Easy-to-sing recommended songs by back number [for karaoke song selection]

Happinessback number

Shiawase

“Shiawase,” included as the B-side to back number’s debut single “Hanabira,” is a track whose string-featured, wistful arrangement tightens the chest.

Many listeners will likely relate to the lyrics’ storyline, which evokes the image of someone stepping back for the sake of a loved one.

Although it’s sung by a male vocalist, the key is high, making it an easy number for women to sing at karaoke.

one roomback number

One Room

The back number classic “one room,” with its strikingly orthodox J-pop rock melody, leaves a strong impression.

Since it was released early in their career, the youthful quality of vocalist Iyori Shimizu’s voice also stands out.

The most singable aspect of this song is, above all, its chord progression.

Because it uses chords frequently heard in Japanese pop, every part makes it easy to find the pitch.

In addition, the vocal range is narrow, so even those who can’t hit high notes should be able to sing it without issue.

Ms. Hanako on a high pedestalback number

Back Number – Hanako-san on a High Pedestal

Released in June 2013, this is back number’s eighth single.

It’s a song where you can fully enjoy clear, soaring high tones, and considering the singer’s natural timbre, it’s one of the best choices for men with similarly high natural voices to sing at karaoke.

However, the melody—especially in the latter half of the chorus—leaps around quite a bit and is fairly complex, so choosing it just because “the voice fits” can be risky.

Before singing, be sure to check the melodic progression and vocal range in advance.

marchback number

march

While back number has many unrequited-love and heartbreak songs, they do have some mutual-love tracks as well.

Among them, the one I particularly recommend for its ease of singing is March.

Its lyrics capture the various feelings that arise while looking at a lover sitting in the passenger seat, and the melody is striking—full of a driving sense of speed that evokes a road trip, yet tinged with a chill vibe.

The vocal line in this song is very understated, repeating similar phrases over and over, so the level of difficulty is quite low.

phantom thiefback number

back number – Phantom Thief

This is back number’s third digital-only single.

It was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Koi wa Deep ni.” The melody, set over a stylish piano line, is a pleasant listen.

While there are many challenging parts—such as the characteristic back number falsetto in the chorus—because the track is under four minutes long, you should be able to sing it with focused practice.

If the key doesn’t suit your voice, you can adjust it to your range, so even those who aren’t confident at karaoke should definitely give it a try.

Sing of springback number

Back Number – Haru o Uta ni shite

A track from back number’s first mini-album, released in February 2009.

Perhaps because it’s from their indie era, it has less of that polished “pro” feel compared to their current vocals, so even people who aren’t confident singers should find it easier to try.

There are parts where you’ll need to switch to falsetto, but if that’s tough, try lowering the karaoke key a bit.

More than singing perfectly, the most important point for making it sound good is to focus on conveying the song’s world and atmosphere.

The curtain risesback number

back number – The Curtain Rises [Theme song for the film 'TOKYO MER: Mobile Emergency Room – Nankai Mission']

It’s the theme song for the theatrical release “TOKYO MER: Mobile Emergency Room – Nankai Mission,” hitting theaters on August 1, 2025, and it feels very much like a classic back number track.

Compared to other songs, the average vocal range is lower and the difficulty is relatively mild, making it easier to take on; however, there are lots of switches between chest voice and falsetto in the chorus and the bridge.

I think that’s the key to really delivering this song! Basically, aim to resonate in the head and sing the whole piece gently.

That way, your chest voice won’t sound forced but will come out airy and open, making transitions to falsetto smoother.

Also, falsetto uses more breath than you might think, so take in plenty of air through your mouth wherever you can breathe.

The highest note, C5, appears in the bridge; if you imagine ringing the very top of your head and push a little more firmly there, it should land beautifully!