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

FriendsRebecca8rank/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.

Sorrow like snowShogo Hamada9rank/position

Sorrow Like Snow (single / 1992)

In 1992, it was chosen as the theme song for the smash-hit drama “Ai to Iu Na no Moto ni” and went on to sell over 1.

7 million copies—truly a classic among classics! In fact, this song was originally released by Shogo Hamada in 1981, and it reemerged 11 years later with a new arrangement thanks to the drama tie-in.

The universal theme—likening the sorrow we all carry within to quietly falling snow—still strikes a chord even today.

Listen to it alone on a cold winter night, and you’ll feel a warmth that gently melts a frozen heart.

Wine Red HeartSafe zone10rank/position

A Wine-Red Heart (Wine Red no Kokoro) — Anzen Chitai

This is the fourth single by the rock band Anzen Chitai, centered around Koji Tamaki, who continues to perform actively as a highly skilled singer.

It’s a famous song that most people have probably heard at least once, used as the ending theme for the TV drama “Machigai Darake no Otto Erabi” (Choosing the Wrong Husband).

The lyrics portray a mature and dangerous love affair, and the humid, moody sound creates a distinctly kayōkyoku atmosphere.

Sung with the kind of allure that only those in their 50s—the generation of the song—can bring, it could even captivate younger listeners.

It’s a number you’ll want to have ready for times when you’re unsure what to sing at karaoke—a crowd-pleaser that can liven up any session, no matter who you’re with.

BoyhoodYosui Inoue11rank/position

Yosui Inoue – Shonen Jidai (Live) NHK Hall 2014/5/22

The timeless classic “Shonen Jidai,” beloved across generations, is a song released by Yosui Inoue in 1990 as the theme for a film of the same name.

Commissioned directly by Fujiko Fujio A, the author of the original work, “Shonen Jidai” features a simple yet moving piano tone, along with a melody and lyrics that evoke a deep sense of Japanese nostalgia.

It’s truly remarkable, and its fame and popularity are such that it would be no exaggeration to call it a national song—indeed, it has even been included in junior high and high school music textbooks.

For those in their 50s as of 2023, 1990 would have been their late teens to twenties.

True to its title, it’s a song you’ll want to sing while recalling your own boyhood days—perhaps at a gathering with your elementary or junior high school classmates.

Romantic FlightKome Kome Club12rank/position

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

Known as one of Kome Kome Club’s signature songs, this piece captivates with its refreshing, upbeat melody and heartfelt lyrics.

Released in 1987, it became a popular track after being featured in a JAL commercial.

Included on the album “KOMEGUNY,” it’s praised as a work brimming with the talents of Carl Smoky Ishii.

Singing of passion for love and dreams, and the pursuit of life’s romance, the song continues to resonate with many.

It’s a tune that brings back fond memories while giving you the courage to look ahead—perfect for getting the crowd going at karaoke, too.

Lingering Snowdolphin13rank/position

Nagori-yuki – Iruka

It’s a classic song that represents 1970s folk music.

Although it’s a cover of a piece originally sung by the folk group Kaguyahime, her version became a huge hit and is still sung today.

The simple, unadorned lyrics are highly relatable, and above all, her voice and delivery fit the song perfectly.

There are many songs that depict the drama of leaving a small country station to head for Tokyo, but among them, Nagori Yuki is exceptional—if you listen with your eyes closed, vivid images come to life.

Unstoppable ha~haEikichi Yazawa14rank/position

Eikichi Yazawa - Tomaranai ha~ha

Eikichi Yazawa, affectionately known as Eikichi “Ei-chan,” is still going strong as a full-fledged rock star in the 2020s.

His concerts are famous for the electric atmosphere—like the iconic “Ei-chan call”—and equally famous is the “towel throw.” Even people who aren’t particularly into Yazawa’s music have at least heard about fans tossing towels, right? The song that gave birth to this “towel throw” tradition is Stoppenai Ha~Ha (Can’t Stop Ha~Ha), released in 1986.

Its tight beat, hard-driving guitars, and instantly memorable hooks make it easy to imagine the live crowd going wild just by listening.

Naturally, it’s a surefire hit at karaoke gatherings for people in their 50s, so try recreating the Yazawa world by everyone twirling towels—within reason so you don’t bother those around you!