[For men in their 30s] Songs that tend to score well on karaoke scoring systems

Beyond a thousand nightsAqua Timez

Aqua Timez 'Beyond a Thousand Nights' Music Video (Theme song of the movie 'BLEACH: Memories of Nobody')

When people talk about iconic medium-tempo ballads from the 2000s, I’m sure many in their mid to late 30s immediately think of this song.

“Sen no Yoru wo Koete” is Aqua Timez’s second single overall, and it was also used as the theme song for the anime film BLEACH: Memories of Nobody.

With its arrangement incorporating strings, it’s a classic that truly evokes the 2000s, yet its clear melodic lines and straightforward structure make it very singable at karaoke.

While the pitch isn’t particularly high, there are some fairly low notes and the overall range is relatively wide, so try to be mindful of delivering it with good dynamic contrast.

Paradise BabyRIP SLYME

RIP SLYME – Rakuen Baby

For those in their 30s today, the April 2025 announcement that RIP SLYME would be restarting with all five original members must have been electrifying news.

They produced many hits in the 2000s, but when it comes to karaoke, the first song that comes to mind is undoubtedly Rakuen Baby, released in 2002.

In recent years it’s enjoyed a revival on platforms like TikTok, so it’s well-known among younger generations too.

With its Latin-flavored arrangement and the group’s strength of having four distinct MCs on full display, it’s a super-charged killer tune that always brings the hype, making it a karaoke favorite.

The melody is woven in generously, so even those who aren’t confident with rap should find it approachable.

Sing it with friends while trading rap lines, and you’re guaranteed to have a blast!

sailing dayBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN「sailing day」

In fact, BUMP OF CHICKEN’s very first anime tie-in song was “sailing day.” Released in 2003 as a double A-side single together with “Lost Man,” it’s a classic noted for its guitar sound and melodies that deliver that distinctly BUMP-like, heart-searing sense of wistful speed.

Many people now in their 30s probably fire up this song at karaoke with friends of the same generation when it’s time to get the party going.

Looking at the melody, the overall range is relatively wide: in true Fujiwara style, it showcases calm low tones in the first half and then opens up into soaring highs in the chorus.

Those who are used to singing should handle it without trouble.

If your voice is on the lower side, adjusting the key will make it perfectly manageable.

hologramNICO Touches the Walls

NICO Touches the Walls - Hologram

While stylishly digesting influences from Western music and solidly adapting them into a J-pop format, NICO Touches the Walls carved out a unique presence.

Although they sadly disbanded in 2019, many people now in their thirties were likely fans.

Their classic song Hologram is a must-try at karaoke.

As the opening theme for the second season of the hugely popular anime Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, even those not deeply familiar with the band have probably heard it.

Its cool, driving energy, emo-rock-style guitar phrases, and soaring vocals deliver a catchy melody that captivates even first-time listeners.

The chorus does include moments with slightly higher notes, but overall the melody is easy to sing; if you have a lower voice, adjusting the key will make it more approachable.

SampleSakanaction

Sakanaction – Sample (Music Video) - Best Album “Fish Encyclopedia” (3/28 release) -

In 2025, Sakanction—whose recent song “Kaibutsu” stirred major buzz—remains well known as a band that blends not only conventional rock and pop, but also elements of techno and dance music to craft a distinctive sound.

Released in 2007 as a digital-only double A-side single, “Sample” clearly showcases Sakanction’s musical experimentation: it’s a dance track with a pronounced club-music flavor, highlighted by looping synths.

At the same time, the melody has enough solid structure to work as an acoustic guitar-and-voice rendition, which speaks to their impeccable taste.

While simply following the melody isn’t particularly difficult, it’s a good idea to focus on delivering a vocal performance with dynamics so it doesn’t become too monotonous, even though the track itself doesn’t feature big shifts.

GuaranaSukima Switch

Sukima Switch – “Guarana” Music Video: SUKIMASWITCH – GUARANA Music Video

It’s a classic pop song that makes your heart flutter—brisk acoustic guitar backing and elegant strings weave a refreshing yet somehow wistful sense of speed.

“Guarana” is a single by Sukima Switch released in 2006; it was their first song to reach No.

1 on the Oricon charts and was also used as the theme song for the film “Rough,” released the same year.

When singing it at karaoke, aim for clear enunciation and start by delivering the song’s momentum with powerful vocals.

At the same time, keep your pacing in mind and focus on adding dynamics so you can carry your performance all the way to the end.

Surfing JohnnyKeisuke Kuwata

Keisuke Kuwata – Surfin' Johnny (Short ver.)

Just hearing that light, tinkling piano intro instantly brings back memories of those summers… It’s a Heisei-era masterpiece that colored the early 2000s! No explanation needed: “Naminori Johnny,” the smash hit released in 2001 under the solo name of Keisuke Kuwata, vocalist of Southern All Stars, is a karaoke staple and has been sung across generations.

With Kuwata’s signature style in full bloom and a wide vocal range, the melody darts busily between low and high notes, which might feel surprisingly challenging when you actually try to sing it.

At the same time, it’s so catchy you can memorize it right away just by listening.

If you sing it with clear contrast—keeping the soaring parts and the rhythmic parts in mind—you can aim for a high score at karaoke!