Recommended karaoke crowd-pleasers: Popular artist rankings [2026]

I can’t stay a daydreaming girlAikawa Nanase8rank/position

Nanase Aikawa / I Can’t Be a Dreaming Girl

One of Nanase Aikawa’s signature songs, which catapulted her into the ranks of star singers under the production of Tetsurō Oda.

This catchy, rock-style track—also covered by Demon Kakka of Seikima-II as well as idol group Yumemiru Adolescence—remains a karaoke favorite across generations.

If you’re in your 50s, it probably hit right around your youth, so some of you might even say, “My band covered this song.” Many were drawn to the lyrics, which skillfully speak for a girl on the verge of becoming an adult.

It’s a highly recommended song for belting out at full power and forgetting all your worries!

kawa-E (cute)Yabai T-shatsu Yasan9rank/position

Yabai T-Shirts Yasan – “Kawa-E” Music Video

This piece was written as the theme song for the film “Nisekoi.” Released in December 2018, it’s included on the album “Tank-top Festival in JAPAN.” First off, the high-energy, full-throttle tempo really lifts your mood! The unique lyrics are memorable too, such as expressing charms that go beyond “cute” using the alphabet.

Thanks to its brisk rhythm and fun vibe, it’s a song everyone can sing together to get pumped up.

Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā10rank/position

Golden Bomber “Memeshikute” Music Video

A dynamic track by Golden Bomber that expresses the ache and regret of heartbreak set to a catchy, kayōkyoku-style melody.

While retaining elements of visual kei, the song—shaped by influences from 1970s kayōkyoku and Eurobeat—comically portrays a man’s lingering attachment.

Released as a single in October 2009, it was also featured in a commercial tie-in for House Foods’ “Megashaki.” The group performed at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen for four consecutive years from 2012 to 2015, and the song topped the Oricon Weekly Karaoke Rankings for 51 straight weeks.

It’s a tune that lifts your spirits with refreshing energy and humor, making your body move almost involuntarily when you’re feeling down or need a change of pace.

A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko11rank/position

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

It’s a song widely loved as the opening theme of the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, resounding with Yoko Takahashi’s vocals.

It portrays youth’s growth and potential with words that are both beautiful and powerful.

Released in October 1995, it has remained timeless for over 25 years, continuing to leave a deep impression on many people.

It even won first place overall in JOYSOUND’s ranking of songs sung during the Heisei era, boasting popularity across generations.

It’s a track that can lift your spirits when you listen during little moments—while doing housework or on a drive.

Why not hum along? It’s sure to set your heart dancing.

SaudadePorunogurafiti12rank/position

Pornograffitti “Saudade” MUSIC VIDEO

One of Porno Graffitti’s signature songs, this classic captures the pain of heartbreak and a sense of nostalgia within a Latin-style melody.

“Saudade” is a Portuguese word that means “longing or nostalgia for something lost.” The overall vocal range is surprisingly narrow, from B3 to G#4.

However, the key modulates in the final chorus and the pitch rises, and the tempo is fast, so be careful not to fall behind the rhythm.

Did you know that when vocalist Okano sings, he raises his eyebrows? I definitely recommend copying this! Especially for high notes, lifting your eyebrows makes it easier to hit the pitch and produce a solid tone.

If you raise your eyebrows right when the melody changes, it helps you land the notes smoothly, so I highly recommend it!

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A Little Love SongMONGOL80013rank/position

A Little Love Song

There must be plenty of people who’ve already decided, “If I go to karaoke, I’m definitely singing this.” It’s a signature song by MONGOL800, a rock band from Okinawa.

Included on their 2001 album MESSAGE, it wasn’t even released as a single, yet it became the first indie track in history to sell over 2.8 million copies.

Its appeal lies in the driving rock sound and straightforward lyrics that honestly express feelings for someone special.

In 2019, a film inspired by the song was released, and it continues to be loved across generations.

With a relatively low key and a simple melody, it’s an easy pick even for those who aren’t confident at karaoke.

If everyone belts out the chorus together, it’s sure to make any drinking party even more lively!

LemonYonezu Kenshi14rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Lemon

A song released in March 2018 as Kenshi Yonezu’s eighth single.

Written specifically as the theme for the TBS drama “Unnatural,” it has set an astonishing record with over 900 million views on YouTube.

The lyrics, which express feelings for a loved one who has been lost, portray the pain of bereavement and the bittersweetness of living on while carrying memories of that person, resonating deeply with listeners.

Its bouncy shuffle beat and dynamic melody make it quite challenging to sing at karaoke, but that only heightens the sense of accomplishment when you pull it off.

It’s a masterpiece that’s perfect for creating a reflective mood or livening up the room with a well-known classic.