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

Roppongi HeartbreakAnn Lewis

[PV] Roppongi Shinju - Ann Lewis

Released in October 1984, this was Ann Lewis’s 24th single.

Including her own self-cover, it’s been covered by many singers.

The song came out in what you could call the eve of the 1980s band boom, and it became a staple for female-vocal bands to cover in high school and college light music clubs.

Reflecting Ann Lewis’s sound orientation—she had close ties with the so-called Japanese metal scene at the time, including people like ACTION!’s Yoshiro Takahashi—the arrangement is strongly rock-influenced, while the catchy melody also foreshadows later-era J-pop.

It was relatively easy for amateur bands of the time to copy and comfortable to sing, which likely contributed to its popularity.

I bet quite a few people performed this at school festivals back then.

Give it a shot and sing it with style!

Rock ’n’ Roll in a Dumped MoodTOM CAT

Rock ’n’ Roll in a Dumped Mood

TOM★CAT is a band that gained popularity for its highly original sound, blending elements of rock into the unique genre of techno kayō.

They have many classic songs, but among them, the one that stands out as especially popular is “Furarekibun de Rock’n’ Roll,” isn’t it? While the song has an energetic and bright feel, its vocal range is relatively narrow, spanning mid2 C# to hi F.

Since the overall range sits high, those with lower voices will need to lower the key as a premise; however, because the range itself is narrow, there’s ample room to transpose it downward.

Time goes byEvery Little Thing

「Time goes by」MUSIC VIDEO / Every Little Thing

When it comes to karaoke with coworkers or friends, a great song for women in their 50s is “Time goes by.” The music duo Every Little Thing released it in 1998, and it’s known as one of their signature tracks.

It was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Amai Kekkon” (“Sweet Marriage”), so some people may feel a sense of nostalgia.

The key to singing it well is to keep your delivery calm in the first verse, then gradually add volume and intensity from the pre-chorus into the chorus, all over a beautiful, piano-centered melody.

Since the tempo is slow, it’s easy even for those who aren’t confident at karaoke.

It has been covered by many artists across eras, making it a great pick for karaoke gatherings with a wide range of ages.

Slow motionAkina Nakamori

Akina Nakamori – Slow Motion

“Slow Motion,” released in 1982 as Akina Nakamori’s debut single when she was 16, drew attention for her glamorous looks and crystal-clear voice, putting her name on the map.

With its light, upbeat rhythm and careful, note-by-note phrasing, it’s also recommended for women in their 50s who aren’t confident singers.

The song features a conversational delivery in the verse that expands toward the chorus.

Take slow breaths and sing it relaxed.

It’s sure to be a hit at karaoke with people of the same generation.

Playback Part 2Momoe Yamaguchi

Playback Part 2 # Momoe Yamaguchi (CD audio)

This was Momoe Yamaguchi’s 22nd single, released on May 1, 1978.

At the time of its release, it sold over 500,000 copies, so there’s probably hardly anyone who hasn’t heard it at least once.

The chorus lyrics are especially memorable, aren’t they? (It’s a shame I can’t quote them…) I’m listening to the song again for the first time in decades to write this article, and I’m struck by how remarkable Yamaguchi’s vocal ability is.

Even as an idol back then, her singing was truly outstanding! That said, it’s still a Showa-era kayōkyoku number.

Musically, there aren’t any particularly difficult melodies or rhythms, so feel free to pick it for karaoke and have fun with it.

If you can even capture a hint of that slightly bad-girl vibe when you sing it, that would be perfect!

Blue airmailYumi Arai

Blue Airmail Envelope / Aoi Airmail (2022 Ｍix)

A female singer-songwriter with a wide musical range who enjoys overwhelming support from men and women in their 50s and 60s, Yumi Arai—better known as Yumi Matsutoya.

Among her songs, one I especially recommend for women in their 50s is Aoi Airmail.

This piece is a gentle ballad that portrays thoughts of a lover far away.

With its relaxed rhythm, I think it’s very easy for women in their 50s to sing.

The vocal range is also narrow, making it a comfortable choice for late-night karaoke.

Fall in LoveAkiko Kobayashi

Fall in Love - Koibito ni Ochite by Akiko Kobayashi

Released in August 1985, this was Akiko Kobayashi’s debut single.

It was produced as the theme song for the so-called “Friday Wives” series, Kinyōbi no Tsuma-tachi e III: Koi ni Ochite, which sparked a major extramarital-affair boom (?) at the time.

Its chorus uses the so-called “Pachelbel canon progression,” making it a quintessential hit ballad with a slightly classical flavor and a warmly familiar melody.

As of 2019, people in their 50s might be the last generation who remember the rotary-dial public telephones mentioned in the lyrics.

Picture that experience of dialing to call someone you love, and try singing with that in mind.

Although the song contains many English lyrics, don’t worry about singing the English perfectly!