[Men in Their 50s, Gather Up!] Classic Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers & Easy-to-Sing Hits

Kiyoshi’s Zundoko SongHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi [Official]

A heartwarming, approachable song that makes the most of rhythms found in folk songs and enka.

This masterpiece fully showcases Kiyoshi Hikawa’s charm, beautifully expressing the bittersweetness of love, masculine strength, and longing for one’s hometown.

With his natural vocal talent and refreshing appeal, Hikawa presents a uniquely modern take on the traditional enka worldview.

It was released by Nippon Columbia in February 2002.

The song won the Gold Prize at the 44th Japan Record Awards and is known as one of Hikawa’s signature tracks.

With its relaxed tempo and narrow melodic range, it’s a piece you can sing with a calm mindset.

During the chorus, it’s also nice to have listeners add call-and-response interjections!

DO YA DOCHAGE and ASKA

[MV] DO YA DO / CHAGE and ASKA

Released as the lead single from the 13th album “SEE YA” and featured in a Toyota Motor “Sprinter Carib” commercial, the 25th single “DO YA DO” delivers a stylish melody and chord progression that still creates a pleasantly breezy atmosphere today.

Although the key is high, the vocal range is narrow, so it’s easy to sing if you adjust the key to suit your voice.

You can sing it solo, but it’s also a fun number to perform with friends thanks to the call-and-response in the chorus.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Lovers Are Wine-ColoredCHAGE and ASKA

[LIVE] My Lover Is Wine-Colored / CHAGE and ASKA / HISTORY I ~10 Years After~

The 20th single, “Koibito wa Wine-iro” (“My Lover Is Wine-Colored”), was released as an advance single from the 10th album, RHAPSODY.

It was issued as a double A-side with “Akirame no Blue Day” and was used as the theme song for the TV drama Abunai Zakkyo Couple.

With its relaxed melody and tempo and a relatively narrow vocal range, it’s also recommended for karaoke.

If the key feels too high, adjust it to suit your voice; since there aren’t any big interval jumps, it becomes easier to sing, so give it a try.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Without waiting for twilightCHAGE and ASKA

[MV] Without Waiting for Twilight / CHAGE and ASKA

Without Waiting for Twilight is one of the most popular and easy-to-sing songs from CHAGE and ASKA’s catalog, especially for karaoke.

Its upbeat-feeling melody line blends seamlessly with a uniquely 1980s sense of nostalgia.

At the same time, it conveys a bittersweet emotion, skillfully weaving in the complex interplay of feelings between a man and a woman.

The melody is easy to remember, yet it delivers a surprising impact that draws listeners into the musical world.

Its flexibility—working well as a duet or solo—is another charm.

That, in essence, is the appeal of CHAGE and ASKA’s music, and the reason this song has long been loved as a top karaoke recommendation.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

Speak not of lifeyoshida takurou

Takuro Yoshida - Don’t Speak of Life (lyrics)Don’t speak of life like you know it allDon’t speak of love like you’ve got it downDon’t speak of dreams the way someone else doesDon’t speak of life, don’t speak of lifeIf you’re gonna talk, then sing it outIf you’re gonna love, then give it allIf you’re gonna dream, then stake your lifeDon’t speak of life, don’t speak of lifeWhen the wind blows through the town at duskI stop and listen to my heartI remember someone I used to loveAnd I feel like I can almost see them nowDon’t speak of life like you know it allDon’t speak of love like you’ve got it downDon’t speak of dreams the way someone else doesDon’t speak of life, don’t speak of lifeIf you’re gonna cry, then cry it outIf you’re gonna laugh, then laugh out loudIf you’re gonna live, then live it throughDon’t speak of life, don’t speak of lifeOn a night when the rain won’t seem to stopI walk with my collar turned upI hum a tune that no one knowsAnd I feel like I can almost flyDon’t speak of life like you know it allDon’t speak of love like you’ve got it downDon’t speak of dreams the way someone else doesDon’t speak of life, don’t speak of lifeIf you’re gonna talk, then sing it outIf you’re gonna love, then give it allIf you’re gonna dream, then stake your lifeDon’t speak of life, don’t speak of life

It’s a song whose powerful vocals, singing of the doubts and inner struggles we face in life, are deeply moving.

It was included on the 1974 album “Ima wa Mada Jinsei o Katarazu,” whose title is said to have been taken from this song’s lyrics.

While the rhythm is calm yet strong—making the tempo approachable even for beginners—the melody is also simple and easy to sing.

However, to convey the atmosphere of the piece, passionate, heartfelt singing is essential.

It’s important to imagine how to flow the words and where in each phrase to apply emphasis.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Until today and from tomorrowyoshida takurou

“Until Today and From Tomorrow” by Takuro Yoshida

It’s one of Takuro Yoshida’s signature songs, depicting someone looking back on their life and connections with others while pondering the road ahead.

Its popularity is evident from its use in various works, such as the 1972 film “Tabi no Omosa” and the 2001 film “Crayon Shin-chan: The Storm Called: The Adult Empire Strikes Back.” Centered on acoustic guitar—the hallmark of folk music—the simple sound enhances the clarity of the lyrics’ message.

The repeated, straightforward melody makes it easy to sing, and performing it in a relaxed, almost murmuring tone helps bring out the song’s atmosphere.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Goodbye to sorrowanzenchitai

Kanashimini Sayonara

This is one of Anzen Chitai’s signature songs, noted for its seductive vocals and gentle, soothing sound.

In 1985, the band made their first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen with this song, and its many cover versions by other artists attest to its enduring popularity.

While Koji Tamaki’s alluring vocal tone may make the song seem challenging to sing, its slow tempo and relatively moderate melodic range are key points to focus on.

It’s important to sing with care for the lyrics’ message—gently, with emotion, as if conveying the story from the heart.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem