[2025] A roundup of cool Western songs that get the crowd going at karaoke

Musical YouthPass The Dutchie

Musical Youth – Pass The Dutchie

Peaked at No.

10 in the U.

S.

in 1983.

A band made up of 11- to 15-year-old kids.

Groups like these have come and gone from the idol-project scene from the past to the present, but they were a bit unusual because they played reggae—and were a proper band at that.

The original is said to be “Pass the Kouchie,” a hit by Jamaica’s Mighty Diamonds.

In the end, they were basically a one-hit wonder; they put out the next album and then broke up.

Still, whether it’s kids or adults, good music is good music.

Never Gonna Give You UpRick Astley

Rick Astley – Never Gonna Give You Up (Official Video) (4K Remaster)

Rick Astley’s classic “Never Gonna Give You Up,” which became a global hit in the 1980s, has recently been popular among younger listeners overseas as well.

The song’s meme, known as the “Rickroll,” spread worldwide and brought renewed attention to the track itself.

With 1980s music styles being rediscovered around the world, including in Japan, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at karaoke.

Be sure to check it out.

SaraStarship

Starship – Sara (Official Music Video) [HD]

Sara, released in 1986 by the American rock band Starship, features a grand, stadium rock-inspired sound and became a hit around the world, especially in North America.

With its slow tempo and expansive, soaring vocals, it’s a great choice for karaoke—even for beginners to Western music.

The warm, comforting melody wraps around the poignant scenes of parting from a loved one, offering a sense of healing.

If you’re heartbroken or feeling down, try singing this song that gently stays by your side.

If You Let Me StayTerence Trent D’Arby

Sananda Maitreya – If You Let Me Stay

Peaked at No.

68 in the U.

S.

in 1988.

TTD left the impression of appearing like a comet and then vanishing.

His debut album, “Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D’Arby,” sold 11 million copies worldwide.

He also won a Grammy in the R&B category, and his U.

S.

first single, “Wishing Well,” shot straight to No.

1.

As this track is more pop than his others, it took off in the UK before the U.

S.

, and in Japan I heard it even more than “Wishing Well.” These days, after various twists and turns, he goes by the name Sananda Maitreya.

RoamThe B-52’s

The B-52’s – Roam (Official Music Video)

They reached No.

3 on the U.

S.

charts in 1990.

This is a new wave band that drew attention for Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson’s eccentric B-52 hairstyles.

Their style features two female vocalists trading lines with Fred Schneider’s comical vocals.

From their fifth album, Cosmic Thing, produced by Nile Rodgers and Don Was, the previously released single Love Shack made a huge leap the year before, also hitting No.

3 in the U.

S.

The music video is unique as well.

Last NiteThe Strokes

The Strokes – Last Nite (Official HD Video)

The Strokes’ “Last Nite,” which emerged during the garage rock revival of the 2000s, is a great pick for karaoke as a rock song that isn’t too intense.

Its simple guitar phrases and understated vocals make it perfect for times when you want to sing rock but find hard rock a bit too heavy.

Also, the key isn’t very high, so it’s a good “palate cleanser” to add when you’re getting tired during a karaoke session.

Buddy HollyWeezer

Weezer – Buddy Holly (Official Music Video)

It reached No.

18 on the Billboard chart in ’94.

Since Weezer emerged during a transitional period for ’90s pop music, they’re a band that’s a bit hard to pin down with a simple description.

If I had to sum it up in one phrase, maybe “alternative power pop band” fits? Because of their playful lyrics and music videos, people often called them “crybaby rock”.

.

.

And yet, these four guys with the least rock-star image ended up winning a Grammy—rock is a strange thing.

It also makes sense that the central member, Rivers Cuomo, was a huge Buddy Holly fan.