Popular Karaoke: Artist Rankings [2026]

MiracleGReeeeN78rank/position

GReeeeN – Kiseki

GReeeeN is a four-member vocal group that continues to work in their unique style, balancing careers as dentists with musical activities.

Their seventh single, released in 2008, was used as the theme song for the TBS drama ROOKIES and became a massive hit, topping the Oricon singles chart for two consecutive weeks.

The lyrics, which straightforwardly express ever-growing love for a partner and the joy of having met them, warmly embrace the listener’s heart.

Despite its upbeat tempo, the emotionally rich melody is perfect for enlivening parties.

If everyone sings the chorus together, it creates a sense of unity and greatly lifts the atmosphere.

As a well-known classic across generations, it’s an ideal pick for karaoke with a diverse group.

HOWEVERGLAY79rank/position

GLAY / HOWEVER

Speaking of GLAY’s songs, they span from energetic numbers to moving ballads, and many are easy to sing at karaoke—so it can be tough to choose.

If you want to share a touching moment across generations at a work karaoke with your boss, their signature ballad released in August 1997 is a great pick.

This majestic, stirring track conveys unwavering devotion to a loved one and a strong determination for the two to overcome any hardship together.

TERU’s emotive vocals further elevate the tender yet warm message.

It topped the Oricon charts, sold over a million copies, and was later used as the ending theme for a TBS drama, so many people are sure to recognize it.

As a timeless love song cherished across generations, it’s sure to create a warm atmosphere.

At all times.Makihara Noriyuki80rank/position

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “No Matter What” (Music Video) [3rd Single] (1991) Noriyuki Makihara/donnatokimo [No. 1]

A signature work by Noriyuki Makihara that delivers a universal message of living true to yourself, carried by a powerful yet gentle melody.

While acknowledging the doubts and anxieties of life, this classic is imbued with a strong resolve to cherish your true self.

Included on the album “Who Do You Share a Happy Yawn With?”, it became a massive hit, surpassing one million copies within six months of its June 1991 release.

It was also selected as the entrance march for the 64th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in spring 1992.

The melody, featuring a distinctive acoustic guitar and a calm tempo, makes it easy to sing.

For many people, it’s a song that resonates in the heart when standing at a crossroads or when they feel on the verge of losing themselves.

balladKetsumeishi81rank/position

Ketsumeishi “Ballad”

Ketsumeishi is known for having lots of bright songs with plenty of hip-hop and rap elements, but they actually have ballads too! With gentle melodies over piano and string-backed arrangements… this side of Ketsumeishi is really satisfying to listen to, and it looks cool to sing as well! The song runs close to seven minutes, so it’s on the longer side, but it’s highly recommended when you want something mellow.

Of course, there’s rap in it too, but the tempo is relaxed, so it’s easy to learn and easy to groove to.

It seems best to sing while moving your body in a big, open way.

The chorus is a real highlight, so if you sing each phrase carefully, you can really put your feelings into it.

There are spots where it slips lightly into falsetto, which adds a surge of poignancy.

The latter half of the chorus is a sweet spot for singing, so don’t hesitate—project your voice with confidence!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

The Future Projection IIDREAMS COME TRUE82rank/position

The Future Projection II

DREAMS COME TRUE’s signature song “Mirai Yosouzu II.” When it comes to DCT ballads, this is the one, right? Lots of people probably sing it at karaoke.

First, since the opening notes are quite high, be careful not to let your guard down from the very start.

If you listen closely to the intro and form a clear image of the pitch, you should be fine.

Also, because the tempo is relaxed, try to sing carefully without letting phrases run together, almost as if you’re placing each note.

In the chorus, the melody goes into a higher range, so sing boldly and hit the pitches with a grand, expansive feel.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

Rolling Girlwowaka83rank/position

wowaka “Rolling Girl” feat. Hatsune Miku / wowaka – Rolling Girl (Official Video) ft. Hatsune Miku

A monumental work in the Vocaloid scene that combines high-speed rock sound with profound philosophy.

It’s one of the signature pieces by wowaka, who also fronted the band Hitorie, and it was released in February 2010.

Its exhilarating 195 BPM tempo and lyrics that depict a girl’s heartfelt cry resonated deeply with many young listeners.

The song also influenced numerous Vocaloid producers, including Kenshi Yonezu.

Go ahead and belt it out, pouring your own feelings into it!

SoupFujihara Sakura84rank/position

Soup

This is Sakura Fujiwara’s debut single, released in June 2016.

Incidentally, the lyrics, composition, and production were handled by Masaharu Fukuyama.

The vocal melody doesn’t use extremely low or high notes throughout the song, so it might be an ideal karaoke choice for women who feel hesitant about singing due to a limited vocal range.

The song maintains a relaxed, heartwarming mood from start to finish, so while keeping a slightly bouncy groove, be careful not to rush the vocals or make the pronunciation of the lyrics sound rough.

It seems there’s also a version sung by Masaharu Fukuyama, who produced the track, so it could be helpful to check that out as a reference.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kei Takahata

Report a problem