[Male] Top Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers Ranking [2025]

YOUNG MANHideki Saijo64rank/position

Hideki Saijo – Young Man (Y.M.C.A.)

Here is a single released by Hideki Saijo in 1979.

It’s a cover of Village People’s “Y.

M.

C.

A.

,” a disco hit in the United States, with Japanese lyrics written by his then-manager, Ryuji Amagai.

If everyone sings along while forming the letters “Y,” “M,” “C,” and “A” with their bodies—said to stand for “Young Man Can do Anything”—it’s sure to get the crowd going.

My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS65rank/position

RADWIMPS – Zenzenzense (movie ver.) [Official Music Video]

A signature work by RADWIMPS, who have established their own sound through inventive lyrics and experimental arrangements.

Produced in July 2016 as an insert song for the animated film “Your Name,” it centers on a fateful encounter that transcends time and space, with lyrics about deep bonds and love that truly resonate.

Its fast-paced, up-tempo rhythm and energetic guitar sound carry the power to blow away a gloomy mood.

This refreshing, exhilarating rock tune is perfect when you need a change of pace or want to relieve stress.

Yes, with pleasure.Kent on this side66rank/position

Sure thing / Kocchino Kento MV

Hai Yorokonde, which was also performed at the 75th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen and went mega-viral in 2024, is the smash hit that propelled multi-creator Kocchi no Kento to nationwide fame.

While calling it a “gag” might not be quite right since the song is based on the artist’s own experiences with bipolar disorder, its playful touches—like the dance in the MV that blew up on social media and lyrics modeled after Morse code—keep it from feeling heavy and instead make it an upbeat, feel-good track.

That sense of balance is wonderful, isn’t it? It’s great to sing solo or with friends—be sure to fire it up at karaoke!

cherrySpitz67rank/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.

A Cruel Angel's ThesisYoko Takahashi68rank/position

“Cruel Angel’s Thesis” MUSIC VIDEO (HD ver.) / Zankoku na Tenshi no Te-ze “The Cruel Angel’s Thesis”

A classic that became one of the most famous anime songs of the 1990s—and arguably a national hit that transcends the anime-song category—A Cruel Angel’s Thesis boasts widespread recognition.

As everyone knows, it’s the theme song for the TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion and was released in 1995 as Yoko Takahashi’s 11th single.

It’s an iconic piece for the Evangelion series and, as mentioned above, has a popularity that goes beyond being a mere anime song, leading many artists to cover it.

Many of us still vividly remember Takahashi’s powerful performance of A Cruel Angel’s Thesis as part of a special segment in the 72nd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

Precisely because it’s such a celebrated song, it’s sure to hype up any party with a wide range of age groups.

That said, it’s a challenging track for men to sing in the original key.

You could drop it an octave, but if you push through and sing it in the original key all the way, you can expect the crowd to get even more fired up!

One Night CarnivalKishidan69rank/position

Kishidan – One Night Carnival

The major-label debut from Kishidan, a rock band hailing from Chiba, fuses a fiery heartbeat with a catchy pop melody line.

With their unique style of school uniforms and pompadours, and high-energy tunes packed with passionate messages, they powerfully express the rebellious spirit of youth and a yearning for freedom.

Originally released independently in June 2001, the work sold 80,000 copies, and its major-label edition in May 2002 reached No.

7 on the Oricon chart.

With relatable, down-to-earth lyrics and an exhilarating sound, it’s perfect for when you need a boost or a refreshing change of pace.

cloudy skyDOES70rank/position

DOES 'Donten' (TV Tokyo anime 'Gintama' opening theme)

The renowned trio DOES, formed in Fukuoka, rose to nationwide fame thanks to their signature song “Donten,” released in 2008.

It was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Gintama and became a major hit, reaching the top three on the Oricon charts.

The song’s raw, stripped-down guitar sound—made possible by the trio’s minimalist lineup—is incredibly cool, and it’s hugely popular at karaoke.

The rugged, husky vocals and blunt yet moving melody aren’t particularly difficult and are easy to sing, but because the melody doesn’t change much, be mindful to avoid sounding too monotone when you perform it.