[Men in Their 50s, Gather Up!] Classic Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers & Easy-to-Sing Hits

Love will winKAN

KAN - Love Will Win

KAN’s eighth single, released in September 1990.

It was originally used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Quiz Omoshiro TV,” but gained popularity after being featured as an insert song on Fuji TV’s “Hochan’s Yamada Katsutenai Television,” becoming a long-selling, major hit.

As of 2020, many people in their 50s likely remember how big a hit it was at the time.

Musically, it has an extremely simple melody, and the rhythm is basically an easy-to-follow four-on-the-floor in quarter notes, so it’s no exaggeration to say the song contains all the elements that make it easy to sing even for those who aren’t confident singers.

Give it a try!

The Summer Without YouDEEN

DEEN [The Summer Without You] DEEN LIVE JOY-Break20 ~Sun and Moon~

This is DEEN’s 12th single overall, released in August 1997.

It was also used as the fourth ending theme for the Nippon TV anime Detective Conan.

As you’d expect from DEEN, who scored a string of big hits in the ’90s when “being often sung at karaoke” was a key condition for a song to become a hit, this track is also crafted to be very easy to sing and remember.

To aim for a high score, you’ll likely need to study the vocalist’s subtle phrasing in detail, but there aren’t any difficult parts, so definitely give it a try.

If you place the resonance so the sound hits the upper palate inside your mouth, you can produce a voice with lots of high-order overtones—a slightly sparkling tone—similar to the original singer.

Ballad of a SingerKazuyoshi Saito

Kazuyoshi Saito – Ballad of a Singer (2008 Ver.) [Music Video]

A timeless adult classic by Kazuyoshi Saito, celebrated for its deeply moving vocals and rich storytelling.

This exquisite ballad conveys heartfelt emotions for a loved one—feelings that are hard to say out loud—set to song with disarming honesty.

Its simple melody and resonant guitar gently enfold the lyrical world.

Since its release in November 1997, many artists have covered it, and in 2017 it was used as the theme song for the animated film “Lu Over the Wall.” In August 2022, a performance on THE FIRST TAKE drew significant attention, extending its appeal to a new generation.

With a relaxed tempo and a relatively narrow vocal range, it’s easy to sing with ease.

Why not sing it with all your heart, pouring your feelings for someone special into every note?

Another SaturdayShogo Hamada

Another Saturday (single / 1985)

Shogo Hamada’s classic “Another Saturday.” Although this song is renowned for being easy to sing, that doesn’t mean it has a narrow vocal range.

In fact, it spans a fairly typical range of mid1 C to mid2 F.

So why is it considered easy? Because the average pitch centers around mid2 A#, the so-called “A,” which sits in the middle area where humans find it easiest to produce sound.

The vocal line also has few dramatic rises and falls, so as long as you adjust the key properly, it’s a song with which anyone can aim for a high score.

cherrySpitz

Spitz / Cherry

This is the 13th single by the Japanese rock band Spitz, released in April 1996.

Although it came out during the heyday of J-pop in the ’90s, compared to songs from the ’80s and the Showa era, the melody might be a bit tricky for those who aren’t confident singers to tackle at karaoke.

That said, it’s a breezy, mid-tempo track with a shuffle beat, so there’s no need to sweat the small stuff—just enjoy it with the same upbeat spirit as the song! The key might be a little high, so please adjust it to suit your voice.

If you master mixed voice, I think many people will be able to sing it in the original key at this pitch.

Winter is starting.Noriyuki Makihara

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “Winter Begins” (Music Video) [4th Single] (1991) / Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo

Makihara Noriyuki—fondly known as “Makkī”—is an indispensable figure when talking about the music scene of the 1990s and a genius singer-songwriter whose name is etched in Japanese music history, leaving behind many timeless songs.

His naturally smooth, unadorned, and expansive voice that reaches listeners’ hearts directly; melodies that are not swayed by passing trends; and lyrics that superbly capture vivid scenes and shifting emotions through simple word choices—his talent is universally acknowledged.

Among his many classics, the 1991 release “Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo” is relatively easy to sing, and the signature high notes typical of Makihara are somewhat restrained, making it a good recommendation for those who struggle with high registers.

Be mindful of the shuffle rhythm, and take care to stay on pitch!

In the night sky after the rainKiyoshiro Imawano

Kiyoshiro Imawano - In the Night Sky After the Rain

Speaking of Kiyoshiro Imawano, his musical style is striking for evoking nostalgic scenes within a punky vibe.

Among his works, “Ameagari no Yozora ni” especially showcases his musical character.

While the highest notes aren’t very high, the pitch mid2F# appears frequently, so when adjusting the key, it’s best to center your tuning around that note.

The lyrics are a bit risqué, but it’s a song that tends to get the crowd going at karaoke, so consider adding it to your repertoire.