Recommended for men in their 30s: Karaoke songs that were a hit back in the day

LOVE YOU ONLYTOKIO

TOKIO / LOVE YOU ONLY [High Quality Audio]

This was TOKIO’s major debut single, released in September 1994.

Although TOKIO performs in a band format, perhaps because this is their debut song, it totally has the vibe of a pre-’90s male idol track—upbeat, with a poppy, catchy, and simple melody.

Even for those who aren’t confident singers looking to try it at karaoke, I can wholeheartedly recommend this song.

The original key is a bit on the high side, so be sure to pay close attention to your key setting.

Get into the rhythm, and if you make it feel as exhilarating as the band themselves, it’ll be perfect!

protagonistSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER 'Protagonist' MV (Theme song for Fuji TV's 'Mezamashi TV')

This song was chosen as the 2025 theme for Fuji TV’s “Mezamashi TV,” and it’s the kind of track that flips your motivation switch on from the morning! SUPER BEAVER’s songs don’t usually have the image of being “high” in range, and the vocal range for this song, Shujinkou (Protagonist), is mainly midrange at D#3–G#4.

Many male singers should be able to sing it mostly in chest voice.

Since there’s no intro, be careful not to miss the karaoke guide tone right before the vocals come in.

Also, because it’s a band track, keeping the drum groove in mind and letting your body ride the beat makes it easier to keep time, and it helps you lock into the melody so the voice comes out more easily.

The song starts with the chorus, and for the choruses throughout, don’t hesitate—project that very first consonant clearly and forward.

For the long tones, focus on sustaining them all the way to the end and enjoy singing it!

illustrated reference bookSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI “Encyclopedia”

SEKAI NO OWARI often gives the impression of having many high-pitched songs, but the July 2025 release “Zukan” doesn’t feature any strained high notes and has minimal pitch jumps, keeping the range in an easy-to-sing register.

The melody is structured with just verse A, verse B, and the chorus, without a new section like a bridge (C-melody), so it should be easy to memorize.

Overall, the range, rhythm, and melody are clearly organized, so you don’t need special techniques—perfect for those who want to sing in a relaxed style.

It also seems like a song that’s easy to score well on in karaoke.

To aim for a high score, first focus on matching the pitch.

Try singing lightly with the image of lifting your facial muscles and eyebrows and projecting the voice from in front of your eyebrows.

Vocalist Fukase also tends to keep his eyebrows raised, so use that as a reference!

Fragments of an EncounterKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “Fragments of Encounters”

Ketsumeishi’s classic “Deai no Kakera.” Since it was released in 2008, people in their late 30s might not be as familiar with it, but for those in their early 30s it’s probably a nostalgic track.

Although it has a hip-hop vibe, it’s not the kind of hip-hop we hear today; it incorporates plenty of J-pop elements.

As a result, there aren’t any complex flows.

The vocal range is also narrow, making it a prime example of an easy-to-sing song.

There's always tomorrowUlfuls

Ulfuls Ashita ga Aru sa Vietsub There’s Always Tomorrow!!

This song was released in February 2001 as Ulfuls’ 21st single.

It became a major hit, selling over 500,000 copies, and thanks to this song Ulfuls also performed at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Incidentally, it’s a cover: the original was released as a single by Kyu Sakamoto in 1963.

As of 2020, many people in their 30s have probably seen the music video featuring Papaya Suzuki and others.

A parody version with altered lyrics was also used in commercials for Coca-Cola’s Georgia brand.

Musically, it has the hallmarks of Showa-era pop—simple, catchy, and easy to sing—with a somewhat relaxed yet very sprightly rhythm, making it approachable and singable even for those who aren’t confident singers.

The melodic range isn’t wide either, so the key shouldn’t pose a problem for most people.

Have fun singing it together and getting everyone energized!

Endless road19

19 (Juke) “Endless Road” (Live at Shibuya Public Hall, 2001.11.21)

The folk duo 19, who gained popularity with their orthodox musical style.

While they’re categorized as a folk duo, their sound is actually closer to rock, and they even have songs with a rough, rock-like arrangement.

Among them, the one I particularly recommend is Hatenonai Michi (Endless Road).

There’s a single high note near the end of the chorus, but it’s not so high that you need to use mixed voice; if you sing it in the right key, you should be able to handle it without trouble.

Definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.

I want to love rather than be lovedKinKi Kids

KinKi Kids “I Want to Love Rather Than Be Loved” Music Video

Released as their second single in 1997, this song served as the theme for the drama “Bokura no Yuuki: Miman City,” which also drew attention for featuring Koichi and Tsuyoshi in dual leading roles.

It’s a sophisticated electronic tune, and perhaps thanks to that style, the chorus phrases really stick in your head.

The lyrics, which carry the message “I want to find true love,” are another appealing point.

With a four-on-the-floor rhythm, it’s easy to groove to, and the highest notes are low, making it easy to sing.

Try aiming for a slightly wistful vocal tone.