[50s] Karaoke Popularity Rankings by Generation [2025]

Can't Stop the RomanticC-C-B64rank/position

Romantic Ga Tomaranai (Single Mix)

A song released in 1985 that was also used as the theme for the smash-hit drama “Sugao no Mama de.” Its lyrics portray the shift from friends to lovers, paired with a catchy melody.

It became C-C-B’s biggest hit and cemented the band’s status.

The song greatly influenced youth culture of the time and is still beloved by many fans today.

With its pop 80s sound and lyrics that skillfully capture both the sweetness and bitterness of romance, it evokes nostalgia even for men in their 50s.

For karaoke, it’s perfect for singing while reminiscing about your youth.

It’s also an ideal go-to for parties and class reunions, where you can get hyped together with friends of the same generation.

I’m smitten with you.Yellow Magic Orchestra65rank/position

Yellow Magic Orchestra – “Kimi Ni Mune Kyun“ (Official Music Video)

Yellow Magic Orchestra, a group that gained popularity with their innovative electronic music.

This song, “Kimi ni, Mune Kyun,” was composed from the perspective of the members—who were providing hit numbers to idols at the time—thinking, “If we can keep churning out idol hits, then in theory we could also become popular as ‘middle-aged idols.

’” As a result, it’s crafted with a catchy, somewhat cute melody.

With a narrow vocal range and a relatively even vocal line, it’s also a very easy song to sing.

Words of FarewellKaientai66rank/position

Kaientai - Okuru Kotoba (Words of Farewell)

Rather than explaining that it was Kaientai’s 16th single released in November 1979, it’s quicker to say it was the theme song for the first season of the smash-hit drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B” (3-nen B-gumi Kinpachi-sensei) [laughs].

As of 2020, I think most people in their 50s probably sang this song at their elementary or junior high school graduation.

Of course, many people watched the drama as well.

It’s a song that holds personal “memories” for each listener, so try singing it with that sense of nostalgia.

The melody is very straightforward and easy to sing, too.

If I were to give one tip, I’d say you’ll probably get a better reception if you avoid imitating Tetsuya Takeda’s singing style too closely.

My RevolutionMisato Watanabe67rank/position

Misato Watanabe [MV] “My Revolution”

My Revolution, released in 1986.

It was a huge hit especially among people in their 50s, wasn’t it? I’m sure there are many who’d say, “This song is my youth!” It’s easy to get into the rhythm and fun to sing, but the range is wider than you might expect—from E3 to F5—and the pitch span shifts suddenly between the verse, pre-chorus, and chorus, so watch out for that! Right before the chorus, make sure your throat doesn’t close; keep it well open.

If you make a surprised face, your facial muscles lift and your throat opens up, too! Try singing the chorus in that state, focusing on resonance rather than just pushing your voice.

Keep the airflow steady so the inside of your mouth vibrates.

Once you lock into the lively rhythm, it becomes much easier to sing—so go all in and enjoy singing it with energy!

Just by you being hereKome Kome Club68rank/position

[Kome Kome Club] Just Having You - STAGE MIX

Kome Kome Club is a nine-member band that rose to popularity with their glamorous live performances and now continues at its own pace while releasing new music.

Their 13th single “Kimi ga Iru Dake de,” released as a double A-side with “Aishiteru,” was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Sugao no Mama de.” Despite its catchy and refreshing melody, the overall key is low, making it relatively easy for men in their 50s to sing.

As a song that achieved double million sales and is widely known across generations, it’s a pop tune well worth adding to your karaoke repertoire.

MasqueradeShonentai69rank/position

Shonentai - Kamen Butokai (Masked Ball)

When people in their 50s think of a Johnny’s idol group, many would instantly name Shonentai.

Dominating the scene in the 1980s, the three members now each thrive in TV dramas, films, and stage productions.

Their signature song, of course, is their debut track Kamen Butokai (Masked Ball), which topped the Oricon charts.

Composed by the Shōwa-era master Kyōhei Tsutsumi, its lyrics were written by Tetsuya Chiaki—an assignment realized at the request of Kazukiyo Nishikiori, a big fan of Eikichi Yazawa, for whom Chiaki penned many songs.

Frequently covered by their Johnny’s juniors, the song has reached younger generations and can rightly be called a classic of Shōwa-era pop.

It’s a staple hit at karaoke gatherings of people in their 50s, and performing it in front of younger colleagues might just get the crowd going!

A long nightChiharu Matsuyama70rank/position

Long Night - Chiharu Matsuyama

Among Chiharu Matsuyama’s many folk songs, the rock number “Nagai Yoru” is an exception—and it became his biggest-selling hit.

Because it differed so much from his previous image, there was reportedly a lot of opposition to its release, but it came out thanks to Matsuyama’s strong insistence.

The lyrics, which evoke a “strong man who leads a woman,” perfectly match the masculine image of Chiharu Matsuyama.

The contrast between the powerful guitar sound and his soft, translucent vocals is absolutely electrifying!