Easy Karaoke Songs for Women in Their 40s — Great Even for Lower Voices!

Listening to OliviaNEW!Anri

Anri / Listening to Olivia [Official Video]

Anri’s hit number “Listening to Olivia.” Thanks to the recent revival boom, it has gained some recognition among younger generations as well.

The song was released in 1978 and became a long-running hit with its distinctive musical style that blends New Music and kayōkyoku.

Its vocal range is somewhat narrow at mid1 G# to high C, and the pitch movement isn’t very drastic.

It’s slightly high for men and slightly low for women, making it highly recommended as a song that can be sung in the original key regardless of gender.

Pure AsiaPUFFY

PUFFY “Asia no Junshin” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Puffy, the female duo that gained popularity in the early 2000s, could be considered iconic for women in their 40s.

Among their songs, one I especially recommend is “Asia no Junshin” (True Asia).

Because of its upbeat, positive melody, many might think it sits high, but the actual vocal range isn’t wide.

There are plenty of long tones, but no vibrato is required, so as long as you adjust the key appropriately, even women with lower voices should be able to sing it without any problem.

Azure RabbitNoriko Sakai

Noriko Sakai “Blue Rabbit” Music Video

Noriko Sakai’s signature song “Aoi Usagi” (“Blue Rabbit”).

Although it’s classified as pop, the vocal lines are infused throughout with the essence of Showa-era kayōkyoku.

Because Noriko Sakai’s voice is so clear, people tend to assume it’s a high-pitched song, but the actual vocal range is quite narrow, so even women with lower voices can sing it without issue.

However, since many sections call for pronounced vibrato, be mindful of producing steady vibrato with solid support in the mid to lower-mid range.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

Small SongNEW!JUJU

JUJU “Little Song” Music Video — Theme song for the Monday 9 pm drama “Tomorrow Will Be an Even Better Day”

JUJU made her full-fledged debut in 2009.

For many women in their 40s, “Yasashisa de Afureru You ni” might be their youth anthem.

JUJU released “Chiisana Uta” in September 2025.

It has a very calm vibe, so once you learn the melody, it’s easy for anyone to sing.

The overall vocal range is G#3 to C#5, and since it’s not a song that requires belting, it’s reassuring for those who struggle with high notes.

If you place each word carefully as you sing, you won’t rush the rhythm.

Singing as if you’re speaking to someone also helps you keep the rhythm, so it’s recommended! For parts that feel a bit high, use plenty of breath and lightly sing with the image of resonating in your head.

Also, the key changes in the last chorus and the range goes up, so don’t push it—getting comfortable using falsetto there will make it easier to sing.

Don't give upZARD

"Don't Give Up" Music Video

ZARD is a band that energized the Japanese music scene from the late 1990s to the 2000s with catchy, straightforward J-pop.

Even after the passing of their frontwoman, Izumi Sakai, their many famous songs continue to be cherished by countless fans.

Among ZARD’s catalog, the one I especially recommend is “Makenaide.” While the song stays within a relatively narrow vocal range overall, a slightly higher section appears just before the end of the chorus.

Since this high note is extremely brief—less than a second—if you find it difficult to hit, I recommend intentionally raising the key and singing that part in falsetto.

Lila LilhaNEW!Kaela Kimura

Kaela Kimura “Rirura Riruha” (Official Music Video)

Kaela Kimura’s third single, “Rirura Riruha.” True to her early work, the song has an overall rock feel, but the vocal line isn’t particularly intense.

In fact, while the range is mid2C to hiC#—so on the higher side—it stays within a narrow span.

The melodic movement is very gentle, and since the average pitch is mid2E, only two semitones above the lowest note, even those who struggle with high notes should find it easy to sing.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

ElectricityNEW!Hikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada “Electricity” Music Video

It’s a track with an authentic electro, dance-beat-infused sound where the rhythm and the groove of the vocals are key.

It might seem difficult when you first listen, but once you get the feel for the rhythm, you’ll be fine.

By the way, it’s easier to catch the groove in this song by counting the off-beats rather than the usual downbeats.

Instead of counting “1, 2, 3, 4,” count “1-and-2-and-3-and-4,” where the “and” is the off-beat.

If you’re not used to it, you might gradually slip out of time, but try to work through that.

Also, the vocal range isn’t that high, so you can sing it lightly without bracing yourself.

At first, it’s fine to sing everything connected and flowing.

Definitely try to catch this groove and enjoy Hikaru Utada’s song!