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

metropolisCrystal King15rank/position

Daitokai – Crystal King

Speaking of Crystal King, it’s all about the high notes.

Vocalist Masayuki Tanaka’s high-tone voice was very striking.

In the song “Daitokai,” the high-pitched hook right at the start is crucial.

In fact, if you can get through that opening high hook, the rest should be fine.

But suddenly belting out high notes can strain your throat, so it’s better to warm it up beforehand.

I think it’s best to sing a few songs first and then tackle this one.

If you’re confident in your high range, definitely give it a try!

FriendsRebecca16rank/position

Rebecca “Friends” MUSIC VIDEO

People in their early 60s could be said to be the generation that lived right through the heart of the second band boom.

Among the bands that led that boom, Rebecca is likely a group many feel a deep attachment to.

Their song Friends is one of Rebecca’s best-known classics.

The vocal range is a typical mid2B to hiC, but because the highest note, hiC, appears frequently in the chorus, be sure to adjust the key so you can maintain sufficient volume.

Since it’s a famous song from the very intro, if you want to liven up a karaoke session, definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.

Romantic FlightKome Kome Club17rank/position

JAL Okinawa Campaign Summer Rikyu 1990 Theme Song: "Kome Kome Club - Roman Hikou"

This is Kome Kome Club’s 10th single, released in April 1990.

It was used as the CM song for JAL’s Okinawa travel “JAL STORY Summer Rikyu Campaign” in 1990.

Just by listening, you can picture the beautiful summer scenery of Okinawa—it’s a track brimming with a refreshing vibe! As of November 2023, many people in their 50s likely heard this song in real time.

The vocal melody sits in a range that’s easy for most people to sing, so you can hum along casually.

For the higher notes in the chorus, try placing the sound toward the upper palate inside your mouth; it gives your tone a bit of sparkle, which I think helps recreate the original song’s freshness in karaoke.

Give it a try!

ambushHitomi Ishikawa18rank/position

Hitomi Ishikawa ♪ Ambush ♪ Ishikawa Hitomi

Hitomi Ishikawa, a female singer who was hugely active in the late 1970s.

Her voice exudes femininity, yet her vocals also convey a compelling strength—that was her distinctive appeal.

Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is Machibuse (“Ambush”).

While it has a slightly wide vocal range, the high notes feature surprisingly short sustained tones, so it’s easy on the throat.

As long as you can keep your pitch steady, it’s a song that anyone can sing well.

era; age; time; periodMiyuki Nakajima19rank/position

era; age; time; period

I like the commercials for Suntory’s canned coffee “BOSS.” Oscar-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones plays a comical role every time, yet the story always ends with a touch of poignancy.

Miyuki Nakajima’s song “Jidai” playing as the background music fits the commercial perfectly.

With its gentle lyrics—“Sad things and happy things link together as the times go by”—I think many people can’t help but see their own lives in it.

Released in 1975, the song still reaches our ears so naturally; it truly is a classic.

For those in their 50s, it might take you back to just before your youth—a track full of nostalgia.

SWEET MEMORIESSeiko Matsuda20rank/position

Seiko Matsuda / SWEET MEMORIES

Seiko Matsuda’s hit number, “SWEET MEMORIES.” Haven’t most people sung it at karaoke at least once? This song has a relaxed tempo, making it easy to follow the pitch.

On the other hand, there’s a slightly high long note near the end of the chorus, so proper key adjustment is necessary.

If you set the key based on this long-note section, you won’t run into vocal range issues in any part of the song, so keep that in mind.

365 Days' Paper AirplaneAKB4821rank/position

[MV] Paper Airplane of 365 Days (Short ver.) / AKB48 [Official]

This work captivates with lyrics that stir the heart and a warm, comforting melody.

Comparing life to a paper airplane, it gently sings of the importance of continuing to take on challenges.

Released in October 2015 as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Asa ga Kita,” it garnered support across generations, including a performance by NMB48 at the 66th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen the following year.

It’s recommended for those about to take a new step forward or wishing to convey their feelings to someone special.

At karaoke, if everyone sings the chorus together, it will surely create a wonderful moment of heartfelt connection.