Karaoke Crowd-Pleasers: Top Male Rankings [2026]

YOUNG MANSaijō Hideki64rank/position

Hideki Saijo – Young Man (Y.M.C.A.)

Here is a single released by Hideki Saijo in 1979.

It’s a cover of Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.,” a disco hit in the United States, with Japanese lyrics written by his then-manager, Ryuji Amagai.

If everyone sings along while forming the letters “Y,” “M,” “C,” and “A” with their bodies—said to stand for “Young Man Can do Anything”—it’s sure to get the crowd going.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Beat ItMichael Jackson65rank/position

Michael Jackson – Beat It (Official 4K Video)

This song, notable for its powerful guitar riff and sharp beats, is included on the 1983 album Thriller.

Showcasing Michael Jackson’s appeal to the fullest, it became a massive hit, spending three consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The lyrics convey the importance of avoiding violence and conflict and walking your own path.

At karaoke, its rhythmic melody and powerful vocals can instantly elevate the atmosphere.

Belt it out with friends, and it’s sure to become an unforgettable memory.

cherrysupittsu66rank/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.

Love Story Comes SuddenlyOda Kazumasa67rank/position

Love Story Suddenly – Kazumasa Oda

As one of Kazumasa Oda’s signature hits, it remains a popular karaoke staple.

It was included as the B-side to the single “Oh! Yeah!” released on February 6, 1991.

Chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Tokyo Love Story,” this track likely conjures up images of Honami Suzuki, who played the lead, and many people may find themselves smiling as they hear her say, “Kanji.”

One Night CarnivalKishidan68rank/position

Kishidan – One Night Carnival

The major-label debut from Kishidan, a rock band hailing from Chiba, fuses a fiery heartbeat with a catchy pop melody line.

With their unique style of school uniforms and pompadours, and high-energy tunes packed with passionate messages, they powerfully express the rebellious spirit of youth and a yearning for freedom.

Originally released independently in June 2001, the work sold 80,000 copies, and its major-label edition in May 2002 reached No.

7 on the Oricon chart.

With relatable, down-to-earth lyrics and an exhilarating sound, it’s perfect for when you need a boost or a refreshing change of pace.

Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā69rank/position

Golden Bomber “Memeshikute” Music Video

A four-member band that created the one-and-only genre of a visual-kei air band and has earned high praise for the quality of their songs, Golden Bomber released this as their seventh single.

It’s a track defined by lyrics that candidly portray the clingy feelings of a man after a breakup, paired with a melody influenced by Showa-era kayōkyoku.

Released in October 2009, it became so popular that it won a JASRAC Award in 2014.

In karaoke, it ranked third on Daiichi Kosho’s annual request chart in 2012.

It’s a perfect song to liven up a karaoke session with friends, and it also works well as background music for events with large crowds.

My Dear EllieSazan Ōrusutāzu70rank/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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