[40s] Karaoke Popularity Rankings by Generation [2025]

DiamondsPRINCESS PRINCESS78rank/position

[MV] Diamonds / Misaki Aono

Princess Princess, a trailblazing all-girl band.

“Diamonds” was their seventh single, released in 1989, and it became a million seller.

It turned into their biggest hit and is a familiar tune thanks to being featured in numerous commercials.

It’s a breezy, poppy song with a feel-good melody that makes your body move naturally.

I’d love to see women in their 40s sing it—always shining like diamonds no matter their age! Invite your friends and let’s all have a great time together.

Crimson MoonJun Shibata79rank/position

Jun Shibata – Crimson Moon (MV)

Jun Shibata is a female singer-songwriter whose melancholic vocals and distinctive allure leave a strong impression.

While she may not be a household-name mainstream artist, many women in their 40s likely listened to her often in their 20s.

Among her songs, the one I particularly recommend is Guren no Tsuki (Crimson Moon).

It features a touch of falsetto, but it’s brief and kept in a low register, so even those who aren’t confident in their singing should be able to handle it without strain.

If you want it to sound even better, sing with emotion and emphasize dynamic contrast.

DESIRE -Passion-Akina Nakamori80rank/position

Akina Nakamori - DESIRE (Passion)

Akina Nakamori is an idol with a mature aura that’s rare among today’s idols.

While people in their 40s may not be her direct generation, many households likely had siblings or parents who were obsessed with her.

Among her songs, “DESIRE -Jounetsu-” is one I especially recommend.

It does require a somewhat advanced sense of phrasing, but since it doesn’t go into high notes and, aside from the end of the chorus, doesn’t feature long sustained tones, it’s very easy to sing even for those who aren’t confident in their pitch.

instinctRingo Sheena81rank/position

Ringo Sheena – Instinct

Ringo Sheena’s songs, which depict instinctive human desires, impulses, and inner conflicts, are captivating for their distinctive sound grounded in alternative rock and interwoven with elements of jazz and classical music.

Candidly portraying emotions such as jealousy and narcissism, they also express an adult reality that has shed the moratorium of youth.

Released in October 1999, this work was selected as the ending theme for the Nippon TV music program “FUN” and reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

Its music video—set in a hospital with innovative direction—also drew attention, winning the BEST FEMALE VIDEO award at the SPACE SHOWER MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS.

With powerful vocals and highly message-driven lyrics, it’s a recommended track for those who want to enjoy self-expression at karaoke.

WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Sometimes You Gotta Make a MovementH Jungle with T82rank/position

WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Sometimes Start a Movement~ (Two Million Mix)

H Jungle with t is a musical unit by Masatoshi Hamada of Downtown and Tetsuya Komuro.

The unit was born from the popular TV show “HEY! HEY! HEY! MUSIC CHAMP,” and their track “WOW WAR TONIGHT ~Sometimes You’ve Gotta Make a Move~” became explosively popular.

Classified in the genre known as jungle, this work is arranged with a reggae flavor throughout.

Although it features some somewhat loud sections, the overall vocal range isn’t wide, making it easy to sing and perfect for getting everyone hyped at karaoke.

innocent worldMr.Children83rank/position

Mr.Children 「innocent world」 MUSIC VIDEO

Mr.

Children’s iconic song “innocent world,” which reigned at the center of 1990s J-pop, continues to be loved across generations for its moving message.

It’s a karaoke staple that still evokes fresh emotion every time you hear it.

With its exhilarating sound and comfortable vocals, singing it at karaoke is sure to brighten the atmosphere around you.

It’s a tune that not only appeals to a specific audience but is easy for a wide range of listeners to hum along to, leading many to reevaluate it as a memorable classic.

While some parts are not easy to sing, that challenge makes it all the more rewarding—so we hope you’ll give it a try at least once.

Like when we first metEvery Little Thing84rank/position

"Like When We First Met" MUSIC VIDEO / Every Little Thing

For many women now in their 40s who spent their teenage years to early twenties in the mid-to-late 1990s, Every Little Thing holds a special place.

Back then, plenty of people imitated Kaori Mochida’s fashion and hairstyles.

ELT’s classic songs are still hugely popular at karaoke even in the Reiwa era, but if you’re aiming for a high score, we recommend the 1997 hit “Deatta Koro no You ni.” Its quintessential late-’90s Avex-style sound and melody make it very easy to sing, and since there aren’t any tricky sections, it’s less likely you’ll go off-pitch.

The overall key is on the higher side, so if you have a lower voice, try adjusting the key to suit you before singing.