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

I can't stay a daydreaming girlNanae Aikawa

Nanase Aikawa / I Can’t Be a Dreaming Girl

This was Nanase Aikawa’s debut single, released on November 8, 1995.

It came out right in the golden age of J-pop and became a huge hit, so as of 2021, there may hardly be anyone in their 50s who hasn’t heard it at least once.

I was also involved in composing and other work with the same label as Aikawa at the time, so this song left a particularly strong impression on me personally.

Musically, it has a very memorable, singable chorus melody and impactful lyrics, so I think it’s a safe and easy pick as karaoke material.

I am a piano.Mizue Takada

I am a piano.

Mizue Takada, an idol singer who rose to popularity in the late 1970s.

She gained fame as the 18th Grand Champion on Fuji TV’s audition program “You Are the Star!” and went on to produce many classic songs, making full use of her vocal ability, which was among the highest even by idol standards of the time.

Among her works, the one I particularly recommend is “Watashi wa Piano” (“I Am a Piano”).

It’s a sultry piece, arranged overall in the lower-mid to mid vocal range.

Please give it a try and sing it.

foreignerSaki Kubota

Foreigner – Saki Kubota (Full)

A hit song by Saki Kubota released in October 1979.

With a Middle Eastern dulcimer used in the intro and elsewhere, and a title that suggests the same, the track evokes a strong Oriental image.

Incidentally, the subtitle “Theme of the Silk Road” was reportedly added later, inspired by the feel of the completed piece.

Structurally, it follows a classic Showa pop format: A part for the introduction, a B part (chorus) for development, and then a modified return to the A part for the close.

This makes it easy to remember even for people who don’t regularly listen to songs or music.

This may be the biggest difference between Showa-era hits and many contemporary songs, which often have more intricate structures and developments.

There aren’t any particularly difficult sections to sing, but it’s best to emphasize the contrast between the minor-key A part and the major development in the B part.

Rather than belting, singing with a bit of headroom—gently yet expansively—will suit the song better.

If the high notes are challenging for your range, try lowering the key a little.

TOMORROWMayo Okamoto

Mayo Okamoto “TOMORROW” Music Video

This was Mayo Okamoto’s debut single, released on May 10, 1995.

It was the theme song for the TBS drama “Second Chance,” and reached No.

1 on the Oricon Singles Chart in its eighth week on the chart.

Notably, this single remains her only No.

1 on that chart.

If you’re in your 50s, chances are you’ve heard this song at least once.

The mid-1990s, when this song was released, was truly the golden age of J-pop, a time when million-selling hits were coming one after another from various labels and artists.

One factor considered crucial back then for aiming at a million-seller was “being easy to sing at karaoke.” This song is no exception; starting with its chorus, it features melodies that are very easy to sing and remember, making it a comfortable choice even for those who aren’t confident singers.

The vocal range used in the melody isn’t very wide either, so don’t be afraid—give it a try!

Detective StoryHiroko Yakushimaru

Detective Story

The classic film “Detective Story,” starring Hiroko Yakushimaru.

This piece was released as the movie’s theme song.

When it comes to Hiroko Yakushimaru’s vocals, her enveloping, gentle voice is distinctive, and this song showcases exactly that.

Overall, the vocal line has little fluctuation, and the range is kept relatively narrow.

It may feel slightly high, but you can handle that with key adjustment, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

Deceived by a guy like HiroshiMizue Takada

Mizue Takada / Fooled by That Hiroshi (1983)

Mizue Takada is an idol singer who gained popularity in the late 1970s with her calm vocals.

Thanks to her musical style, many of her songs are easy to sing, but the one I especially recommend is “Sonna Hiroshi ni Damasarete.” It features a vibe somewhat close to surf music, yet the vocal line itself has gently contained pitch movement, making it very easy to sing.

There are quite a few long tones, but since they fade out, you should be able to sing them without needing much lung capacity.

SHOW MEYukari Morikawa

The Cover Girls – Show Me [Official HD]

Yukari Morikawa, who is also active as a TV personality and actress, released her cover of “SHOW ME” in 1987.

The song was originally released as the debut single by The Cover Girls, and in Japan both the original and the cover became hits.

It features the glamorous sound characteristic of dance music, with a lively disco-style beat.

The key to the chorus’s repeated phrases is to enunciate clearly with good contrast.

By distinguishing it from the A-melody’s more conversational singing part, you can make the chorus leave an even stronger impression.

Enjoy singing it while reminiscing about the good old days!