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 (21–30)
It’s Now or NeverElvis Presley
This song, recorded by Elvis Presley in 1960, became a big hit thanks to its lively melody based on the Italian folk song “’O Sole Mio.” The lyrics convey a message like, “Now is the only chance to get close to you,” which brings to mind the recently popular phrase “Now’s the time.” Since it originated as a folk song, it’s easy to sing and highly recommended.
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)
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.
Rhythm Of The RainThe Cascades
Here is a song by The Cascades released in 1962.
It’s about a man who, after breaking up with his lover, thinks of her while getting soaked in the rain, yet the overall mood of the song is surprisingly bright and gentle.
In the arrangement, the opening features rain sound effects, and the celesta resonates throughout like the sound of rain, enhancing the atmosphere.
It’s a classic that has been covered in many different languages.
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!
Save the Last Dance for MeThe Drifters
Titled “Save the Last Dance for Me” in Japan, this song was released by The Drifters in 1960.
And by The Drifters, we don’t mean the Japanese comedy group.
The lead vocalist at the time was the legendary Ben E.
King.
In Japan, it became a hit when covered by Fubuki Koshiji.
It’s a moving song said to have been written by a lyricist who couldn’t dance due to a bad leg, expressing his own feelings in the lyrics.