Funny Western pop songs for karaoke skits
When you think of karaoke in Japan, most people sing J‑pop, but every now and then someone does an English song and the room really lights up, right?
This time, we’re featuring “interesting” tracks from Western music.
That doesn’t mean songs that are simply funny.
In Japan, where English isn’t widely spoken, singing Western songs just because the lyrics are funny won’t really land.
Rather than “funny” as in comical, we’ve selected songs that are “interesting” in the sense of intriguing.
Of course, we’ve only picked tracks that are likely to hype up a karaoke session, so feel free to use this as a reference!
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Funny karaoke novelty songs in Western music (11–20)
My SharonaThe Knack
The Knack is a four-piece rock band that represents Los Angeles, and “My Sharona” is one of their signature songs.
For Japanese listeners, it might even sound uniquely distinctive.
That’s because the track is used as an insert song in comedian Harumi Ed’s routine.
With its memorable riff, many people will instantly think, “Oh!” the moment they hear it.
It’s a song that’s sure to hype up a karaoke session.
Be sure to check it out.
Happy BirthdayStevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is one of the artists who sparked the new soul boom of the 1970s.
He’s also extremely popular in Japan, and since he was born blind, I think many younger people know of him as well.
Among Stevie Wonder’s works, one song that’s especially easy to get a good reaction with is “Happy Birthday.” It’s a birthday song that everyone has heard at least once.
The more seriously you sing it, the funnier it gets, so give it your all and try singing it for real.
9 to 5Sheena Easton
While it’s important to liven up karaoke with funny songs, many women may also want to lean into cuteness, right? If you’d like the best of both cute and fun, we recommend Sheena Easton’s classic “9 to 5.” It was a massive hit around the world and has been used in many commercials and variety shows in Japan.
Its unique, adorable melody is sure to be a big hit with the guys as well.
Be sure to check it out.
VolareGipsy Kings
One of the bands that represent France, the Gipsy Kings.
Although they are a French band, the members have Romani roots, and they primarily release songs in Spanish.
“Volare” is known as one of the Gipsy Kings’ hit songs and has an overall energetic vibe.
Since it’s also used in commercials, it’s a great pick when you want to completely change the mood at karaoke!
Mr. Blue SkyElectric Light Orchestra
Electric Light Orchestra, a progressive pop band representing England, better known as ELO.
They gained popularity with their avant-garde sound that incorporated electronic music.
Among their works, “Mr.
Blue Sky” is especially popular.
Since it was used in the film Guardians of the Galaxy, even younger people are likely familiar with it.
Coupled with the movie’s vibe, it seems like a song that would get everyone going at karaoke.
A View To A KillDuran Duran
Duran Duran is a British rock band that gained worldwide popularity.
They’re known as one of the defining bands of the 1980s and pioneers of the New Romantic genre, which sparked a global boom.
Among their works, the one I especially recommend is A View To A Kill.
Since it’s also used as the opening cue on the Japanese variety show Shabekuri 007, many people are probably familiar with it.
Funny karaoke meme songs in Western music (21–30)
Dschinghis KhanDschinghis Khan
Dschinghis Khan was a West German group active from 1979 to 1985.
Although they were primarily a disco and pop music group, the era’s popularity of new wave meant their songs were arranged with eccentric compositions.
Speaking of Dschinghis Khan’s classics, their signature track is “Dschinghis Khan,” which shares the group’s name.
The phrases are familiar even to Japanese listeners, so singing it at karaoke is sure to spark lively, humorous fun.