Recommended for women in their 50s! A curated selection of classic and popular karaoke hits that will get the crowd going

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.

IstanbulMayoyo Shōno

Flying to Istanbul

Mayoyo Shono’s biggest hit, “Tonde Istanbul.” It’s a piece marked by its airy, floating vocal quality.

The real charm lies in the high-pitched phrases of the chorus.

You might find this part difficult, but the falsetto there is actually in the lower range, so if you’re aiming for a high karaoke score, it’s best to adjust the key so you can sing it comfortably in a mixed voice.

Be careful not to lower the key too much, or the falsetto at the end of the chorus will become harder to reach.

The vocal line itself is very simple, so if you’re aiming for a high score, definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.

Valentine KissSayuri Kokusho

Sayuri Kokusho (Kokusho Sayuri) – Valentine Kiss

This is the solo debut song of Sayuri Kokusho, a member of the idol group Onyanko Club, which became a social phenomenon in the 1980s.

She was also famous for the introduction, “Membership number one!” They were idols who felt close and unlike anything anyone had seen before—giving a faint hope of “Maybe I could be an idol too!” But that was the brilliant strategy of the famous producer Yasushi Akimoto.

Even now, every year on February 14, you can still hear her cute singing voice playing somewhere.

Lonely Tropical FishWink

Lonely Tropical Fish (Music Video)

WINK, a duo representing 1980s synth-pop.

Their vocals have a pleasantly laid-back quality, and that relaxed vibe earned them a passionate following among certain listeners.

Their song “Lonely Tropical Fish” is their biggest hit.

Because it features high-note phrases, it’s often misunderstood as being difficult to score well at karaoke.

In reality, there aren’t large melodic leaps within each section.

The high parts and mid-range parts are clearly separated, so if you can use mixed voice or falsetto, you shouldn’t have trouble staying on pitch.

Don't give up on your dreamsTakako Okamura

Takako Okamura “Don’t Give Up on Your Dreams” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

After her success as a member of Amin, Takako Okamura also flourished as a singer-songwriter.

She has an exceptionally clear voice and excels at simple vocals that make the most of her tone.

“Yume wo Akiramenaide” is one of her signature songs.

Its range is narrow and there’s not much vibrato, so simply staying on pitch is enough to aim for a high score.

While the scarcity of long tones makes it a bit harder to rack up bonus points with vibrato or falls, the pitch is undeniably easy to follow—so definitely consider adding it to your repertoire.

Hold On MeKahoru Kohiruimaki

Kahoru Kohiruimaki “Hold On Me” Official Music Video

Kahoru Kohiruimaki is a female singer who garnered popularity for her strikingly low, cool vocal timbre and soulful singing.

It was an exceptional achievement for a Japanese artist at the time that she was recognized by figures like Maurice White and Prince.

Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is Hold On Me.

While the track carries hints of soul and R&B, the vocal lines themselves contain elements of Showa-era kayōkyoku, making it easier to sing than it might sound at first.

The range isn’t very wide either, so it’s a good choice for women in their 50s with lower voices.

Cinderella HoneymoonHiromi Iwasaki

Hiromi Iwasaki — Cinderella Honeymoon

Hiromi Iwasaki’s classic “Cinderella Honeymoon,” frequently used on variety shows and the like, was once treated almost like a comic song, but nowadays it can surely be called a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The song’s easiest-to-sing point is, above all, the chorus.

While the highest notes appear in the pre-chorus, that high phrase only lasts about three to four seconds, and the chorus itself sits in the mid-to-lower range, making it a song that doesn’t depend on the singer’s vocal range.