Karaoke Songs That Get the Crowd Going: Popular Artist Rankings [2025]

kawa-E (cute)Yabai T-Shirts Yasan8rank/position

Yabai T-Shirts Yasan – “Kawa-E” Music Video

This piece was written as the theme song for the film “Nisekoi.” Released in December 2018, it’s included on the album “Tank-top Festival in JAPAN.” First off, the high-energy, full-throttle tempo really lifts your mood! The unique lyrics are memorable too, such as expressing charms that go beyond “cute” using the alphabet.

Thanks to its brisk rhythm and fun vibe, it’s a song everyone can sing together to get pumped up.

CharlesBalloon9rank/position

[Drinking Song] Tried Drinking to 'Charles' [Chant Tutorial]

This song was released in 2016 by Balloon, the Vocaloid producer alias of Keina Suda, who is now active as a singer-songwriter.

It’s still loved today as a popular, staple Vocaloid track, and many of you may have heard it before! With its rock-inspired, fast-paced accompaniment and catchy beat, it’s sure to hype up the room if you sing it at karaoke.

There are numerous drinking-song variations using this track shared online, so if you’re at a drinking party with Vocaloid fans, definitely give it a try.

Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Golden Bomber10rank/position

Golden Bomber “Memeshikute” Music Video

A dynamic track by Golden Bomber that expresses the ache and regret of heartbreak set to a catchy, kayōkyoku-style melody.

While retaining elements of visual kei, the song—shaped by influences from 1970s kayōkyoku and Eurobeat—comically portrays a man’s lingering attachment.

Released as a single in October 2009, it was also featured in a commercial tie-in for House Foods’ “Megashaki.” The group performed at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen for four consecutive years from 2012 to 2015, and the song topped the Oricon Weekly Karaoke Rankings for 51 straight weeks.

It’s a tune that lifts your spirits with refreshing energy and humor, making your body move almost involuntarily when you’re feeling down or need a change of pace.

A Cruel Angel's ThesisYoko Takahashi11rank/position

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

It’s a song widely loved as the opening theme of the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, resounding with Yoko Takahashi’s vocals.

It portrays youth’s growth and potential with words that are both beautiful and powerful.

Released in October 1995, it has remained timeless for over 25 years, continuing to leave a deep impression on many people.

It even won first place overall in JOYSOUND’s ranking of songs sung during the Heisei era, boasting popularity across generations.

It’s a track that can lift your spirits when you listen during little moments—while doing housework or on a drive.

Why not hum along? It’s sure to set your heart dancing.

SaudadePorno Graffitti12rank/position

Pornograffitti “Saudade” MUSIC VIDEO

When it comes to Porno Graffitti’s go-to hype song, doesn’t “Saudade” come to mind? The overall vocal range of the song is G3–G#4, so it’s quite narrow.

However, as anyone who knows the song will sense, the tricky parts are the high notes and the speed of the lyrics.

The chorus is relatively easy to sing calmly, but in the A and B sections, if you haven’t memorized the lyrics, you’ll struggle to keep up with the tempo and get left behind.

Also, the key gradually rises, so your stamina will be tested.

For the fast lyrical parts, try not to articulate every word crisply; instead, aim to let the words flow smoothly along the melody.

In the final chorus, the song modulates and the key goes up even further.

If you pull your voice backward while singing, it may crack, so try to project forward with a clean attack.

It’s also important to keep your core (tanden) engaged at all times.

Plant your feet and sing it out!

A Little Love SongMONGOL80013rank/position

A Little Love Song

A signature song by MONGOL800 that gently embraces the bittersweetness of long-distance love and first love.

Its simple lyrics and warm melody resonate deeply with listeners.

Featured on the album “MESSAGE” and used as a movie theme song, the piece has been covered by many artists and is beloved as a wedding staple.

Since its 2001 release, it has been cherished by a wide range of generations—perhaps because it expresses universal feelings of love with refreshing honesty.

As a song of memories with someone special, it’s sure to fill the room with smiles when sung at a girls’ night or a school reunion karaoke.

It’s a tune that makes everyone want to sing along together.

Bridge of Gloryyuzu14rank/position

Yuzu “Eikou no Kakehashi” Music Video

This moving, hope-filled ballad stirred hearts as the official NHK theme song for the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Singing of the unseen efforts and the path walked while facing forward, it powerfully encourages us to keep moving toward the future.

Yuzu’s acoustic tones and warm vocals resonate deeply with listeners.

Together with the iconic commentary from the men’s gymnastics team’s first gold medal in 28 years, it has been etched into the memories of many.

It’s a song that can bring people together across generations—perfect for livening up gatherings with friends or family, meals, and parties.