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

if…DA PUMP57rank/position

DA PUMP / if… (short ver.)

DA PUMP, the dance and vocal group that experienced a resurgence thanks to the 2018 smash hit “U.

S.

A.

,” saw their 12th single “if.

.

.” become the group’s biggest hit and a signature song from their early years.

For those in their 40s—the generation that grew up with it—the emotional melody is memorable, of course, but many likely also recall the handsome-sounding rap.

If possible, it’s a catchy yet wistful number that we’d love to see sung by two men at karaoke.

Can’t Stop Fallin’ in Loveglobe58rank/position

globe / Can’t Stop Fallin’ in Love

A signature hit by globe that colored the winter of 1996.

Its lyrics poignantly depict the moment of falling in love, set to a danceable rhythm with synth-pop elements.

It sold over 1.

3 million copies in total and became a major hit, topping the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for two consecutive weeks.

It was also chosen as the campaign song for JR East’s “JR ski ski,” making it a defining track of the winter season at the time.

If you sing it at karaoke, you can take on KEIKO’s distinctive tone and expressive vocals.

Try practicing before a ski trip with friends and liven up the slopes.

instinctRingo Sheena59rank/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.

366 daysHY60rank/position

HY – 366 Days (Official Music Video)

HY is a four-member hybrid band based in their hometown of Okinawa Prefecture, pursuing both music and the production of a natural brand.

Their song “366 Days,” used as the theme song for the film Threads of Destiny, is included on their fifth album HeartY, which shares its title with the natural brand.

The lyrics, drawn from real-life experiences, may resonate strongly with listeners in their 40s, who can easily relate them to their own lives.

With vocals that are both powerful and heartrending, this is a beloved track that crosses generations.

Even when I become an old ladyChisato Moritaka61rank/position

Chisato Moritaka “Even If I Become an Old Lady” (Live)

Don’t you think you might feel differently listening to this song now compared to when it was first released? It’s a classic that sings about feelings women have always had, unchanged over time.

I bet guys of the same generation might request it when you go to karaoke together.

Instead of saying, “I’ve totally become an auntie now!” I hope you sing it to the fullest—energetic and cute.

If you can keep a steady rhythm in those high notes, the guy who requested it will definitely be impressed!

SAY YESCHAGE and ASKA62rank/position

[MV] SAY YES / CHAGE and ASKA

This song, which can be considered one of CHAGE and ASKA’s signature tracks, was released in 1991.

It was used as the theme song for the hugely popular TV drama “The 101st Proposal.” When a moving drama and a great song come together, the synergy is incredible, and this is one of those songs that instantly brings back the show’s scenes along with the melody.

It became their best-selling single.

Since it’s widely known across generations, it’s also a surefire hit when you go to karaoke with younger colleagues from work.

Time goes byEvery Little Thing63rank/position

「Time goes by」MUSIC VIDEO / Every Little Thing

Released in 1998, this was Every Little Thing’s first ballad to be issued as a single.

The lyrics, which speak of a couple who chose to part ways after many twists and turns—holding bittersweet memories while not turning their backs on the past and choosing instead to move forward—truly resonate.

It’s a masterpiece that women in their forties, seasoned by experience, can sing while fondly recalling the passage of time.

Take a small time trip and try singing it as you gently remember those sparkling days.