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

Roppongi HeartbreakAnn Lewis15rank/position

ANN LEWIS W/PINX “Roppongi Shinju” A・A・OH! ’86 LIVE at Nakano Sunplaza

For women in their 50s, when you think of female rock singers, Anne Lewis is probably the first that comes to mind, isn’t she? Among her songs, the one that boasts overwhelming popularity and singability is Roppongi Shinju.

The vocal range of this piece is mid2D to hiA, which is quite narrow for a female song.

Because many of the pitches suit a male vocalist’s range, it’s easy for men to sing, while women will need to adjust the key.

However, there’s plenty of room to shift the key both up and down, so this shouldn’t be a barrier.

Singing it with a rough, gritty edge will heighten the excitement, so give that approach a try.

Sneaker BluesMasahiko Kondo16rank/position

Sneaker Blues - Masahiko Kondo

A classic song that strikingly combines poignancy and strength, depicting the breakup of lovers who raced through the season of youth.

With fond memories of time spent together in matching sneakers held close to their hearts, the pure emotions of young love overflow in a stirring melody and vocals that many listeners will find relatable.

Released in December 1980 as Masahiko Kondo’s debut single and used as the theme song for the film “Youth Graffiti: Sneaker Blues,” it debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

It’s a track that resonates even more deeply now with nostalgic memories as the years have passed.

Perfect for reliving past romances and getting fired up at karaoke with friends.

B BLUEBOØWY17rank/position

BOØWY / B・BLUE promotion video

It’s a song marked by passionate guitar riffs and a catchy melody.

The lyrics, sung over a brisk beat, portray the complex emotions of lovers.

Even while carrying loneliness and a sense of loss, it conveys a strength to keep moving forward.

Released in September 1986, this track is widely known as one of BOØWY’s signature works.

Issued as the lead single from the album “BEAT EMOTION,” it became the band’s first entry into the Oricon Top 10.

Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy resonant lyrics and a powerful sound alongside nostalgic memories!

Night of 15Yutaka Ozaki18rank/position

Yutaka Ozaki - Fifteen's Night (with lyrics)

It’s one of Yutaka Ozaki’s signature songs, released in 1983! I imagine many people in their 50s listened to it in real time back then.

He was a charismatic icon among young people at the time, wasn’t he? His appeal has continued to be talked about even after his passing, and I think many young people today also know his songs.

In that sense, it’s a track that not only people in their 50s but listeners across generations can enjoy together at karaoke.

foreignerSaki Kubota19rank/position

Stranger by Saki Kubota

For those in their 50s, this must be a very nostalgic number: “Ihōjin.” It’s a song that represents the Showa era.

Saki Kubota had a lovely, simple singing voice.

It’s a wonderful work that transcends time, so I hope it will continue to be sung for years to come.

It’s also a number I can recommend to people in their 40s.

In the Sun and the DustCHAGE and ASKA20rank/position

[MV] In the Sun and Dust / CHAGE and ASKA

A gem of a melody that portrays the dreams and setbacks of youth—and the strength to overcome them.

Released to the world by CHAGE and ASKA in January 1991, this work captures the persistence of those who keep pursuing their dreams, set to a 16-beat rhythm infused with a Western pop sensibility.

The chorus, simple yet striking, has a familiar charm that makes you want to sing along.

A single cut from the album “SEE YA,” it was featured in Nissin Foods’ “Cup Noodles Red Zone” campaign and as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s TIME3, becoming a major hit with cumulative sales exceeding 500,000 copies.

It’s a song that gently pushes you forward when you want to keep running toward unseen dreams—or when you find yourself at a crossroads in life.

I LOVE YOUYutaka Ozaki21rank/position

Yutaka Ozaki – I LOVE YOU (Official Music Video)

A masterpiece that vividly portrays the feelings of youth is included on the 1983 album “Seventeen’s Map.” Accompanied by a beautiful piano melody, it sings of the poignant love between two who are far too young, moving the hearts of many.

It is said that Yutaka Ozaki completed the song in just a day or two, a testament to his remarkable talent.

In March 1991, it was re-released as a single and reached No.

5 on the Oricon charts.

It also gained wide support as it was featured in a JR Tokai commercial.

This is a song you’ll want to listen to when reminiscing about someone dear or when you wish to feel pure love.