Cool songs that will go over well at karaoke

LiarONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – Liar [Official Music Video]

The 2010 release, “Liar.” Since it’s an early work, the vocal lines aren’t as complex as they are now, but this piece does require a certain level of technique.

The chorus in particular features repeated highest notes at hi C#.

In addition, the contrast from the pre-chorus is quite stark, and the chorus as a whole calls for shouting, so you’ll need to be reasonably familiar with rock-style singing.

For female singers, the shouting itself can be a hurdle, so consider referencing the shouting approach of rock singer Lzzy Hale.

Yume YumeONE OK ROCK

Yume-yume

As a ONE OK ROCK song, the masterpiece “Yume Yume” stands out with a quite unusual melody.

Lately, it’s been drawing renewed attention after politician Shinji Ishimaru publicly declared it one of his favorites.

The track is a rap-rock piece with a slightly jazzy vibe, and it stays within a narrow vocal range throughout.

The flow in the rap sections is simple, and the chorus is monotonous; as a result, it can come off somewhat mechanical.

To counter that—especially for female vocalists—be mindful to add solid shouts in the mid-to-high range.

Unfinished SymphonyONE OK ROCK

Unfinished Symphony

The song “Mikansei Symphony” is included on the 2010 album Niche Syndrome.

Although this track features shouts throughout, its vocal range is not very wide, spanning from mid2A to hiC.

However, since it starts at mid2A, many listeners may find the original key quite high.

There is ample room to lower the key, so this issue can be addressed by adjusting the key.

While the overall difficulty is not high, the frequent shouts and numerous phrases close to the hiccup singing technique mean you will need a certain level of technical skill.

Goodbye ElegyMasaki Suda

Masaki Suda “Sayonara Elegy”

This song is memorable for Masaki Suda’s powerful vocals.

Released in February 2018 as the theme song for the drama “Todome no Kiss” starring Kento Yamazaki, it became so popular that it earned a Gold certification for paid music downloads.

The lyrics, reflecting the drama’s themes, are imbued with feelings of loneliness and farewell.

With relatable imagery—like comparing the gloom of days when kindness feels tainted to a crowded commuter train—the song resonates deeply with listeners.

If you sing it at karaoke, focus on building up the chorus and pour your emotions into it.

It’s a great choice to perform when you’re having fun with friends or coworkers.

GET BACKyuzu

Yuzu “GET BACK” Music Video

Speaking of Yuzu, it’s all about Iwasawa’s beautiful high harmonies on top and Kitagawa’s steady lower harmonies, right? Everyone’s probably thought at least once, “I want to try harmonizing to a Yuzu song!” Yuzu’s harmonies are relatively easy to pick out, so they’re satisfying to listen to and make a great entry point to try.

In GET BACK, Kitagawa comes in with the lower part right from the start—it sounds so cool! There are also call-and-response sections unique to the duo, and in the chorus they switch between unison and harmony, making it a really fun song to sing as a pair! Lower harmonies can be hard to hear and tricky at first, but try practicing with resources like YouTube.

BibbidebaHoshimachi Suisei

Bibideba / Hoshimachi Suisei (official)

Suisei Hoshimachi’s “Bibideba” became a hot topic on YouTube in 2024 as an “insanely difficult rap” and a “top-tier challenge” song—have you heard of it? Some of my students actually tried it, and when I taught it, I felt that on a first pass it’s quite hard and the melody is tough to anticipate.

Beyond rhythm and pitch, it includes rapid-fire sections and rap parts—there are lots of elements packed in.

If you can master it, it’s a super fun and satisfying song to sing! In the chorus, many phrase endings switch to head voice, so lift your facial muscles and keep centering your pitch between the eyebrows, imagining the sound traveling from the brow up through the head as you transition to head voice.

Raising your hand toward your head while singing can make the visualization easier and help the voice come out more freely.

For the word-heavy sections, don’t try to articulate every syllable crisply; instead, let the words flow so they ride the melody as you sing.

flying boatKing Gnu

King Gnu – Hikōtei (Seaplane)

This song was written specifically for an ANA commercial.

Its lyrics, which reject society’s prescribed “rightness” and conventional wisdom, are infused with a strong will to spread your own wings and soar freely into the future—like an anthem for taking a bold first step.

Released by King Gnu in August 2019, the track reached No.

3 on both the Oricon and Billboard Japan charts and is a song that gives a push to anyone facing a challenge.

If you can casually pull off this piece at karaoke—with its distinctive rhythm and interweaving high notes—you’ll definitely earn some serious respect.