Karaoke songs that are easy to sing even if you’re not confident in your pitch (for women in their 50s)

UFOPink Lady

UFO

This was the sixth single by Pink Lady, a hit duo in Japan in the 1970s, released in December 1977—and their biggest hit.

As of 2019, if you’re in your 50s, this song needs no introduction! Many of you probably remember scenes in elementary school classrooms all over Japan where nearly every girl in the class was singing and dancing to this tune when it was a hit.

Maybe you, reading this now, were one of them.

A lot of people even copied the signatures of the two members of Pink Lady, didn’t they? Every time they released a new song, their costumes and choreography drew attention.

I don’t know whether the song was composed with that in mind, but the melody itself is very simple and easy to sing.

So even if you’re usually not confident about singing, I hope this song brings back memories of your elementary school days and that you give it a try.

And if you still remember the choreography, by all means, enjoy it with the moves!

Azure RabbitNoriko Sakai

Noriko Sakai “Blue Rabbit” Music Video

Noriko Sakai’s 27th single, released in May 1995.

It also served as the theme song for the drama “Hoshi no Kinka” and became her biggest hit.

Composed by Tetsurō Oda, who churned out hit songs in 90s J-pop, the track is clearly crafted with the karaoke market in mind, making it very easy to sing even for those who aren’t confident singers.

That karaoke-friendly quality was a major factor for a song to become a hit back in the 90s.

Many of you probably loved the drama as well, so take a trip down memory lane and give it a sing.

By the way, real rabbits don’t actually die from loneliness (lol).

School HeavenKyoko Koizumi

Kyoko Koizumi - School Paradise

This was Kyoko Koizumi’s 28th single, released in November 1989.

It also served as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 PM drama “Aishiatteru Kai!,” in which Koizumi herself appeared.

The original song was released by Finger 5 in 1974, but Koizumi’s cover strongly reflects the band boom of the late ’80s to early ’90s, featuring an arrangement that’s much more rock-oriented than the original.

The slightly hard-edged band arrangement contrasted with Koizumi’s cute, idol-like vocals created a charming mismatch.

And for singing this song, you don’t need to be a “great singer”! Some people who aren’t confident singers may find the high notes a bit tough, but you can use the karaoke key adjustment to cover that—just sing it brightly and energetically!

A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyMomoe Yamaguchi

Momoe Yamaguchi - Good Day to Set Out on a Journey

Momoe Yamaguchi’s 24th single, released in November 1978.

It drew attention for bringing in Shinji Tanimura of the then red‑hot band Alice as producer, and for being used as a Japanese National Railways travel promotion song.

It became Yamaguchi’s biggest hit.

The song structure feels like A–B–A’, embodying classic Showa-era kayōkyoku and the New Music techniques of the time, and each section’s melody is very clear and easy to remember.

The vocal range used also sits comfortably for most singers, so even those who aren’t confident in their singing will likely find this song approachable.

Precisely because of that, if you sing it too flatly, the performance can lose focus, so be sure to draw a sharp contrast between the A and B sections.

Singing the B section with strength yet tinged with sorrow is the key to performing this song well.

The Wind RisesSeiko Matsuda

The Wind Rises

Seiko Matsuda has many famous songs.

While “Kaze Tachinu” is a somewhat lesser-known track, it’s perfect for aiming for a high score at karaoke.

Its relaxed tempo and a vocal line without intricate pitch fluctuations are appealing; although the melody is relatively high, anyone can sing it easily with the right key adjustment.

If there’s one point to watch out for, it’s the pre-chorus (the B section).

Because it features a high phrase with a relatively wide upward pitch movement, you’ll need to consciously track the pitch carefully.

Sentimental JourneyIyo Matsumoto

Sentimental Journey

Iyo Matsumoto is now active as a TV personality, but she enjoyed tremendous popularity during her idol days.

Many people probably have a strong impression of her song “Sentimental Journey,” don’t they? In fact, this piece is more geared toward men, boasting a fairly low and wide vocal range of mid1A to hiA#.

However, for women in their 50s, the lower notes are easier to produce, so those who naturally have higher voices will likely find it quite easy to sing.

Lips, speak passionately of youMachiko Watanabe

Machiko Watanabe “Lips, Speak Passionately of You” OFFICIAL Lyric Video

Machiko Watanabe is a female singer-songwriter who gained popularity for her powerful vocals.

She has left many classic songs, and among them, “Kuchibiru yo, Atsuku Kimi o Katare” is particularly easy to sing.

Because of her strong voice, it might seem difficult at first listen, but there isn’t much subtle movement up and down in pitch.

However, there is a moment in the chorus where a brief falsetto appears.

In that part, adjust the key so that you can either sing it in chest voice or hit that falsetto in the most comfortable key for you.