Karaoke That Gets the Crowd Going: Latest Rankings [2026]

crimsonX JAPAN64rank/position

X JAPAN – Kurenai (Tokyo Dome 2009.05.03) [1080P HD]

X JAPAN’s famous and high-pitched song “Kurenai” starts off so relaxed that you might find yourself thinking, “Is this really that song?” For the record, that’s exactly what I thought the first time I heard it (lol).

It might be easier for women to sing in the original key, but it’s quite high for men! Toshl’s vocals are truly incredible—he not only growls but also maintains solid high tones throughout.

The key to hitting high notes is your core.

If your body wobbles, your voice won’t project forward, so make sure to support from your lower abdomen (tanden).

There are parts that feel like shouting, but if you actually just shout, you’ll wreck your throat.

Try to resonate in your head with a “Kyaa!” kind of image instead.

This is definitely a song you’ll want to add to your karaoke repertoire!

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Kubota Mami

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God of RomanceHirose Kōmi65rank/position

Kohmi Hirose – God of Romance (Official Video)

Kohmi Hirose is a singer-songwriter who has garnered attention on YouTube for her high level of musical sophistication and eccentric personality.

Her third single, “Romance no Kamisama,” used as the commercial song for the ski goods retailer Alpen, became a massive hit that led to her nickname “Queen of Winter.” The lyrics’ storyline reflects the era in which it was released and will likely feel nostalgic to those of that generation.

It’s also a great pick for karaoke, but since it’s quite a high-pitched song, be sure to sing it in a key that suits your voice.

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Hoshino Takashi

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When I get home, my wife always pretends to be dead.hobo nichi P66rank/position

[PV] My Wife Pretends to Be Dead Every Time I Come Home. [Hobonichi-P]

Created as an original song for the film “When I Get Home, My Wife Always Pretends to Be Dead,” this work of the same title is a Vocaloid piece by Hobonichi-P.

The music video is easy to understand whether you’ve seen the movie or not, and amusingly showcases the wife’s pretend-death antics in a brisk sequence.

There are even over-the-top “ways to die” that make you want to blurt out, “No way that could happen!”, so you won’t want to miss a single phrase.

If you try singing it at a company drinking party, it might even make you rethink the wife waiting for you at home!

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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LOVE＆JOYKimura Yuki67rank/position

Yuki Kimura / LOVE & JOY (Official Lyric Video)

A single packed with the exhilarating appeal of Eurobeat! Yuki Kimura’s clear, soaring vocals fuse perfectly with Daisuke Asakura’s energetic production to create a high-speed dance track.

Riding a BPM of 173, its bright, forward-looking message evokes a moving sensation, as if a rainbow were arcing across the listener’s heart.

Released in July 2000, the song captured many hearts as the theme for the TV drama “Daisuke Hanamura.” It reached No.

24 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and achieved total sales of 116,000 copies.

Perfect as BGM for highway or mountain-pass drives, it’s also ideal when you need a boost for a tired spirit.

Grip the wheel and set off on a special musical journey to this rhythm.

Shape of YouEd Sheeran68rank/position

Ed Sheeran – Shape of You (Official Music Video)

If you’re choosing a song for the after-party karaoke, I recommend this track by Ed Sheeran, which became a record-breaking global hit.

Released in 2017, it’s an upbeat pop number infused with dancehall and tropical house elements.

The lyrics depict being drawn to someone met at a bar—straightforward and relatable—so even those not confident in English should find the catchy chorus easy to sing along to.

Its simple sound, built around a marimba-like synth riff and a minimal beat, naturally gets your body moving.

Why not fire up the whole room with this Grammy-winning track?

flying getAKB4869rank/position

[MV full] Flying Get (Dancing Version) / AKB48 [Official]

Set to a passionate sound that fuses Latin and rock, this song portrays the push-and-pull of romance.

The lyrics, which express proactiveness and strategy in love, also leave a strong impression.

Released in August 2011, the track drew attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e.” It also won the Grand Prize at the 53rd Japan Record Awards, marking AKB48’s first such honor.

If you sing it at karaoke, try expressing that fiery romantic feeling with your whole body.

It’s a recommended song for anyone who wants to be more proactive in love.

Goodbye ElegySuda Masaki70rank/position

Masaki Suda “Sayonara Elegy”

In addition to his overwhelming presence as an actor, Masaki Suda continues to captivate many fans as a singer.

This work is his third single, released in February 2018, and it was selected as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Kiss That Kills.” The lyrics and composition were created by Hui Ishizaki, a singer-songwriter whom Suda deeply admires.

It’s a rock number that straightforwardly portrays the struggle of seeking love while being unable to escape loneliness, as well as the poignancy of parting.

The melody carries a touch of nostalgia, and the powerful, emotionally stirring lyrics leave a strong impression.

With relatively little variation in vocal range, it’s easy to sing and perfect for livening up a karaoke session.

The chorus, full of driving energy, is sure to create a sense of unity when everyone sings together.

Highly recommended for anyone looking to energize the mood at a post-drinks after-party.