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

ff (fortissimo)HOUND DOG29rank/position

ff (fortissimo)

HOUND DOG is a rock band that gained popularity with its masculine vocals.

The band’s vocalist, Kohei Otomo, continues to appear on variety shows and the like, so he’s fairly well known even among younger audiences.

The song I’d like to recommend is ff (Fortissimo).

It’s HOUND DOG’s biggest hit, featuring a powerful and straightforward melody.

While this track is often associated with belting, its highest note is hi A, so it’s not extremely high.

However, the lowest note is mid1 D, which can make it hard for people with higher voices to lower the key.

If you drop the key too much, the energy in the A-melody section can suffer, so it’s best to sing it in a way that allows you to hit the hi A parts as much as possible.

My RevolutionMisato Watanabe30rank/position

My Revolution

It’s an iconic cheer song from the ’80s, and many people probably feel their hearts swell just by listening to it.

This track, which fuses Misato Watanabe’s powerful vocals with Tetsuya Komuro’s dramatic song structure, was released in January 1986 as her fourth single.

Chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “Sailor-fuku Dori,” it became her first No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

The lyrics depict a strong resolve to change the future through one’s own strength, even in loneliness, stirring the hearts of many.

Also included on the album “Lovin’ you,” it remains a timeless classic that empowers those in their 50s—still in their prime at work and busy as parents—without losing any of its luster.

crimsonX JAPAN31rank/position

Crimson – KURENAI (Single Long Version)

Among the songs created by X JAPAN, Japan’s world-renowned rock band, this track released in 1989 is a masterpiece that expresses the deep sorrow of love and parting.

Characterized by fierce energy and passionate performance, YOSHIKI’s dramatic piano parts and HIDE’s striking guitar solo shake the listener to the core.

Issued as a re-cut single from the album BLUE BLOOD, it has become an indispensable number in their live shows.

As a work that symbolizes X JAPAN’s musical identity, it has had a significant influence on later songs as well.

When singing it at karaoke, we recommend immersing yourself in its passionate worldview and pouring your emotions into it.

It’s a perfect song for releasing work and everyday stress.

Valentine KissSayuri Kokusho32rank/position

Sayuri Kokusho (Kokusho Sayuri) – Valentine Kiss

Sayuri Kokusho, who debuted with Onyanko Club.

This is her big hit number, “Valentine Kiss.” Its simple lyrics and melody make it very easy to sing, and it became a huge hit at karaoke as well.

I’m sure many of you were completely charmed by the cute Kokusho.

It’s a very nostalgic number.

Can't Stop the RomanticC-C-B33rank/position

C-C-B / Romantic Doesn’t Stop 1985

C-C-B was an unconventional band at the time—the drummer was the vocalist and had pink hair, which made a strong impression.

With the huge hit “Romantic ga Tomaranai,” C-C-B instantly became stars and were extremely popular.

It’s a song from the era of the karaoke boom, and I’m sure many people sang it passionately.

It’s a number I’d love to enjoy at karaoke again after a long time.

Dancing Hero (Eat You Up)Yoko Oginome34rank/position

Yoko Oginome / Dancing Hero (Eat You Up) MV [New Dance Ver.] (Short Ver.)

This is Yoko Oginome’s seventh single, released in 1985.

At the time, she was a talented singing-and-dancing idol known for her short haircut and toned, curvy physique, scoring hit after hit with disco and Eurobeat-style tracks.

In 2017, the dance club of Tomioka High School performed it as a “bubble-era” dance, leading to a major revival hit.

You were mineToshinobu Kubota35rank/position

You were mine

This song, themed around heartbreak, stands out for its passionate vocals and rich musicality.

Toshinobu Kubota’s soul-stirring voice vividly portrays the pain of love.

Released in February 1988 and chosen as the theme song for a Fuji TV drama, it became a major hit—his first entry into the Top 3 on the Oricon charts—and ranked 10th on the year-end singles chart.

Blending R&B elements with lyrics that resonate deeply, this track is perfect for moments when you want to reminisce about love or find the strength to move on from a cherished goodbye.