[40s] Karaoke Popularity Ranking by Generation [2026]

I don’t want to let go.T-BOLAN15rank/position

T-BOLAN “I Don't Want to Let Go” Music Video

This is T-BOLAN’s second single, released as a single in December 1991, cut from their first album, “T-BOLAN.” A cover by Gackt was later released as well.

It’s a very beautiful ballad; the intro, led mainly by piano and vocals, might be a bit challenging for those who aren’t confident singers to tackle at karaoke.

However, if you can gently deliver that opening, then for the chorus and beyond, just sing with all the heat and passion—like the original—and it should come together quite nicely.

If your voice cracks on the high notes, it can ruin the whole performance, so if you plan to sing this at karaoke, it’s best to figure out a key that suits you beforehand.

Give it a try and showcase a passionate, emotion-filled vocal!

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Kei Takahata

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God of RomanceHirose Kōmi16rank/position

Kohmi Hirose / God of Romance

Singer-songwriter Kōmi Hirose, known for her high musicality and distinctive personality, is beloved by a wide range of generations.

Her third single, “Romance no Kamisama,” which became a massive hit as the theme song for the ski equipment store Alpen’s commercial, cemented her image as the “Queen of Winter.” The chorus features a suddenly soaring melody that makes the song challenging, but it’s still fun to power through it with friends of the same generation.

For women in their 40s, it’s a brisk, pop tune that will likely bring back memories of the era.

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Hoshino Takashi

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HOWEVERGLAY17rank/position

GLAY / HOWEVER

This classic song by GLAY is filled with feelings for a loved one.

Its poignant yet powerful vocals and heart-touching melody are truly captivating.

While lamenting that the meeting with their beloved came too late, the lyrics also express that precisely because of that lateness, they can cherish the happiness they have now—something many listeners can relate to.

Released in 1997 and later used as a TV drama’s ending theme, this piece has continued to be beloved as a staple in live performances.

If you sing it at karaoke when you want to convey your feelings to someone special, it will surely resonate with them.

Why not try singing it while imagining GLAY’s soul-stirring vocals?

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko18rank/position

aiko - 'Kabutomushi' music video

Aiko’s signature love song “Kabutomushi.” The overall vocal range is quite wide, from F3 to F5, but it’s very easy to sing if you switch between chest voice and falsetto.

The A and B sections sit firmly in a lower range, and while the chorus climbs higher than you might expect, it may help to switch decisively to a falsetto base from there.

To switch smoothly between registers, stable pitch is essential.

If you keep your eyebrows raised or make a surprised face, you can maintain accurate pitch centered between your eyebrows without letting it drop into your throat.

Also, when singing high notes, if you hold back and produce the sound halfway, it will definitely be harder to hit, so try projecting your voice solidly!

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Kubota Mami

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BELOVEDGLAY19rank/position

GLAY / BELOVED

GLAY’s “BELOVED,” known as a karaoke classic, resonates with a uniquely emotive melody.

It’s perfect for middle-aged men to express restrained feelings directly and rekindle the passionate memories of their youth.

Skillfully highlighting TERU’s high notes will liven up the atmosphere even more, and taking on that challenge tends to boost favorability with women.

That said, be mindful of the song’s high vocal range; adjusting the key can make it easier to sing.

With lyrics that strike the heart and an energetic appeal, “BELOVED” is beloved across generations.

If you’re unsure what to pick for karaoke, you can’t go wrong with this timeless hit.

vexing lipsTakahashi Mariko20rank/position

vexing lips

Mariko Takahashi has remained popular since the 1970s.

She’s an exceptionally long-running artist who stayed at the forefront into the 1990s.

Because of that, I think even women in their 40s are quite familiar with her songs.

Among her works, the one I especially recommend is Hagayui Kuchibiru (“Frustrated Lips”).

It’s a striking piece featuring vocals influenced by Showa-era kayōkyoku and the distinctive synth sounds of the early ’90s.

In this song, the chorus reaches the highest notes, but it stays within the mid-to-high range overall, and the long sustained notes only appear in the lower register.

As a result, it’s a very singable tune for women with lower voices.

White kiteMy Little Lover21rank/position

My Little Lover “White Kite”

Younger listeners probably felt that this My Little Lover track is quintessentially summery.

At the same time, those who spent their youth in the ’90s may have had the sensation of being suddenly pulled back into a summer of that decade.

Released as a single in December 1995, the song is a refreshingly breezy tune overflowing with summertime imagery.

Beyond akko’s crystalline vocals, its contemporaneous UK rock flavor leaves a strong impression.

In 2021, it was also featured in a commercial for Suntory’s chu-hi “Horoyoi Shiroi Sour,” drawing renewed attention as a perfect song for the summer vibe.