[60s] Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers Ranking [2025]

Ultra SoulB’z50rank/position

B’z / ultra soul

A signature song by B’z that continues to captivate many with its powerful sound and catchy phrases.

Released in March 2001 and selected as the official theme song for the 2001 Fukuoka World Aquatics Championships, this track is infused with a strong will to face difficulties and challenges, along with forward-looking energy.

Takahiro Matsumoto’s distinctive guitar riff and Koshi Inaba’s powerful vocals blend perfectly, giving listeners courage and hope.

Listen to it during housework or on a work break, and it will surely lift your spirits.

It’s the perfect song when you want to take on something new or boost your motivation.

Stranger – Theme of the Silk RoadSaki Kubota51rank/position

Foreigner – Saki Kubota (Full)

This is a number by Saki Kubota, whose floating sound and distinctive vocal approach fully showcase the charm of kayōkyoku with a touch of melancholy.

It’s a classic that has been covered by many artists and is popular among women in their 60s.

Be sure to add it to your karaoke repertoire!

A café in a student districtGARO52rank/position

Garo 'The Student District Café'

Here is GARO’s third single, released in 1972.

It was composed by Koichi Sugiyama, who is famous for creating the music for the very popular video game series Dragon Quest.

The sound of the cor anglais—an instrument similar to the oboe—played during the instrumental interlude is also memorable.

Many of you may have listened to this often in your younger days.

If you sing a song like this, one that brings back memories of your youth, at karaoke, won’t it make you feel as if you’ve returned to your student days?

loadTHE Toraba-ryu53rank/position

THE Toramaru Dragon “Road” FULL Music Video

The signature work of THE Toraba-ryu is a masterpiece that portrays the path of life unfolding serenely on an epic scale.

Powerfully voicing the resolve to face adversity and loneliness, this song depicts a stance of overcoming setbacks and moving forward, leaving a deep imprint on many listeners’ hearts.

Its lyrics, which symbolically express life’s journey, resonate with listeners and offer courage and hope.

First released in May 1992 and re-released in 1993, it achieved an astonishing 2.

2 million sales.

It was also used as the theme song for a film of the same name released in 1997 and won an Excellence Award at the Japan Cable Radio Awards.

It’s a perfect pick not only for livening up gatherings with friends but also for karaoke with older audiences.

Be sure to showcase this powerful classic that invites everyone to sing along and share in the moment.

RunnerBakufū Slump54rank/position

Bakufu Slump “Runner” MUSIC VIDEO (HD)

The iconic song by Bakufu Slump, capturing the vibrant spirit of youth and the bonds of friendship, continues to move countless hearts even today.

Its lyrics, depicting the everyday life of boys on the track team, vividly portray scenes like talking in the locker room after the rain and gazing at the stars on the field at night, stirring up nostalgic memories.

Since its release in October 1988, it has been featured as insert music on Nippon TV’s “Genius! Takeshi’s Energy Giving TV” and in a Hitachi video commercial, and has since remained a beloved cheer song for high school baseball.

This piece is perfect for times when you face parting from friends, need the courage to take a new step forward, or want to cheer on someone important.

Its powerful melody and passionate message will gently nudge listeners onward.

Traveler of the NorthYujiro Ishihara55rank/position

Northern Traveler - Yujiro Ishihara

This is Yujiro Ishihara’s “Kita no Tabibito” (Northern Traveler), the song of a man among men and a postwar Japanese superstar who led the Showa-era entertainment world.

Released as a single that reached No.

1 in the weekly charts in 1987, it became a huge hit.

Remarkably, the song was recorded while Yujiro Ishihara was battling illness, and afterward he passed away, mourned by fans throughout Japan.

Yet his rich, lustrous voice gives no hint of those difficult circumstances—truly the hallmark of a Showa-era superstar.

Even today, as one of “Yū-chan’s” signature songs, it’s sung and loved at karaoke and remains a piece that evokes memories of Yujiro Ishihara.

Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Teng56rank/position

Let yourself go with the flow of time

When it comes to iconic adult romantic ballads that portray the aching emotions of a woman, this song is indispensable.

Released in 1986, it is known as one of Teresa Teng’s signature works, beloved not only in Japan but across Asia.

Its delicate emotional expression, carried by a gentle, unhurried melody, resonates with many listeners and has become a karaoke staple.

In a 2010 popularity survey conducted by Teresa Teng’s foundation, the Chinese version ranked second, demonstrating its enduring appeal over the years.

The fact that many artists, including Faye Wong and Jackie Chan, have covered the song further attests to its lasting charm.