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

God of RomanceKohmi Hirose15rank/position

Kohmi Hirose / God of Romance

Singer-songwriter Kōmi Hirose, known for her high musicality and distinctive personality, is beloved by a wide range of generations.

Her third single, “Romance no Kamisama,” which became a massive hit as the theme song for the ski equipment store Alpen’s commercial, cemented her image as the “Queen of Winter.” The chorus features a suddenly soaring melody that makes the song challenging, but it’s still fun to power through it with friends of the same generation.

For women in their 40s, it’s a brisk, pop tune that will likely bring back memories of the era.

HOWEVERGLAY16rank/position

GLAY / HOWEVER

This classic song by GLAY is filled with feelings for a loved one.

Its poignant yet powerful vocals and heart-touching melody are truly captivating.

While lamenting that the meeting with their beloved came too late, the lyrics also express that precisely because of that lateness, they can cherish the happiness they have now—something many listeners can relate to.

Released in 1997 and later used as a TV drama’s ending theme, this piece has continued to be beloved as a staple in live performances.

If you sing it at karaoke when you want to convey your feelings to someone special, it will surely resonate with them.

Why not try singing it while imagining GLAY’s soul-stirring vocals?

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko17rank/position

aiko - 'Kabutomushi' music video

Known as a song that beautifully depicts summer scenery, this piece is a masterful ballad that skillfully weaves together the changing seasons and the emotions of love.

Aiko’s clear, airy vocals and delicate lyrics vividly evoke summer memories and bittersweet feelings of romance.

Released in November 1999, this track has remained one of Aiko’s signature works, beloved by many.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a summer night under the stars, perfect as background music for a drive.

With lyrics that resonate with those in love, it’s also irresistibly singable at karaoke.

White kiteMy Little Lover18rank/position

My Little Lover “White Kite”

Younger listeners probably felt that this My Little Lover track is quintessentially summery.

At the same time, those who spent their youth in the ’90s may have had the sensation of being suddenly pulled back into a summer of that decade.

Released as a single in December 1995, the song is a refreshingly breezy tune overflowing with summertime imagery.

Beyond akko’s crystalline vocals, its contemporaneous UK rock flavor leaves a strong impression.

In 2021, it was also featured in a commercial for Suntory’s chu-hi “Horoyoi Shiroi Sour,” drawing renewed attention as a perfect song for the summer vibe.

cherrySpitz19rank/position

Spitz / Cherry

A gem-like love song whose gently enveloping, beautiful melody and pure words of love resonate in the heart.

The lyrics, filled with expectation and hope for the future, bring back memories with someone special and give you the courage to take a new step.

Released in April 1996, this signature song by Spitz topped the Oricon weekly chart and is also included on the album Indigo Chiheisen.

In 2019, it was featured in an NTT East Japan TV commercial, drawing renewed attention.

With its bright, refreshing melody and lyrics that stay close to the listener’s heart, the song’s tender, conversational singing style makes it a calming piece to enjoy.

Its relaxed tempo and comfortable vocal range make it easy for anyone to sing, so it’s also recommended for karaoke.

BELOVEDGLAY20rank/position

GLAY / BELOVED

GLAY’s “BELOVED,” known as a karaoke classic, resonates with a uniquely emotive melody.

It’s perfect for middle-aged men to express restrained feelings directly and rekindle the passionate memories of their youth.

Skillfully highlighting TERU’s high notes will liven up the atmosphere even more, and taking on that challenge tends to boost favorability with women.

That said, be mindful of the song’s high vocal range; adjusting the key can make it easier to sing.

With lyrics that strike the heart and an energetic appeal, “BELOVED” is beloved across generations.

If you’re unsure what to pick for karaoke, you can’t go wrong with this timeless hit.

frustrated lipsMariko Takahashi21rank/position

frustrated lips

Mariko Takahashi has remained popular since the 1970s.

She’s an exceptionally long-running artist who stayed at the forefront into the 1990s.

Because of that, I think even women in their 40s are quite familiar with her songs.

Among her works, the one I especially recommend is Hagayui Kuchibiru (“Frustrated Lips”).

It’s a striking piece featuring vocals influenced by Showa-era kayōkyoku and the distinctive synth sounds of the early ’90s.

In this song, the chorus reaches the highest notes, but it stays within the mid-to-high range overall, and the long sustained notes only appear in the lower register.

As a result, it’s a very singable tune for women with lower voices.