[Karaoke] A roundup of Ken Hirai songs that are easy to sing
Ken Hirai, who has sung numerous hit songs such as “Close Your Eyes,” “POP STAR,” and “Monster (feat.
Aimyon).”
He’s a singer-songwriter known for a voice that combines both clarity and warmth.
After his debut in 1995, the hit song “Rakuen” made his name known nationwide.
His musical style, which resonates in everyone’s heart, continues to captivate fans.
In this article, we’ve picked out Ken Hirai’s songs that are especially easy to sing at karaoke.
Be sure to use it as a reference when choosing your next songs!
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[Karaoke] Ken Hirai’s Easy-to-Sing Songs (1–10)
confessionKen Hirai
Confession is a song that sets dark love to a striking melody.
Released in 2012, it was used as the theme song for the drama W no Higeki (W’s Tragedy).
Its melody is somewhat challenging, with parts that move back and forth between high and low notes.
Overall, it sits in the mid-to-high range, making it easier to sing for women and for men who are comfortable with higher vocals.
Listen closely to the melody and try to capture the pitch changes as you sing.
canvasKen Hirai
Canvas weaves words like painting to capture the faint, bittersweet memories nestled in the precious days of youth.
Released in 2008 as a double A-side single along with “You Are Su-te-ki ♡,” this song was chosen as the theme for the drama Honey and Clover.
Since it spans a relatively wide vocal range, you’ll want to pay some attention to key selection.
Overall, the lyrics flow gently and unhurriedly, making the melody itself easy to sing.
If you’d like to try a song with a broader range, this makes a great entry point.
Missin’ you ～It will break my heart～Ken Hirai
The 2002 release “Missin’ you ~It will break my heart~” is a number that conveys the resolve to live on to someone precious you can no longer meet.
The song flows at an overall relaxed pace, making it easy to sing while savoring the lyrics.
There’s a sudden leap to higher notes toward the end, so if that’s not your strong suit, it might be better to start in a slightly lower key.
English lyrics appear frequently, but because the tempo is laid-back, you can sing them calmly without feeling too much pressure.
[Karaoke] Ken Hirai’s Easy-to-Sing Songs (11–20)
playing catchKen Hirai
Catch Ball,” said to be a song Ken Hirai wrote about his own father.
After being included on the 1996 album “Stare At,” it was also featured as a B-side on the 1997 single “HEAT UP.” It’s a song that inspires you to resolve to do your best so you can properly respond to a father who always cared about you.
With its simple, gentle melody, it’s easy to sing even for those who aren’t confident at karaoke.
Try singing it while thinking of your own parents.
Close your eyesKen Hirai
“Close Your Eyes” is a song that expresses the determination to overcome a painful farewell while feeling the lingering presence of a loved one.
Released in 2004, it was used as the theme song for the film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World” and became a massive hit alongside the movie.
Although its wide vocal range makes it a challenging piece, its high recognition is a major reason it’s an easy pick for karaoke.
The tempo is gentle, so try singing it in a key that suits your voice.
It has been covered by many artists, regardless of gender—such as Akira Fuse and Ayaka—so you might also want to check out the cover versions for reference!
Before our feelings overlap...Ken Hirai
Rather than imagining a painful future, “Omoigakasanaru Sono Mae ni…” inspires you to stay close to the precious person right in front of you.
Released in 2004, the song was used in a Toyota commercial and as the theme for the drama “Tsumiki Kuzushi Shinso: Ano Kazoku, Sono Ato no Higeki.” With a wide vocal range and a chorus that showcases Ken Hirai’s beautiful, resonant high notes, the difficulty level is on the higher side.
For women, slightly raising the key to adjust the lower notes may work well.
If you have a lower voice, using falsetto to tackle the original key is also recommended.
The song flows at a relaxed pace, so the melody itself is relatively easy to sing.
Grandfather's ClockKen Hirai
“Grandfather’s Clock,” a nursery song beloved by people of all ages.
Released in 2002, this piece was composed by American songwriter Henry Clay Work, whose sheet music became a big hit when it was published in 1876.
Ken Hirai’s wonderful vocals truly stand out; his voice intertwines with the pleasant melody line, making it feel as though new life has been breathed into this time-honored children’s song.
Since it is essentially a nursery rhyme, both the lyrics and the melody have an accessible structure, making it easy to sing at karaoke.
It’s a song that anyone—from children to adults—can easily try.