[High-pitched warning!] Songs with high notes that are hard to sing

idolYOASOBI

YOASOBI "Idol" Official Music Video

This is YOASOBI’s 19th digital single, released in April 2023.

It’s used as the opening theme for the TV anime Oshi no Ko.

In the original track, the vocals feature a distinctly Vocaloid-like singing style and sound processing.

When singing this at karaoke, the key challenge is how well you can reproduce that “mechanical” feel.

I think it really comes down to that.

Study the original carefully and practice balancing the “human” feel in the spoken-like parts with the “mechanical” feel in the melodic sections.

Of course, precise pitch and rhythm are essential, which makes it quite difficult—but if you can pull it off, you’re sure to draw attention from everyone around you!

Feeling great ↑↑miharu GT

mihimaru GT – Feeling Great ↑↑

This is the ninth single by miharu GT, a Japanese male-female music duo, released in March 2006.

Since it’s been used in commercials and as ending themes for TV programs, many of you may have heard it before.

True to its title, it’s a very light and pleasant track that lifts your mood just by listening! The vocalist hiroko’s voice is also wonderfully rich in high-order overtones and very captivating—many high-voiced female singers may aspire to a voice like this.

The vocal track seems to be sound-designed to have a slightly processed, mechanical feel, but when you sing it at karaoke, don’t worry too much about that—just have fun singing!

guidelinesUru

[Official] Uru “Kokoroe” Official Audio (Short ver.) — Theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m. drama “Kazama Kojin: Kyōjō 0”

This is Uru’s fifth digital-only single, released in May 2023.

It was selected as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.

m.

drama “Kazama Kimichika: Kyōjō 0.” Built on a symphonic backing track, it’s a beautiful ballad that lets you fully savor Uru’s very gentle yet powerful high-toned vocals.

Reproducing Uru’s singing in this track at karaoke is quite challenging for most people; it takes more than just being good at high notes.

Still, if you’re confident in your singing, it’s definitely a song worth attempting! Listen closely to the original for reference, and aim for a performance that is both strong and soft, maintaining clean, controlled tone even in the high passages.

things that have formKo Shibasaki

Ko Shibasaki / Things That Have Form

This is Kou Shibasaki’s sixth single—she’s also active as an actress—released in August 2004.

It was used as the theme song for the hugely popular TBS drama “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World,” so many of you have probably heard it.

It’s relatively easy to select for women with naturally high speaking voices, but the key to pulling it off lies in whether you can produce the soft, airy high tones that taper off at the very top—one of Shibasaki’s vocal hallmarks.

It’s a singing technique that can be quite difficult without formal vocal training, but it’s definitely worth the challenge.

I'm happy.Ikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari “Ureshikute” (from the film Pretty Cure All Stars F) Music Video

Ikimono-gakari released their 34th single in September 2023.

It’s a double A-side single featuring both “Ureshikute” and “Tokimeki,” which we’re introducing here.

The songs were selected as the theme for the Toei animated film “Precure All Stars F.” The tracks are crafted with a highly memorable symphonic arrangement, and the symphonic sound, the bright, upbeat tone, and vocalist Kiyoe Yoshioka’s radiant voice are exquisitely matched in the production.

Recreating the feel of the original in karaoke may be something that naturally suits singers with a higher female vocal range.

The vocal melody itself is very smooth and easy to sing, which is another strong recommendation point.

If you place the resonance toward the upper palate inside your mouth, your singing voice will become brighter—give it a try.

Destiny -Sunflower-Hitomi Shimatani

Hitomi Shimatani / “Destiny - Sunflower -” [OFFICIAL MV FULL SIZE]

This is the 22nd single by the highly accomplished female singer Hitomi Shimatani, released in June 2006.

It was used as the opening theme for the Yomiuri TV/Nippon TV anime series Black Jack 21.

Since Shimatani started her career as an enka singer at 18 and has exceptionally strong vocal ability, being able to sing this song well may be quite difficult if your only advantage is a naturally high chest voice.

However, having a high chest voice does mean you’ve cleared the first hurdle for this song.

If possible, I recommend taking formal vocal training to learn proper vocal technique before attempting it.

If you absolutely must try it right now, sing with care to avoid losing power and intensity.

That said, never tense your throat or squeeze—absolutely not!

hyururira-pappatuki.

tuki. “Hyururira Pappa” Official Music Video

Singer-songwriter tuki.

, who gained immense popularity with “Bansanka,” boasts powerful vocals and is drawing public attention at a rate rivaling Ado.

Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is “Hyururira Pappa.” Its melody, rooted in traditional Japanese sounds, is striking.

In this piece, there are sections where falsetto and chest voice switch back and forth repeatedly.

This part is extremely challenging, so mastering the song requires considerable vocal control.