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

MarigoldAimyon

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Aimyong’s songs have a timeless appeal that’s independent of trends, making them popular across generations.

“Marigold,” released in 2018, marked her major breakthrough.

Its somewhat nostalgic melody evokes the early Heisei era, making it very pleasant to listen to and a classic that resonates with people of all ages.

For women in their 40s who say, “I mostly listen to the J-pop from my youth, but I want to try singing something more recent…,” I highly recommend Aimyong’s songs.

“Marigold” sits on the lower side pitch-wise and doesn’t have an extreme vocal range, so even those with lower voices or who feel insecure about singing should give it a try!

My RevolutionMisato Watanabe

Misato Watanabe “My Revolution” — 2016 Misato Watanabe 30th Anniversary Yokohama Arena Ordinary Life Festival —

Misato Watanabe’s fourth single, released in January 1986, is her biggest hit.

Tetsuya Komuro, who composed the song, had already debuted as part of TM NETWORK at the time but was still relatively unknown, and this track helped establish his reputation as a composer.

The song has been used many times in commercials, so many women in their 40s—even those not particularly interested in music—will likely find the melody familiar.

Its vocal range isn’t too wide and it’s very easy to sing, so I hope even those who aren’t confident singers will give it a try with ease!

Because I Want to See You ~Missing You~Seiko Matsuda

Seiko Matsuda – I Want to See You ~Missing You~ (from Seiko Matsuda Concert Tour 2019 “Seiko’s Singles Collection”)

“Anata ni Aitakute” is Seiko Matsuda’s 38th single, released in April 1996.

When women who aren’t confident singers choose songs for karaoke, tracks released by former idols after they’ve reached a certain age—not just this one—are often great picks.

This song, too, has a memorable, easy-to-remember melody and a singable medium-slow tempo, making it approachable for those who aren’t strong singers.

As long as you don’t choose the wrong key, you should be fine—so definitely give it a try!

The One and Only Flower in the WorldSMAP

The Only Flower in the World – SMAP

A classic hit by SMAP, the beloved national idol group.

This song offers an uplifting affirmation that each person is special.

Released as a single in March 2003, it topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It was also used as the theme song for the drama “Boku no Ikiru Michi,” starring Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, earning widespread support across generations.

With a melody that doesn’t require a wide vocal range, it’s easy to sing at karaoke and cherished by people of all ages.

For those leading busy lives, we hope this song helps you reconnect with your true self—sure to lift your spirits.

summer festivalWhiteberry

Whiteberry “Summer Festival” MUSIC VIDEO

For women in their early 40s, when thinking back to songs that became hits nationwide during their twenties, many might recall “Natsu Matsuri.” It’s known for its very catchy melody, but I think many people also have the impression that it’s hard to sing because of the high notes.

While the song certainly features a prominent high register, its overall vocal range isn’t actually wide.

If you adjust the key, even those who find it hard to produce higher notes should be able to sing it without any problem.

Hello, my friendYumi Matsutoya

Yumi Matsutoya – Hello, my friend

As one of the most important artists in Japanese music history, Yuming—Yumi Matsutoya—is a name that invariably comes up.

Each generation has songs by Yuming that hold special meaning, but many women in their 40s today will likely think of her hits from the 1990s.

From the standpoint of being easy to sing at karaoke, I recommend Hello, my friend.

Released in 1994 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama Kimi to Ita Natsu (A Summer with You), it was a massive hit that sold over a million copies.

While it’s packed with that quintessential Yuming flavor, the melody unfolds very straightforwardly and is easy to sing.

There are no particularly challenging high notes or sustained long notes, so with a bit of practice, you can probably expect a high score at karaoke.

Second LoveAkina Nakamori

Akina Nakamori – Second Love

Akina Nakamori’s third single, released in November 1982.

Speaking of releases from ’82, here in 2019 most people in their 40s were still in elementary school back then, right? I imagine many of you watched her perform on TV music shows like The Best Ten at the time.

Now, about Second Love: it strongly reflects the era in which it was made—Showa-era kayōkyoku with a slight new-music flavor.

It doesn’t have the kind of complex melodies or chord progressions you find in modern songs; it’s very straightforward and easy for anyone to sing.

Even people who don’t usually sing might be able to handle it in the original key.

That said, because Akina Nakamori’s songs have a distinctive allure in the lower register, when you sing this, be mindful to support your voice well so the low notes don’t get swallowed up in the karaoke mix.

Also, take care with clear pronunciation so the lyrics don’t come out mumbled.