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

TimeHikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada “Time”

This is Hikaru Utada’s 11th digital-only single, released in May 2020.

There’s no need for me to state the obvious about Utada’s exceptional vocal ability.

As always, she delivers a magnificent performance on this track.

That said, focusing on the theme of this piece—head voice/falsetto—I feel her use of it has evolved with each song and with age.

In particular, the way she uses her voice in the quiet section around 1:59 to 2:20 is remarkable.

The contrast with the lower register is outstanding as well!

SquallMasaharu Fukuyama

Masaharu Fukuyama – Squall (WE’RE BROS. TOUR 2014 in ASIA)

Included on Masaharu Fukuyama’s 14th single “HEAVEN/Squall,” this song was released as a double A-side alongside the lead track “HEAVEN.” Although it was originally written for singer-songwriter Eiko Matsumoto, it is presented here as Fukuyama’s self-cover.

Incidentally, this was reportedly the first time Fukuyama provided a song to another artist.

It’s a very heartrending piece: a slow-tempo ballad with lyrics written from a woman’s perspective.

What heightens the song’s sense of poignancy even further, in my view, is Fukuyama’s use of falsetto in the final part of the chorus.

Precisely because his appeal lies in his distinctly “masculine” vocal tone, the contrast with a slightly delicate falsetto makes the expression all the more effective.

It stands as an excellent example of how a male vocalist can use falsetto to powerful effect.

contourDIR EN GREY

contour

DIR EN GREY is a Japanese visual kei rock band whose overwhelming musicality and breadth of expression have earned them attention from rock enthusiasts around the world.

While their death growls and screams may be what stand out to many, vocalist Kyo is also a master of falsetto.

A track that especially showcases Kyo’s beautiful falsetto—and one I highly recommend—is Rinkaku.

This song is highly melodic; it isn’t aggressive, but instead uses its gorgeous falsetto as the centerpiece to create a dreamy, otherworldly piece.

youHY

You hy

A track from the Okinawan band HY’s album Street Story, released in 2003.

While Izumi Nakasone, HY’s singer, isn’t generally thought of as a high‑tone vocalist, she skillfully uses falsetto throughout the song to give it a very wide range of expression.

In particular, the way she employs her falsetto in the latter half of the chorus beautifully enhances the song’s quiet sense of poignancy.

The contrast between her soft falsetto and the high, belted chest voice at the end of the chorus also makes this a lovely piece.

100-yen kissLET ME KNOW

LET ME KNOW – 100-Yen Kiss (Official Music Video)

LET ME KNOW is a Japanese three-piece rock band gaining attention in South Korea.

After their recent collaboration with Yuri on YouTube, their recognition in Japan has been steadily growing as well.

Among their songs, the one I especially recommend for its beautiful falsetto is 100-Yen Kiss.

The chorus features falsetto, and vocalist Matty’s husky falsetto is nothing short of breathtaking.

The song is relatively easy, so be sure to add it to your repertoire.