Western karaoke songs that hype up men in their 40s

Englishman in New YorkSting

Sting – Englishman In New York

It’s a track included on Sting’s 1987 album “.

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Nothing Like the Sun.” The song is notable for its strong jazz influences and lyrics that seem to reflect his own experience working alone in New York.

I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way (Official HD Video)

This is a signature song by the Backstreet Boys, an idol group often called the “American SMAP.” Whenever they came to Japan, they would promote their visits with TV appearances, and they were always asked to sing a phrase of this song a cappella.

It’s a laid-back song, but I think it sounds really cool when sung clearly with good dynamics.

Ukiuki Wake Me UpWham!

Wham! – Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (Official Video)

It’s one of the signature songs by Wham, the duo best known for Last Christmas.

Wham were truly a leading pop group of their era and had plenty of hits, but when it comes to getting everyone pumped up, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go is the perfect choice.

Don’t forget the finger snaps and hip shakes when you sing it.

Virtual InsanityJamiroquai

Jamiroquai – Virtual Insanity (Official Video)

Led by Jay Kay, Jamiroquai is a British acid jazz group, and this 1996 smash hit—featuring a very famous music video starring Jay Kay himself—is widely known.

It’s been used in commercials and parodied, making it highly recognizable in Japan as well, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at karaoke.

My SharonaThe Knack

The Knack – My Sharona

Famous as the opening theme for “Ametalk,” this song is a work by The Knack, renowned as a one-hit wonder.

If you sing it at karaoke, everyone will recognize it, so if you hype up your companions, you’re sure to get a response.

Even younger people know it, so I think it’s an easy song to get the crowd going.

Uptown GirlBilly Joel

Billy Joel – Uptown Girl (Official Video)

Billy Joel has many hit songs, but when it comes to tracks that really get the energy up at karaoke, I’d have to go with Uptown Girl.

It’s one of his more up-tempo songs, so it’s easy to get into the groove, and aside from the falsetto parts in the middle, I think most people can sing it without much trouble.

Don't Look Back in AngerOasis

Oasis – Don’t Look Back In Anger (Official Video)

Don’t Look Back in Anger can be called not just Oasis’s signature song, but one of the great global rock anthems.

It’s a track that really hypes up the end of a karaoke session, so I think it feels even better if everyone sings along together on the chorus.