Easy-to-sing karaoke songs: Classic picks for women in their 40s

EverythingMISIA

MISIA – Everything （Official HD Music Video）

A female singer known as one of Asia’s leading vocalists, armed with an emotional voice and expressive power spanning five octaves—MISIA—released this as her seventh single.

Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Yamato Nadeshiko,” it became a massive hit and the best-selling single by a female artist released in the 2000s.

While some parts of the melody are challenging, the techniques that showcase MISIA’s trademarks—like whistle tones and a wide vocal range—are kept in check, making it relatively easy to sing at karaoke.

For women in their 40s, it’s an immortal classic that will likely bring back scenes from the drama as they sing.

Become the windAyano Tsuji

Ayano Tsuji – Become the Wind (Music Video)

Ayano Tsuji is a popular singer-songwriter who made her major debut in 1999 with a style that’s instantly recognizable: a gentle singing voice accompanied by ukulele.

Since the 2000s, she has maintained a unique position in the J-pop scene by releasing a number of heartwarming classics.

Tsuji’s music is comforting just to listen to, and one of her signature songs, Kaze ni Naru, which was used as the theme song for the Studio Ghibli film The Cat Returns, is widely known and a great pick for karaoke where people of all ages gather.

Its very straightforward melody makes it easy to sing, so it’s recommended both for aiming at a high karaoke score and for having fun singing together as a parent and child!

DESIRE -Passion-Akina Nakamori

Akina Nakamori DESIRE

If you’re heading to karaoke pumped to sing your heart out, Akina Nakamori’s hit “DESIRE” is a top recommendation.

It’s a song packed with the coolness and sensuality that many women admire.

Start with a low, mysterious A-melody, then switch to a passionate, powerful delivery in the chorus—that contrast is key.

Adding variety within the song, like slipping in breathy lines here and there, will make your performance feel even more authentic.

Channel your inner Akina Nakamori and go for it!

God of RomanceKohmi Hirose

Kohmi Hirose / God of Romance

Kicking the energy up from the intro, this is Kohmi Hirose’s 1993 release “Romance no Kamisama.” It’s a well-known winter classic not just among women in their 40s! The catchy melody makes it easy to sing without putting too much pressure on yourself.

The verse is comfortable even for those with a lower chest voice, but the key rises in the chorus, so it might be a good idea to pass the mic to someone who’s good with high notes.

It’s also a great song to get everyone involved—ask for call-and-response during the chorus and have fun together!

for a long timeKiroro

Kiroro - For a Long Time

Kiroro’s major-label debut song “Nagail Aida.” It’s a gentle ballad where the clear vocals blend beautifully with the soft tones of the piano.

With little dynamic variation throughout and a calm tempo, it’s an easy piece to sing at karaoke.

The lyrics, which express tenderness and frustration, speak directly to the feelings of being in love.

Since karaoke displays the lyrics on the screen, listeners can easily immerse themselves in the song’s world, too.

Wrap everyone in that gentle atmosphere.

We are!Hiroshi Kitadani

Hiroshi Kitadani – We Are! / THE FIRST TAKE

ONE PIECE is a series that’s always at the forefront of the anime scene, constantly generating buzz.

It has produced many theme songs, but when you hear ONE PIECE, the first one that comes to mind is probably “We Are!” The biggest charm of this song is, without a doubt, its grand vocal line.

The singer, Hiroshi Kitadani, is a vocalist who excels in the lower register as well, and in JAM Project he handles the overall low parts and even death growls.

The richness created by those low tones is truly impressive and perfectly captures the spirit of adventure.

GLAMOROUS SKYNANA starring MIKA NAKASHIMA

Mika Nakashima “GLAMOROUS SKY” Music Video (4K Video)

“GLAMOROUS SKY,” released as the theme song for the movie NANA.

The lyrics were written by Ai Yazawa, the original creator of NANA, and the composition/production was handled by HYDE—an all-star team behind a song that took the world by storm! The song’s range isn’t too high and is comfortable for most female singers, so many people probably enjoy singing it.

However, at the end of the second chorus, the highest note E5 appears.

This is a spot you’ll want to nail with style! Syllables in the “ma” row tend to resonate nasally, making them harder to project than other sounds.

So try singing with more strength than you think you need! Be sure to place solid accents in time with this section.

If the key feels tough, starting in head voice is fine.

As you get used to it, you’ll be able to produce a stronger head voice—engage your lower abdomen and add those accents!