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

Love Doesn't Stop ~Turn It Into Love~Wink92rank/position

Love Won’t Stop ~Turn it Into Love~ / Wink [Official Music Video]

A gemlike love song that captures the bittersweet feelings everyone experiences at least once—the unstoppable stirrings of romance that sprout from friendship.

Released in November 1988 and gaining attention as the theme song for the drama “I Want to Chase You!”, the track reached No.

1 on the Oricon chart the following year, selling approximately 645,000 copies.

With a swelling premonition of love in one’s heart and emotions that can’t be contained even after learning the other person already has a partner, this timeless classic speaks to all who resonate with that poignant ache.

BOY MEETS GIRLTRF93rank/position

TRF / BOY MEETS GIRL

TRF, a five-member co-ed dance and vocal group that earned immense popularity with high-quality performances powerful enough to turn any venue into a disco.

Their 7th single, “BOY MEETS GIRL,” which was hastily produced at the request of Coca-Cola, is notable for its driving techno sound.

Because the melody is simple, it’s easy to sing even for people of that generation when choosing it at karaoke.

Featuring an ensemble that epitomizes the TK sound of the 1990s and elevates the mood, it stands as one of TRF’s signature songs.

Boy in the back alleyShogo Hamada94rank/position

Backstreet Boy (ON THE ROAD “FILMS”)

Shogo Hamada—his fans lovingly call him Hama-sho or Hamasho.

Beyond his songs, many people in their 50s found themselves resonating with his gestures, words, and way of life, and followed in his footsteps.

Of course, a lot of us picked up the guitar because we admired Hamasho, right? His signature song “Rojiura no Shōnen” (Backstreet Kid) is one I’ve listened to more times than I can count.

From the lyrics, I feel the kind of strength a boy gains as he grows into a young man.

How about you? It’s said there are five versions of this song, including the album version on J.

BOY.

Even if you’re short on time, please give it a listen!

Broken RadioHidemasa Tokunaga95rank/position

Hideaki Tokunaga – The Broken Radio

Released in 1990, this work is known as one of Hideaki Tokunaga’s signature songs.

Centered on the theme of radio—a former emotional lifeline—it features lyrics that evoke nostalgia for an innocent boyhood and the feelings that fade as we grow older.

Chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “Tokai no Mori,” Tokunaga himself also made a cameo appearance in the series.

Its warm melody and bittersweet lyrics have resonated with many listeners and have been loved for many years.

Stirring feelings of nostalgia and empathy, this song reminds people in their 50s of their youthful days.

Sing it at karaoke, and it will surely strike a chord with those of the same generation.

Cactus FlowerKazuo Zaitsu96rank/position

Kazuo Zaitsu: Cactus Flower (theme song of “Under One Roof”)

Cactus Flower, the eighth single released by Tulip in 1975.

In 1993, it was remade by Kazuo Zaitsu, the former leader of Tulip, as the theme song for the drama “Cactus Flower: Under One Roof,” and became a revival hit.

Because of that, it’s widely known across generations, making it a great recommendation when people in their 50s are unsure what to sing at karaoke.

It’s a classic that people in their 50s can sing and everyone will be captivated by, so give it a try.

Red Sweet PeaSeiko Matsuda97rank/position

Red Sweet Pea – Seiko Matsuda

This classic song that beautifully sings of sweet, bittersweet first love was released by Seiko Matsuda in 1982.

Composed by Yumi Matsutoya with lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto, this luxurious collaboration was issued as Matsuda’s eighth single.

By adopting a slow ballad style, it became known as a turning point in her musical career.

The refreshing melody that evokes the arrival of spring harmonizes perfectly with lyrics depicting the delicate feelings of a girl in love, resulting in a track cherished by listeners across generations.

It’s also a karaoke staple, enjoyed by people of all ages.

I'm glad I met you.Kyoko Koizumi98rank/position

Kyoko Koizumi – I'm Glad I Met You (Official Video)

Kyoko Koizumi, an idol who was hugely active from the late ’80s through the ’90s.

Her song “Anata ni Aete Yokatta” was released in 1992, and from around this track she began putting out increasingly original, distinctive songs.

This work emphasizes catchiness, featuring a very singable vocal line throughout.

In particular, the range—mid1 G# to hi B—is quite narrow for a female song, so as long as you adjust the key, it should be easy for singers of any voice type to perform.