Lovely karaoke song

Songs to Help Women Sing Better: Practice Tracks for Improving at Karaoke

Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!
Music producer, composer, vocal coach, keyboard playerKei Takahata
From around 1995 to 2000, I built experience with a major label as a composer and producer. I then moved to the United States and studied voice and singing under Elizabeth Sabine, one of Los Angeles’s top vocal coaches, mastering the so-called Hollywood vocal technique advocated by Sabine. After returning to Japan, I have been involved in training and producing a variety of singers. My direction, which brings out the full appeal of both the music and the vocalist, is highly regarded. In the collaboration video with Vo. ryuichi of the band Guild below, I handled keyboards, vocal direction, and sound production. For inquiries and requests regarding voice training and music production, please contact me via the website below. SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-402518821

Conditions for becoming a better singer.

Of course, acquiring correct and efficient vocal production is the most important point, but if you can’t apply the fundamentals you’ve learned to actual songs, it won’t amount to much.

To build that kind of “real-world ability,” it’s crucial to choose appropriate practice songs and, by singing them, develop the expressive skills needed to perform actual pieces.

In this article, I’ve selected songs that seem optimal for the goal of “getting better at singing.”

Even when someone says, “I want to become a better singer,” everyone’s current level varies, so I’ve chosen a wide range—from beginner-friendly songs to more difficult ones.

Some of the individual song introduction articles also include brief tips on how to sing them, so please use those as references and do your best to further improve your skills with the help of this article.

That said, the most important thing is to pick songs you love—the ones that make you think, “I want to sing this!” or “I want to be able to sing this!”—and enjoy singing them.

[For Women] Songs That Make You Better at Singing: Practice Tracks for Improving at Karaoke (131–140)

PrideMiki Imai

Miki Imai - 'PRIDE' Music Video

Pride by Miki Imai

This was Miki Imai’s 12th single, released in November 1996.

It was also the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Doc” and became a big hit.

It’s a fine mid-tempo track, notable for its clear and gentle vocals.

While Imai’s singing style doesn’t emphasize obvious virtuosic flair like many R&B-oriented singers, expressing the song with such a soft vocal tone is actually quite challenging.

Try to keep your voice consistently soft, and practice paying special attention so that even in the high notes of the chorus your tone doesn’t become harsh or piercing.

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I'll be by your side.Thelma Aoyama

Aoyama Thelma feat. SoulJa / I'm by Your Side

I'll be by your side - Thelma Aoyama

It’s Thelma Aoyama’s second single, released in January 2008.

The vocal melody doesn’t have a very wide range, so it shouldn’t be difficult to sing in terms of range or melody.

With that in mind, it’s a good idea to focus your practice on strengthening your sense of rhythm and groove.

This slightly swung, hip-hop-style, slow-tempo track is perfect for rhythm training.

There are parts where the lyrics are packed in and a bit fast, so practice aiming for a feel that doesn’t become flat overall, doesn’t rush ahead, and still maintains a gentle, smooth vibe.

Try singing with a strong awareness of beats 2 and 4.

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A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyMomoe Yamaguchi

Momoe Yamaguchi - Good Day to Set Out on a Journey

A Good Day to Set Out – Momoe Yamaguchi

This was Momoe Yamaguchi’s 24th single, released on November 21, 1978.

The lyrics and music were by Shinji Tanimura of Alice, a New Music trio that was riding a huge wave of popularity at the time.

It was also used as a promotional song for travel by the then–Japanese National Railways (now JR) and became a massive hit, selling over one million copies.

The song’s gently subdued, slightly melancholic vocal melody is extremely striking, and I think practicing to recreate the mood of the original will greatly expand your range of vocal expression.

Throughout the entire piece, try practicing with a focus on singing gently and carefully.

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Wonderlandmilet

milet “Wonderland” Music Video – Collaboration version with the film “The Wonderland” (in theaters Friday, April 26)

Wonderlandmilet

Wonderland,” included on milet’s second EP, “Wonderland EP,” was featured as an insert song in the film “The Wonderland.” The track is notable for its sound that evokes the film’s grand world and its uplifting lyrics that give you a strong push forward.

Recreating milet’s powerful, resonant vocals that highlight the moving lyrics is by no means easy.

However, precisely because it’s a challenging song, the sense of exhilaration when you manage to sing it through is second to none! Be sure to practice it to boost your vocal skills!

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Flower of loveAimyon

ai no hana

Flower of Love Aimyon

It’s Aimyon’s 14th single overall, released digitally in advance in April 2023.

The CD is scheduled for release in June 2023.

Set over a ballad-style backing track with a pleasantly acoustic guitar sound, the song is crafted to really showcase Aimyon’s captivating voice and expressive singing.

Try practicing to make the quick switch into falsetto—such as in the latter half of the chorus—smooth and seamless.

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I am a cat's eye.Ringo Sheena

Shiina Ringo – I Am a Cat’s Eye

I am a cat’s eye, Sheena Ringo

This is Ringo Sheena’s 17th single, released in May 2023.

It was apparently produced as a commemorative work for the 25th anniversary of her debut.

Many of Sheena’s songs are known for their intriguingly complex melodic progressions and rhythmic phrasing, and this track is no exception—it’s filled with a highly distinctive and memorable melody.

Precisely because of that, if you can nail it at karaoke and reproduce it accurately, you’re sure to be the center of attention! Be sure to study the song and lyrics thoroughly before giving it a try.

If you sing with the sensation of placing your voice against your upper palate, you’ll likely achieve a vocal tone rich in higher overtones, similar to hers—definitely give that a try as well!

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sympathetic tearsYo Hitoto

Yo Hitoto / Borrowed Tears

Crying in Sympathy - Yo Hitoto

This is Yo Hitoto’s debut single, released in October 2002.

The song features a high key and a melody that moves intensely and intricately up and down, so what you gain by being able to sing it is quite significant! You can also develop techniques like smoothly transitioning between chest voice and falsetto, as well as practicing continuous pitch changes—what’s commonly called “kobushi.” It’s a song I highly recommend to anyone aiming to improve their singing.

That said, it won’t be captivating if sung flatly, so don’t focus only on technique—pay close attention to her own vocal expression and study it carefully.

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