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

Ring the bell!DREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE – Ring the Bell

This is DREAMS COME TRUE’s (hereafter, DCT) 50th single, released on July 10, 2013.

Since it was also used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Emergency Room 24 Hours” (Season 5), many of you may have heard it there.

DCT’s vocalist Miwa Yoshida is widely praised for her vocal ability, so some of you might wonder, “Can someone like me, who isn’t good at singing, really sing this?” However, the vocal melody doesn’t cover a particularly wide range and is relatively even, making it quite approachable even for those who aren’t confident singers.

The tempo is a bit on the heavy side, so be careful not to rush ahead when you sing.

I won't forgetAyako Fuji

I won't forget

“Wasurenai,” released in 2012, is a single that showcases Ayako Fuji’s appeal as a singer of pop music distinct from her enka persona.

It served as the theme song for the Tohoku arc of NHK’s popular anime Little Charo, and the lyrics—imbued with hopes for Tohoku’s recovery—were written by Fuji herself, who hails from Akita.

As mentioned at the outset, it’s not enka but a fully pop medium-tempo ballad, with a straightforward melodic progression that’s very easy to sing—perfect for karaoke with kids!

Kiss me right nowLINDBERG

LINDBERG / Kiss Me Now

LINDBERG is a rock band that was hugely successful in the 1990s.

Known for their energetic, upbeat pop-rock sound, the group has produced many classic songs.

Among them, “Ima Sugu Kiss Me” stands out as a particularly memorable piece.

While the song leans toward pop rock and maintains tremendous energy throughout, it surprisingly doesn’t feature sustained long notes in the mid-to-high or higher registers.

The overall vocal range isn’t especially wide, so even women with lower voices should be able to sing it comfortably in an appropriate key.

frustrated lipsMariko Takahashi

frustrated lips

Mariko Takahashi’s classic “Hagayui Kuchibiru” (“Frustrated Lips”).

With its very mature lyrics and alluring melody, it became a huge hit in the 1990s.

It still retains a touch of late-1980s synth atmosphere, giving it a pleasantly nostalgic, era-defining feel.

The song also carries the essence of kayōkyoku (traditional Japanese pop), resulting in an extremely catchy and easy-to-sing melody.

Centered in the low-mid to mid vocal range, it’s comfortable even for those who can’t hit high notes.

5 seconds before I fall seriously in loveRyoko Hirosue

[Official] Ryoko Hirosue “Five Seconds Before I Fall Seriously in Love” (MV) Ryoko Hirosue / Maji de Koi Suru 5 Byou Mae MK5 [1st Single]

The actress Ryoko Hirosue’s classic song “Maji de Koi suru 5 Byō Mae.” Since this piece is sung by an actress rather than a singer, it’s notably easier compared to other songs I’ve introduced.

Its biggest charm is, above all, its bright, upbeat tone.

Given that kind of sound, combined with Hirosue’s naturally higher voice, you might assume it demands a high vocal range, but the song’s range isn’t actually very wide.

It also doesn’t require techniques like vibrato or long sustained notes, so even women in their 40s who aren’t confident singers should be able to sing it with ease.

White LoveSPEED

SPEED / White Love -Music Video-

This is the fifth single by SPEED, a four-member female idol-style dance and vocal group, which was used as the commercial song for Shiseido’s “T’Issera Angel Drop.” Having achieved double million sales, it’s known as SPEED’s biggest hit.

With its catchy melody and dance, it’s a song that many women in their 40s—the generation that grew up with it—can really enjoy at karaoke.

The melody itself is simple, but because of the twin vocals and the wide pitch range, it might be challenging to sing solo.

If possible, team up with a friend whose comfortable range differs from yours, set the key to suit each of you, and give it a try—it’s a very singable song that way.

Go ahead and challenge yourself!

Crimson Japanese lantern (plant)Midori Oka

Crimson Japanese lantern (plant)

It’s a hidden gem that, while reminiscing about the Hozuki Market held in Asakusa, doesn’t foreground the bitterness of betrayal but instead highlights its intense passion even more by delivering the song beautifully with a calm vocal approach.

Although it’s positioned as the coupling track to the single Namidauta released in February 2024, it seems like an irresistible piece for those who love Midori Oka’s more mysterious side.

The melody doesn’t demand especially difficult techniques and is relatively easy to sing, so I’d love for you to give it a try at karaoke.

With songs like this, it’s harder to steadily convey emotions that can’t be contained than to show off technique, so read the lyrics carefully before you sing!