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
- Must-see for men: Songs that look cool if you can sing them at karaoke—numbers that women can’t help but be captivated by.
- 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
- Feel-Good Songs: Belt Them Out at Karaoke! A Roundup of Popular Numbers
- Songs everyone knows across generations. A roundup of karaoke tracks anyone can sing, regardless of age.
- Songs Women Want Men to Sing: Popular Karaoke Picks Chosen by Girls
- Gentle songs you want to sing at karaoke. Recommended classics and popular hits.
- 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 (21–30)
Rock Around The ClockBill Haley & His Comets
It was first recorded in 1954 by Sonny Dae and His Knights, but the single released a few months later that year in the United States by Bill Haley and His Comets became a major hit.
Rather than an original and its cover version, these two records were closer to a collaborative effort.
SherryFrankie Valli & The Four Seasons
Featuring lead vocalist Frankie Valli’s powerful, piercing falsetto, this song was released in 1962.
It reportedly came together in about fifteen minutes, and the name “Sherry” settled into place after a few changes.
The musical and film Jersey Boys depict the story of this band.
I want to sing at karaoke! A roundup of recommended oldies classics and popular songs (31–40)
Jailhouse RockElvis Presley
With its striking intro, this song—known in Japan as “Kangoku Rock”—was the theme song for the Presley-starring film and was released in 1957.
Rather than the typical oldies love song, its lyrics make it a party tune themed around a state prison band.
When you sing it at karaoke, go all-in with energy!
Twist and ShoutIsley Brothers
The Isley Brothers released this song in 1962 and made it a hit.
People often assume they sang the original, but in fact, the first group to release the song was the Top Notes.
It later became even more famous when the Beatles covered it.
The Isley Brothers’ version has a slower tempo and a pastoral feel.
You Are My DestinyPaul Anka
With its almost overly dramatic intro and passionate vocals, this song makes perfect sense once you hear the title: “You Are My Destiny.” Written and composed by Paul Anka, who also sang it, it was released in 1957.
He’s amazing—he can both write songs and sing them.
Whether you perform it seriously or with a comedic touch, it packs a punch, so it’s a great pick for karaoke.
Mr SandmanThe Chordettes
This song became the first major hit for the American female vocal quartet The Chordettes in 1954, reaching number one on the Billboard chart that same year.
In the film Back to the Future, a version by a group called The Four Aces is used, arranged with a swingy feel.
La BambaThe Real Ritchie Valens
This song was originally sung in Mexico for over 300 years, but in 1958, Mexican-American singer Ritchie Valens arranged it in a rock ’n’ roll style, performed it, and made it a hit.
In 1987, as the theme song for Valens’s biographical film “La Bamba,” Los Lobos covered it, bringing it back into the spotlight.