Karaoke songs that make it easy for women to score high

bleeding loveYurina Hirate

Yurina Hirate 'bleeding love' MUSIC VIDEO

Yurina Hirate, who was hugely successful as the center of Keyakizaka46, has been leveraging her mysterious persona to pursue a full-fledged career as an artist since graduating from the group.

Her new song is “bleeding love.” While it’s a track based on deep house, compared to songs by Becky Hill—known as a queen of this genre—the vocal line is crafted to be much catchier and easier to sing, making it surprisingly approachable.

There are no long sustained notes either, so it’s perfect for aiming for a high score at karaoke.

Lingering Snowdolphin

Nagori-yuki – Iruka

These days, “Nagori Yuki” is widely spoken of as Iruka’s signature song, but it originally appeared on Kaguyahime’s album “Sangaidate no Uta,” released in March 1974.

Iruka’s cover version came out the following November, in 1975, and became a massive hit, selling over 800,000 copies in total.

Now, if you’re going to sing this song at karaoke, there’s really nothing to fear.

True to its 1970s folk roots—and with a melodic sensibility that also fits Showa-era kayōkyoku—it has a very straightforward melody, with none of the intricate lines or rhythms you find in many modern songs.

Precisely because of that, it might be relatively easy to rack up a high score, but it could be harder to add that “just right” expressive touch.

It might be fun to approach it with the intent to compete on expressiveness.

TouchYoshimi Iwasaki

Touch – Yoshimi Iwasaki (Full)

Yoshimi Iwasaki’s 20th single, released in March 1985.

It was the theme song for the first season of the popular anime Touch, based on Mitsuru Adachi’s original work.

What’s interesting about songs from this era is that, while the arrangements go beyond the traditional enka/pop framework to incorporate elements that would later be called J-pop, the vocal melodies themselves remain firmly rooted in the conventions of older kayōkyoku and folk music.

This track embodies that mid-80s approach.

Thanks to this kind of melodic writing, it’s also great for karaoke: the pitch range isn’t too wide, and there’s no need to hit extremely high notes, making it a strong choice if you’re aiming for a high score.

As with Yoshimi Iwasaki’s original performance, singing with a clear voice and crisp diction will serve you well.

You don’t have to put on a brave face until dawn.Nogizaka46

Nogizaka46 “You Don’t Have to Pretend to Be Strong Until Dawn”

Released in September 2019, this is Nogizaka46’s 24th single.

It’s practically begging you to aim for a high karaoke score! The melody is easy to remember and sing, and the lyrics are set to a very straightforward rhythm, so it could be fun to compete with friends for high scores with this song.

The tune has that quintessential Nogizaka feel—a slightly wistful, bittersweet melody—and it’s a really great song.

When you sing it, be careful not to let the high notes in the chorus sound weak.

Ambiguous Heart SpiceYUC’e

YUC’e – Ambiguous Heart Spice (Official Music Video)

YUC’e is an artist gaining attention even from the utaite community.

Her strength lies in her pop sensibilities, and she even handles track-making herself.

Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is Aimai Heart Spice.

This work has a pop style that brings to mind YOASOBI’s Idol.

Although the arrangement changes in the middle, every vocal part stays within an easy-to-sing range, making it perfect for aiming for a high score.

Be sure to add it to your repertoire.

Tears Flowing EndlesslyRimi Natsukawa

Rimi Natsukawa “Nada Sousou” Music Video

Released in March 2001 as Rimi Natsukawa’s third single.

It’s a cover of a song with lyrics by Ryoko Moriyama that was released as BEGIN’s 18th single in March 2000.

The tone and phrases of the sanshin, a traditional Okinawan instrument, are particularly striking in this piece.

Natsukawa’s clear, transparent vocals also shine.

It’s said the cover was realized at Natsukawa’s strong request, and perhaps because of that, the match between the song and her voice is outstanding.

Melodically, it doesn’t require a very wide range, and its phrases are very memorable and approachable, making it an ideal choice for aiming for a high score at karaoke.

However, precisely because the melody is so simple, be careful not to let your delivery become flat.

Be sure to study the original closely—especially the phrasing in the chorus.

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Yo Hitoto

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

Yo Hitoto’s fifth single, released in February 2004.

With a melody that has a somewhat Japanese traditional flavor and a collaboration with Yo Hitoto’s strong vocal abilities, this song exudes a unique charm.

Indeed, the melody itself isn’t that difficult, so if you just want to score high at karaoke, it probably isn’t that hard.

However, singing it with the same expressive power as the original might be quite a high hurdle.

Songs like this that don’t seem difficult at first glance can actually be pretty tough when you try to truly master them.

It may be important to sing it with feeling, savoring the meaning of the lyrics—which are said to have been inspired by the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States.