[Men] Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers Ranking [2026]

cherrysupittsu78rank/position

Spitz / Cherry

It’s a masterpiece whose clear, beautiful melody resonates deep in the heart.

It weaves together memories of a faint romance and the resolve to move forward after overcoming them.

Released in April 1996 as one of Spitz’s signature songs, it topped the Oricon charts and became a million-seller.

It’s also very popular for karaoke and is sure to liven up drinking parties and school reunions.

It’s the perfect song for men in their 40s who feel nostalgic about their youth.

A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko79rank/position

“Cruel Angel’s Thesis” MUSIC VIDEO (HD ver.) / Zankoku na Tenshi no Te-ze “The Cruel Angel’s Thesis”

A classic that became one of the most famous anime songs of the 1990s—and arguably a national hit that transcends the anime-song category—A Cruel Angel’s Thesis boasts widespread recognition.

As everyone knows, it’s the theme song for the TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion and was released in 1995 as Yoko Takahashi’s 11th single.

It’s an iconic piece for the Evangelion series and, as mentioned above, has a popularity that goes beyond being a mere anime song, leading many artists to cover it.

Many of us still vividly remember Takahashi’s powerful performance of A Cruel Angel’s Thesis as part of a special segment in the 72nd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

Precisely because it’s such a celebrated song, it’s sure to hype up any party with a wide range of age groups.

That said, it’s a challenging track for men to sing in the original key.

You could drop it an octave, but if you push through and sing it in the original key all the way, you can expect the crowd to get even more fired up!

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KOH-1

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Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN80rank/position

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” Live Music Video

This track features an energetic rock sound and lyrics that skillfully weave a contrast between sugar and bitter, leaving a strong impression.

Released by UNISON SQUARE GARDEN in May 2015, it was chosen as the ending theme for the anime Blood Blockade Battlefront.

It achieved the band’s highest position of No.

5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and sparked a major response, with over 500,000 downloads.

It’s a highly recommended song not only for anime fans but also for teenage male rock listeners.

Sing it with friends at karaoke, and you’re sure to capture a sweet-and-bitter page of youth.

My Dear EllieSazan Ōrusutāzu81rank/position

Southern All Stars – Itoshi no Ellie [Live at Southern All Stars Kickoff Live 2018 “A Slightly Naughty La-La Old Man”, 2018]

This was Southern All Stars’ third single, released in March 1979.

Up until this release, Southern were known for a hot, powerful, and comedic image—slightly risqué, even—so dropping a suddenly wistful slow ballad as a single must have surprised many people who were listening to them in real time back then.

I was actually one of those people myself.

It’s a song where Kuwata’s decidedly “manly” vocals shine in every sense, so even though it’s a slow ballad, when you sing it at karaoke, don’t fuss over the small details—immerse yourself fully in the song’s world.

I’m sure you’ll feel great singing it, and your friends listening will feel something too.

And it’s essential that everyone joins in at the start of the chorus!

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Kei Takahata

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Our TomorrowElefanto Kashimashi82rank/position

Elephant Kashimashi – “Our Tomorrow”

This is a masterpiece imbued with a powerful, emotionally resonant rock sound and a vision of walking toward the future alongside friends.

The friendship and bonds portrayed in the music video, along with the courage to step into a new tomorrow, gently support anyone seeking strength for their heart.

Released in November 2007 by Elephant Kashimashi, led by Hiroji Miyamoto, the song was used in a commercial for House Foods’ Ukon no Chikara and came to be loved by a wide audience.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when standing at a crossroads in life, when renewing your resolve, or when you need hope for the future.

With its robust melody, it fills you with the courage to move forward—an uplifting song that warms the heart.

Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro83rank/position

Nana Eikura stars in Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Christmas Eve” special movie-version PV

If you’re in your 40s, chances are you listened to or sang this song quite a lot.

Every Christmas season it plays on TV and radio, and it’s become something of a winter tradition.

Since its release in December 1983, it has been a long-selling hit that keeps boosting its sales every holiday season.

Tatsuro Yamashita’s warm vocals and the gentle, laid-back melody really resonate with the heart.

It became even more famous after 1988, when it was used in JR Tokai’s commercials.

If you’re singing it at karaoke, putting real feeling into it will make for an even more memorable performance.

Boy in the back alleyHamada Shogo84rank/position

Backstreet Boy (ON THE ROAD “FILMS”)

Shogo Hamada’s debut single, released in April 1976.

Since its release as his debut that year, several remade versions have been produced.

The song depicts the period when Hamada was living in Yokohama, from age 16 to 22—his ronin (gap year) days through his time at Kanagawa University—and it was written the day before his 23rd birthday, which is why the last line ends with “22.” I was also born in 1967, and I remember strongly relating to the worldview expressed in the lyrics when I first heard the song as a teenager.

When you sing it at karaoke, try to recall those sensitive, formative years.

Rather than aiming to “sing it well,” it’s better to deliver it with straightforward emotional expression.

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Kei Takahata

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