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

Tomorrow never knowsMr.Children43rank/position

Mr.Children 「Tomorrow never knows」 MUSIC VIDEO

Mr.

Children is a four-member rock band now known by everyone as a monster act that has produced numerous hit songs.

Their sixth single, “Tomorrow never knows,” used as the theme song for the TV drama All About Youth (Wakamono no Subete), is a double million seller with sales approaching three million copies.

Its striking intro and wistful lyrics are sure to stir the hearts of those in their 50s.

As a universally recognized hit tune, it’s a number that will liven up any karaoke session, no matter the generation of the group.

GLORIAZIGGY44rank/position

ZIGGY「GLORIA」

ZIGGY is one of the rock bands that sparked the band boom of the ’80s.

Their hallmark sound was influenced by LA metal and bad-boys rock, and they were especially known for their upbeat songs.

Speaking of ZIGGY’s classics, isn’t “GLORIA” the first that comes to mind? The vocal line in this song spans a fairly narrow range, from mid1 G to mid2 G, and the pitch movement isn’t very dramatic.

There’s a hi C used as a vocal embellishment, but since this is an ad-lib section that doesn’t earn extra points in karaoke scoring, you don’t need to stick to the original pitch there if the height is too demanding.

Shut up.Ado45rank/position

[Ado] Shut Up

A punk rock sound that thrusts to the forefront, with a roar-like vocal that sent shockwaves through the music industry and a forceful, almost violent melody.

This shocking work channels, with explosive energy, the sense of dissonance young people feel toward society and their determination to resist the expectations and oppression around them.

As Ado’s major-label debut, the track was released digitally in October 2020 and received high acclaim across the board, including winning the Breakthrough Song at the M Television VMAJ 2021.

It’s a song that gives courage—powerfully pushing the backs of those who struggle to express their true feelings and worry about others’ eyes and judgments.

Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS46rank/position

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS “Linda Linda” [1st Single (1987/5/1)] THE BLUE HEARTS / Linda Linda

Speaking of THE BLUE HEARTS’ signature song, it’s a track known for its exhilarating, fast-paced melody and gripping lyrics.

Released in 1987 as their major-label debut single, it remains beloved by many to this day.

Centered around Hiroto Kōmoto and Masatoshi Mashima, who wrote and composed it, the song strongly conveys a message rooted in the blues.

In 2005, a film featuring this song was also released, demonstrating its broad cultural impact.

It’s well-suited for live band performances at weddings, and its simple chord progression makes it easy to arrange.

Friends performing it with heartfelt congratulations will create an unforgettable moment for the bride and groom.

men and womenTaro47rank/position

Male and female/Taro

Techno singer Taro’s 2006 release “Danjo.” Haven’t you all heard it at least once? It comically sets a verbal sparring match between a boy and a girl to a rhythmic beat.

Then, partway through, it turns into a kind of wordplay using only the word “danjo” (men and women).

It’s one of those highly addictive songs that sticks in your head for a while after just one listen (lol).

The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP48rank/position

The Only Flower in the World – SMAP

SMAP’s iconic song “Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana” has given courage and energy to many people.

After its single release in 2003, it quickly captured hearts across Japan and became a long-running hit.

With sales exceeding three million copies, it became one of the defining hit songs of the Heisei era.

Its melody doesn’t require a wide vocal range, making it easy to sing at karaoke and loved across generations.

For women in their 40s leading busy lives, why not cherish a moment to sing this song and reconnect with your true self? It will surely lift your spirits.

Distance of the Starry SkyTHE ALFEE49rank/position

Distance of the Starry Sky

With so many hit songs by THE ALFEE, I don’t think you can just pick one and say “This is the best!” That said, when it comes to songs that supported their early years, many people would probably name “Hoshizora no Distance.” It opens with Sakurai’s masculine lead vocals, and the harmony in the chorus is striking—Sakurai, Sakazaki, and Takamizawa’s voices resonate with each other as perfectly as it gets.

Although it was released in 1984, it’s apparently still performed live quite often.

It’s a song I’d love to revisit and listen to while feeling nostalgic for the past!