Shogo Hamada’s easy-to-sing songs: A roundup of tracks I want to try at karaoke
Sho-go Hamada is a singer-songwriter who began his music career in 1974 and has released numerous classic songs over the years.
Not only back then but even today, many musicians openly cite him as an influence, which shows just how popular he truly is.
In this article, we’ll introduce some of Hamada’s songs that are relatively easy to sing at karaoke for those who want to give his music a try.
We’ve selected songs with features like a relaxed melody and a not-too-wide vocal range, so feel free to use this as a guide when choosing tracks for karaoke.
Shogo Hamada’s easy-to-sing songs: A roundup of tracks I want to try at karaoke (1–10)
The road I walked with you
This song looks back on the road the singer has walked so far and talks about how satisfied they are with their life.
It was released as a single ahead of the 2005 album “My First Love,” included as the B-side to “I am a father.” The simple arrangement of acoustic guitar and percussion seems to highlight the gentle message of the lyrics.
The vocal line, with its modest melodic range and conversational delivery, makes it easy to sing, and performing it in a relaxed manner will likely bring out the song’s atmosphere even more.
The two of us since then
This song portrays two people who chose to walk separate paths, conveying feelings of aching sadness and regret.
The detailed depictions of memories strongly evoke both the happiness they once had and the pain of having lost it.
One of the song’s charms is its gentle, conversational singing style, so how about valuing the words and aiming for a relaxed delivery? The emotional swell in the chorus is where the sense of poignancy stands out most, so it may also be important to focus on how much intensity you put into that section.
Sorrow like snow
This song portrays the warmth of people felt amid winter’s cold, evoking a brightness within poignancy.
It was also used as the theme song for the drama “Ai to Iu Na no Moto ni,” and has long been loved as one of Shogo Hamada’s definitive winter classics.
The powerful layering of the band and chorus strongly suggests a hopeful feeling of moving forward.
Its gently ranged melody and relaxed tempo make it easy to sing, so be sure to fully grasp the emotions embedded in the lyrics as you perform.
A Painting of May
This song portrays the rediscovery of long-forgotten love for one’s family and the various emotional shifts that accompany it.
It’s included on the album “Journey of a Songwriter,” and serves as a sequel to “Hanabi” from the previous album “My First Love.” The story follows a man who abandoned his family and reunites with his daughter, depicting a complex mix of joy and regret.
The arrangement is simple, layering acoustic sounds with vocals to create a relaxed atmosphere.
Its gentle, conversational tempo makes it easy to sing, and you should be mindful of how to infuse tender vocals with emotion.
unrequited love
This song portrays the pain that grows stronger as one’s feelings deepen, even while knowing the love will never be fulfilled.
It was included on the 1978 album “Illumination,” and later released as the B-side to “Ai o Nemurasete.” The lyrics depict regret over having fallen in love and a wish to be rewarded, if only once.
Because the melodic pitch changes very gently, it’s likely an easy song to sing without strain.
Precisely because the range isn’t wide, being mindful of how to convey emotion is essential.
The continuation of a dream
This song portrays memories built with family and the wish for children to grow up healthy.
It is included on the 2015 album “Journey of a Songwriter.” Because of its simple structure—like a solo guitar performance—the warmth of family comes through clearly.
The song’s essence lies in a gentle vocal delivery that faces one’s own heart, so it’s important to sing as if conveying the lyrics directly.
Its relatively modest melodic range also makes it easy to sing, which is part of the song’s appeal.
Your smile
It’s a love song filled with tenderness and poignancy, looking back on the memories built up with a cherished person.
The way it tries to somehow avoid a sad ending when the two are about to grow apart conveys the strength of its feelings.
The warm, gently unfolding sound and the softly conversational vocals layered together express single-hearted devotion.
Singing slowly and relaxed, as if delivering the words straight and true, is a key point in crafting the song’s world.
A more effortless, unforced singing style may better convey the emotions embedded in the song.