Singable Songs by The Carpenters | Famous Western hits that are easy to sing despite being in a foreign language
The Carpenters were a pop duo who enjoyed great success in the 1970s, the heyday of rock.
The brother-and-sister duo created numerous classics with their orthodox pop sound.
Their popularity in Japan has been particularly remarkable, and their songs are still beloved as karaoke staples today.
This time, we’ve picked out some of the Carpenters’ most singable tracks.
There’s also commentary from a vocal coach on technique, so it’s a must-read for anyone who wants to sing Western pop songs well!
Singable Songs by The Carpenters | Famous Western Hits That Are Easy to Sing (1–10)
Rainy Days And MondaysCarpenters
The Carpenters’ classic “Rainy Days and Mondays,” which became a global hit with its wistful, melancholic melody, is crafted as a quintessential ballad with a relaxed tempo throughout.
That alone makes it very easy to sing, but in addition, the song’s narrow vocal range is a notable feature.
For those who are older, it can be even harder to project your voice at social gatherings where alcohol is involved; however, this song is so easy to sing that you can perform it comfortably even in such situations.
Top Of The WorldCarpenters
The Carpenters’ classic “Top Of The World” is memorable for its light, upbeat melody.
While the Carpenters are known as a pop duo, this song strongly reflects country music characteristics.
A key point of this piece lies in the English.
The vocal line has a narrow range and doesn’t require much dynamic variation, so it’s easy to sing.
However, among the Carpenters’ songs, the BPM here is relatively fast, which can make the English lyrics feel a bit crowded.
If you’re not confident in English, try linking the vowel of the previous word to the consonant of the next—for example, sing “Top of the world” more like “Topov th’ worl(d)”—to help it flow more naturally.
Hurting Each OtherCarpenters
While primarily focused on pop music, the Carpenters have created songs with a variety of distinctive qualities.
Among their works, “Hurting Each Other” is particularly dynamic in its contrasts.
The chorus, in particular, features pronounced shifts, dropping suddenly into a quiet arrangement and vocal line at the end.
Although some parts can be a bit tricky to pitch, the overall range is narrow, making it a song that’s relatively easy to sing.
Be sure to check it out.
Goodbye To LoveCarpenters
It’s not widely recognized, but Carpenters’ songs actually tend to feature a great deal of choral backing.
“Goodbye to Love,” which is still cherished as a classic, is a lovely pop tune with abundant harmonies.
Having lots of chorus parts means there are many elements that add impact beyond the lead vocalist’s volume.
In other words, even if you don’t have a powerful voice, adding harmonies gives the song dynamic contrast.
Because this track has those characteristics, as long as you can handle the English pronunciation well, it’s a song that can sound remarkably impressive.
I Need To Be In LoveCarpenters
The classic song “I Need To Be In Love,” released in 1976, is widely familiar in Japan as it’s been used on variety shows and in commercials.
Among the Carpenters’ songs, this one features many higher parts.
The chorus in particular may feel difficult to sing for some people.
However, it doesn’t actually require a mixed voice or falsetto, so if you set the key appropriately, anyone should be able to sing it.
Instead of matching the key to the verse or pre-chorus, focus on choosing a key that makes the chorus comfortable to sing.
I Won’t Last A Day Without YouCarpenters
The Carpenters are often associated with gentle melodies, but they also have some high-voltage, up-tempo songs.
Among them, the one I especially recommend is “I Won’t Last a Day Without You.” Despite its brisk tempo, it’s easy to sing and doesn’t require a wide vocal range.
It also features the Carpenters’ signature choral harmonies that add impact, making it a great choice even for those without powerful vocals.
Be sure to check it out.
Only YesterdayCarpenters
While the Carpenters have many gentle songs, they also have numerous classics with fresh, flowing melodies.
Among them, the track I especially recommend is Only Yesterday.
Although it’s somewhat minor within their catalog, it features a very catchy and singable vocal line.
The pronunciation in the verse and pre-chorus might be a bit challenging for Japanese speakers.
If you’re not confident in English, try to sing with liaison in mind.