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

Longing, poignancy, and strength of heartRyoko Shinohara with Tetsuya Komuro

Ryoko Shinohara with Tetsuya Komuro 'Longing, Heartache, and Strength' OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Ryoko Shinohara’s classic hit “Itoshisa to Setsunasa to Kokorozuyosa to.” Since Tetsuya Komuro composed it, you can hear that signature Komuro sound throughout the track.

It was also the theme song for the legendary game Street Fighter, so it probably left a strong impression, didn’t it? While the song is characterized by its soaring vocals, the range itself isn’t very wide—roughly mid2B to hiD—so it’s surprisingly easy to sing.

There’s no use of falsetto, and the melody is fairly simple, so as long as you set the key right, you should be able to sing it without any trouble.

deep forestDo As Infinity

Do As Infinity / Deep Forest (Fukai Mori)

Do As Infinity is a male-female rock duo that was active around 2000.

For women in their early 40s, you could say they’re the perfect band.

Although they’re labeled a rock band, most of their songs are J-pop, and Deep Forest is especially easy to sing among them.

Wrapped in a serious melody, this song features a slightly higher range and a simple vocal line.

That said, “higher” doesn’t mean it requires falsetto.

It just leans toward the upper midrange, so women with low to average voices should be able to sing it without any trouble.

There are also many spots where the long tones are cut off cleanly without vibrato, which makes it easier to sing in that respect as well.

rainbow-coloredAyaka

Nijiiro – Ayaka (Full)

This is Ayaka’s 13th single overall.

It was released digitally first in April 2014, followed by a CD release in June of the same year.

The song has a lightly bouncing, brisk rhythm, but the overall feel is very calm.

It’s the kind of piece that would suit women in their 40s—not just that they can sing it, but it might actually feel even more fitting for those around that age.

Ayaka is often seen as an authentic singer with a bit of a black music flavor, so some people might hesitate to try her songs.

However, this track has a very cute and simple melody, making it relatively approachable even for those who aren’t confident in their singing.

As mentioned, the slightly bouncy rhythm is a signature of the song, so try to sing it with an overall cute vibe to keep it from feeling heavy.

Don't give up on your dreamsTakako Okamura

Don't Give Up on Your Dreams – Takako Okamura (Full)

This was Takako Okamura’s fifth single, released in February 1987.

It’s a song with a very straightforward melody line and lyrics that leave a strong impression.

Compared to many modern songs that tend to be a bit more twisted, I think this one is very easy to sing even for people who aren’t confident singers.

The vocal range it uses isn’t very wide either, and combined with its bright tone, it’s surely a track that’s easy to sing and makes singing enjoyable even for those who struggle with it.

La La LaMaki Ohguro

La La La – Maki Ohguro (Full)

This is Maki Ohguro’s 10th single, released in October 1995, and her biggest hit, having sold over a million copies.

While Maki Ohguro is often associated with “cool rock songs,” this track showcases a very cute, charming world.

That said, her signature vocal prowess is still on full display here, so for those who aren’t confident singers… well, it might be a bit challenging.

However, as mentioned, it’s an extremely cute song, so unlike many of her other tracks, you don’t need dynamic belting or powerful high notes to sing this one.

Relax your shoulders and try singing it sweetly, focusing on conveying the bright, slightly laid-back melody and adorable lyrics.

The chorus might even be fun to sing together as a group with friends!

Voice of the SeaKenta Kiritani

"The Voice of the Sea" Full ver. / Urashima Taro (Kenta Kiritani) [Official]

Kenta Kiritani’s hit number “Umi no Koe,” which became a nationwide success as a commercial jingle.

While it’s not particularly tied to the generation of women in their 40s, it’s a song that many people have likely heard.

As it’s sung by an actor whose main profession isn’t singing, the overall vocal line is crafted to be easy for non-professionals to sing.

With its narrow vocal range, it’s very singable even for women, though there is one point to watch out for: the key change in the latter half.

It’s a relatively straightforward modulation, so with practice you should be able to handle it.

If you want to make it sound even better, focus on articulating the first phrase after the key change clearly.

Since the song doesn’t require vibrato, as long as your enunciation is solid, it will sound professional.

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Yo Hitoto

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

Her debut song Morai Naki became an unexpected hit, and this is the fifth single by Yo Hitoto, a singer who is active not only in music but also as an actress.

The song was born in response to the September 11 attacks that shocked the world in 2001, and it is one of Yo Hitoto’s signature songs, also known as the most sung song of the Heisei era in karaoke.

With its relaxed tempo, sparse instrumentation, and lack of sudden leaps in pitch, it’s easy to sing even for those who aren’t confident singers.

Because of the meaning of its lyrics, it’s a masterpiece that we hope will continue to be sung not only by women in their 40s—the artist’s own generation—but by people of all ages.