Top Foreign Songs That Hype Up Karaoke for People in Their 50s [2026]

It Must Have Been LoveRoxette36rank/position

Roxette – It Must Have Been Love (Official Music Video)

A gem of a ballad by the Swedish pop duo Roxette.

Originally produced as a Christmas single in 1987, the song became a worldwide hit after being included on the soundtrack of the 1990 film Pretty Woman.

Its structure is masterful, building emotion gradually from a quiet piano introduction, and Marie Fredriksson’s clear, luminous vocals poignantly convey the pain of heartbreak.

Per Gessle’s melody subtly shifts the chorus progression with each repetition, continuously stirring the listener’s emotions.

In June 1990 it reached No.

1 on the U.S.

Billboard Hot 100, and it also received a BMI award recognizing six million broadcast performances.

Many listeners will likely be reminded of the film’s romantic scenes.

It’s a perfect song for quietly reflective moments or when you want to look back on memories with someone special.

U Can’t Touch ThisMC Hammer37rank/position

M.C. Hammer – U Can’t Touch This

In the hip-hop scene of the 1990s, MC Hammer made his mark as a pioneer who fused dance and pop.

Hailing from Oakland, California, he thrilled the world with his dazzling stages backed by large dance crews and those distinctive “Hammer pants.” This track features a sticky groove built on a sample from Rick James’s “Super Freak,” giving it an addictive quality that makes your body move almost involuntarily.

At the 1991 Grammy Awards, it won two categories—Best Rap Solo Performance and Best R&B Song—marking a turning point as rap broke into the mainstream.

A quintessential classic, it continues to be referenced in sports arenas, TV commercials, and countless other settings.

Put it on as karaoke or event background music, and you’re sure to get everyone—especially those who remember that era—fired up!

SeptemberEarth, Wind & Fire38rank/position

Earth, Wind & Fire – September (Official HD Video)

For those from the disco generation, this classic is incredibly nostalgic—just hearing it will lift your spirits, and some might even start dancing.

As the title suggests, it’s one you’ll definitely want to sing in September, though the vibe feels more like spring or summer.

If you can handle both Maurice White’s low vocals and Philip Bailey’s high vocals by yourself, you’re a hero! If not, split the parts among two or more people and sing together!

More Than WordsExtreme39rank/position

Extreme – More Than Words (Official Music Video)

Extreme set themselves apart from typical rock bands and heavy metal by gaining popularity with a sound that incorporated elements of funk.

Formed in Boston in 1985, the band is known for its diverse musicality that fuses hard rock with funk and pop.

Speaking of their signature song, it would be the acoustic ballad released in March 1991.

It topped the Billboard Hot 100 and became a major hit worldwide, reaching number one in countries such as Belgium and Canada.

There’s a memorable story that guitarist Nuno Bettencourt drew inspiration from a melody that came to him naturally while sitting on a porch at dusk.

The song carries a moving message about the importance of showing love through actions, not just words.

It’s a classic that’s perfect for creating a gentle yet uplifting mood.

All I Want for Christmas Is YouMerry Christmas40rank/position

Mariah Carey – All I Want For Christmas Is You (Official Video)

Mariah Carey’s signature song, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Although this piece is often cited as a difficult song, it’s not without singable elements.

The tricky part is mainly the slow-tempo opening; once the beat kicks in and the tempo picks up, the kind of wide-interval vocal runs heard in the intro appear less frequently.

Even so, the overall difficulty remains on the higher side, but given its top-tier recognition and popularity, it’s well worth the challenge.

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enter the sandmanMetallica41rank/position

Metallica: Enter Sandman (Official Music Video)

Metallica, a band I personally consider the greatest in metal.

Is there anyone who doesn’t feel their blood stir when they hear this intro? It’s especially memorable for those in their 50s.

Even now that we’re middle-aged, they’re still unbelievably cool—this is a masterpiece among masterpieces.

The moment this song comes on, it’s time to headbang.

Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us NowStarship42rank/position

Starship – Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now (Official Music Video) [HD]

Known as the theme song from the movie Mannequin, this track remains a popular 80s classic.

With its distinctly 80s pop sensibility and melodious sound, it’s the kind of song that makes the singer feel uplifted.

It’s a great Western hit to perform as a male-female duet.