Easy-to-sing karaoke songs recommended for men in their 50s

Hold On MeKahoru Kohiruimaki

Kahoru Kohiruimaki “Hold On Me” 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.

TokyoTakajin Yashiki

Tokyo

This is Takajin Yashiki’s 20th single, released in March 1993.

It was a big hit, selling over 600,000 copies.

Although the title is “Tokyo,” it’s striking that parts of the lyrics are in Kansai dialect.

Musically, it was produced in the 1990s, a time when having a song that’s often sung at karaoke was considered a key to making a hit, and it certainly is very easy to sing and remember.

In terms of vocal range, it’s set so that almost anyone can sing it comfortably, so even those who aren’t confident singers can pick it at karaoke and enjoy humming along.

If you struggle with high notes, try lowering the key on the karaoke machine.

Romantic FlightKome Kome Club

JAL Okinawa Campaign Summer Rikyu 1990 Theme Song: "Kome Kome Club - Roman Hikou"

This is Kome Kome Club’s 10th single, released in April 1990.

It was used as the CM song for JAL’s Okinawa travel “JAL STORY Summer Rikyu Campaign” in 1990.

Just by listening, you can picture the beautiful summer scenery of Okinawa—it’s a track brimming with a refreshing vibe! As of November 2023, many people in their 50s likely heard this song in real time.

The vocal melody sits in a range that’s easy for most people to sing, so you can hum along casually.

For the higher notes in the chorus, try placing the sound toward the upper palate inside your mouth; it gives your tone a bit of sparkle, which I think helps recreate the original song’s freshness in karaoke.

Give it a try!

Dream Space TravelSouthern All Stars

Southern All Stars – Dream Space Travel [Official Music Video]

Southern All Stars is a band that has remained at the forefront of the Japanese music scene for many years.

Whenever they release a new song, it still draws public attention, and their track “Yume no Uchū Ryokō” has racked up over 1.

5 million views on YouTube.

This song has a relatively narrow vocal range for a Southern All Stars piece, with most of the vocals sitting in the low to mid register.

It might feel a bit low for men with naturally high voices, but those with an average vocal range should be able to sing it without any issues.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

milk teaMasaharu Fukuyama

Masaharu Fukuyama – milk tea (Full ver.)

This is Masaharu Fukuyama’s 21st single, released in May 2006.

Prior to its release, starting in April 2006, it was used as the theme song for the TBS variety show “Koisuru Hanikami!” It’s a relaxed ballad with a pleasant acoustic guitar sound.

From a vocal melody standpoint, there aren’t any particularly tricky or difficult parts for karaoke, but because the tempo is slow, be careful not to get ahead of the beat—avoid what’s commonly called singing ‘in front of the beat.

’ Also, since the overall vocal melody sits relatively low, try to place the voice toward the back molars of your lower jaw and sing with a chest voice (resonating in the chest cavity).

That should help you reproduce a vibe close to the original.

Give it a try.

Melancholy CasablancaHiromi Go

Aisyu no Casablanca / Hiromi Go

It’s a smash hit that was born from a radio project.

“Aishū no Casablanca” was released in 1982 as the 43rd single.

The song came first, then the lyrics and singer were publicly solicited, and Hiromi Go was ultimately chosen.

Its charm lies in a melody that fully showcases Go’s sultriness.

It’s the kind of song that can make even men swoon.

While it may be difficult to fully recreate the song’s vibe and atmosphere, the pitch itself isn’t particularly high, so it should be relatively approachable to take on.

Surely more than anyone else in the worldMiho Nakayama & WANDS

Surely More Than Anyone in the World / Miho Nakayama & WANDS

A collaboration between Miho Nakayama and WANDS, released in October 1992.

It was also used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Dareka ga Kanojo o Aishiteru,” starring Nakayama.

At the time of its release, it exemplified the so-called “Being-kei” style, which was at its peak, and the song was crafted with the karaoke market strongly in mind, making it very easy for anyone to sing.

You can perform it as a duet with a female vocalist as in the original, or sing it solo.

The vocal range is comfortable for many people, so don’t feel hesitant—give it a try.