[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!
- Recommended karaoke songs for male vocalists with high voices
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- I want to sing songs that use a lot of falsetto—tracks that are also good for practicing falsetto at karaoke.
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- [If You Can Sing These, You're Amazing!] Cool Karaoke Songs for Women
- For those confident in their singing ability: Challenging songs to try at karaoke!
- [Karaoke] A roundup of songs that are easy for women to sing!
- Recommended for teenage girls! Easy-to-sing karaoke songs
- [Challenge] A Compilation of Anime Songs with High-Pitched Melodies and High-Tone Vocals
- [For Women] A roundup of enka songs that can score high in karaoke
- Great for karaoke song selection! Recommended easy-to-sing songs for Gen Z women
- [Karaoke] Songs That Make It Easy to Score High | From Classics to the Newest Hits
- [For Teenage Girls] A Collection of Songs That Score High at Karaoke [2025]
[High Notes Warning!] High-Pitched Songs That Are Hard to Sing (41–50)
DestinyChe'Nelle
This is the third single by Che’Nelle, an R&B singer with a very international background: her father is Malaysian, her mother is of mixed Indian and Dutch heritage, she grew up in Australia, and she is currently based in Los Angeles.
It was released in May 2017 and was used as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Reverse.” Over a backing track highlighted by striking string arrangements, Che’Nelle’s highly dynamic vocals truly shine.
When singing this at karaoke, you’ll need to use vocal technique that fully resonates through your body as an instrument, maintain high notes without constricting the throat, and keep tight control over the song’s rhythm.
Because it’s a demanding song to perform, being able to pull it off will surely earn you admiration from those around you.
Although the theme here is “for those good at high notes,” please note that this song also requires you to deliver the low parts solidly.
tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa
This is a work from Koresawa’s indie era, known as a singer-songwriter.
It’s a heartbreak song about breaking up with the partner she lived with, where the woman leaves.
The lyrics vividly portray emotions that women who have experienced heartbreak can relate to.
Centered on acoustic guitar and piano, the gentle melody is soothing, and her clear, transparent high notes resonate deeply in the heart.
Since the song is composed in a range that’s comfortable for many women, delivering it with feeling at karaoke is sure to be a hit with the girls.
NonsensePenthouse
Penthouse is a band with both male and female vocals.
They describe their style as city soul and excel at producing glamorous, sharp tracks.
Their new song, Nonsense, showcases just that.
Along with powerful shouts, it features a variety of techniques that evoke elements of Black music like R&B and soul—such as ad-lib-style “feints” and funky falsetto.
The falsetto in the chorus is especially challenging, as it requires a sudden leap in pitch from chest voice, making it quite difficult.
Zankyo SankaAimer
Released on January 12, 2022 as a single by Aimer.
Incidentally, it was issued as a double A-side with “Asa ga Kuru.” It was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Entertainment District Arc.
“Asa ga Kuru” serves as the ending theme for the same anime.
It’s a very up-tempo track that seems perfect for an energetic time at karaoke.
Although Aimer herself doesn’t have an especially high natural vocal range and is often perceived as having a husky voice, her vocals on this song—especially in the chorus—brilliantly convey the sharply rising and falling melody by skillfully switching between chest voice and falsetto (head voice).
For women with naturally higher voices who excel at high notes, the passages using falsetto could be a real showcase.
EGOISTimase
Singer-songwriter imase is known for his use of falsetto.
His falsetto is somewhat distinctive, rooted in a vocal approach similar to funk singers.
His new track “EGOIST” features that falsetto throughout.
If that were all, it would be business as usual for imase, but in this song the falsetto sits unusually low in range, making pitch control more challenging.
The composition is also somewhat irregular, making it a piece that really tests one’s musical sensibilities.
A Naked HeartAimyon
It’s Aimyon’s 10th single, released in June 2020.
You might not associate Aimyon with particularly piercing high tones, but the high notes in this song are truly outstanding.
Especially at the end of the chorus where the song title is sung—the way she skillfully switches between chest voice high notes and falsetto is nothing short of brilliant! Just hearing this part makes it clear that Aimyon doesn’t use falsetto merely as a “cop-out.” It might be challenging even if you’re simply good at high notes, but I’d love to see women who are confident with their upper range take on singing this track!
My instincts were spot on, and it's frustrating.I wish it could stay midnight forever.
The sixth digital single by the music unit “Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni” (commonly known as ZUTOMAYO), whose member lineup and profiles remain a mystery and who have a very distinctive name, was released in June 2019.
The vocal melody centers on extremely high tones while jumping sharply in pitch, and there are many sections delivered in a very rapid-fire manner, so it’s fair to say this song is quite challenging to perform well.
If you’re a woman with a naturally high chest voice, try tackling it by firmly supporting your voice so it doesn’t crack in the high sections, and pay as much attention as possible to your diction.