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A roundup of songs for men in their 30s to sing [’90s–’00s tracks]

Many men in their 30s may find themselves unsure about what songs to sing when they go to karaoke with a woman.

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of songs we’d love for such men to sing! We’ve chosen tracks from the late 1990s to the 2000s—songs that will likely feel nostalgic for people in their 30s and are also popular with women—so please use this as a guide for your song choices.

This time, we focused on ballad-style songs, so sing them smoothly and coolly.

Songs men in their 30s should sing: A collection from the ’90s–’00s (31–40)

A Tiny Bit of CourageFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS 'A Tiny Bit of Courage'
A Tiny Courage - FUNKY MONKEY BABYS

Released in 2007, “Chippoke na Yuuki” was a milestone song for FUNKY MONKEY BABYS, achieving their then-highest position of No.

8 on the Oricon chart.

Many people in their 30s will fondly remember Tomohiro Waki being featured on the cover and in the music video, and for those who’ve spent a fair number of years in the working world, the lyrics that unexpectedly stir the heart are sure to make you want to belt it out at karaoke.

True to FUNKY MONKEY BABYS’ straightforward melodies, there’s nothing particularly difficult, but the fast sections that incorporate rap-like vocals typical of 2000s J-pop can be sung smoothly if you memorize the lyrics well beforehand.

confessionFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Confession”
Confession by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS

There must be plenty of people in their thirties today who can’t help but squint with nostalgia at the sight of Eiichiro Funakoshi’s jacket with an umbrella.

“Kokuhaku” (Confession) is a hit song released in 2008, a masterpiece that belts out incredibly straightforward, honest lyrics with all its might.

True to their style, the lyrics are packed with words and delivered at a slightly rapid pace, but it’s quintessential 2000s J‑POP, and for those who were in their teens to twenties back then and are now in their thirties, it likely feels like the melody of their youth—something they can sing with ease.

Just a heads-up: the final chorus modulates up by a half step!

Theory of the Mindful HeartRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – A Theory of Heart [Official Music Video]
Yuushinron RADWIMPS

Yūshinron, RADWIMPS’s fourth major-label single, is one of their early signature songs and a beloved classic among fans.

Some people now in their 30s may have first discovered the band—who were then rising as a cutting-edge young act—through this track.

The song is memorable for its catchy chorus and lyrics with a distinctive worldview, but the part to watch out for when singing it at karaoke is the fast, rap-like delivery.

Practice to keep your rhythm steady, and try to avoid sounding too flat or mechanical as you sing.

GuaranaSukima Switch

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

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.

far; distant; by farSpitz

Needless to say, Spitz have countless masterpieces and are hugely popular at karaoke, but many people feel intimidated by melodies sung in Masamune Kusano’s clear, high-tone vocals.

The 2001 release Haruka introduced here is, of course, sung in a range that can be tough for those who can’t hit high notes, but the melodic rises and falls aren’t that drastic and the line stays relatively steady, so lowering the key makes it quite manageable even for lower voices.

If you find yourself struggling partway through the soaring chorus, I recommend learning to sing with proper diaphragmatic breathing to avoid straining your throat.

Songs 30-Something Men Should Sing [90s–00s Tracks] (41–50)

Surfing JohnnyKeisuke Kuwata

Keisuke Kuwata – Surfin' Johnny (Short ver.)
Surfing Johnny Kuwata Keisuke

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!

innocent worldMr.Children

Mr.Children 「innocent world」 MUSIC VIDEO
innocent worldMr.Children

This is Mr.

Children’s (hereafter “Mr.

Chiru”) fifth single, released in June 1994.

It was used as the commercial song for Japan Coca-Cola’s “Aquarius Neo/Aquarius Iosis.” At the time of release, it sold 200,000 copies initially and went on to become a million-selling hit.

So as of December 2023, most people in their 30s have probably heard this track at least once.

While Mr.

Children’s songs generally grew more challenging to sing as their career progressed, the songs from this period still feature straightforward melodies that are easy to hum along to.

A close analysis of vocalist Sakurai’s singing reveals the use of falsetto and mixed voice, especially in the chorus, but don’t worry too much about that—just raise your voice and enjoy singing.