[Women in Their 40s] Even If You’re Tone-Deaf, You Can Sing! Karaoke Songs That Fit a Woman’s Vocal Range

Turn the roulette of fateZARD

SARD UNDERGROUND 'Spin the Roulette of Fate' MV

A supreme song woven from lyrical lyrics that capture the subtleties of life and a light, buoyant melody.

While questioning the role of fate’s coincidences and the meaning of our choices, it gently reminds us of the importance of facing forward and living on.

Composed by Seiichiro Kuribayashi, it beautifully harmonizes ZARD’s heartwarming message with a fresh, breezy sound.

Since its release in September 1998, it has been beloved as an opening theme for the anime Detective Conan and was also included on the album ZARD BEST The Single Collection: Kiseki.

It’s an encouraging anthem recommended for those who, even amid uncertainty, want to take a step forward and for anyone who wishes to move ahead without fearing change.

Surely more than anyone else in the worldMiho Nakayama & WANDS

Surely more than anyone else in the world

It was produced as Miho Nakayama’s 25th single, created in collaboration with the rock band WANDS.

Released during what could be called the “golden age of J-pop” in the 1990s, it’s likely a song most people have heard at least once.

As it comes from a time when the music industry was very conscious of the karaoke market, one notable feature is its extremely singable melody that suits anyone.

Although it’s technically a duet, Miho Nakayama’s part stands perfectly well on its own, so if you’re looking to expand your karaoke repertoire, definitely consider adding it!

Cat’s EyeAnri

CAT'S EYE by Anri

Anri’s 13th single, released in August 1983.

It was produced as the first opening theme for the popular anime series “Cat’s Eye.” If you’re in your 40s as of 2020, many of you probably loved this anime, right? With an easy-to-grasp chorus, a melody that doesn’t require a wide vocal range throughout, and lyrics that effectively incorporate the anime’s title, this song is packed with elements that make it easy for anyone to sing.

Even if you’re not confident in your singing and don’t often have chances to sing, I hope you’ll enjoy performing it along with fun memories.

The trick to making it sound good is to relax and sing it lightly overall!

Soft scarCocco

Cocco – Soft Scars

Singer-songwriter Cocco, who was active in the 2000s.

For those in their early to mid-40s, she’s arguably a defining artist of their generation.

Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is Yawaraka na Kizuato (Soft Scars).

It has the feel of straightforward J-pop, similar to what Aimyon represents today.

There’s a falsetto part toward the end of the chorus, but because it’s sung very softly, even those who struggle with high notes should be able to sing it without any trouble.

Tokyo at 7 p.m.Pizzicato Five

PIZZICATO FIVE / 7 p.m. in Tokyo

Pizzicato Five, often called the pioneers of the Shibuya-kei scene.

Their signature is dance pop infused with house, delivering a stylish sound that pairs catchy hooks with an edgy flair.

Among their tracks, the one I especially recommend is Tokyo wa Yoru no Shichiji (Tokyo at 7 p.

m.

).

Since it’s dance music, you might think the rhythm is tricky, but house is based on a four-on-the-floor beat—the easiest kind to follow—so there’s no need to worry.

The vocal line rises and falls gently, and the overall range is quite narrow, meaning anyone, regardless of their voice type, can sing it lightly and confidently.

youKumi Koda

Kumi Koda / you (from 'KODA KUMI 15th Anniversary LIVE The Artist')

This is “you” by Kumi Koda, released in 2005.

It’s a love ballad that evokes a cold winter’s day—a heartbreak song in which the singer reminisces, holding on to each of the happy days.

Songs that are easy to sing are often slow ballads without drastic melodic rises and falls, and this one fits that description too.

Take your time and sing it gently and tenderly!

Like when we first metEvery Little Thing

"Like When We First Met" MUSIC VIDEO / Every Little Thing

For many women now in their 40s who spent their teens to early twenties in the mid-to-late 1990s, Every Little Thing holds a special place.

Back then, lots of people copied Kaori Mochida’s fashion and hairstyles, too.

ELT’s classic songs are still hugely popular at karaoke even in the Reiwa era, but if you’re aiming for a high score, the 1997 hit As When We First Met (Deatta Koro no You ni) is a great choice.

Its quintessential late-’90s Avex sound and melody make it very easy to sing, and since there are no tricky shifts, it’s less likely you’ll go off pitch.

The overall key is on the higher side, so if you have a lower voice, it’s a good idea to adjust the key to suit you before singing.