I Want to Sing at Karaoke! A Roundup of Recommended Oldies Classics and Popular Songs
Nostalgic oldies! How about singing a host of classic tunes that resonate in your heart along with memories of those days at karaoke? The Western masterpieces born mainly in the 1950s and ’60s have never faded with time and continue to captivate countless people even today.
In this article, we’ll introduce must-sing oldies for karaoke—from rock ’n’ roll to pop and ballads—beloved across generations.
Oldies often have simple melodies and are easy to sing.
From songs everyone knows to unexpected hidden gems, we’ve got a lineup guaranteed to get the karaoke crowd going!
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the ’70s to 2000s that are perfect for livening up karaoke
- [For Men] Cool, Popular Songs That Impress at Karaoke
- Even karaoke beginners can relax! Easy-to-sing songs for men
- When you can’t decide what to sing at karaoke: Easy-to-sing classic hits from the Showa era
- [Karaoke] A roundup of songs that are easy for women to sing!
- Popular songs that are easy to sing at karaoke. Recommended classics and hit songs.
- Easy-to-sing youth songs for karaoke: recommended classics and popular hits
- A lineup of classic hits! Karaoke songs recommended for the yutori generation
- Songs everyone knows across generations. A roundup of karaoke tracks anyone can sing, regardless of age.
- Karaoke songs popular with women that they want men to sing
- Gentle songs you want to sing at karaoke. Recommended classics and popular hits.
- [I want to sing out loud] Songs that feel great to belt and are fun for karaoke
- Packed with masterpieces! Karaoke songs recommended for women of the Yutori generation
I want to sing at karaoke! A roundup of recommended oldies classics and popular songs (1–10)
The Loco-MotionLittle Eva
It’s a classic dance tune with an irresistibly bright, exuberant melody! The lyrics invite everyone to line up and dance like a steam train, and combined with Little Eva’s lively vocals, it puts a smile on every listener’s face.
Released as a single in June 1962, it hit No.
1 on the U.S.
charts that August.
Cover versions by Grand Funk Railroad and Kylie Minogue were also big hits, and it was used in the film Inland Empire, so many people across generations have likely heard it.
Sing it with the simple choreography and your room will instantly feel like a ’60s dance party—truly impressive! Add it to your repertoire as a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for livening up any karaoke session.
You Send MeSam Cooke
The artist known as the “King of Soul,” Sam Cooke—once you hear his sweet, velvety voice, it’s hard not to be captivated.
This gem of a ballad celebrates the exhilaration of falling in love, delivered with his elegant tenor.
His gospel-honed expressiveness lends profound feeling to simple words of love.
Released in September 1957, the song spent three consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the U.S.
pop chart.
It was included on his debut album, Sam Cooke, and featured in the film Sweet Dreams.
With its simple, catchy melody, it’s a great choice for creating a smooth, intimate mood at karaoke.
You Can’t Hurry LoveThe Supremes
A signature work by The Supremes from Motown, it was released as a single in July 1966.
The song is an encouraging anthem that conveys a warm-hearted lesson from a mother: “When it comes to love, it’s important not to rush—wait patiently.” Musically, it blends buoyant pop with soul into that classic Motown sound, wrapped in a catchy melody that lifts your spirits the moment you hear it.
The track is also included on the acclaimed album “The Supremes A’ Go-Go,” and it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two consecutive weeks.
It’s also known for being covered in the film “Runaway Bride.” With its up-tempo, easy-to-sing structure, it’s perfect for getting everyone energized at karaoke.
Definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.
I want to sing at karaoke! Recommended Oldies Classics and Popular Songs (11–20)
Please Mr. PostmanThe Marvelettes
It’s a song released in 1961 by the Marvelettes, who were signed to the American label Motown Records.
It is said to express lead singer Gladys Horton’s feelings as she waits for letters from her lover who has gone off to war.
It’s a famous oldies classic, also known for being covered by the Beatles and the Carpenters.
Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot BikiniBrian Hyland
If you want to liven up karaoke with an easygoing, fun summer song, this one is for you.
It’s sung by pop singer Brian Hyland.
This story-style pop tune charmingly depicts a girl who’s shy about wearing a yellow polka-dot bikini.
Its bright, buoyant sound is sure to put you in a happy mood just by listening.
Since its release in June 1960, it went on to hit No.
1 on the U.S.
charts in August of the same year.
It’s also featured in the film “One, Two, Three,” so it might be a crowd-pleaser if you cue it up at karaoke.
Johnny B. GoodeChuck Berry
A signature song by legendary guitarist Chuck Berry, who laid the foundation of rock ’n’ roll.
It was released in March 1958.
The story portrays a young boy trying to rocket into stardom with his guitar talent, and the way his mother cheers him on is truly moving.
The track is also well-known for its performance scene in the film Back to the Future.
What’s more, there’s an epic anecdote that it was included as part of the Sounds of Earth on the Voyager spacecraft launched in 1977.
The moment that intro starts, your heart just races! Seeing someone seize their dreams with a guitar is so inspiring—it makes them feel like a hero.
It’s just incredibly cool and gets you totally pumped up!
VacationConnie Francis
It’s an upbeat, feel-good number that heralds the arrival of summer.
It celebrates the anticipation and sense of freedom that come with a long-awaited vacation, and just listening to it lifts your spirits.
This song, performed by Connie Francis, dates to around July 1962.
It was originally slated to be a B-side, but became a major hit thanks to radio response.
It reached No.
9 on the U.S.
charts and is also known for being her final Top 10 hit.
In Japan, many will recognize it as the theme song for the film “Nurse no Oshigoto THE MOVIE,” covered by “Izumi Asakura with Nurse no Oshigoto.” With its simple, easy-to-sing melody, it’s a great one to add to your repertoire.