[2025] For Men in Their 50s! A Collection of Classic Western Songs That Hype Up Karaoke

Buddy HollyNEW!Weezer

Weezer – Buddy Holly (Official Music Video)

The iconic song by Weezer that represents the 1990s alternative rock scene is included on their landmark debut album, Weezer (commonly known as the Blue Album), released in September 1994.

Inspired by the experience of being teased by friends for dating an Asian girlfriend, the track carries a strong message about valuing your relationship without worrying about what others think.

By referencing 1950s rock star Buddy Holly and actress Mary Tyler Moore, it declares, “I don’t care what people say,” a universal theme that resonates across generations.

With its catchy melody and powerful guitar sound, this power-pop number is guaranteed to be a hit at karaoke.

Take On Mea-ha

a-ha – Take On Me (Official Video) [4K]

The moment that incredibly famous intro rings out, it’s an absolute classic that gets you pumped up—even if you weren’t around to experience it in real time! Many people surely remember its innovative music video from the MTV-dominated 1980s, which went on to influence later generations.

As mentioned, “Take On Me,” one of the signature songs by Norway’s proud trio a-ha, is such a massive hit that everyone’s heard it at least once, so it’s guaranteed to liven up any karaoke session.

It’s tough to replicate Morten Harket’s beautiful high notes, but try adjusting the key and give it a shot!

Livin’ On A PrayerBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer

One of Bon Jovi’s signature songs—and from one of the most widely known foreign rock bands in Japan—“Livin’ On A Prayer” has, in the 2020s, also found a new generation of fans as a Bon Odori staple affectionately nicknamed “Bon Jovi.” With Hugh McDonald’s memorable bass line (he would later officially join as a member) and Richie Sambora’s talk box-driven riffs, it’s the kind of track that makes you want to move your body.

It’s been a karaoke classic for years and always gets the crowd going; for the high, challenging parts in the latter half, you can lower the key—or just power through on pure momentum!

Every Breath You TakeThe Police

The Police – Every Breath You Take (Official Music Video)

A signature song by The Police, the band Sting belonged to and who is still active as a solo artist at the forefront today.

While The Police initially gave the impression of having many punkish numbers and tracks with reggae-like rhythms, Every Breath You Take is unusual in their catalog—yet it became their biggest hit.

It’s a very sophisticated number, so if you’re in your 50s, be sure to sing it coolly in front of the younger crowd!

Never Gonna Give You UpRick Astley

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

From his handsome looks that still retain a boyish charm comes a soulful vocal delivery so addictive it sticks in your head after just one listen.

Rick Astley, who scored worldwide hits in the late 1980s and was hugely popular in Japan, experienced a resurgence through the internet in the 2000s and continues to be cherished by younger generations today.

Speaking of Rick, it has to be his 1988 classic, “Never Gonna Give You Up.” Many people in their 50s surely spent nights dancing to this song back in the day.

Relive that feverish excitement—and try singing it at karaoke!

Sweet Child O’ MineGuns N’ Roses

Guns N’ Roses – Sweet Child O’ Mine (Official Music Video)

Many people in their 50s today were surely inspired by Guns to aim to be singers or pick up a guitar.

Their historic, classic debut album, Appetite for Destruction, released in 1987, is full of great songs, but the masterpiece Sweet Child O’ Mine—known for topping the Billboard chart and later being covered by Sheryl Crow, who won a Grammy for it—is a staple of karaoke.

Its melody is easy to remember, and Axl Rose’s signature high-pitched shouts aren’t as intense as in some of their other tracks, so it seems relatively singable.

By the way, Slash’s intro riff is now the stuff of legend, but it’s funny that he himself didn’t consider it all that serious at the time.

All I Want for Christmas Is YouMerry Christmas

Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas Is You (Official Video)

Mariah Carey’s signature song, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Although this piece is often cited as a difficult song, it’s not without singable elements.

The tricky part is mainly the slow-tempo opening; once the beat kicks in and the tempo picks up, the kind of wide-interval vocal runs heard in the intro appear less frequently.

Even so, the overall difficulty remains on the higher side, but given its top-tier recognition and popularity, it’s well worth the challenge.