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

Broken RadioHidemasa Tokunaga50rank/position

Hideaki Tokunaga – The Broken Radio

This is the 10th single by singer-songwriter Hideaki Tokunaga, who has sung numerous hit songs and covers with his sweet high-tone voice.

The song was used as the theme for the TV drama “Tokai no Mori,” in which Tokunaga himself also appeared as an actor, and it’s well known as one of his signature tracks.

Because it’s a song everyone knows, it’ll likely save you when choosing tracks for karaoke—not only with people in their 50s but also with younger generations.

However, since it’s a high-pitched song, we recommend adjusting the key to suit your voice when singing at karaoke.

Rose of PassionTHE BLUE HEARTS51rank/position

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS 'Rose of Passion' [6th Single (1990/7/25)] THE BLUE HEARTS / Jyounetsu no Bara

A classic hit released by THE BLUE HEARTS in the 1990s.

The lyrics, themed around a passionate rose, express eternity, truth, and the inner conflicts of human beings.

Carrying a message to nurture the powerful emotions deep within our hearts, it has become a song that resonates with many.

Released in July 1990, it became the band’s first single to reach No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

It was also used as a TV drama theme song and has been loved across generations.

Its catchy chorus and Hiroto Kōmoto’s powerful vocals leave a strong impression, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at karaoke.

It’s perfect for moments like company parties or class reunions when you want to have fun while feeling a touch of nostalgia.

Winter LightningAlice52rank/position

Alice – Winter Lightning

It was Alice’s 11th single overall, released in 1977.

For Alice, it became their first hit to break into the Top 10 on the charts.

I imagine many men in their 50s first discovered Alice through popular shows of the time like TBS’s “The Best Ten.” I myself learned about Alice through this song, instantly became a big fan, and I vividly remember pretending a broom was a guitar during school cleaning time, singing and playing with friends.

I’m sure many of you had similar experiences, right? I hope it brings back memories of your nostalgic boyhood and that you all sing along and have fun together.

Musically, it’s an upbeat, really enjoyable track, so if you pick this song at karaoke, it’s sure to liven up the room!

karmaBUMP OF CHICKEN53rank/position

BUMP OF CHICKEN 'Karma'

BUMP OF CHICKEN is a four-piece rock band that has influenced many musicians, and their evolution shows no sign of stopping.

Their 11th single “Karma,” released as a double A-side with “supernova,” was produced as the theme song for the video game Tales of the Abyss.

Its driving ensemble, featuring edgy guitar sounds, is sure to get people hyped even at karaoke.

Since the overall key is low, it’s easy to choose even for those who aren’t confident singers, making it a rock tune recommended for listeners in their 30s.

Christmas EveTatsuro Yamashita54rank/position

Nana Eikura stars in Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Christmas Eve” special movie-version PV

If you’re in your 40s, chances are you listened to or sang this song quite a lot.

Every Christmas season it plays on TV and radio, and it’s become something of a winter tradition.

Since its release in December 1983, it has been a long-selling hit that keeps boosting its sales every holiday season.

Tatsuro Yamashita’s warm vocals and the gentle, laid-back melody really resonate with the heart.

It became even more famous after 1988, when it was used in JR Tokai’s commercials.

If you’re singing it at karaoke, putting real feeling into it will make for an even more memorable performance.

Boy in the back alleyShogo Hamada55rank/position

Backstreet Boy (ON THE ROAD “FILMS”)

Shogo Hamada’s debut single, released in April 1976.

Since its release as his debut that year, several remade versions have been produced.

The song depicts the period when Hamada was living in Yokohama, from age 16 to 22—his ronin (gap year) days through his time at Kanagawa University—and it was written the day before his 23rd birthday, which is why the last line ends with “22.” I was also born in 1967, and I remember strongly relating to the worldview expressed in the lyrics when I first heard the song as a teenager.

When you sing it at karaoke, try to recall those sensitive, formative years.

Rather than aiming to “sing it well,” it’s better to deliver it with straightforward emotional expression.

TokyoTakajin Yashiki56rank/position

Tokyo

Released in March 1993, this mood-kayō song fuses tearful enka with sophisticated urban pop.

Through Kansai-dialect lyrics, it movingly portrays a romance and breakup with a man she met in Tokyo, along with her complex feelings toward the city.

Takajin Yashiki was an artist who was active mainly in the Kansai region, also serving as a host of the popular program “Sei! Young.” This piece became a hit as requests on cable radio surged, ultimately selling a total of 600,000 copies.

In live performances, he would sometimes change the place name in the chorus to match the concert location, valuing a sense of unity with the audience.

When singing it at karaoke, it’s recommended to sing at an easy, relaxed pace while thinking of your hometown and the special people you’ve met.