2000s: A Collection of Hit Karaoke Classics
When you think of hit songs from the 2000s, which tracks come to mind?
From bands and singers who had been active since the ’90s to groups that emerged in the 2000s, the music scene of the time was full of popular songs by a wide range of artists.
It was also an era when karaoke was extremely popular, so many people likely went to karaoke often with friends and colleagues.
In this article, we’ll introduce a roundup of songs from the 2000s that were big hits and especially popular at karaoke!
This is a great chance to try singing some of the songs that bring back memories from that time.
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[2000s] A roundup of hit karaoke classics (21–30)
I'll be by your side.Thelma Aoyama ft. SoulJa
This single by Thelma Aoyama feat.
SoulJa was created as an answer song to hip-hop musician SoulJa’s fifth single, “Koko ni Iru yo feat.
Thelma Aoyama.” It was used as the spring 2008 campaign song for NTT DoCoMo and was once certified by Guinness World Records as “the best-selling downloaded single in Japan.” The arrangement layers a soulful vocal with cool rap, making it a track you’ll want to sing with friends at karaoke.
It’s an emotional number that lets you fully enjoy Thelma Aoyama’s vocals, and she’s now also active on variety shows.
Love so sweetstorm
Released in 2007 and achieving phenomenon-level popularity as the theme song for the drama “Boys Over Flowers 2 (Returns),” this is one of Arashi’s signature tracks that defined its era.
Even now, many people’s hearts still flutter when this song starts to play.
Set to a sweet, blissful melody befitting its title, the lyrics convey a pure realization that it’s that special someone who makes you shine.
Its uplifting message—that hearts remain connected even when apart—has encouraged countless listeners.
The song ranked fourth on Oricon’s 2007 annual singles chart.
It’s a hit tune that will fill the room with positivity when you sing it together with friends at karaoke.
The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP
As a nationally beloved group, even after their disbandment, the individual activities of the five-member idol group SMAP continue to draw attention.
This is their 35th single, which was used as the theme song for the TV drama “My Life as a Father” (Boku no Ikiru Michi), and it became one of SMAP’s signature songs, achieving massive success with total sales surpassing three million copies.
The positive lyrics and beautiful melody provided by singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara have been loved across generations in karaoke.
It’s a classic that has left its mark on J-pop history—perfect for getting everyone excited when you sing it together with friends at karaoke.
GibbsRingo Sheena
A love song by Sheena Ringo in which possessiveness toward a lover and the fear of losing them pierce the heart painfully.
Released in January 2000, this work was a lead single from the acclaimed album Shōso Strip.
It debuted at No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and received the Excellence Award at the 42nd Japan Record Awards, among other high honors.
Though the protagonist wants to believe in eternity, their sensitivity leads them to see a future lie in the word “forever.” Many listeners may find themselves relating to the depth of love that equates their relationship with that of a legendary couple.
TSUNAMISouthern All Stars
This is the 44th single by Southern All Stars, a five-member rock band often regarded as the quintessential “summer-image” band in the J-POP scene.
Known for multiple tie-ins—including serving as the theme song for the variety show Uhnan no Hontoko!’s segment “Mirai Nikki III,” as well as being featured in dramas and commercials—the song captures the band’s depth and appeal with its vivid, scene-painting lyrics and bittersweet melody.
It’s no wonder it ranks second in all-time CD single sales according to Oricon; it’s a timeless classic that everyone knows at karaoke, regardless of generation.
Feeling great ↑↑mihimaru GT
This is a song that drew attention as a ringtone.
Its distinctive, hip-hop-like beat firmly captured young listeners’ hearts and quickly became a big hit.
It was also featured in rhythm games, so it’s a well-known classic across a wide age range.
It’s a track I recommend when you want to lay down a hot rhythm or get hyped.
The Maiden with Flaxen HairHitomi Shimatani
Although she debuted as an enka singer, Hitomi Shimatani is a pop singer who effortlessly performs a wide range of genres thanks to her powerful vocal ability.
This is her seventh single.
The song was used in a Kao “Essential Damage Care” commercial and is also known as a cover of the Village Singers, a group that was active during the Group Sounds era.
Its arrangement, which offers a sense of openness and freshness distinct from the original, makes it a pleasure to sing at karaoke.
With a simple yet catchy melody loved across generations, it is a staple karaoke song of the 2000s.