[40s] Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers Ranking [2025]

cherrySpitz8rank/position

Spitz / Cherry

It’s a masterpiece whose clear, beautiful melody resonates deep in the heart.

It weaves together memories of a faint romance and the resolve to move forward after overcoming them.

Released in April 1996 as one of Spitz’s signature songs, it topped the Oricon charts and became a million-seller.

It’s also very popular for karaoke and is sure to liven up drinking parties and school reunions.

It’s the perfect song for men in their 40s who feel nostalgic about their youth.

WHITE BREATHT.M.Revolution9rank/position

T.M.Revolution 『WHITE BREATH』

It’s a heartwarming song that wraps winter’s chill in the warmth of love.

T.

M.

Revolution’s soaring high notes are striking, making it perfect for the cold season.

It was even used as the opening theme for NHK’s TV show “Pop Jam.” Released in October 1997, it became a huge hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

If you’re singing it at karaoke, it’s a great pick for the colder months.

Sing it with a partner or friends, and it’s sure to warm both your heart and body!

Surfing JohnnyKeisuke Kuwata10rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Surfing Johnny (Full ver.)

Naminori Johnny by Keisuke Kuwata, released under his solo name on July 4, 2001.

It’s a summer tune where the lively rhythm perfectly matches Kuwata’s signature style.

The song was featured in the “No Reason” cola campaign commercial in which he appeared, as well as in a UNIQLO “LifeWear” commercial, and it became a massive hit as his first solo single to sell over a million copies.

It’s said that Kuwata had been holding onto the title since his college days.

In the music video, there’s even a scene of Kuwata himself surfing without a stunt double, so be sure to check that out! The lyrics resonate strongly with men, making it a nostalgic classic you’ll definitely want to sing at karaoke.

As I love you selfishly, I won’t hurt anyone but you.B’z11rank/position

B'z / As Love Is, As Selfish As I Am, I Won't Hurt Anyone But You

“Ai no mama ni wagamama ni boku wa kimi dake o kizutsukenai” is a song released in 1993 by the rock duo B’z.

Sing it at karaoke and the length of the title alone will be a great conversation starter—instant crowd-pleaser! The track sold over two million copies and achieved an extraordinary run on the Oricon charts, ranking No.

1 for four consecutive weeks.

As a result, it’s beloved across generations as one of B’z’s signature songs.

It was also used as the theme song for the 1993 remake of the TV drama Journey to the West (Saiyuki).

If you’re from the same generation, it might help you bond with others who watched the show too!

The Theory of HappinessRingo Sheena12rank/position

Sheena Ringo – The Theory of Happiness

Shiina Ringo’s signature song “Koufukuron” (“The Theory of Happiness”).

Unlike her current style, this was a hit from the period when she was singing fairly mainstream pop.

It’s an upbeat track, but the melodies in the A and B sections are deliberately dropped by a semitone to create a sense of unease.

As a result, even though it’s bright pop, it somehow comes across with a bit of a punk edge.

A gentle feelingChara13rank/position

Chara “Yasashii Kimochi” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Chara, a female singer-songwriter who gained popularity for her distinctive musicality.

Many women in their 40s might have been fans of hers, right? Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is Yasashii Kimochi.

It’s a track that balances both a gothic feel and cuteness.

The vocal range is on the higher side at mid2 A# to hi D#, but the overall span is relatively narrow.

Using breath-based techniques such as hiccups can instantly elevate the quality, so try singing while referencing her breathing style.

Romantic FlightKome Kome Club14rank/position

Kome Kome Club “Roman Hikō” [SHARISHARISM ACE -THE 8TH OF ACE-]

Formed by nine members, Kome Kome Club announced their reunion in 2006 and, though at a slow pace, have continued to work steadily ever since.

Their 10th single, “Roman Hikō,” was created with the aim of being used in an airline commercial, and, just as intended, it was selected as the CM song for JAL’s Okinawa travel “JAL STORY Summer Rikyu Campaign.” Its distinctive vocals riding over a buoyant, floating ensemble will likely take men in their 40s back to those days.

With an overall low key, it’s easy to sing at karaoke—a track that’s sure to overlap with memories of youth.