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

LOVE MachineMorning Musume50rank/position

Morning Musume. 'LOVE Machine' (MV)

At the end of the 1990s, when J-pop was shining at its brightest, this number by Morning Musume swept Japan into a frenzy.

It’s an irresistibly upbeat dance tune that makes your body move just by listening, and it’s no exaggeration to say it gave immeasurable energy to Japan at the time.

The friendly melodies crafted by Tsunku♂ and the gorgeous, funky sound produced by Dance☆Man continue to set our hearts dancing across generations.

Released in September 1999 as their seventh single, the song became a defining track for the group, setting a huge record with total sales of about 1.

64 million copies.

It was even featured in an NHK drama, making it a national anthem that people of all ages can hum along to.

Belt it out at karaoke with friends from your generation, and that excitement from back then will come rushing back—perfect for creating the best memories.

Subtly flashy (bling-bling, but nonchalant)Masahiko Kondo51rank/position

Gingiragin ni Sarigenaku by Masahiko Kondo

This song, released in 1981, is one of Masahiko Kondo’s signature tracks that brought a fresh breeze to the idol pop scene of the time.

It strikes a perfect balance between flashy idol flair and restrained subtlety, captivating listeners with lyrics that weave in English phrases and a catchy rhythm.

It was also included on the album “Gingiragin ni Sarigenaku,” released in December of the same year, and was used in a commercial for House Foods’ “Kukure Curry.” The song marked his debut appearance at the 32nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen and reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It’s a recommended pick when you want to get hyped with people of the same generation or savor a nostalgic Showa-era mood.

Solar System DiscoNayutan Alien52rank/position

Solar System Disco / 96Neko × Hashiyan × Amatsuki [Tried Singing]

NayutalieN is known for making addictive songs.

This track also creates an extreme level of catchiness.

There are lots of spots to shout responses, making it easy for everyone to sing together—that’s one of this song’s hallmarks.

When it’s in the karaoke queue, band together, rope in people who don’t know the song, and sing it all together.

It’s sure to get the crowd going, and the atmosphere will reach a fever pitch.

Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN53rank/position

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” MV

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN is a band well-known in the anison scene.

They’ve created many anime songs, but among their works, “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” is arguably one of the most popular.

This track was released as the ending theme for the hit anime Blood Blockade Battlefront and enjoys outstanding popularity within the anison community.

While the vocal range is on the higher side at mid1 F# to high B, it’s not extremely wide.

With fewer breakpoints and fewer long tones in its structure, it’s a song that’s quite easy to sing for fun at karaoke.

loveGen Hoshino54rank/position

Gen Hoshino – Koi (Official Video)

Gen Hoshino’s hit song “Koi” is beloved not only by men but also by women.

The track served as the theme song for the wildly popular drama “We Married as a Job!” (Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu), which became a social phenomenon and earned nationwide acclaim.

You still see it pop up often in karaoke histories, don’t you? While the song has a catchy melody, it also packs a punch with accents on the second and fourth beats, giving it a surprisingly solid groove.

In terms of name recognition and ease of getting into the rhythm, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser.

LOVE YOU ONLYTOKIO55rank/position

LOVE YOU ONLY – TOKIO (Full)

TOKIO’s debut single, released in September 1994.

The lyrics, which strikingly portray an earnest love tinged with hesitation, are infused with unwavering affection and passion for the other person, gripping listeners’ hearts.

It was also used as the opening theme for season 3 of the Fuji TV anime “Tsuyoshi Shikkari Shinasai,” earning widespread support.

In December 1994, the group made an appearance at the 45th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, setting a record for the fastest invitation—just three months and ten days after their debut.

The melody and lyrics make it a pleasure to sing at reunions and gatherings with friends.

It’s a song that lets everyone have fun and get excited while reminiscing about the pure love of their younger days.

Please, MuscleHibiki Sakura (CV: Ai Fairouz) & Naruzo Machio (CV: Kaito Ishikawa)56rank/position

Please, Muscle

How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift? is a muscle-training body-transformation anime that’s explosively popular right now.

The craze has even led to the release of gaming machines, roping in people who weren’t interested in muscles to begin with.

Its opening theme, “Onegai Muscle,” is just as entertaining.

With lighthearted lyrics like wanting to build muscle to be popular or slim down to be popular, simply listening is fun—and if a group of muscle-proud folks get together to sing it, the crowd-pleasing effect will be doubled.

Calling out moves like “side chest” and “hip raise” and striking poses on cue is guaranteed to get laughs!