[High-pitched warning!] Songs with high notes that are hard to sing
The Japanese music scene is known for having a relatively low emphasis on groove, but an unusually large number of high-pitched songs.
In particular, since Japan has finally started earnestly incorporating overseas music in recent years, the overall level of songs has risen dramatically.
With that in mind, this time we’ve picked out Japanese songs that are on the higher side.
From songs with a wide vocal range, to tracks that have pinpoint high parts, to songs that stay in the high register throughout, we selected from a broad set of perspectives—so be sure to find the tracks that suit you!
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- [Karaoke] Songs That Make It Easy to Score High | From Classics to the Newest Hits
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[High Notes Warning!] High-Pitched Songs That Are Hard to Sing (21–30)
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko
This is Aiko’s fourth major-label single, released in November 1999.
You might think, “A beetle song released in November?!” but apparently this stems from the surprising fact that Aiko herself believed beetles were winter insects.
It’s quite a funny anecdote! Rather than being a full-on, ultra high-note powerhouse singer, Aiko has a more natural, relaxed style, and this song reflects that.
The high notes it requires are soft and natural.
The key point is whether you can skillfully switch between falsetto and chest voice, especially in how you use falsetto to finish the chorus.
Even if you’re great with high notes and think, “I can sing this part in chest voice!” try singing it softly in falsetto as in the original.
Headless Angelqueen bee
Queen Bee’s masterpiece “Headless Angel.” When you think of Queen Bee, you probably picture those striking vocals that incorporate an unusually high falsetto, right? This song is exactly one of those, featuring many phrases where you need to beware of the soaring high notes.
Among them, the chorus stands out as overwhelmingly difficult.
After a B-melody grounded in the mid-to-low range, you have to shoot the pitch up suddenly and sing the chorus in a very high falsetto—and keeping the pitch under control here is incredibly tough! On top of that, the falsetto section is long, so strong endurance is also required.
Filmyama
Yama, a female singer-songwriter who’s gained popularity for her stylish musicality.
Her new track “Film” features a sound that blends R&B with 2-step and house, reminiscent of m-flo in the 2000s.
The vocal line centers on the higher register, and the chorus sustains an extended falsetto using a whispery tone.
While pitch control isn’t particularly difficult, the R&B style calls for techniques like falls and ad-libs, and the prolonged high phrases demand strong endurance.
PrologueUru
This was the seventh single by Japanese singer Uru, released in December 2018.
It was also used as the theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “Chuugaku Seishin Nikki” (Middle School Teacher’s Diary).
Although Uru keeps details of her profile completely private, her vocal ability—especially her skillful use of mixed voice through to falsetto—is truly impressive.
While she isn’t the type of so-called “powerhouse singer,” her natural finesse is, in fact, one of the most challenging qualities to replicate for karaoke.
It might be a bit difficult for those who don’t share a similar vocal timbre to sing it, but try to pay attention to maintaining as soft a delivery as possible.
If you rely on a mere imitation and sing only with superficial mouth movements, there’s a high risk the performance won’t come together as a song—so be careful about that!
Wolverine NenI wish it could stay midnight forever.
Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni is a band that consistently showcases a wide range of musical styles without sacrificing catchiness.
While their recent output has leaned toward louder tracks, they’ve just released a piece brimming with clarity and chic flair: Kuzuri Nen.
The vocal line itself is catchy, but because fine-grained falsetto appears in most parts, it demands more delicate vocal control than it may seem when listening.
It’s not just straightforward falsetto either—the use of mixed voice adds another layer of difficulty.
Give it a try.
Like this tonightAimyon
This is Aimyon’s 6th single, released in November 2018.
Although the theme is “a song that’s easy for women with high voices to sing,” Aimyon’s own vocals—her voice, really—have a slightly husky quality.
It might be difficult to produce that kind of “slightly fuller voice” like hers.
But don’t be afraid! If you engage your core properly and sing as if you’re supporting your voice from the belly, you should be able to handle it.
Also, try to sing using as bright a tone as possible!
BelieveChe'Nelle
A track from Australian singer Che’Nelle’s third album in Japan, released in July 2012.
As a single, it was pre-released digitally in June of the same year.
It also served as the theme song for the fourth film in the Umizaru series, BRAVE HEARTS: Umizaru.
It’s an R&B-style ballad that showcases an exceptionally clear, transparent vocal tone—her expansive, crystalline singing is truly noteworthy.
While it’s a song that demands a high level of skill to perform at karaoke, the range isn’t necessarily out of reach for women with a naturally higher chest voice, so give it a try and wow everyone around you.