Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers: Men's Ranking [2025]

ff (fortissimo)HOUND DOG92rank/position

ff (fortissimo) HOUND DOG

A powerful rock tune that depicts passionate love and determination has captured the hearts of many as one of HOUND DOG’s signature works.

With a strong message about believing in the power of love and the importance of holding on to dreams and passion, this song stands out.

After its release in August 1985, it was featured in Nissin Foods’ Cup Noodles commercials and became a major hit, reaching No.

11 on the Oricon charts and No.

8 on The Best Ten.

Since March 2018, it has been used as the departure melody at JR East’s Sendai Station, and it has inspired cover versions by Akiko Wada and LGYankees.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you need courage to pursue your dreams or when you want to convey your feelings to someone important.

First loveKozo Murashita93rank/position

First Love — Kozo Murashita

This was Kozo Murashita’s fifth single, released in February 1983.

While it has very poignant lyrics and melody and isn’t exactly the kind of song to get everyone hyped at karaoke, it’s built on a mid-tempo, easy-to-catch rhythm with an extremely memorable chorus.

I think it’s a song you can still have fun singing together, even if you ignore the “bittersweetness” of the original.

Of course, the lyrics are about the pains of first love—something many people have experienced—so it’s also nice to let each singer overlay their own memories and get quietly emotional together.

The New Music-style hits of the ’80s—this song included—often have a way of really touching the heart.

ONLY YOUBOØWY94rank/position

BOØWY – ONLY YOU

ONLY YOU, the fifth single by the band BOØWY, which featured Kyosuke Himuro and Tomoyasu Hotei.

Carried by a rock ’n’ roll, beat-driven rhythm and sung refreshingly in Himuro’s husky voice, the song became a major hit.

Among BOØWY’s catalog, it stands out as a breezy track perfect for summer.

Inspired by this iconic rock band of the 1980s, many young people formed bands, and the song was often performed at school festivals.

Be kind to othersTHE BLUE HEARTS95rank/position

Hito ni Yasashiku – The Blue Hearts (Be Kind to People)

The four-piece rock band THE BLUE HEARTS enjoyed immense popularity among junior high and high school students, and even after disbanding they are still remembered as legends.

Their indie-era single “Be Kind to People” remains known today as one of THE BLUE HEARTS’ signature songs.

With its straightforward message and band sound, it’s likely to stir up memories of youth for those in their 40s who experienced its impact in real time.

It’s a timeless classic that never fades with the changing times—perfect to pick when you want to liven up a karaoke session.

Never Gonna Give You UpRick Astley96rank/position

Rick Astley – Never Gonna Give You Up (Official Video) (4K Remaster)

A powerful beat, a catchy melody, and lyrics everyone can enjoy.

That classic hit was released in 1987 as the debut single from Rick Astley’s first album, Whenever You Need Somebody, and it became a worldwide sensation.

Its lyrics, pledging unwavering love and support, capture the spirit of 80s youth.

In 2007, it regained attention as an internet meme, and with over 1.

5 billion views on YouTube, it continues to be loved across generations.

At company parties or karaoke, if everyone belts it out together, it’s sure to liven up the room in no time!

It’s My LifeBon Jovi97rank/position

Bon Jovi – It’s My Life (Official Music Video)

Live your own life, not someone else’s—live it to the fullest! The American rock band’s classic “It’s My Life” inspires that feeling.

At karaoke, it might look cool to sing it in a rock style while imitating the husky tone of the vocalist.

Eye Of The TigerSurvivor98rank/position

Survivor – Eye Of The Tiger (Official HD Video)

This number is famous as the theme song of the movie Rocky III and as the entrance music for pro wrestler Hulk Hogan.

The distorted, choppy guitar riff in the intro really gets your adrenaline pumping.

It makes you want to start shadowboxing! Just singing it feels like it could make you stronger.