[50s] Karaoke Songs That Get the Crowd Going: 2025 Rankings

Crossing Amagi PassSayuri Ishikawa71rank/position

Crossing Amagi — Sayuri Ishikawa

Speaking of Sayuri Ishikawa, she is one of Japan’s leading enka singers.

Her smash hit “Amagi-goe” is a song that can be enjoyed by people from their forties to seniors.

I’m sure many used to sing it passionately at karaoke.

It feels great when you nail that final high note.

It’s also a recommended number for family karaoke.

TRAIN-TRAINTHE BLUE HEARTS72rank/position

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS 'TRAIN-TRAIN' [3rd Single (1988/11/23)] THE BLUE HEARTS / TRAIN-TRAIN

A rock tune that stays close to each listener and keeps delivering a powerful message.

With its straightforward spirit and energetic performance, this is a signature work by THE BLUE HEARTS that truly breaks through.

Hidden within are hints for finding your own way of life—guidance for the road of life.

After its release in November 1988, it ranked for five consecutive weeks on a TBS music program, and starting in January 1989 it was also chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “High School Graffiti.” This track has become a staple at sporting events as well, used as a cheer song in high school baseball and as walk-up music by many professional baseball players.

It’s recommended for times when you’re feeling down, ready to take a new step forward, or standing at a crossroads in life.

It’s a song that’s sure to give you courage and hope.

Subtly flashy (bling-bling, but nonchalant)Masahiko Kondo73rank/position

Gingiragin ni Sarigenaku by Masahiko Kondo

This is the fourth single by singer Masahiko Kondo, who, along with Toshihiko Tahara and Yoshio Nomura, dominated the idol scene of the 1980s as one of the “Tanokin Trio.” The song was featured in commercials for House Foods’ “Curry Kukure” and Fujifilm’s “Utsurun Desu” disposable cameras, and upon its 1981 release it became a massive hit, sweeping newcomer awards across the board.

With arrangements that spotlight a lush brass section and a straightforward vocal delivery, it’s a track that will likely bring back memories of youth for those in their 50s.

If possible, it’s best presented with the dance performance included—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at karaoke with people of the same generation.

Playback part 2Momoe Yamaguchi74rank/position

Playback Part 2 (May 1, 1978) / Momoe Yamaguchi

Here’s a song by Momoe Yamaguchi released in 1978.

It’s a collaboration by the pair Yohko Aki and Ryudo Uzaki.

The lyrics even reference a hit song by Kenji Sawada from that time, showcasing the stylish flair of the era’s kayōkyoku.

The guitar is used effectively and sounds really cool, too.

But when you think that Momoe was still a teenager when she sang this, you can’t help but feel she was an artist with an incredibly mature aura.

If you enjoy this wonderful Showa-era classic at karaoke, it’ll definitely get the crowd going.

A Tearful RequestThe Checkers75rank/position

A Tearful Request

The Checkers’ classic “Namida no Request.” It’s a rock-style song infused with the essence of kayōkyoku, yet it also has a refreshing quality reminiscent of surf music.

It’s popular with both women and men, and in fact, it’s exceptionally easy to sing.

The biggest reason is the relatively flat vocal line.

There are no phrases that require dramatic rises and falls in pitch.

On top of that, the range—mid1 F# to hi D#—is a generally accessible one, making it, overall, a very easy song to sing.

Erotica SevenSouthern All Stars76rank/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.

Love Story Comes SuddenlyKazumasa Oda77rank/position

Kazumasa Oda - Love Story Suddenly

Singer-songwriter Kazumasa Oda, who rose to popularity with his high-toned voice tinged with transience and his playful character, continues to be highly active today.

“Love Story wa Totsuzen ni,” written as the theme song for the quintessential trendy drama Tokyo Love Story, was originally included as the B-side to his sixth single, “Oh! Yeah!” Its airy, urban arrangement still feels timeless even now.

It’s a pop tune whose massive success makes perfect sense—the opening guitar alone brings back iconic scenes from the drama.