Songs that liven up group mixers: a curated list of easy-to-sing, crowd-pleasing hits and classics!

SaudadePorunogurafiti

Pornograffitti “Saudade” MUSIC VIDEO

This song, whose title means “nostalgia” in Portuguese, is a heartrending love ballad that deliberately uses feminine speech to depict the protagonist’s complex feelings at the end of a romance.

While accepting the breakup, it poignantly sings of lingering attachment and memories that remain deep in the heart, expressing down-to-earth emotions anyone can relate to.

Released in 2000, it reached a personal best of No.

1 on the weekly Oricon chart and became Porno Graffitti’s first million seller.

It features some slightly rapid-fire sections and a key change in the latter half, but its Latin-flavored sound is easy to groove to and makes it a crowd-pleaser for karaoke.

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

Released in March 2001, this is a big hit by BUMP OF CHICKEN.

It gained attention when it was used as an insert song for the drama of the same name, “Tentai Kansoku.” It’s well-known across generations, making it perfect for your group hangout repertoire! The vocal range is somewhat wide, but focus on the vibe as you sing and liven up the atmosphere!

rainbow-coloredayaka

Ayaka / “Nijiiro” (Theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Hanako to Anne”) Music Video (Short Ver.)

It was released in 2014 as Ayaka’s 13th single.

The song was written as the theme for the NHK morning drama series Hanako to Anne, and in 2016 it was used in a UQ mobile commercial.

Loved as a wedding staple, it’s a song that makes both the singer and the listener feel happy.

MiracleGReeeeN

GReeeeN – Kiseki

Released in May 2008, this is GReeeeN’s seventh single.

It’s a classic that has been featured in various contexts, including as the theme song for the high school baseball-themed drama “ROOKIES” and as the entrance march for the 81st National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

It regularly ranks high in karaoke popularity charts, so it’s sure to be a hit at mixers, too!

R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE / “R.Y.U.S.E.I.” Music Video

A smash hit by Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE, released in June 2014 and winner of the Grand Prize at the 56th Japan Record Awards that same year.

It’s perfect for lively group mixers where you want to amp up the energy with a catchy vibe.

The key is quite high, but if you transpose it to a comfortable range, you should be able to cover it well!

New Treasure IslandSakanakushon

Sakanaction / New Treasure Island -Music Video-

Sakanaction, who have gained popularity with their distinctive songs, released a hit in September 2015 that was created as the theme song for the film Bakuman.

Rather than a song meant to “showcase vocals,” it has a slightly retro vibe that’s perfect for changing the mood of a room.

The vocal range isn’t particularly high, so it should be easy to sing even for those who struggle with high notes.

SHAKESMAP

[+81 DANCE STUDIO] SMAP – SHAKE / Performed by Travis Japan

When it comes to songs that get everyone hyped with SMAP, this one is probably the go-to.

Johnny’s songs tend to be relatively easy to sing and pitch, so they’re suitable even for people who aren’t very confident singers.

They’re catchy too, so they’re likely to go over well with women at group dates.