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

Sly womanSharam Q71rank/position

Sharan Q “Sly Woman” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Sharam Q’s seventh single, released in May 1995.

It came out during the heyday of J-pop and became a massive hit, selling over 1.

4 million copies, so chances are most people have at least heard the chorus melody.

Since this was a time when “easy to sing at karaoke” was considered a key criterion for a hit song, this track is also one of the best choices for people who aren’t confident singers to pick at karaoke.

If you have trouble with the falsetto in the high part of the chorus, try adjusting the key on the machine to match your range.

Tears Flowing EndlesslyRimi Natsukawa72rank/position

Rimi Natsukawa - Nada Sōsō (Tears Flowing)

This song was released in March 2000 as BEGIN’s 18th single, and Rimi Natsukawa’s version is a cover that came out in March 2001.

Although this article is written with the theme of recommending songs for people who aren’t confident singers, this particular track might be a bit challenging for them.

Since it was originally created as an “Okinawan song,” there are a few parts that require a folk-style melodic phrasing, and performing it well does call for a certain level of vocal technique.

That said, aside from those sections, the tempo is on the slower side and the rhythm is easy to catch, and the melody aligns very naturally with Japanese sensibilities.

So if you’re not confident in your singing, it’s perfectly fine to ignore the folk-style inflections and just sing the melody straightforwardly.

The high notes in the original key may be tough for some people, so feel free to lower the key when needed.

If you try singing it with a sense of the broad, gentle “swell” of Okinawa’s calm seas, you’ll likely find it feels just right!

Heartbroken over JuliaThe Checkers73rank/position

The Checkers “Heartbroken Over Julia” (LIVE)

A classic hit by The Checkers that vividly portrays the pain of heartbreak.

Its sweet, wistful melody and piercing lyrics beautifully capture the complex emotions that follow a breakup.

Released in November 1984, it became one of The Checkers’ signature songs and made a major impact on the music scene, including reaching No.

1 on the Oricon chart the following year.

It’s a perfect choice for karaoke, with lyrics that naturally inspire empathy and instantly enliven the atmosphere.

An ideal song for those who want to deliver a heartfelt performance wrapped in nostalgia.

Full of memoriesH₂O74rank/position

"Full of memories"—moved by a nostalgic melody

Released in 1995, “Omoide ga Ippai” is a classic that has been covered by many artists.

Since it’s a song everyone knows, it’s a good choice to sing at karaoke with a wide range of age groups.

It’s also easy to sing with few key changes and dynamic shifts, making it a song you’ll want to put in early.

It’s not uncommon to sing it at school, and it’s practically become a national favorite.

Erotica SevenSouthern All Stars75rank/position

Erotica Seven - Southern All Stars - High quality audio

Southern All Stars, a five-piece rock band renowned as an emblem of summer, have captivated fans for years with their free-spirited and inventive songs.

Their 32nd single, Erotica Seven, which was used as the theme song for the TV drama Devil’s KISS, is a million-selling hit whose catchy intro packs a punch.

With the band’s signature sexy lyrics and a Latin-flavored ensemble, it’s sure to bring back memories for those in their 50s who grew up with it.

It’s an upbeat tune guaranteed to fire up any karaoke session with peers of the same generation.

I am a piano.Mizue Takada76rank/position

I am a piano.

Mizue Takada, an idol singer who rose to popularity in the late 1970s.

She gained fame as the 18th Grand Champion on Fuji TV’s audition program “You Are the Star!” and went on to produce many classic songs, making full use of her vocal ability, which was among the highest even by idol standards of the time.

Among her works, the one I particularly recommend is “Watashi wa Piano” (“I Am a Piano”).

It’s a sultry piece, arranged overall in the lower-mid to mid vocal range.

Please give it a try and sing it.

Sinbad on the ShorePink Lady77rank/position

Pink Lady de Nagisa no Sindbad

This was Pink Lady’s fourth single overall, released on June 10, 1977.

Since it was a song by Pink Lady at the height of their popularity, I imagine that, as of 2022 when this piece is being written, many women in their 50s have sung this song at least once.

I myself am in my mid-50s now, and I clearly remember how, back when I was in elementary school, lots of girls in my class would line up and sing and dance to this song.

When you sing it at karaoke, be sure to recall the choreography and enjoy performing it with the moves! The duo’s harmonies from the B section onward aren’t that difficult, so if you can recreate them and sing along, that’s the best!