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

Suddenly, SinbadSouthern All Stars57rank/position

[Live] Southern All Stars 'My Forplay Music ~ Katteni Shindobaddo' 2013

Southern All Stars’ debut single, released in June 1978.

If you’re in your 50s, it’s safe to say there’s hardly anyone who hasn’t heard it—an absolute classic! From the intro melody through the entire track, it’s packed with unforgettable phrases and lyrics that leave a strong impression.

It’s the kind of song that instantly lifts your spirits just by belting it out, so don’t sweat the small stuff—just enjoy it.

It’s bound to be a blast if everyone joins in on the intro and the shout-along parts of the chorus!

stationMariya Takeuchi58rank/position

Mariya Takeuchi – Station [Live Version / 2000 @ Nippon Budokan]

Set to a minor key, this song paints a poignant scene of a woman who happens to catch sight of her former lover at a train station.

Originally written for Akina Nakamori, it was later self-covered by Mariya Takeuchi herself.

Rich with the essence of Showa-era kayōkyoku and set in a key that’s easy for anyone to sing, it’s friendly even for those who aren’t confident at karaoke.

As an aside, the heartrending sax solo by Hideshi Toki in the latter half of “Eki,” performed at Takeuchi’s first concert in 18 years in 2000, is also a must-hear.

CheersTsuyoshi Nagabuchi59rank/position

Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi – Kanpai [With Lyrics]

A song by Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, it was included on the album of the same name released in September 1980.

It wasn’t released as a single right away; a re-recorded version later came out as a single in 1988.

As of May 2023, when I’m writing this, I’m 55 years old, and I still vividly remember this song playing at my junior high school graduation—tears started streaming down my face the moment it began.

I imagine many of you reading this have similar memories.

The song itself features a very gentle, straightforward melody, so I believe it’s easy for anyone to sing.

It’s a piece I hope you’ll sing along to, together with your fond memories.

Don't give up on your dreamsTakako Okamura60rank/position

Takako Okamura “Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

After her success as a member of Amin, Takako Okamura also flourished as a singer-songwriter.

She has an exceptionally clear voice and excels at simple vocals that make the most of her tone.

“Yume wo Akiramenaide” is one of her signature songs.

Its range is narrow and there’s not much vibrato, so simply staying on pitch is enough to aim for a high score.

While the scarcity of long tones makes it a bit harder to rack up bonus points with vibrato or falls, the pitch is undeniably easy to follow—so definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.

DiamondsPRINCESS PRINCESS61rank/position

Princess Princess 'Diamonds <Diamond>'

Princess Princess released their seventh single in April 1989.

The band had been gradually gaining recognition up to this release, but this song broke into the Oricon Top 10 and became the catalyst for Princess Princess’s big breakthrough.

Many women in their 50s may have covered and performed this song at high school or university festivals.

It’s a song from the era that rode the band-boom wave, so plenty of people will be familiar with it in that way.

For karaoke, the melody itself doesn’t have a wide range and is very easy to sing, but try to keep it light and make sure you don’t lag behind the slightly bouncy beat.

I can't stay a daydreaming girlNanae Aikawa62rank/position

Nanase Aikawa / I Can’t Be a Dreaming Girl

One of Nanase Aikawa’s signature songs, which catapulted her into the ranks of star singers under the production of Tetsurō Oda.

This catchy, rock-style track—also covered by Demon Kakka of Seikima-II as well as idol group Yumemiru Adolescence—remains a karaoke favorite across generations.

If you’re in your 50s, it probably hit right around your youth, so some of you might even say, “My band covered this song.” Many were drawn to the lyrics, which skillfully speak for a girl on the verge of becoming an adult.

It’s a highly recommended song for belting out at full power and forgetting all your worries!

TouchYoshimi Iwasaki63rank/position

Touch

This was Yoshimi Iwasaki’s 20th single, released in March 1985.

It was produced as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime “Touch,” based on the original work by Mitsuru Adachi, and thanks to the synergy with the popularity of both the manga and the anime, it became a major hit that won a Gold Disc that same year.

Incidentally, the B-side track, “Kimi ga Inakereba,” was used as the ending theme for the same anime.

It’s an upbeat, lively song, and the vocal melody stays within a range that most people can sing comfortably, so feel free to pick it for karaoke and have fun.

Be sure to emphasize the contrast between the crisply articulated sections like the chorus and the more legato sections elsewhere.