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 Western songs for karaoke (1–10)
Sex MachineJames Brown
Known for the famous “Get up!” line, this is one of James Brown’s signature songs and a monumental funk anthem.
It might take some time to nail his distinctive moves, but since it’s a classic everyone knows, mastering it will likely make you a hit at karaoke or any party.
Shake It OffTaylor Swift
A massive hit from 2014.
It’s a song that’s practically synonymous with Taylor Swift.
It might be more fitting to call it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser than a novelty track, but the sense of exhilaration is incredible—if you can sing it properly, the chorus will have the whole karaoke room erupting.
Eat It“Weird Al” Yankovic
Al Yankovic, an American artist who is a leading figure in parody music.
Among his songs, the most famous is “Eat It,” a parody of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.” For anyone who knows the original, the lyrics—basically saying “Just eat it, eat it non-stop”—are laugh-out-loud funny.
Even Michael himself officially approved this gag song.
Short ShortsThe Royal Teens
If you want to liven up karaoke with a laid-back, easygoing song, go with “Short Shorts.” It’s performed by The Royal Teens, a band from New Jersey.
As an early rock ’n’ roll piece, it blends a rock flavor with a touch of jazz.
It’s also used as the theme song for the Japanese TV show “Tamori Club,” so it might get a good reaction if you cue it up at karaoke.
Be sure to check it out.
Scatman (ski-ba-bop-ba-dop-bop)Scatman John
Scatman John’s biggest hit song, “Scatman (Ski-Ba-Bop-Ba-Dop-Bop).” His rap-style vocals, which turned his stutter—a chronic condition—into a strength, became a sensation and the track was a worldwide smash.
He was incredibly popular in Japan as well, appearing in many music media outlets and commercials during his active years.
To be honest, it’s extremely difficult, so pulling it off is a real challenge.
That said, even the failed attempts are entertaining in their own way, so by all means give it a try at karaoke!
Don’t Stop Me NowQueen
Queen is a rock band that represents the United Kingdom.
Many younger people may have gotten to know them through the film Bohemian Rhapsody.
Don’t Stop Me Now is one of their signature hit songs.
It starts off quietly, gradually builds in intensity, and then bursts with power when the chorus kicks in.
It’s a fun song in the sense that you can really enjoy it.
Be sure to check it out.
KissPrince & The Revolution
Prince, a singer-songwriter who gained worldwide popularity in the 1980s with his overwhelming songwriting prowess and performance, formed a band called Prince and the Revolution, and during that era his popularity rivaled that of Michael Jackson.
His classic hit “Kiss” is often used for scene transitions on Japanese variety shows.
To be honest, it’s such an eccentric song that it can come off like a gag unless it’s Prince himself performing it.
The more seriously you sing it, the funnier it gets—so definitely try it at karaoke!