Songs that get the crowd going at karaoke. Showa-era classics that people of all generations can enjoy.

Get WildNEW!TM NETWORK

TM NETWORK | Get Wild（from How Do You Crash It？）

This work combines a sense of speed like racing through the city at night with a powerful message about facing hardships while sharing pain and dreams.

The story-like lyrics penned by Mitsuko Komuro make it no exaggeration to call it a national song with outstanding recognition across generations.

Released as a single in April 1987, it became TM NETWORK’s first song to break into the Top Ten and stands as one of their signature tracks.

It’s also included on the classic album “Gift for Fanks.” Created with the intention of serving as the ending theme for the anime City Hunter, it excels in delivering a refreshing vibe that links seamlessly with the series.

It’s easy to sing at karaoke and extremely popular, so if you want to liven up a party, definitely consider adding it to your setlist next time.

Ah, heartlessNEW!An Ruisu

ANN LEWIS w/PINX “Ah, Heartless” A.A.OH! ’91 LIVE at Nakano Sunplaza

Despite its archaic-sounding title steeped in a blend of Japanese and Western sensibilities, this smash hit by Ann Lewis dazzles with a glittering, hard-hitting rock sound.

With an instantly memorable melody and an explosive chorus that commands attention, the song portrays a powerful female figure that feels emblematic of its era.

Released in April 1986 and later included on the classic album “Yujo,” it continued to win support over the years, even serving as the theme song for the 2006 drama “Fushin no Toki: Woman Wars.” It’s perfect not only for getting the crowd going at karaoke, but also for boosting your own energy.

From the very first notes of the intro, it lights up the room—so be sure to add it to your repertoire.

DESIRE -Passion-NEW!Nakamori Akina

(14) [Official] Akina Nakamori / DESIRE -Passion- (~Yume~ ’91 Akina Nakamori Special Live at Makuhari Messe, July 28 & 29, 1991)

Akina Nakamori, the legendary idol who defined an era.

With her overwhelmingly expressive performances wrapped in an adult aura, she remains a singer with enduring, devoted popularity.

Among her songs, the one I recommend is this 14th single, released in February 1986.

Its impactful lyrics and catchy melody are outstanding.

Since the melody sits in a lower register for a female singer, it does call for somewhat advanced dynamics, but it should still be relatively easy to sing even for those who aren’t very confident at karaoke.

Loved across generations, it’s sure to get the crowd going at post-party karaoke and similar occasions.

Seventeen-Year-Old’s MapNEW!Ozaki Yutaka

[Official] Yutaka Ozaki “Seventeen’s Map” (LIVE CORE IN TOKYO DOME 1988/9/12) [2nd Single] YUTAKA OZAKI / SEVENTEEN’S MAP

While enjoying charismatic popularity for music that directly expressed youthful conflict and rebellion, singer-songwriter Yutaka Ozaki passed away at the young age of 26.

This work, in which he passionately sings about themes such as the repressed daily lives of teenage boys and the absence of a place to belong, carries a razor-sharp atmosphere that seems to speak for the loneliness and impatience of youth.

It is the title track of his debut album released in December 1983, and it was re-released as his second single in March 1984.

The B-side features “OH MY LITTLE GIRL.” Although it had no major tie-in, it has been quoted by many TV programs.

It is an immortal classic that we hope people will belt out at karaoke across generations, recalling both the suffocation and the power of their adolescence.

CAT’S EYENEW!Anri

CAT’S EYE

This is the thirteenth single by singer-songwriter Anri, produced as the opening theme for the TV anime Cat’s Eye.

Released in August 1983, the song’s sense of speed and thrilling arrangement—evoking the world of the anime—were embraced by many listeners, and it’s still recognized today as one of Anri’s signature tracks.

With an atmosphere that evokes the urban night, it became a major hit, even reaching No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart.

Its catchy melody brings back memories from that time, making it a pop tune loved beyond the realm of anime songs.

It’s sure to be a hit at karaoke with a wide range of generations.

A tip for singing it well is to keep your delivery relaxed overall.