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!
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- 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
1990s (ages 41–50)
White LoveSPEED
This is the biggest hit by SPEED, a four-woman vocal and dance group from Okinawa.
It was used as the commercial song for Shiseido Tissera Angel Drop.
With this song, they made their first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and served as the opening act for the Red Team for two consecutive years.
PassionUA
This song is UA’s long-running hit and is known as one of her signature tracks.
More recently, Miliyah Kato released a song titled “Jonetsu” that samples “Jounetsu,” and the original remains a beloved masterpiece to this day.
It’s a song that sings of a bittersweet love.
cherrysupittsu
A quintessential hit by Spitz that needs no introduction.
You can pretty much count on finding its chord progression in any acoustic guitar instructional book.
Struggling with the F chord change is a rite of passage.
The chorus is incredibly catchy and leaves a strong impression.
For loveOkuda Tamio
This song is the solo debut single of Tamio Okuda, who performs as a member of Unicorn.
It was also used in 2011 on the New Year’s Eve special of “Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!!” in the form of a parody sung by Okuda himself, so many people are likely familiar with it.
Because I want to dreamakusesu
It’s a 1994 hit song by the unit Access, consisting of Daisuke Asakura and Hiroyuki Takami.
It was used in the Fuji TV variety show Heisei Kyoiku Iinkai.
The song is notable for vocalist Takami’s high-tone voice, which makes it seem unsuitable for karaoke; however, if you sing it as an impression/impersonation, it’ll likely go over well with people from the generation that knows the track.
No, that’s not it.Suzuki Masayuki
Masayuki Suzuki, a singer affectionately known as “Martin” and hailed as the King of Love Songs.
His 18th single “Chigau, Sou Janai,” released as a double A-side with the duet track with Momoko Kikuchi, “Shibuya de 5-ji (Romantic Single Version),” was featured in a commercial for Mitsutaka’s “Boutique JOY.” Its catchy chorus and emotional melody make it a song many people can’t resist singing at karaoke.
It’s a soulful number that’s perfect for karaoke—try singing it with a consciously non-Japanese vocal style to capture its unique flavor.
Kiss me hereShiina Ringo
Ringo Sheena has many great songs, but I recommend this one.
It’s a single track packed with a range of emotions—cuteness, sensuality, and even jealousy.
Choose this song to sing, and you’ll definitely come across as a cool, sophisticated woman!