Popular Karaoke: Band Rankings [2025]

somedaySaucy Dog22rank/position

Saucy Dog "Someday" MUSIC VIDEO

A straightforward, honest love song that brings the ache and poignancy of heartbreak right to your chest.

Through real-life scenes—like the deserted park at Tawarayama and the sloping road where you can see the starry sky—the memories woven together vividly portray feelings for a precious person you can never meet again.

Released in May 2017 as a track on the album “Country Road,” this piece gently embraces an unforgettable love with warm lyrics that blend in the local Shimane dialect.

Its softly resonant melody offers quiet comfort to those who want to hold their one-sided love close, and to those who can’t quite put an end to a past romance.

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN23rank/position

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” MV

I think there are many men in their 30s who like anime songs.

For such anime song fans in their 30s, UNISON SQUARE GARDEN is probably one of the most popular bands.

Among their tracks, the one I especially recommend is “Sugar Song and Bitter Step.” Its appeal lies in the seamless succession of high-pitched phrases that feel light yet deliver an exceptional sense of liberation.

If you watched Blood Blockade Battlefront as it aired, be sure to try singing it.

balladKetsumeishi24rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Ballad”

A love ballad from Ketsumeishi that offers a different flavor from their usual cheerful image.

It’s a tear-jerker that gently yet poignantly sings of unfulfilled feelings for someone special, carried by a tender, aching melody.

With rap kept to a minimum and piano and strings that seep into the heart, this piece also surprised longtime fans as a bold departure.

Released in January 2011 as one half of a double A-side single and included on the classic album Ketsunopolis 7, it was also used as the theme song for Nippon TV’s information program Sukkiri!!.

If you sing it softly at karaoke—where upbeat tracks usually steal the show—its contrast will draw everyone in.

Why not showcase a new side of yourself with this hidden gem?

HOWEVERGLAY25rank/position

GLAY / HOWEVER

Speaking of GLAY’s songs, they span from energetic numbers to moving ballads, and many are easy to sing at karaoke—so it can be tough to choose.

If you want to share a touching moment across generations at a work karaoke with your boss, their signature ballad released in August 1997 is a great pick.

This majestic, stirring track conveys unwavering devotion to a loved one and a strong determination for the two to overcome any hardship together.

TERU’s emotive vocals further elevate the tender yet warm message.

It topped the Oricon charts, sold over a million copies, and was later used as the ending theme for a TBS drama, so many people are sure to recognize it.

As a timeless love song cherished across generations, it’s sure to create a warm atmosphere.

The Future Projection IIDREAMS COME TRUE26rank/position

The Future Projection II

When it comes to DREAMS COME TRUE’s signature songs, many people probably think of this one.

It’s a heartwarming piece that looks back on memories with a loved one while singing about hope for the future.

Although it’s included on the album “LOVE GOES ON…” and was never released as a single, it has continued to be cherished by many.

It was also featured in a 1993 commercial for a SONY product, making it popular across generations.

It’s a song that warms the heart when you want to feel the bond with someone important or when you’re tired from everyday life.

Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS27rank/position

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS “Linda Linda” [1st Single (1987/5/1)] THE BLUE HEARTS / Linda Linda

Formed in 1985, THE BLUE HEARTS is a Japanese punk rock band that produced many hit songs.

Released in 1987, Linda Linda is their signature track, loved for many years for its powerful message and simple yet impactful melody.

The song’s wish—that you protect what you believe is most important with all your might—strikes a deep chord with listeners.

At karaoke, passionately singing it together with friends lets you share a surge of energy, relieve daily stress, and strengthen your bonds.

It’s a classic that we recommend to all generations, from the young to the elderly.

RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION28rank/position

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION “Rewrite” (M-1 Grand Prix 2024 Promotion Video Theme Song)

People in their late 20s to early 30s are the generation that lived through the golden age of Japanese rock.

Among those bands, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION was especially popular with men.

Of all their songs, the one I particularly recommend is Rewrite.

It stays in a low register for much of the track, which makes the chorus feel explosively open by contrast, and the almost roar-like phrases really fire up the crowd.

Because the verses sit so low, it’s tempting to raise the key, but if you match it to that, the chorus will be tough—so find a comfortable middle ground and sing in a moderately adjusted key.