[Men] Western Songs Ranking That Get the Crowd Going at Karaoke [2025]

Take On Mea-ha22rank/position

a-ha – Take On Me (Official Video) [4K]

A hugely popular pop number featuring an iconic synthesizer intro that epitomizes the 80s.

Many of you may still vividly remember the groundbreaking promotional video you saw on TV back then.

With its highly melodic and easy-to-sing tune, it’s guaranteed to make you feel like you’ve time-traveled back to the 80s!

Just The Way You AreBruno Mars23rank/position

Bruno Mars – Just The Way You Are (Official Music Video)

The song’s title means “I Love You Just the Way You Are” in Japanese.

It’s a song that straightforwardly praises women.

I think any woman would be happy to be complimented on her appearance.

Listening to it gives you a feeling that’s not very common in Japanese music.

The way the song describes the woman’s beauty would definitely make any woman’s heart race and bring a smile to her face.

Smells Like Teen SpiritNirvana24rank/position

Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit (Official Music Video)

For any man in his 40s who knows Western music, it’s inevitable that he’s gone through the leading band of the alternative/grunge scene, Nirvana, and their world-famous album Nevermind.

The first track has to be Smells Like Teen Spirit.

It gets you fired up right from the intro riff (though it’s a bit hard to keep the groove in the middle).

Sweet Child O’ MineGuns N’ Roses25rank/position

Guns N’ Roses – Sweet Child O’ Mine (Official Music Video)

A signature song by the hugely popular hard rock band Guns N’ Roses that hit No.

1 in the U.

S.

in 1988.

Many people currently in their 50s probably listened to GNR as well.

With Slash’s memorable lead-guitar intro and Axl Rose’s vocals, this number features a very singable melody at a medium tempo for a hard rock band.

If everyone sings along, it’s sure to get the crowd going!

It’s My LifeBon Jovi26rank/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.

HappyPharrell Williams27rank/position

Pharrell Williams – Happy (Video)

I want to feel a little brighter.

At times like that, just as the title says, try lifting your spirits with a song called “Happy.” This track was a worldwide hit, and it’s also perfect for those who want to dance while doing karaoke.

Its light, buoyant melody and happy lyrics leave a strong impression.

Careless WhisperWham!28rank/position

George Michael – Careless Whisper (Official Video)

A big hit ballad by the British duo WHAM!, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley.

In Japan, Hideki Saijo and Hiromi Go also covered it.

It’s quite rare for two artists to release covers around the same time in Japan, which suggests the melody really resonates with Japanese listeners.

Plus, for a ballad, it feels like it would work in karaoke without killing the vibe, so if you’re a strong singer, definitely give it a try!