Engaging with Masterpieces Beyond Praise
These songs also serve as a starting point for listeners to express their preferences and thoughts online.
Here, we introduce past posts found on the overseas bulletin board-style SNS Reddit. These do not reflect reactions to the current American Songwriter article or trends across SNS as a whole.
In a thread comparing "Imagine" and Paul McCartney's "Maybe I’m Amazed" in November 2024, the poster explained their preference for the soft and gentle sound of "Imagine." Meanwhile, there were responses favoring "Maybe I’m Amazed."
It's not that a famous song is automatically the best. Listeners express in their own words what draws them to each voice and performance.
In October 2025, there was also a thread discussing critical receptions of "Imagine." The poster raised issues about negative opinions of the song, with responses referencing cover videos by celebrities.
This shows that a song's evaluation isn't solely determined by the audio source. Who sings it and in what context can influence how the original is perceived. However, such posts alone cannot conclude that it has become unpopular in recent years.
Regarding Diana Ross, a 2024 thread comparing 1970 hit songs included comments evaluating "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough" as possibly her best work.
Being praised, compared, and sometimes disputed. The survival of a masterpiece might mean that its evaluation isn't fixed but that new listeners continue to add their impressions.
If You're Revisiting Them in Japan, Listen to "Familiar Songs" a Little More Carefully
To enjoy these three songs, there's no need to pre-study the history of Western music from the 1970s. Initially, it might be easier to decide on just one listening point.
In "ABC," follow the interaction between Michael's singing and the chorus. You'll see the momentum unique to a group that can't be created by a single voice.
In "Imagine," pay attention to the sounds playing behind the piano. Noticing the performance that supports the tranquility adds depth to the impression of simplicity.
For "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough," if possible, listen to Diana's album version in its entirety. Then, listen to Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's version to enjoy how the same song changes with arrangement and singing.
For those who remember the time, the music might be tied to memories, but for first-time listeners, it's music they didn't know yet. The fact that the release year is old doesn't mean the listening experience is old.
"ABC" that makes your body bounce. "Imagine" that quietly prompts thought. "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough" that gradually heightens emotions.
The next time you play them, try listening from just before the familiar chorus.
Sources and References
American Songwriter: An article by Em Casalena introducing three songs from the 1970s.
https://americansongwriter.com/3-pop-songs-from-the-1970s-that-still-sound-fresh-despite-being-50-years-old/UNIVERSAL MUSIC JAPAN: Official introduction of the Jackson 5's "ABC." Released in 1970, confirming the title track's number one in the US.
https://www.universal-music.co.jp/jackson5/products/uicy-78883/UNIVERSAL MUSIC JAPANJohn Lennon Official Site: Confirming the co-authorship of "Imagine," the influence from Yoko Ono's book, and participating musicians.
https://www.johnlennon.com/music/singles/imagine/johnlennon.comClassic Motown: Background on the production of Diana's version of "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough," the episode about the placement of the chorus, and her first solo US number one.
https://classic.motown.com/story/diana-climbs-every-mountain/Classic MotownReddit: A post comparing "Imagine" and "Maybe I’m Amazed" from November 2024. Referencing evaluations of the gentle sound of "Imagine."
https://www.reddit.com/r/beatles/comments/1gi89wh/reddit.comReddit: A discussion thread from October 2025 about the reception of "Imagine." Referencing the poster's issue-raising and mentions of covers.
https://www.reddit.com/r/beatles/comments/1o6wt44/reddit.comReddit: A thread comparing 1970 hit songs. Referencing comments highly evaluating Diana's version.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ToddintheShadow/comments/1d254mi/