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

Don’t Tell MeAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne – Don’t Tell Me (Official Video)

Avril Lavigne is a very popular international singer in Japan.

Her songs are widely known, so they’re a classic choice when you want to sing Western music at karaoke.

All of her tracks get the crowd going, but if you want to show off your vocal skills, I think this song is the best.

If the rocking guitar sound and those high notes come together, you’re sure to be the star of the karaoke room!

Blood Sweat & TearsBTS

BTS (방탄소년단) ‘피 땀 눈물 (Blood Sweat & Tears)’ Official MV

A song by a charismatic Korean boy group.

In Western karaoke, it’s categorized under Korean.

It has more words similar to Japanese than English does, and the word order is the same.

This song sings about a guy who’s totally hooked on a queen-like girlfriend.

In the chorus, be sure to convey the feeling that he’s completely captivated—body and soul—by her.

K-pop fans will definitely get hyped, and it also works great as a crowd-pleasing Western karaoke pick!

A Whole New World (From “Aladdin”)Brad Kane&Lea Salonga

A Whole New World (From “Aladdin”)

An Academy Award-winning classic from a Disney animated film.

It features a sparkling world that makes you feel like you’re flying.

Its gentle melody line is easy for Japanese singers to sing, and it feels wonderful if you can reach those soprano tones.

Since many people like Disney songs, you can’t go wrong choosing this one.

If you’re going to try singing in English, this is the first song I’d recommend.

Since U Been GoneKelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarkson – Since U Been Gone (Official Video)

Rock-style Western songs are cool to sing at karaoke and really get everyone hyped up.

If you’re looking for a rock track like that, I recommend Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone.” It’s an awesome song where the guitar’s overflowing rock vibe matches perfectly with her high, powerful vocals.

During the chorus, everyone can do call-and-response, so it’s sure to get the crowd going.

Yoü And ILady Gaga

Lady Gaga – Yoü And I

Lady Gaga often draws attention for her eccentric fashion, but she’s actually a singer with very strong vocal ability.

Among her songs, “Yoü And I” is a great karaoke choice for those confident in their soaring vocals.

Just like Gaga, who sings freely over a laid-back rhythm, try singing it with full, steady voice.

WhateverOasis

Whatever

Oasis was a central band in the Britpop movement that swept the 1990s, and they’re very popular in Japan as well.

Although the band unfortunately broke up in 2009, their songs are still huge hits at karaoke.

In particular, Whatever is often played on TV shows and the like, so it’s widely known and should get everyone excited even when there are people who don’t usually listen to Western music.

All StarSmash Mouth

Smash Mouth – All Star

Smash Mouth is a quintessential pop-rock band.

Their track “All Star” is one of their hits, and many people in Japan may know it since it’s often played in apparel shops and the like.

It has a slight rap-like feel, so memorizing the lyrics can be a bit tough, but it’s a cool song to sing once you’ve got it down.