A collection of nostalgic hits from the ’70s to 2000s that are perfect for livening up karaoke
When you go to karaoke with people from the same generation—like at class reunions, year-end parties, or New Year’s gatherings—nothing gets the energy up like nostalgic hits! The real charm of these retro tunes is that only those who lived through the same era can sing and listen while reminiscing about those days.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected hit songs from the 1970s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s—tracks that were beloved back then and are still cherished by many today.
Use this as a guide when choosing songs for karaoke with friends from your generation!
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Songs that get everyone excited. Songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke.
- Songs everyone knows across generations. A roundup of karaoke tracks anyone can sing, regardless of age.
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Classic nostalgic hits: A collection of youth songs
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the Heisei era: Let’s look back at iconic songs from the 1990s and 2000s.
- From Showa-era kayōkyoku to J-POP! A nostalgia-packed roundup of karaoke crowd-pleasers
- [Karaoke] A roundup of songs that are easy for women to sing!
- Even karaoke beginners can relax! Easy-to-sing songs for men
- Karaoke Popularity Ranking by Generation [50s] [2026]
- Karaoke songs you’ll want to sing for men in their 70s: Enka and nostalgic Showa-era pop
- When you want to hype it up with your peers! Karaoke songs recommended for Gen Z
- [For People in Their 40s] Karaoke Songs That Are Easy to Sing: 2026 Ranking
- [Nostalgic Songs] A compilation of classic anime themes that hit home for those born in the Showa and Heisei eras
- Timeless classics only! Showa-era hit songs perfect for acoustic sing-alongs
1970s–1980s (21–30)
Under the big onionbakufū suranpu
Bakufu Slump is known for intensely up-tempo songs like Runner and Rizzo Laba, with vocalist Sunplaza Nakano-kun’s gravelly voice leaving a strong impression.
This is a slow-tempo ballad—a youthful song that portrays a faint romance between pen pals who quietly long for each other from afar.
I think it’s a masterpiece in which Sunplaza Nakano-kun’s voice surprisingly fits very well.
Sword DanceHikaru GENJI
This is Hikaru GENJI’s fifth single, following Starlight, Garasu no Jūdai, Paradise Ginga, and Diamond Hurricane.
The ending of this song feels great to sing, so if you’re from the Hikaru GENJI generation, try singing it at karaoke at least once.
Love is overŌyō Fifi
A song by Taiwanese-born singer Faye Ouyang, who gained popularity for her striking looks and rich, resonant voice.
Originally the B-side of her 17th single “Uwasa no,” released in 1979, it caught on through word of mouth and was re-released the following year, 1980, as her 18th single.
Its lyrical words set to a moody melody are likely familiar to listeners across generations.
Because the key is low for a women’s song, it’s also suitable for men to sing at karaoke—especially recommended for those in their 50s, 60s, and 70s.
summer festivalNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
The guitar played by Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi captivates everyone who listens.
In Summer Festival, there are many guitar solo sections, and as you listen, its melody somehow makes you feel wistful, bringing tears to your eyes naturally.
It’s a heartwarming song that evokes the end of summer.
RIDE ON TIMEYamashita Tatsuro
Perhaps the most famous song by Tatsuro Yamashita is “Christmas Eve,” but this one is a song you can play all year round.
Released in 1980, it takes the best of Japanese kayōkyoku and American pop, and even more than 30 years later it remains just as charming.
It feels great to sing at karaoke.