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

River of Ten Thousand MilesCHAGE and ASKA57rank/position

[LIVE] The River of Ten Thousand Miles / CHAGE and ASKA / THE Summer Festival Osaka Castle LIVE

The 3rd single “Banri no Kawa,” which marked their first-ever entry into the Oricon Weekly Top 10.

Its lyrical words and melodically oriental atmosphere evoke a sense of nostalgia just by listening.

The melody line, reminiscent of folk songs and enka, is simple and easy to sing, but be careful—the fast melody in the chorus makes it tricky to keep pitch.

With an ensemble that conveys a wistful mood and feels pleasant to the ear, it’s a number that’s enjoyable to sing at karaoke as well.

Lullaby of the Holy MothersHiromi Iwasaki58rank/position

Lullaby of the Holy Mothers

This is Hiromi Iwasaki’s 28th single in total, first released in May 1982.

Incidentally, it was re-released in October 1993 as the second theme song for Tuesday Suspense Theater.

Although it may seem a bit subdued for a song introduced as one to get excited about, it might not be a bad idea to bask in the mood of the piece and reminisce about those days.

Please enjoy it together with Hiromi Iwasaki’s incredibly captivating and sophisticated vocal technique and expressive power.

Season in the SunTUBE59rank/position

Season in the Sun

As a refreshing classic that evokes the end of summer, it continues to resonate with many people.

Known as one of TUBE’s signature songs, it was released in June 1986 and was also used in a Kirin Beer commercial.

It features an urban vibe that conjures images of the Shonan coast and a distinctive sound shaped by maj7 chord progressions.

The lyrics, expressing the bittersweetness of summer romance, poignantly capture a fleeting moment of youth and convey a desire to stop time and let a beautiful instant last forever.

Hanni from NewJeans delivered a stunning cover on a Japanese TV program, bringing renewed attention to this masterpiece not only among its original generation of fans but also younger audiences.

CHA-CHA-CHAAkemi Ishii60rank/position

CHA-CHA-CHA / Akemi Ishii

Akemi Ishii, a singer who was scouted while working part-time as a club vocalist, made her debut soon after.

Her first single, “CHA-CHA-CHA,” known as a cover of a Finzi-Contini song, was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Danjo 7-nin Natsu Monogatari” (Seven Men and Women: Summer Story).

Its atmosphere evokes the nightlife vibe, making it perfect for karaoke.

For those in their 50s—the generation who lived through that era—it’s a pop tune you’ll want to keep in your repertoire, one that lets you sink into the memories of the time.

Just by you being hereKome Kome Club61rank/position

[Kome Kome Club] Just Having You - STAGE MIX

Kome Kome Club is a nine-member band that rose to popularity with their glamorous live performances and now continues at its own pace while releasing new music.

Their 13th single “Kimi ga Iru Dake de,” released as a double A-side with “Aishiteru,” was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Sugao no Mama de.” Despite its catchy and refreshing melody, the overall key is low, making it relatively easy for men in their 50s to sing.

As a song that achieved double million sales and is widely known across generations, it’s a pop tune well worth adding to your karaoke repertoire.

UFOPink Lady62rank/position

UFO [Furitsuke] / PINK LADY

This single by Pink Lady, released in 1977, became their biggest hit and was also used in a commercial for Yakisoba U.

F.

O.

, which had already been on the market at the time.

With outfits, choreography, lyrics, and overall vibe that were innovative for that era, every aspect was so striking that it became a social phenomenon—most children could sing and dance to it.

It’s the kind of song that would bring a group of people in their 50s together in a lively sing-and-dance frenzy.

Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children63rank/position

Mr.Children 「Tomorrow never knows」 MUSIC VIDEO

Mr.

Children is a four-member rock band now known by everyone as a monster act that has produced numerous hit songs.

Their sixth single, “Tomorrow never knows,” used as the theme song for the TV drama All About Youth (Wakamono no Subete), is a double million seller with sales approaching three million copies.

Its striking intro and wistful lyrics are sure to stir the hearts of those in their 50s.

As a universally recognized hit tune, it’s a number that will liven up any karaoke session, no matter the generation of the group.