Western songs that get the crowd going at karaoke: recommended classics and popular hits

CelebrationKool and The Gang

Kool & The Gang – Celebration

It’s a slightly old song, but it’s quite famous and I think most Japanese people know it.

There are plenty of chances to shout call-and-response lines for the singer, so if you do it at karaoke, it becomes a song everyone can enjoy together.

Since it’s a celebratory song, it’s perfect as a birthday song.

Happy BirthdayLenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz – Happy Birthday (Official Audio)

There’s a part in the chorus where “Happy Birthday” is repeated, so it’s perfect for saying happy birthday in a stylish way.

The chorus that repeats “Happy Birthday” comes up several times throughout the song, so even people who don’t know the song can sing along.

The lyrics are minimal and the tempo is slow, so anyone can sing it easily.

It’s my partyLesley Gore

Lesley Gore – It’s my party

This song was sung by Lesley Gore in the 1960s.

Hailing from New York, USA, Lesley is known as a woman who was active both as a singer-songwriter and as an actress.

It’s a fun song to listen to and to sing.

Birthday DressLil Playy

Lil Playy – Birthday Dress ft. Matthew Koma

The high notes are so beautiful that it’s surprising to hear a man singing.

There are rap parts here and there, and I think it takes considerable skill to perform.

Since the rap sections are few, I think even people who don’t really like rap can fully enjoy this song.

Happy Birthday To YouMariah Carey

Mariah Carey-Happy Birthday To You

It’s an arrangement of that classic song.

Mariah’s clear, beautiful high notes are wonderful, aren’t they? It might take quite a lot of practice to produce such a gorgeous voice, but arranging it like she does and gifting your own unique rendition to someone is lovely too.

A karaoke place with microphones is perfect for that.

Happy Birthday LisaMichael Jackson

MICHAEL JACKSON – Happy Birthday Lisa ( Original Track )

Michael Jackson, an American singer also known for dance and live performances such as the moonwalk.

This song, sung in 1973, is included on the album Music & Me.

It is a famous track known for being used in the TV anime The Simpsons.

Happy Birthday to YouMildred J. Hill, Patty Smith Hill

Mildred J. Hill & Patty S. Hill – Happy Birthday – Piano Solo – Revisited Version – HD

It’s the most sung birthday song in the world.

I suspect many people haven’t actually heard the parts that come after the opening.

There’s no one who can’t sing it at karaoke, and during the instrumental breaks you can make a toast, eat cake, and use it in all sorts of ways.

It’s precisely because it’s a classic that you want to sing it, right?