Cool songs that will go over well at karaoke

DRESSING ROOMNatori

Natori – DRESSING ROOM

Born in 2003, Natori began posting songs on TikTok in his teens, and his 2022 release “Overdose” became a massive viral hit that quickly raised his profile as a much-anticipated singer-songwriter.

Whether it’s a stylish city-pop-inspired track or an intense, rock-tinged number, his unique low register—rich with a distinctive allure—anchors his vocals and melodies, creating a world that’s unmistakably his.

For those who want to sing like Natori, I recommend “DRESSING ROOM,” released in February 2025.

It’s a chic track with a characteristically danceable, groovy production and sultry melodies—perfect for a nighttime drive.

Because the pitch sits low, it’s especially great for people who struggle with high notes and want to give it a try.

The rapid phrasing and the way the lyrics fit the melody, as well as the rhythmic feel, aren’t exactly easy, but if you listen to the original repeatedly and let both the melody and rhythm sink into your body, you’ll be well-prepared for the performance!

CinderellaTohru

Tomei – Cinderella Covered in Ashes [Official Lyric Video]

We’re in an era where talented musicians born in the 2000s are leading the scene, and TOMEI—born in 2003 and discovered by director Makoto Shinkai and RADWIMPS—is certainly one of them.

The song we’re introducing here, “Haikaburi,” is her debut track, produced by RADWIMPS’ Yojiro Noda and released in July 2023.

Written and composed by TOMEI herself, it fully showcases her gifts as a singer-songwriter.

“Haikaburi” carries a dark pop vibe reminiscent of Billie Eilish, and its word choice stands out, resulting in a track that highlights her individuality.

Once you grasp the song’s atmosphere and get past the recurring falsetto parts, even those who aren’t completely confident in their vocal skills should be able to sing it well.

The chorus is surprisingly easy to sing, too, so I’d encourage anyone looking to try a song with a different feel than usual to give it a shot.

BOW AND ARROWKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – BOW AND ARROW

Kenshi Yonezu’s song “BOW AND ARROW,” whose music video featuring Yuzuru Hanyu drew huge attention, also serves as the opening theme for the TV anime Medalist.

The drum’n’bass-inspired track, which creates a sleek, skating-like sense of speed, feels very contemporary, and Yonezu’s superb songwriting really stands out.

The melody line makes full use of Yonezu’s high vocals, spans a wide range, and features large interval jumps, making it fairly challenging.

On top of that, listeners unfamiliar with this kind of track may find the rhythm tricky to grasp.

Start by listening to the song repeatedly, and once you understand how the rhythm, melody, and lyrics are structured, give practicing a try.

CYMBillyrrom

Billyrrom – “CYM”【Official Music Video】

Formed in Machida, Tokyo, Billyrrom is a new-generation six-piece whose pop music—built on a background of R&B, soul, and funk and crafted with a refined sound—has been drawing major attention both in Japan and abroad.

On the verge of a big breakthrough, they’ve delivered another standout with their single “CYM,” released in March 2025, which seems poised to propel their momentum even further.

Chosen as the theme song for the drama “MADDER: I Am the Culprit,” the track’s groovy urban funkiness, city-pop atmosphere, and sultry melodies showcase a sensibility that effortlessly transcends the boundary between Japanese and Western music.

At the same time, it surprisingly retains the punchy dynamics of J-pop, making it an accessible and superb pop tune—one you’ll definitely want to try singing at karaoke.

OursBESPER

BESPER – Ours [Music Video]

BESPER is a band gaining attention for its highly original sound, influenced by genres like AOR, city pop, and soul music.

They’re a group with a very solid musical foundation, centering on city pop with strong elements of Black music.

Their new song “Ours” is characterized by a structure that emphasizes the midrange.

While it doesn’t feature a distinct low-end part, it’s an ideal track for showcasing richness in the low-mid frequencies.

Be sure to add it to your repertoire.

silhouetteKANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Silhouette” Music Video

They’re a Japanese rock band that’s been gaining popularity lately.

Whether it’s the guitar tone, the vocalist’s pop-leaning voice, or the drums, everything is brimming with a sense of speed.

It feels like chugging an ice-cold fizzy drink after working up a big sweat in the summer.

to youMONGOL800

To You by MONGOL800

It’s one of the all-time greatest songs by Mongol800 that everyone in their 20s and 30s went crazy for.

The “Anata ni~” part in the chorus is something everyone can sing—and probably harmonize, too.

Even if you’re a bit tone-deaf, you can cover it with the vibe.

A top-notch song.