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

For those currently in their 50s, their formative years were roughly from the 1980s to the mid-1990s, and the iconic hits from that era are still beloved as classic karaoke favorites that people keep singing today.

From hard rock and metal to synth-pop and even the alternative rock that followed in the ’90s, these songs are full of appeal that resonates across generations.

In this article, we’ll highlight Western hits that are especially familiar to people in their 50s—surefire tracks to light up any karaoke session.

Enjoy this gem-filled collection of Western music that blends nostalgia with a fresh spark.

Playlist

[2025] For Men in Their 50s! A Collection of Classic Western Songs That Hype Up Karaoke
show_chartTitlePlaylistOne point
1eastWhateverOasisSummary (20 characters): A non-album single released in 1994 by a legendary Manchester band. Features a grand string arrangement.
2eastSummer Of ’69Bryan AdamsBryan Adams’s anthem of youth. A masterpiece that portrays the struggle between dreams and reality and resonates across generations.
3eastMore Than WordsExtremeA 1991 acoustic ballad by Extreme. A message song about showing love through actions that topped the US charts.
4eastBasket CaseGreen DayA signature song by Green Day. Written from experiences with panic disorder, it’s a classic that fuses a catchy melody with punk’s breakneck energy.
5eastSmells Like Teen SpiritNirvanaSummary (20 chars): Released in 1991. A historic masterpiece that ignited the grunge movement worldwide.
6eastTodayThe Smashing PumpkinsA classic by The Smashing Pumpkins. A masterpiece whose appeal lies in its dramatic shift from calm to intensity and its deep irony.
7eastThe Power Of LoveHuey Lewis & The NewsSummary (20 characters): The 1985 film Back to the Future theme song. Resonates with the theme of timeless love.
8eastDanger ZoneKenny LogginsSummary (20 characters): The opening song of 'Top Gun.' An emblem of 80s rock blending Moroder-produced synths and guitar.
9eastStep By StepNew Kids On The BlockSummary (20 chars): A signature New Kids on the Block song. Disco-style sound, great for karaoke.
10eastNothin’ But A Good TimePoisonSummary (20 characters): A 1988 song by Poison. A rock number with a message of stress relief and fun.
11eastCreepRadioheadSummary (20 characters): Radiohead’s debut song. A grunge number where calm and intensity intertwine, expressing alienation and introspection.
12eastUnder The BridgeRed Hot Chili PeppersOn their 1991 album, the Red Hot Chili Peppers broadened their musical style and reached No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard chart with a melodic rock ballad.
13eastYouth Gone WildSkid RowSummary (20 characters): Debut single by Skid Row. A powerful hard rock song that sings of young people’s thirst for freedom.
14eastYou Might ThinkThe CarsA lead track from The Cars’ greatest masterpiece, where ’80s pop-rock and new wave fuse.
15eastBuddy HollyWeezerSummary (20 characters): A classic from Weezer’s debut album conveys a message about valuing their relationship without worrying about others’ opinions.
16eastTake On Mea-haSummary (20 characters): a-ha’s “Take On Me” is an iconic 1980s song and a massive hit known by everyone.
17eastLivin’ On A PrayerBon JoviBon Jovi’s signature song “Livin’ on a Prayer” is loved by a new generation as a staple of Bon Odori.
18eastEvery Breath You TakeThe PoliceA signature song by The Police during Sting’s tenure. A mature number and their biggest hit.
19eastNever Gonna Give You UpRick AstleySummary (20 characters): Rick Astley’s signature song “Never Gonna Give You Up” was a major hit of the 1980s.
20eastSweet Child O’ MineGuns N’ RosesGuns N’ Roses’ classic “Sweet Child O’ Mine” is a karaoke staple—easy to remember and easy to sing.
21eastCnce Upon A Time In CaliforniaBelinda CarlisleBelinda Carlisle’s vocal ability
22eastTwo HeartsPhil CollinsA solo hit by Phil Collins. It’s an upbeat pop song characterized by a bittersweet mood.
23eastBeat ItMichael JacksonSummary (20 characters): A rock-style single from Thriller. Features superstar guitarists like Van Halen.
24eastSeptemberEarth, Wind & FireSummary: A nostalgic disco classic. A song that alternates between the vocals of Maurice and Philip.
25eastCenterfoldThe J. Geils BandSummary (20 characters): A hit from the ’80s. A signature work by a band that shifted from a blues style to a pop direction.
26eastSugar Baby LoveThe RubettesSummary (20 characters): The Rubettes' 1974 debut single. Notable for its famous falsetto intro.
27eastWe Will Rock YouQueenQueen’s signature song “We Will Rock You”
28eastDon’t Stop Me NowQueenSummary (20 characters): Chose an upbeat 1978 Queen song, famous from a commercial, suitable for karaoke.
29eastEverybody Wants To Rule The WorldTears for FearsSummary (20 characters): A Tears for Fears song themed around anti-nuclear weapons. A grand, melancholic driving tune.
30eastHighwayStarDeep PurpleA classic by Deep Purple. In Japan, Osama’s cover is famous; it’s great for karaoke, but the high notes are tough.
31eastUptown GirlBilly JoelSummary (20 characters): A cheerful pop song by Billy Joel. The woman in the music video later married him.
32eastEye Of The TigerSurvivorSummary (20 characters): Theme song from Rocky III. A distorted guitar riff amps you up—a track that makes you feel stronger.
33eastAnd The Beat Goes OnThe WhispersAn iconic song that sees heartbreak in a positive light, with a rhythm that resonates with the heart.
34south_eastTake On Mea-haUsing an anime that could be called a darling of the MTV era…
35south_eastOwner of a Lonely HeartYESYES welcomed a new guitarist, shifted away from their progressive sound, and scored a major hit. This sparked mixed reactions.
36south_eastPower of LoveHuey Lewis & The NewsSummary (20 chars): An iconic Back to the Future song. Huey Lewis’s husky voice is cool.
37eastUptown GirlBilly JoelAmong Billy Joel’s many hit songs, ca...
38south_eastNever Ending StoryLimahlSummary (20 characters): A melodious solo song by Limahl, the vocalist of Kajagoogoo.
39south_eastSomebodyBryan AdamsBryan Adams’s 1984 hit song. A straightforward rock number that really gets the crowd going at karaoke.
40south_eastPrivate EyesDaryl Hall & John OatesHall & Oates’ 1981 U.S. number-one hit. An upbeat, catchy pop number.
41south_eastCalifornia GirlsDavid Lee RothA Beach Boys cover song sung by David Lee Roth. A track you’ll want to sing in the summer.
42south_eastFaithGeorge MichaelSummary (20 characters): George Michael’s solo smash hit. A pop number reminiscent of 1950s rock.
43south_eastImagineJohn LennonSummary (20 characters): A famous John Lennon song. Easy to sing with a tired vibe; should be avoided during hype moments.
44south_eastI Just Called To Say I Love YouStevie WonderStevie Wonder’s 1984 U.S. No. 1 hit ballad. It was used in commercials and TV dramas in Japan.
45south_eastHey JudeThe BeatlesSummary: Paul McCartney’s signature Beatles song. Composed to encourage Julian Lennon. Unusually long at over seven minutes.
46south_eastMy SharonaThe KnackThe Knack is often thought of as a one-hit wonder, but in fact they’re an excellent rock band with no throwaway tracks.
47eastYou Give Love A Bad NameBon JoviFrom the intro it's already super cool and really upbeat...
48south_eastForbidden LoveBon JoviAmong the Bon Jovi songs that people in their 40s used to listen to...
49eastCan’t take my eyes off youBoys Town GangThis song, which was also a huge hit in Japan in the 1980s, ...
50eastThere Must Be an AngelEurythmicsBelting out the classic hit “Sweet Dreams” at karaoke
51eastI Should Be So LuckyKYLIE MINOGUENostalgic for those in their 40s who loved the big hits of the ’80s…
52eastFootlooseKenny LogginsIt was used as the theme song for the movie Footloose...
53eastThe NeverEnding StoryLimahlThe movie “The NeverEnding Story”...
54eastMaterial GirlMadonnaMadonna, an iconic music figure of the 1980s
55eastBlack or WhiteMichael JacksonAn iconic work of Michael Jackson from the early 1990s…
56eastDon’t Look Back in AngerOasisReleased in 1996, now a staple of Western music karaoke…
57south_eastDon’t Look Back in AngerOasisIt's one of Oasis's greatest songs—one of the world's, really...
58eastSay, Say, SayPaul McCartney & Michael JacksonPaul McCartney and Michael Jack...
59eastBecause I Love YouStevie BStevie B, who was a big hit in 1990…
60south_eastMy SharonaThe KnackIt's also famous as the opening of “Ametalk.”
61eastWe Are the WorldUSA For AfricaA signature song of the ’80s, “We Are the …”
62south_eastJumpVan HalenThe allure of American rock—let’s sing and dance
63eastUkiuki Wake Me UpWham!The duo famous for “Last Christmas,” Wham, is…
64eastROCK N ROLLAvril LavigneAvril songs popular among teens
65eastHeaven Is a Place on EarthBelinda Carlisle80s Western music hits, classic songs that are hugely popular in Japan
66eastIt’s Still Rock and Roll to MeBilly JoelBilly Joel is a master of the music world.
67eastCall MeBlondieFamous songs from Richard Gere movies
68east1985Bowling For SoupFilled with nostalgia for 80s pop culture…
69east…Baby One More TimeBritney SpearsBritney for the young and beautiful generation
70eastKarma ChameloeonCulture ClubThe vocalist Boy George’s gender...
71eastGirls Just Want To Have FunCyndi LauperA defining pop anthem of the 1980s! Former...
72eastTime After TimeCyndi LauperA popular singer from the '80s, known for their individuality and vocal prowess.
73south_eastManeaterDaryl Hall & John OatesA hugely popular Black duo from the 80s
74eastI Want to Know What Love IsForeignerThe band Forei, representing AOR music
75eastWaiting For A Girl Like YouForeignerA tragic music hit that ranked second for 10 consecutive weeks
76south_eastDon’t Stop Believin’JourneyJourney’s 1981 hit, karaoke-friendly “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
77eastI Was Made For Lovin’ YouKISSA catchy phrase everyone has heard at least once…
78eastDon’t Fight ItKenny Loggins ft. Steve PerryAn iconic rock ballad that gives you courage
79eastLessons In LoveLevel 42A signature song by Level 42, featuring Mark King’s charismatic bass playing.
80eastParadise By The Dashboard LightMeat LoafMeat Loaf’s “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” is a Western rock karaoke track where powerful shouts really shine. A duet with a female chorus is also recommended.
81eastAnother Day In ParadisePhil CollinsPhil Collins’s classic hit; a major smash
82south_eastBaby, Come BackPlayerSummary (20 characters): Player’s 1978 hit; US Billboard No.1; harmonized chorus sounds cool in karaoke.
83eastNothing’s Gonna Stop Us NowStarship80s pop classics, timeless songs that can be sung by both men and women
84eastMr. RobotoStyxA leading band of progressive hard rock appears
85eastSexy MusicThe NolansA captivating disco beat that stirs the heart, t...
86eastStart Me UpThe Rolling StonesThe Rolling Stones’ early 1980s...
87eastWake me up before you go goWham!As a song that represents 1980s pop music, …
88south_eastIt’s My LifeBon JoviLive your own life firmly—it’s no one else’s life.
89south_eastDon’t Let the Sun Go Down on MeElton JohnBritish singer-songwriter, Elt...
90eastBelive It or NotJoey ScarburyThe ko... that became a hit through an American TV show
91south_eastTwenty Century BoyT-REXThe legendary glam rock band, T. Rex. Bo...
92eastShineTake ThatThe British band Take That’s song “...
93south_eastLet It BeThe BeatlesThe British legend, The Betle…
94eastHeaven Is A Place On EarthBelinda CarlisleThe album released in ’87, “Heaven on…”
95eastDon’t Worry Be HappyBobby McFerrinThe album “Simple Pl…” released in ’88
96eastDreamtimeDaryl HallThe album “Three Hea…” released in ’86
97eastThings Can Only Get BetterHoward JonesThe 1985-released album “Dream int…”
98eastSt Elmo’s Fire (Man In Motion)John ParrThe album released in ’85, “St. Elmo’…
99eastFootlooseKenny LogginsThe album released in ’84, “Footloose…
100eastAnother Part of MeMichael JacksonIncluded on the 1987-released album “Bad.” 58…
101eastBroken WingsMr. MisterThe 1985-released album “Welcome t…”
102eastShoutTears for FearsThe album released in ’85, “Songs fro…
103eastYour LoveThe OutfieldThe album released in ’85, Play Deep…
104eastRich GirlDaryl Hall & John OatesHa… is an American music duo.
105south_eastTrue ColorsCyndi LauperWhen it comes to hit songs from the ’80s, her presence…
106south_eastAll through the nightCyndi LauperStill active today as a popular artist...
107south_eastPrivate EyesDaryl Hall & John OatesHall & Oates's biggest hit of the '80s was...
108south_easttogether foreverRick AstleyIn the ’80s, as an artist who left a lasting impression…
109eastCareless WhisperWham!As a top artist in Japan in the ’80s…
110eastCry ToughPoisonA ... who was active from the 1980s to the 1990s
111eastDreamsVan HalenChase your dreams and never give up...
112south_eastHard to Say I’m SorryCHICAGOIt's a classic from the ’80s. While I was studying for exams, I...
113eastKarma ChameleonCulture ClubThe Culture Club led by Boy George...
114south_eastThe Final CountdownEuropeA song with a striking intro that everyone knows...
115south_eastWhen the Going Gets ToughBilly OceanRefined vocal work and a unique pop se…
116south_eastRock Wit’chaBobby BrownSpecializing in new jack swing and ballads...
117south_eastAlwaysBon JoviBased on an easy-to-listen singing voice and guitar sound...
118south_eastYou Spin Me AroundDead Or AliveA..., who enjoyed immense popularity at discos,
119south_eastHelloLionel RichieGently refined vocals and the essence of soul...
120eastLivin’ On a PrayerBon JoviIt’s become so familiar from the instant noodle commercials…
121south_eastI can’t be honestCHICAGOIt used to play a lot on cable requests and the like, so it was a fa...
122south_eastDaydream BelieverThe MonkeesA signature hit from the Monkees in 1967, featuring a gentle melody that makes it an easy song to sing.
123south_eastYMCAVillage People20-character summary: Village People's 1978 disco song 'Y.M.C.A.' is famous in Japan for Hideki Saijo's cover.
124south_eastCareless WhisperWham!Summary (20 characters): A smash-hit ballad by WHAM!. Covered by Japanese singers; its melody appeals to Japanese listeners.
125south_eastHotel CaliforniaThe EaglesThe Eagles’ signature song from 1977. A perfectly crafted track with beautiful guitars, a memorable melody, and one of the greatest guitar solos of all time.