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

GLORIAZIGGY29rank/position

ZIGGY「GLORIA」

ZIGGY is one of the rock bands that sparked the band boom of the ’80s.

Their hallmark sound was influenced by LA metal and bad-boys rock, and they were especially known for their upbeat songs.

Speaking of ZIGGY’s classics, isn’t “GLORIA” the first that comes to mind? The vocal line in this song spans a fairly narrow range, from mid1 G to mid2 G, and the pitch movement isn’t very dramatic.

There’s a hi C used as a vocal embellishment, but since this is an ad-lib section that doesn’t earn extra points in karaoke scoring, you don’t need to stick to the original pitch there if the height is too demanding.

Rose of PassionTHE BLUE HEARTS30rank/position

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS 'Rose of Passion' [6th Single (1990/7/25)] THE BLUE HEARTS / Jyounetsu no Bara

A classic hit released by THE BLUE HEARTS in the 1990s.

The lyrics, themed around a passionate rose, express eternity, truth, and the inner conflicts of human beings.

Carrying a message to nurture the powerful emotions deep within our hearts, it has become a song that resonates with many.

Released in July 1990, it became the band’s first single to reach No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

It was also used as a TV drama theme song and has been loved across generations.

Its catchy chorus and Hiroto Kōmoto’s powerful vocals leave a strong impression, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at karaoke.

It’s perfect for moments like company parties or class reunions when you want to have fun while feeling a touch of nostalgia.

I'm glad I met you.Kyoko Koizumi31rank/position

Kyoko Koizumi – I'm Glad I Met You (Official Video)

Kyoko Koizumi’s classic song “I’m Glad I Met You.” Although Kyoko Koizumi has solid vocal ability, she actually has a narrow vocal range, and most of her songs don’t feature long high notes.

Among her tracks, this one is especially recommended.

The key changes in the chorus, but just as the energy rises, the melody drops in pitch, making it a comfortable vocal line for women with lower voices or those who struggle with high notes.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

Promise of SunflowersMotohiro Hata32rank/position

Motohiro Hata / Promise of a Sunflower (Short Ver.)

Singer-songwriter Motohiro Hata, beloved for his gentle vocals and cute persona, has gained widespread popularity.

His 17th single, “Himawari no Yakusoku” (Promise of a Sunflower), became a major hit, serving not only as the theme song for the 3D CGI animated film “STAND BY ME Doraemon” but also appearing in numerous commercials.

Its love-filled lyrics can take on a different shade of meaning when sung by a woman.

Although it’s a male artist’s song, the overall key is relatively high, making it a karaoke track that many women may find easier to sing.

TOMORROWMayo Okamoto33rank/position

Mayo Okamoto “TOMORROW” Music Video

It’s one of the iconic cheer-up songs of the 1990s, and surely there are many women who, even after turning 40, still find strength in it.

Released in 1995 as Mayu Okamoto’s debut single, “TOMORROW” was a massive hit, selling over two million copies.

Even in the Reiwa era, it remains a universally beloved anthem.

The melody, delivered with Okamoto’s straightforward and clear voice, is very easy to sing, and it doesn’t include the high-note sections typical of many hits from that time, so even those with lower voices can feel at ease.

Since the song overall has a bouncy rhythm, it’s good to sing it with crisp articulation while paying attention to the dynamics of the melodic accents.

Winter, againGLAY34rank/position

GLAY / Winter, again

In the 1990s, when the visual kei movement dominated the J-pop scene, GLAY—a four-member rock band—stood out for capturing a particularly wide audience.

Their 16th single, “Winter, again,” which paints the landscapes of their home of Hokkaido, became a million-selling hit and drew attention for winning both the Japan Record Award and the Japan Cable Radio Award.

The overall key is high, and the pitch climbs even further in the chorus, so be sure to adjust the key to suit your voice when singing it at karaoke.

For those in their 40s, it’s a rock ballad masterpiece that’s sure to bring back memories of their youth.

countrysideKoji Tamaki35rank/position

Koji Tamaki “Rural Landscape” (HD)

For those now in their 40s who spent their youth in the 1990s, many probably think of Koji Tamaki more as an actor or solo singer than as a member of Anzen Chitai.

In particular, Den-en, released in 1996 as a solo single by Tamaki, was a massive hit that went double platinum and was frequently sung at karaoke back then.

Tamaki is a singer so highly regarded for his overwhelming vocal ability that he’s respected by fellow professionals, but Den-en is composed with a very singable melody and sits in a relatively low key overall, making it a song that can score high at karaoke regardless of vocal timbre.

The only caveat is that some parts are a bit fast-paced, so it’s a good idea to memorize the lyrics thoroughly and practice until you can sing it smoothly.