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

Sorrow like snowShogo Hamada8rank/position

Sadness Like Snow (ON THE ROAD 2011 “The Last Weekend”)

Released in November 1981 as Shogo Hamada’s 14th single, this song was remade and used in February 1992 as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Ai to Iu Na no Moto ni,” becoming a million-selling hit with over 1.

7 million copies sold.

Inspired by the works of poet Hiroshi Yoshino, it overlays the deep sorrow carried in everyone’s heart with the image of snow.

Why not hold the microphone quietly at karaoke and deliver a heartfelt performance?

Roppongi HeartbreakAnn Lewis9rank/position

ANN LEWIS W/PINX “Roppongi Shinju” A・A・OH! ’86 LIVE at Nakano Sunplaza

For women in their 50s, when you think of female rock singers, Anne Lewis is probably the first that comes to mind, isn’t she? Among her songs, the one that boasts overwhelming popularity and singability is Roppongi Shinju.

The vocal range of this piece is mid2D to hiA, which is quite narrow for a female song.

Because many of the pitches suit a male vocalist’s range, it’s easy for men to sing, while women will need to adjust the key.

However, there’s plenty of room to shift the key both up and down, so this shouldn’t be a barrier.

Singing it with a rough, gritty edge will heighten the excitement, so give that approach a try.

the first strong spring windCandies10rank/position

Candies 'Haru Ichiban' (Spring No. 1 / First Sign of Spring)

This song by Candies is a refreshing track that evokes the arrival of spring.

The lyrics depict the warmth carried by the spring breeze and the excitement of new encounters, filling listeners with anticipation.

Released on March 1, 1976, the song became a major hit, selling around 490,000 copies.

It also appeared on the year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, becoming a beloved spring staple for many.

Even today, it remains popular as a song people want to hear in the spring season.

It’s the perfect track for those moments when you want to feel new encounters and fresh beginnings, or when you’re ready for a reset.

Wine Red HeartSafe zone11rank/position

Wine Red No Kokoro

It was the fourth single by Anzenchitai, released in November 1983.

This is also one of the classic Showa-era songs that will go down in history.

Although they debuted in 1982, they hadn’t had a hit single yet, and this track was created through vocalist Koji Tamaki’s hard work to produce a hit.

As a result, it’s very friendly and easy to remember, with a melody that anyone can sing along to at karaoke and the like.

Have fun singing it by imitating Tamaki’s very distinctive vocal style! Just be careful not to strain your throat too much on the high notes in the chorus.

ChampionAlice12rank/position

Alice Champion

Alice’s 14th single, released on December 5, 1978.

At the time, Alice was riding high, and this song became their biggest hit.

As of 2021, many people in their 50s might remember holding a broom like a guitar during school cleanup time or at class parties and singing this song—perhaps you’re one of them? In fact, so am I.

The chorus parts aren’t that hard to sing, so it’s also fun at karaoke to split the parts—one as Tanimura, one as Horiuchi—and sing it like a duet!

First loveKozo Murashita13rank/position

Kozo Murashita “Hatsukoi” Music Video

Kozo Murashita is a singer-songwriter who has left behind numerous masterpieces with his melancholic lyrics and catchy melodies.

Thanks to the recent revival boom, he’s become fairly well known among younger listeners too.

Among his songs, the one I especially recommend to women in their 50s as an easy-to-sing number is Hatsukoi (First Love).

It features long tones, but they’re not the kind that require you to belt, so even people who aren’t confident singers should find it easy to sing.

FriendsREBECCA14rank/position

REBECCA “Friends” (Shibuya Public Hall, Dec 25, 1985)

For women in their 50s who want to sing a fast-paced rock song at karaoke, I highly recommend “Friends.” Released in 1985 by Rebecca, a rock band active since the 1980s, it’s known as one of their signature tracks.

NOKKO’s supple vocals over a passionate rock sound make a strong impression.

When singing it at karaoke, the key is to project energetically in time with the up-tempo rhythm.

Give this rock number a try to lift the mood in the karaoke room.