Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers Ranking [2025]

crimsonX JAPAN71rank/position

Crimson – KURENAI (Single Long Version)

Among the songs created by X JAPAN, Japan’s world-renowned rock band, this track released in 1989 is a masterpiece that expresses the deep sorrow of love and parting.

Characterized by fierce energy and passionate performance, YOSHIKI’s dramatic piano parts and HIDE’s striking guitar solo shake the listener to the core.

Issued as a re-cut single from the album BLUE BLOOD, it has become an indispensable number in their live shows.

As a work that symbolizes X JAPAN’s musical identity, it has had a significant influence on later songs as well.

When singing it at karaoke, we recommend immersing yourself in its passionate worldview and pouring your emotions into it.

It’s a perfect song for releasing work and everyday stress.

DESIREAkina Nakamori72rank/position

DESIRE -jounetsu-

This is one of Akina Nakamori’s signature songs, themed around burning love and singing of fiery passion.

First aired in February 1986 as a TV commercial song, it was later released as a single and became a huge hit.

With this song, Nakamori won the Japan Record Award for the second consecutive year, establishing her status as a singer at the young age of 20.

Showcasing dramatic expressiveness and powerful vocals, this track is perfect for livening up a karaoke session or when you want to experience a classic from the Showa era.

Be sure to check out the modern twist on traditional Japanese attire and the unique choreography, said to be inspired by a baseball pitching motion.

240 Million Eyes - Exotic JapanHiromi Go73rank/position

Hiromi Go – 240 Million Eyes -Exotic Japan- / THE FIRST TAKE

Hiromi Go’s classic “240 Million Eyes – Exotic Japan,” which frequently appears on variety shows and the like, was an exceptionally original piece for its time.

Its arrangement features a song structure that hints at kayōkyoku within J-pop.

Partly due to those kayōkyoku elements, the song is confined to a fairly narrow range of mid1D to mid2F.

Regardless of gender, it should be singable without issue if you choose an appropriate key.

Like on that certain TV show, performing it with parody lyrics can make it even more exciting, so keep that in mind as you check it out.

The Story You Don't Knowsupercell74rank/position

Supercell – The Story You Don't Know

Supercell is popular among anime fans, and “The Story You Don’t Know” might be one of their most beloved songs.

Many of my vocal training students chose to sing this one! To sing this slightly high song all the way through, breath control is the key point.

The melody often sits around A4, so you need to keep a higher tone consistently, but the C section is sung an octave lower, so be careful not to let your pitch drop there.

Keep inhaling through the mouth and aim to resonate in the head.

Lifting your facial muscles helps you visualize this.

If you sing with your hands placed behind your head, your voice will project toward where your hands are, making it much easier to sing.

Don’t change your hand position during the low notes in the C section, either.

Try to always send your voice toward your head so you can stay as accurate as possible with your pitch.

HAPPY BIRTHDAYback number75rank/position

back number - “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” Music Video (Theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love”)

Many of you may know this song because it was the theme song for the drama “A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love.” Speaking of back number, they have many popular love songs, and among their tracks, this one portrays an unrequited love from a male perspective.

It tells a poignant story of a man waiting for a birthday message from the woman he likes, only for it not to come, realizing his feelings won’t be returned.

How about passionately singing this beloved ballad that’s popular with people of all genders?

countrysideKoji Tamaki76rank/position

countryside

Even after suspending activities with Anzen Chitai, Koji Tamaki has continued to leave behind numerous masterpieces as a singer-songwriter.

Among his many great songs, the one I especially recommend for being easy to sing and guaranteed to get the crowd going is Den-en.

Although its vocal range is very narrow—mid1D to mid2E—it still has well-crafted points of excitement, making it a song with an outstanding balance of singability and energy.

Definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.

mixed nutsOfficial HIGE DANDism77rank/position

Official HIGE DANDism – Mixed Nuts [Official Video]

This exhilarating uptempo track fuses everything from a jazzy ensemble to a fast-paced guitar sound.

Official HIGE DANDism’s seventh digital single was provided as the opening theme for the TV anime SPY×FAMILY.

Released in April 2022, it surpassed 100 million total views on YouTube in just a year and three months.

It’s a song that helps your heart face forward—perfect for your first commute or trip to school in the morning, or whenever you need a refresh.