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

No-sideYumi Matsutoya

Yumi Matsutoya – No Side (Audio/Lyric)

Written and composed by Yumi Matsutoya, arranged by Masataka Matsutoya, the song was first released as a track on Reimy’s album “REIMY,” and later included as a self-cover on Yumi Matsutoya’s original album “NO SIDE.” For reference, it was released in December 1984.

At the time of its release, it attracted attention for being a song themed around rugby.

Musically, it’s medium-slow in tempo and the melodic range isn’t very wide, so as long as you set a key that suits your own voice when singing it at karaoke, it’s likely a song that almost anyone can sing without difficulty.

Try to sing it while cherishing each word of the lyrics, and be careful not to let the rhythm rush ahead.

applauseNaomi Chiaki

Naomi Chiaki / Applause [Official Audio]

Naomi Chiaki, the songstress who epitomized the Showa era.

Unlike typical artists, her singing truly moved people, didn’t it? Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is Katsuai.

It’s a classic that needs no introduction.

In the original, it may sound like she’s using falsetto, but in fact it’s a softened middle voice, so even those who can’t produce falsetto should be able to sing it easily without belting.

If it feels low, I recommend raising the key by one or two semitones.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the WindNarumi Yasuda

[HD] Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind – Narumi Yasuda

Narumi Yasuda, known as the wife of Noritake Kinashi, is also widely recognized as an actress.

However, she actually began performing as a singer shortly after her debut.

Her biggest hit song is this one: “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.” Since it’s the theme song of the film, many people likely remember it well.

Because Yasuda is not primarily a singer, the vocal range is quite limited, and there aren’t any lines that require complex melodic rises and falls.

The chord progression is somewhat unusual, but aside from that there aren’t any particularly difficult points, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

Blue Coral ReefSeiko Matsuda

Seiko Matsuda – Blue Coral Reef ~Blue Lagoon~

Released in July 1980, this was Seiko Matsuda’s second single.

It was the very song that catapulted her to stardom—truly her breakthrough hit.

Although it’s still frequently featured today as a classic Showa-era hit, it’s a surprising fact that it never actually reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

As of 2019, there’s likely no one in their 50s who doesn’t know this song.

Many women at the time probably even styled their hair in the famous “Seiko-chan cut.” Because it’s one of those “Showa hits everyone knows,” most people can sing it just by looking at the lyrics, without needing to learn it from scratch.

Like many idol songs of the era, it has a catchy melody that’s easy for anyone to sing, so even if you’re not confident in your singing, don’t be afraid—enjoy singing it!

confessionMariya Takeuchi

Confession – Mariya Takeuchi

Singer-songwriter Mariya Takeuchi has been active for many years with her catchy musical style and distinctive voice.

With the city pop boom a few years ago, she’s been attracting attention from younger generations recently as well.

Among her songs, one I especially recommend as an easy pick for women in their 50s is Confession.

The chorus flows smoothly and has a downbeat feel, so there’s no need to belt.

I think it’s easy to sing even for women whose throats have been worn out by drinking, so be sure to check it out.

atonementTeresa Teng

atonement

Teresa Teng, the great female singer who connected Japan and Taiwan.

Her moving expressiveness was overwhelming, and all of her songs—regardless of their content—were deeply touching.

Many people probably want to sing her songs with heartfelt emotion, don’t they? For those people, I recommend “Tsugunai.” Its simple vocal line makes it easy to pitch, so once you get used to it, you’ll be able to sing it with emotion.

Rather than imitating the original, if you thoroughly embrace your own singing style, the result will be even more polished.

Don't take off my sailor uniformOnyanko Club

Onyanko Club - Don't Take Off My Sailor Uniform

For women in their 50s—the focus of this piece—this is probably a no-brainer: the Onyanko Club’s debut single.

Onyanko Club could be called the pioneer of the “idols next door,” a concept that connects to today’s AKB as well.

Many of you probably dreamed of becoming a member, didn’t you? You don’t need any special vocal skills to sing this song! It’s an easy, very singable tune that’s like a textbook example of an ’80s idol song, so bring back those memories, add the choreography, and sing it together to get the crowd going!