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 kayō to pop: Cool songs to master (41–50)

Ballad of a SingerKazuyoshi Saito

Kazuyoshi Saito – Ballad of a Singer (2008 Ver.) [Music Video Short ver.]

Ballad of a Singer by Kazuyoshi Saito

Released in 1997 as Kazuyoshi Saito’s 15th single.

The song was used as the ending theme for TBS’s COUNT DOWN TV, and in 2017 it was also chosen as the theme song for the film Lu Over the Wall.

It’s a cool, understated track that has been covered by many artists, regardless of gender.

Raise the rankinglower

milk teaMasaharu Fukuyama

Masaharu Fukuyama – milk tea (Fukuyama☆Summer Thanksgiving Festival: My Stadium Live Requests!! ~Let’s Do It Solo Acoustic~)

Milk Tea Fukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama is an artist who really showcases the charm of his deep voice.

Since this song is a talk-like ballad, that low voice stands out even more.

His pronunciation has a distinctive style, so if you can imitate it to that extent, it might make the coolness stand out even more.

Raise the rankinglower

Ti AmoEXILE

EXILE / Ti Amo Chapter1 -Short version-

Ti AmoEXILE

It’s a song included on EXILE’s 28th single, “The Birthday 〜Ti Amo〜,” released in 2008.

Chosen as the CM song for Meiji’s “Meltykiss,” it became a major hit.

It won the Grand Prize for the first time at both the 50th Japan Record Awards and the 41st Japan Cable Radio Awards.

It’s a track that exudes masculine allure.

Raise the rankinglower

LaughobiaMINAKEKKE

MINAKEKKE – Laughobia _ Official Lyric Video

LaughobiaMINAKEKKE

MINAKEKKE is the solo project of Yui Minako.

Characterized by a sound rooted in goth, new wave, acid folk, and trip-hop, it has earned high praise from hardcore music aficionados.

The new track “Laughobia” blends acid folk and trip-hop, boasting a very wide vocal range.

Although it’s sung with a downbeat, moody delivery, the abundance of long tones likely demands more diaphragm and breath control than one might expect.

Raise the rankinglower

Together forever…GLAY

Together forever…

Together forever, just the two of us… GLAY

Released in 1995 as GLAY’s fifth single.

It’s a re-cut single from their first album, SPEED POP, and the song was written by TAKURO for TERU’s sister who was getting married.

Although it’s one of GLAY’s early ballads, it has become a popular wedding staple, especially as a song men sing to women.

Raise the rankinglower

I'll walk home.Kazuyoshi Saito

Kazuyoshi Saito Walk Home Kanazawa

Let's Walk Home - Kazuyoshi Saito

This song fully brings out the coolness of a straight-ahead band sound.

The guitar, the organ, the chord progression—everything is straightforward.

That’s exactly why the skillful musicianship that makes it all sing really stands out.

Kazuyoshi Saito’s vocals have a rough, gritty texture that matches beautifully with the guitar’s distorted grit.

Raise the rankinglower

Sorrow like snowShogo Hamada

Sadness Like Snow (ON THE ROAD 2011 “The Last Weekend”)

Sadness Is Like Snow by Shogo Hamada

Sadness Is Like Snow is a classic by Shogo Hamada, released in 1981.

He wrote the song after his mother suffered a stroke, and its lyrics carry the message that it’s precisely when we face sorrow that we can become gentle.

Although the song gained popularity in the early ’90s, the version most people know is the 1992 remake used as a TV drama theme.

The original version has a cool, understated vibe too, so why not give it a try and sing it?

Raise the rankinglower