[30s] Karaoke Popularity Rankings by Generation [2025]

CHE.R.RYYUI78rank/position

CHE.R.RY – YUI (Full)

Released with the tagline “A sweet-and-sour, spring-like song for you,” this is singer-songwriter YUI’s eighth single.

Chosen as the CM song for au by KDDI’s “LISMO,” its arrangement pleasantly evokes the freshness of spring.

The lyrics portray timeless girlish feelings, and with their modern turns of phrase, they may convey a sense of realism to male listeners as well.

Both the words and the melody are cute, making it a recommended pop tune for people in their 30s to sing at karaoke.

A Cruel Angel's ThesisYoko Takahashi79rank/position

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

The anime tie-in song performed by Yoko Takahashi, whose charismatic vocals are captivating, tells a grand story of a boy’s growth and his challenge toward a new world.

It’s a compelling track filled with dramatic expression and a determined drive to move forward.

Released in October 1995, the song was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion and caused a major sensation.

It consistently ranks high on karaoke popularity charts, making it a song that bridges generations without creating a gap, even in mixed-age gatherings.

It’s a masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of anime songs—one you should definitely sing at karaoke.

The White LoversKeisuke Kuwata80rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibitotachi (Full ver.)

As a solo artist, Keisuke Kuwata’s seventh single overall, released in October 2001.

It was used as the song for Coca-Cola’s “No Reason” campaign commercials, in which Kuwata himself appeared, as well as for UNIQLO’s “LifeWear/HEATTECH: Winter Is the Time to Go Outside” commercials.

You could truly call this a staple of late-’90s to early-2000s J-pop.

Many songs from that era are very easy to sing, and this ballad is no exception—it’s something anyone can casually sing and enjoy.

It might even be fun to sing it while doing a Kuwata-style impression, don’t you think?

I want to be your lover.Mao Abe81rank/position

Mao Abe – I Want to Be Your Lover [Official Music Video]

A must-have heart-fluttering song that captures the pure feelings of unrequited love, “I Want to Be Your Lover.” It’s a track released in 2009 by singer-songwriter Mao Abe, known for her cool, powerful guitar-and-vocal style.

The song vividly portrays the bittersweet emotions of a crush, especially common during school days, and many listeners will surely find it nostalgic.

Your feelings naturally flow into it, so you can sing it with lots of emotion without even trying! When your emotions come through, your expressiveness shines and you’ll sing it well! Highly recommended!

Close your eyesKen Hirai82rank/position

Ken Hirai 'Close Your Eyes' MUSIC VIDEO

Ken Hirai’s famous song, which portrays the pain and heartache of losing someone dear, is sure to resonate at karaoke.

The sorrow of losing a loved one seeps through every line of the lyrics.

You may find yourself in tears as he sings of a cherished person he can only meet in memories.

Released in April 2004, the song drew attention as the theme for the film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World.” It’s a recommended karaoke choice that comforts those who have experienced heartbreak or farewell.

If you sing it with feeling, it will surely move the hearts of those around you.

A Sunlit SlopeDo As Infinity83rank/position

Do As Infinity / Sunlit Slope

Hin no Ataru Sakamichi by Do As Infinity, released in 2002.

It was used as the theme song for the drama “Hatsu Taiken.” Originally, the song was intended to be used only at a staff member’s wedding, but after the decision to release it, the lyrics were changed.

It’s a cool rock ballad with a touch of melancholy.

The key is a bit on the low side, so if it’s hard to sing at karaoke, try adjusting it to a suitable key.

Adding vibrato to the long notes will further enhance the quality of your performance!

MelissaPorno Graffitti84rank/position

Porno Graffitti “Melissa” MUSIC VIDEO (Anime “Fullmetal Alchemist” Cour 1 Opening Theme)

Porno Graffitti is a musical duo that still enjoys strong, enduring popularity.

Among men in their thirties, more than half probably sing their songs quite often.

Of all their tracks, the one I especially recommend is Melissa.

It’s memorable for its sharp, punchy chorus, which carries a slight Latin flavor.

The A and B verses feel like refreshing rock, and the contrast creates a distinctive atmosphere.