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

Chaco’s Seaside StorySouthern All Stars50rank/position

Chako's Beach Story / Southern All Stars (with lyrics)

For people in their 50s, Southern All Stars might well be a band that has accompanied them through life.

You partied to Southern’s songs, you cried to their tunes, and when you look back on your life, countless memories play back alongside their music.

“Chako no Kaigan Monogatari” is one of those songs packed with nostalgia.

Its lyrics, which poignantly describe the ache of “the one you love just not feeling the same way,” brim with Keisuke Kuwata’s signature touch in all the right places.

And of course, Haru Yoko’s crystal-clear backing vocals are moving to tears.

It’s a perfect song for a group of folks in their 50s to sing together at karaoke.

A Cruel Angel's ThesisYoko Takahashi51rank/position

“Cruel Angel’s Thesis” MUSIC VIDEO (HD ver.) / Zankoku na Tenshi no Te-ze “The Cruel Angel’s Thesis”

This was Yoko Takahashi’s 11th single, released in October 1995.

It was produced as the opening theme for the hit TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, and thanks in part to the anime’s popularity, it became a major hit, earning double platinum certification.

It’s a classic still sung in karaoke, so an explanation like this is hardly necessary! Musically, it’s up-tempo and very catchy, and the vocal melody doesn’t demand extremely high or low notes, making it an essential pick when you want to liven things up at karaoke.

Don’t sweat the small stuff—just get everyone hyped and have fun!

Don't give up on your dreamsTakako Okamura52rank/position

Takako Okamura “Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

After her success as a member of Amin, Takako Okamura also flourished as a singer-songwriter.

She has an exceptionally clear voice and excels at simple vocals that make the most of her tone.

“Yume wo Akiramenaide” is one of her signature songs.

Its range is narrow and there’s not much vibrato, so simply staying on pitch is enough to aim for a high score.

While the scarcity of long tones makes it a bit harder to rack up bonus points with vibrato or falls, the pitch is undeniably easy to follow—so definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.

God of RomanceKohmi Hirose53rank/position

Kohmi Hirose – God of Romance (Official Video)

Kohmi Hirose is a singer-songwriter who has garnered attention on YouTube for her high level of musical sophistication and eccentric personality.

Her third single, “Romance no Kamisama,” used as the commercial song for the ski goods retailer Alpen, became a massive hit that led to her nickname “Queen of Winter.” The lyrics’ storyline reflects the era in which it was released and will likely feel nostalgic to those of that generation.

It’s also a great pick for karaoke, but since it’s quite a high-pitched song, be sure to sing it in a key that suits your voice.

Swaying feelingsZARD54rank/position

Swaying Feelings (What a beautiful memory 2007)

ZARD was a music unit that ended its activities following the sudden passing of vocalist Izumi Sakai.

Their 8th single, “Yureru Omoi,” used in Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat commercial, became a million-seller and is widely known as one of ZARD’s signature songs.

The gentle vocals and clear, transparent ensemble offer a soothing experience just by listening.

It’s a refreshing pop tune that we especially hope people in their 50s—the generation that grew up with it—will sing at karaoke.

huge nuisanceUnicorn55rank/position

Unicorn - “Great Nuisance”

A blissful newlywed life in a brand-new home is shattered by a sudden solo assignment away from the family.

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This is a UNICORN song that portrays the sorrows and inner conflicts of a salaryman with plenty of humor.

Its dramatic melody, fused with orchestral elements, perfectly matches the song’s unique worldview, resulting in a masterpiece that sharply satirizes Japanese society during the bubble era.

Released in April 1989 as the lead single from the album “Hattori,” it reached No.

12 on the Oricon charts and remains immensely popular among fans.

With lyrics that empathize with the feelings of corporate warriors and a catchy, karaoke-friendly melody line, it’s perfect for gatherings where friends want to reminisce.

Seventeen-Year-Old's MapYutaka Ozaki56rank/position

Yutaka Ozaki - Seventeen’s Map - Koriyama Civic Cultural Center

This was the second single by Yutaka Ozaki, who passed away in April 1992, released in 1984.

Many people were probably shocked by the lyrics, which straightforwardly hurl the frustrations of a 17-year-old boy at school and society, and by Ozaki’s vocals, which convey those feelings directly.

Among artists working in a similar vein at the time was Shogo Hamada, but while Hamada tended to express himself by raising issues about society and schools, I feel Ozaki more directly spoke on behalf of young people’s feelings.

I first heard this song when I was 17—just like the title—so there were many aspects of its world that I strongly related to.

For those now in their 50s as of 2021, I imagine many encountered this song in real time with similar feelings.

I think it would be nice to sing it while remembering that pure time in your own life.