[Karaoke] A roundup of easy-to-sing songs by Yosui Inoue
One of the most indispensable singer-songwriters in the Japanese music scene, Yosui Inoue.
Since his debut as a singer in 1969, he has released numerous hit songs such as “Kasa ga Nai” and “Shonen Jidai.”
He came to be recognized as a leading figure in the genre known at the time as “New Music.”
Even in his more rhythmic numbers, his vocals and musicality have a distinctive, slightly ennui-laden atmosphere.
In this article, we’ve picked out some of Yosui Inoue’s songs that are especially easy to sing at karaoke.
Be sure to read to the end!
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[Karaoke] A roundup of easy-to-sing songs by Yosui Inoue (1–10)
I don't have an umbrella.Yosui Inoue
If you can’t find an Inoue Yosui song that feels right for karaoke, you can’t go wrong with singing “Kasa ga Nai” (“I Don’t Have an Umbrella”).
Since its 1972 release, this piece has captivated many with its distinctive vocals and moving lyrics, and it’s no exaggeration to say it represents his early work.
In particular, the rhythmically driven yet ennui-tinged musicality is brilliantly expressed, and once you actually try singing it, you may find yourself getting hooked.
The lyrics are structured like a story, so if you sing while visualizing the scenes, you’ll likely be able to recreate the song’s world more deeply.
From the Land of the Dark NightYosui Inoue
“Yami Yo no Kuni Kara” (From the Land of the Dark Night) is one of Yosui Inoue’s early masterpieces, released in 1974 as his fifth single.
It was later covered by Saburo Tokito and used in a commercial, so some people may find it familiar.
Despite what the title suggests, it’s a very bright song with a lively folk-rock arrangement, so it seems like it would be a hit at karaoke as well.
The melody is poppy and easy to remember, the range is relatively low, and the overall pitch span isn’t very wide, so you should be able to sing it smoothly.
BoyhoodYosui Inoue
You can grasp the allure of Yosui Inoue’s songwriting and vocals in an instant by listening to his signature song, “Shonen Jidai.” Its lingering melody and ensemble, woven from a sense of floating and gentle melancholy, have even been included in middle and high school textbooks, making it beloved by many.
The song is perhaps the best example of Inoue’s musicality.
At the same time, with its simple melody and slower tempo, it’s an easy pick for karaoke.
Since people of all ages know it, it could be a great one for parents and children to sing together.
[Karaoke] Inoue Yosui’s Easy-to-Sing Songs (11–20)
Two People Who Can't Go HomeYosui Inoue
In 1973, Yosui Inoue released his third album, Ice World.
The album presented new musical possibilities to the scene at the time, and among its hidden gems is “Kaerenai Futari” (The Two Who Can’t Go Back).
The combination of simple folk-guitar accompaniment and a calm, wistful melody is exquisite, and its structure makes it easy to sing at karaoke.
After warming up your voice with this song, we recommend following it with the album’s title track, “Ice World!”
self-loathingYosui Inoue
“Self-Disgust” is a ballad with a wistful melody, included on Yosui Inoue’s third album, Ice World, released in 1973.
As the title suggests, this song expresses feelings of loathing toward oneself, making it a perfect choice to sing when you’re feeling frustrated with yourself over studies or work.
With its gentle, ephemeral, whisper-like vocal style, it’s easy to sing even if you don’t have much vocal power, and it’s also recommended early in a karaoke session when you want to conserve energy.
Farewell in MayYosui Inoue
This “May Farewell” is a beautiful medium-tempo ballad included on the hit album UNDER THE SUN, which topped the Oricon charts.
While using simple language, the lyrics vividly evoke inner landscapes and scenes of May with uniquely poetic, expressive phrasing that really resonates.
You’ll notice when you actually sing it: if you let yourself flow with the somewhat nostalgic melody, you should be able to sing without drifting off pitch.
Try singing it while savoring the meaning of the lyrics, cherishing each and every word.
The Meandering TownYosui Inoue
It’s a song that feels very Inoue Yosui—imbued with an indescribable pathos and the loneliness of the night.
Meisō suru Machi (The Meandering Town) is included on his sixth album, White, released in 1978, and it might be a track only devoted fans are familiar with.
When you think of Yosui and rain, many probably recall the classic mega-hit Kasaga Nai (I Don’t Have an Umbrella), but the rain depicted in Meisō suru Machi evokes a different image altogether.
As for singing it, it’s not particularly difficult; if you let the melody flow over a relaxed 6/8 rhythm, you can savor it comfortably.
To bring out the world of the lyrics, it might be good to sing as if you’re telling a story, drawing listeners into its narrative.