Karaoke is all the rage: Must-know recent songs [2025]

By your side.Lilia.

riria. / By Your Side [Music Video]

Singer-songwriter Riria, who made her major debut under VIA—a label born with a focus on digital distribution.

Her single “By Your Side,” released digitally on July 6, 2023, was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime My Happy Marriage.

The lyrics, which depict an encounter powerful enough to change one’s values, are likely to resonate with anyone who has ever been in love.

It’s a pop yet sentimental number, where a cute singing voice and delicate piano create a moving contrast.

LOVE or HATE?Mayu Maeshima

[Music Video] LOVE or HATE? / Mayu Maeshima [TV Anime “Villainess Level 99: I May Be the Hidden Boss but I’m Not the Demon Lord” OP]

A digital single by Mayu Maeshima, released in January 2024.

It’s used as the opening theme for the TV anime “Villainess Level 99: I May Be the Hidden Boss but I’m Not the Demon Lord.” With its very powerful high-tone vocals and a slightly idiosyncratic singing style and phrasing, this is a difficult song with several hurdles to clear in order to sing it well.

Precisely for that reason, it’s a track I’d love confident singers to take on.

Beyond the consistently powerful vocal delivery required, the rhythm and groove of the digital-rock backing track are also crucial points for performing it, so be sure to study those aspects thoroughly before you sing.

YoursMasaki Suda

Masaki Suda 'Yours'

It’s the theme song for the much-talked-about Nippon TV drama “The Best Teacher: One Year Later, I Was ■ by My Student.” This song was written specifically for the drama by Masaki Suda, who also successfully held a concert at the Budokan in early 2023.

It’s packed with Suda’s heartfelt feelings, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit at karaoke.

The build-up to the chorus—practically Suda’s signature style—really soars, so trying to imitate Suda when you sing it might be the best move!

Workin’ HardFujii Kaze

Fujii Kaze – Workin’ Hard（Official Video）

Crafted by Fujii Kaze, this is a cheer song with his signature high-sense style.

It was produced as the broadcast theme song for the 2023 Basketball World Cup, drawing attention amid mixed reactions.

The lyrics convey a message that the outcome of the competition doesn’t matter—what’s truly admirable is the effort you put in—praising not only sports but anyone striving toward a goal.

It’s a perfect pick if you want to sing something a little different from the typical high-energy, rapid-fire cheer anthem.

umbrellaKing Gnu

King Gnu – Umbrella OFFICIAL AUDIO

King Gnu is a highly skilled band.

Their twin vocals create a satisfying harmony of low and high tones, which is a key part of King Gnu’s appeal—so this is a song I’d love to hear sung as a male duet if possible.

If you can nail those high notes, it’ll feel absolutely amazing.

Find the right breathing spots and sing it coolly!

Edge of DaysKis-my-ft2

Kis-My-Ft2 / 「Edge of Days」Music Video

It’s a rock tune by Kis-My-Ft2 with an ultra-solid, distorted sound that’s seriously cool.

The wild vocals riding over that destructive sound feel incredibly immersive, too.

When you sing it at karaoke, go all out—match the boldness of that powerful sound.

And for the chorus, sing with a sense of release, as if light is breaking through, and really let it feel good!

YesterdayOfficial HIGE DANDism

Official HIGE DANDism – Yesterday [Official Video]

A song by Official HIGE DANDism, who had a major breakthrough in 2019.

The orchestral accompaniment makes it a very dramatic piece.

Still, the vocals are ultimately the most pleasing aspect—if you can capture that breathy quality, you can really heighten the drama.

The exhilarating sense of speed in the chorus is irresistibly satisfying, too!