I want to sing songs that use a lot of falsetto—tracks that are also good for practicing falsetto at karaoke.

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko

aiko - 'Kabutomushi' music video

This is aiko’s fourth major-label single, released on November 17, 1999.

It was tied in as the ending theme for TBS’s “CDTV” in December 1999 and for Fuji TV’s “Jobireba!?” aiko is known for her very distinctive voice and singing style, and she further emphasizes that here by delivering a beautifully pure falsetto at the end of the chorus.

I feel this song is almost an ideal example of pinpoint use of falsetto.

If you sing it at karaoke, practice switching your vocal register smoothly at that part.

EverythingMISIA

MISIA – Everything （Official HD Music Video）

This is MISIA’s seventh single, released in October 2000.

It was also the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Yamato Nadeshiko,” and became a massive hit, recording the highest sales for a female artist in the 2000s.

I imagine most readers have heard it at least once.

As you’d expect from MISIA, who is renowned for her vocal skill and expressive power, this track lets you fully enjoy everything from delicate high tones in falsetto to powerful, dynamic low-range singing.

If you listen closely to the original and focus on how MISIA herself shifts her approach to high notes, you’ll find there’s a lot to learn.

cherry blossom colorAngela Aki

Angela Aki “Sakura-iro” Music Video

Angela Aki’s fifth single, released in March 2007.

It’s a beautiful ballad that evokes the gentle sunlight of spring, but according to Angela herself, it wasn’t created as a so-called “sakura song” or “spring song.” In this track, she showcases a very powerful falsetto in the high notes of the chorus and elsewhere, allowing you to fully appreciate her exceptional singing and vocal technique.

The way she switches vocal approaches from the final chorus through the closing section is especially brilliant.

It’s a must-try at karaoke for anyone confident in their vocal stamina.

Ca Va?Vickeblanka

Vicke Blanka – Ca Va?

It’s the third CD single by Japanese singer-songwriter Vickeblanka, released in June 2019.

By the way, the title “Ca Va?” is French for “How are you?” The song begins as a ballad with piano and vocals, then turns into an upbeat, black music–influenced dance number as the rhythm kicks in.

Alongside the powerful singing, the gentle, soft falsetto is used very effectively in places like the slightly quieter middle section and the chorus parts, making it, in a sense, a textbook example of how to use falsetto within a song.

PINK BLOODHikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada 'PINK BLOOD'

This is a digital-only single by Hikaru Utada, released on June 2, 2021.

It was selected as the opening theme for the NHK Educational TV anime “To Your Eternity.” Notably, this is reportedly the first time since her debut that Utada has provided the main theme for a TV anime series.

As is often the case with so-called R&B-style singers like Utada, the song is a treasure trove of beautiful mixed voice and falsetto, and this track is no exception—it lets you fully enjoy Utada’s gorgeous falsetto.

That said, there are also many sections sung in chest voice, including the so-called verse parts, where Utada’s innate vocal skill delivers exquisitely nuanced expression.

Overall, it’s a song with a relatively high level of difficulty for karaoke, but that also means it’s well worth the challenge.

Since the chorus parts make frequent use of falsetto, those who are good at falsetto might have fun singing it with friends and taking on the chorus parts.

canaryKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – Canary

A track included on Kenshi Yonezu’s album STRAY SHEEP, released in August 2020.

It’s a beautiful ballad that seeps into the listener’s heart, showcasing expressive vocals that make excellent use of Yonezu’s gorgeous falsetto.

The contrast between his powerful high notes in chest voice and his beautiful falsetto creates a richly expressive performance.

I believe this song is perfect for practicing switching between falsetto and chest voice, as well as using mixed voice—especially in the chorus.

If you want to develop a wonderful falsetto, definitely try singing this song!

Tears of ThornsL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L'Arc~en~Ciel - Tears of Thorns

Even during their current hiatus, the world-famous visual kei rock band L’Arc~en~Ciel continues to be played by many listeners.

From beautifully ethereal songs to intense and sensual tracks, they boast an exceptionally wide musical range.

Among their catalog, the song I especially recommend for its gorgeous falsetto is Ibara no Namida (Tear of Thorns).

It opens with a slightly African-inspired intro and transitions into a powerful, full-throttle chorus, with falsetto appearing in every section.

It’s a very challenging piece, but I encourage you to give it a try.