Western party songs: popular party tunes recommended even for party-scene beginners

Party Rock Anthem ft. Lauren Bennett, GoonRockLMFAO

LMFAO – Party Rock Anthem ft. Lauren Bennett, GoonRock

I think it’s very well-known in Japan since it was used in AU’s commercials.

The chorus melody that sticks in your head after just one listen is really cool.

The way it breaks down nicely makes it an easy track for beginners to get into and groove to.

Wake Me Up Before You Go-GoWham!

Wham! – Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (Official Video)

This is a number that Razor Ramon RG frequently uses for his “aruaru” bits.

It’s also been used in commercials and as the opening for information programs, so it’s a well-known song that will go over well at karaoke even with people who aren’t into Western music.

If the English is tough, singing RG’s ‘aruaru’ version might still get the crowd going.

Blood Sweat & TearsBTS

BTS (방탄소년단) ‘피 땀 눈물 (Blood Sweat & Tears)’ Official MV

A song by a charismatic Korean boy group.

In Western karaoke, it’s categorized under Korean.

It has more words similar to Japanese than English does, and the word order is the same.

This song sings about a guy who’s totally hooked on a queen-like girlfriend.

In the chorus, be sure to convey the feeling that he’s completely captivated—body and soul—by her.

K-pop fans will definitely get hyped, and it also works great as a crowd-pleasing Western karaoke pick!

Hey JudeThe Beatles

The Beatles – Hey Jude

Here is “Hey Jude” by the legendary band The Beatles—no introduction needed.

It’s so incredibly famous that even people who don’t usually listen to Western music are sure to know it.

Classics like this really get the crowd going at karaoke.

It’s a mellow song, but singing it together with everyone is a lot of fun.

Party Up (Up In Here)DMX

DMX – Party Up (Up In Here) (Enhanced Video, Edited)

Since the title is “Party Up,” we pretty much have to pick this, right? If we go with hip-hop, putting on a track like this will absolutely get the crowd hyped.

It might be hard for Japanese people to grasp intuitively, but foreigners will feel the very essence of a party in a song like this.

Birthday Song2 Chainz

2 Chainz – Birthday Song ft. Kanye West (Official Music Video) (Explicit Version)

It’s a hip-hop track.

I think it would sound really cool if you performed it.

The song itself is slow, but it has a unique vibe and would be perfect as background music.

Singing it as an alternative birthday song might also help prevent things from getting stale.

Here’s to Never Growing UpAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne – Here’s to Never Growing Up (Official Video)

They are an ultra-popular singer from Canada who is also active in Japan.

The song expresses youth and the joy of living; it’s slow but feels powerful.

Because it’s calm and unhurried, I think it’s easy to sing.

It also has a good sense of rhythm, so there’s no doubt you’ll feel great singing it.