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

BUMP to youKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “Kimi ni BUMP” (KTM TOUR 2017 Phantom Roppongi Grand Circus Troupe “To be frank, it’s a party!!”)

Ketsumeishi, a four-member music group whose name comes from an herbal medicine used in China since ancient times.

Their 13th single, “Kimi ni BUMP,” is a lively track chosen for a Vodafone commercial.

Its funky guitar sound and repeating phrases over a passionate ensemble create an addictive feel, lifting your spirits whether you’re listening or singing along.

If you’re in your 30s, it’s a pop tune with catchy rap and melodies that you’ll want to try at karaoke.

SPEED STARAlpha

Alpha – SPEED STAR

This is a popular Alpha karaoke track where high-speed rapping shines on a fast-paced beat.

Since it’s mostly rap, even men in their 30s who struggle with pitch will find it easy to sing, and because the rap itself is fast, you can make it sound good as long as you firmly grasp the timing of the lyrics.

Flowers of EvilBUCK-TICK

BUCK-TICK / “Aku no Hana” Music Video

BUCK-TICK is a legendary band that has left behind many masterpieces.

Even after the passing of Atsushi Sakurai, they continue to be loved by countless fans.

Their song “Aku no Hana” is their biggest hit.

It’s characterized by a musical style that blends gothic rock and alternative rock, and it became a nationwide success.

Throughout the piece, the vocal range is set relatively narrow.

There are instances of subtle vibrato, but you don’t necessarily have to match the original exactly—singing it more freely and expansively is also a great option.

HOWEVERGLAY

GLAY / HOWEVER

HOWEVER, a song by GLAY, a four-piece rock band from Hokkaido, is a classic passed down across generations.

Its greatest appeal lies in the beautiful contrast between the quiet and intense sections.

In particular, after the guitar solo, the final chorus features many high notes—nail it, and you’ll definitely earn the respect of those around you.

By the way, the final high notes are quite challenging for men to hit in chest voice, so if it seems tough, switching to falsetto just for that part is recommended!

ChronostasisBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Chronostasis”

This is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s 18th digital-only single, released on April 11, 2022.

With its mid-tempo and very singable vocal melody, it’s a song that even those who aren’t confident singers can likely handle comfortably at karaoke.

Singing with a relaxed approach and light vocal production is a quick way to capture the feel of the original.

There are parts that may require techniques like mixed voice to sing in the original key, so if you’re not confident in that area, try lowering the key.

From inside the windowBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “From Inside the Window”

“From the Window” is a mid-tempo rock tune released in 2023 by the four-piece rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN.

Since the key is relatively low, it’s recommended even for people who aren’t very confident singers.

It starts off quietly and builds up powerfully in the chorus, making it a perfect fit for the beginning of a karaoke session or for cooling things down midway through.

The chorus melody has sections with quick note movements, so if you focus your practice there, you’ll be able to sing it cleanly!

BambinaTomoyasu Hotei

Tomoyasu Hotei / HOTEI – Bambina

An artist highly popular among men in their 40s, Tomoyasu Hotei.

For men in their 30s, he might feel a bit out of their generation, but because Hotei has had such a long career, he was also very active in the 2000s.

So even if you’re not familiar with him, many people probably know his songs.

Among his tracks, the one I particularly recommend is Bambina.

It has a rockabilly vibe, but the overall vocal range is set quite narrow.

There are no long sustained notes either, so despite its intense rock feel, the vocal line is easy to sing.