Lovely karaoke song

From Showa-era kayōkyoku to pop: songs that sound cool when you can really sing them

Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!
Music producer, composer, vocal coach, keyboard playerKei Takahata
From around 1995 to 2000, I built experience with a major label as a composer and producer. I then moved to the United States and studied voice and singing under Elizabeth Sabine, one of Los Angeles’s top vocal coaches, mastering the so-called Hollywood vocal technique advocated by Sabine. After returning to Japan, I have been involved in training and producing a variety of singers. My direction, which brings out the full appeal of both the music and the vocalist, is highly regarded. In the collaboration video with Vo. ryuichi of the band Guild below, I handled keyboards, vocal direction, and sound production. For inquiries and requests regarding voice training and music production, please contact me via the website below. SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-402518821

Many of you probably want to sing cool, deep tracks at karaoke with style.

In particular, Showa-era kayōkyoku and New Music, as well as early-to-mid Heisei J-POP, are packed with timeless masterpieces that still sound fresh decades after their release—a real treasure trove of cool, mature songs.

It’s precisely because of that universal appeal that these songs continue to be sung by today’s younger generation.

In this article, I’ll introduce plenty of those songs that, if you can pull them off, will give you that sophisticated edge.

I’ve picked selections mainly from Japanese music of the ’70s through the ’90s, with some of the latest J-POP mixed in, so use this as a reference when choosing songs for karaoke!

From Showa-era kayōkyoku to pop: Cool songs that sound suave when you can really sing them (71–80)

Goddess (Eros)Fumiya Fujii

Fumiya Fujii LIVE “Goddess (Eros)”

Goddess (Eros) Fumiya Fujii

It was released in 1994 as Fumiya Fujii’s third single.

The song was used in a commercial for Mitsutaka’s “Boutique JOY,” and it reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It drew attention for having lyrics by Fumiya Fujii and music composed by Kazutoshi Sakurai of Mr.

Children.

For Sakurai, providing a song to another artist is quite rare.

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Time, stop.Eikichi Yazawa

Time, stand still — Eikichi Yazawa

Time, Stop — Eikichi Yazawa

Eikichi Yazawa, a driving force in Japan’s rock scene.

Many people admire not only his songs but also his character and way of life.

One track I’d like to highlight is Jikan yo Tomare (“Time, Stand Still”), which sings about a no-nonsense view of love.

It portrays a man thinking of the one he loves.

The lyrics are romantic yet distinctly masculine.

If you try it at karaoke, take your time and sing with feeling.

Since much of the song sits in the lower register, it’s a good pick even if high notes aren’t your strength.

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Imperial Regent DeclarationMasashi Sada

Kampaku Declaration — Masashi Sada

Kampaku Sengen by Masashi Sada

Kuwata Masashi’s classic song “Kampaku Sengen” (The Patriarch’s Declaration) centers on a domineering, head-of-the-household man on the verge of marriage.

Because Masashi Sada himself wrote both the lyrics and music, some people have mistaken him for being that kind of authoritarian husband, but in reality, he was motivated by seeing a society with more and more timid men and chose to portray a strong-willed male figure on purpose.

Although the song initially faced strong backlash from women when it was released, it has since become one of Sada’s signature tracks.

It’s a song brimming with rugged charm—be sure to give it a listen!

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DON’T TRY SO HARDWANDS

WANDS (DON'T TRY SO HARD) LIVE (volume warning)

DON'T TRY SO HARDWANDS

A song by WANDS, a three-piece rock band that ranked among the top of the Being label artists who dominated the J-POP scene in the 1990s.

Featured on their fourth album, “PIECE OF MY SOUL,” it takes a rock ballad approach that stands apart from their earlier pop-leaning sound—very cool.

The depth of the ensemble born from its dark atmosphere makes it perfect for those who want a karaoke pick that stands out from the crowd.

It’s a challenging song to sing, but its unique worldview is the charm of this sophisticated, moody number.

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As time goes byKenji Sawada

Kenji Sawada - As Time Goes By

As Time Goes By by Kenji Sawada

It was released in 1975 as Kenji Sawada’s 14th single.

Used as an insert song for the TV drama “Akuma no Yona Aitsu,” in which Sawada himself starred, it became a major hit.

With lyrics by Yū Aku, it is one of Kenji Sawada’s signature songs and has been covered by many artists, regardless of gender.

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Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenEigo Kawashima

Eigo Kawashima – Sake, Tears, Men and Women

Sake, Tears, Men and Women by Eigo Kawashima

This is the first solo single by singer-songwriter Eigo Kawashima, whose songs, capturing the unique melancholy and inner emotions of men, have been loved across generations.

Used in a commercial for the sake brand Kizakura, the song begins with a heartrending piano melody that truly stirs the soul.

If you can pull it off at karaoke, many listeners will likely be captivated by its cool, mature vibe.

It’s also a great choice for younger people to sing at karaoke with their bosses or seniors, and it’s widely known as one of Kawashima’s signature numbers.

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Hold my soulKyosuke Himuro

Kyosuke Himuro “Hold My Soul” LIVE at Budokan YouTube

Hold me with your soul, Kyosuke Himuro

It was released in 1995 as Kyosuke Himuro’s 11th single.

It was used as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Kaze no Keiji: Tokyo-hatsu!” and in a commercial for Pioneer’s Carrozzeria, and it reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It is one of Kyosuke Himuro’s most popular and representative songs.

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