Classic and popular blues songs to sing at karaoke
The blues—a music genre whose charm lies in its deeply melancholic sound.
In fact, Japanese blues is surprisingly known for its high quality.
The underground scene is home to some incredible singers, and it’s overflowing with great songs.
This time, we’ve selected tracks we especially recommend for karaoke.
We’ve also included vocal technique tips from a vocal coach, so if you want to sing the blues with a cool, rugged edge, this is a must-see.
Blues classics and popular songs to sing at karaoke (1–10)
My chest hurts.Ukadan
Yūkadan is memorable for their heartrending vocals that soak into the heart along with tears.
If you like the blues, you almost certainly know them.
When it comes to Yūkadan’s signature songs, I imagine many people think of this track.
A representative number for the band, it was included on their June 1989 album “BIG TOWN, SMALL HANDS,” and later released as a single as well.
Akira Kimura’s distinctive voice can make it seem challenging, but the vocal line itself is simple and easy to sing.
It really shines if you sing it at a second-party karaoke once your voice is starting to give out.
Hey Hey BluesWataru Takada
Wataru Takada is known as one of the figures who helped create the Kansai folk music boom.
While his main genre is folk, he’s also adept at blues and bluegrass.
Among his works, Hey Hey Blues is a particularly popular blues classic.
The performance on this track is very bluesy, but the vocal line is quite simple, making it very easy to sing for those who aren’t confident singers.
Though it’s straightforward, it still has moments that build and get exciting—definitely give it a listen.
Call The Brown Sugar WomanToru Oki
Toru Ohki, known in the United States as “Mr.
Yellow Blues,” is one of the world’s leading blues singers.
He has a deeply cool, husky voice, and the blues spun from that timbre are both authentic and distinctive.
Among his songs, a particularly recommended track is Call The Brown Sugar Woman.
With a sound leaning toward blues rock, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to experience blues that’s both genuine and catchy.
the guy next doorMasahiro Kuwana
Masahiro Kuwana was a rock singer who was hugely active from the 1970s through the 1980s.
An artist who stood shoulder to shoulder with the legendary rock band Carol, he created numerous classic songs during his lifetime.
Though rooted in rock, he released many tracks grounded in blues and jazz.
One song I especially recommend is Tonari no Ossan (“The Guy Next Door”).
It pairs a melody that can hold its own against authentic overseas blues with striking Japanese lyrics.
It’s also very easy to sing for those with lower voices, so give it a try.
Cleaning ladyUkadan
When it comes to blues bands that represent Japan, many people would probably name Yukadan.
They’ve produced numerous classic songs, but the one I especially recommend for karaoke is Osouji Obachan (Cleaning Lady).
Due to its content, the song was banned from terrestrial TV, but it’s the kind of track that really gets a crowd going at karaoke.
It’s not exactly an easy song, but if you belt it out with a rasp, anyone can make it sound like the blues.
Give it a try.
When dawn breaksMaki Asakawa
When people think of the blues, many picture a genre that’s gritty and energetic.
That’s certainly true for a lot of songs, but there are also blues pieces with a dark, heavy atmosphere.
Those are commonly called “withered blues,” and Maki Asakawa is widely acclaimed as Japan’s best female singer-songwriter when it comes to performing them.
Her music blends elements of jazz and blues into a dark yet stylish sound, making it a great pick for a late-night karaoke song.
Don't be discouraged, baby.B.B.QUEENS
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QUEENS, the music group that performed the opening theme for the hugely popular anime Chibi Maruko-chan, is best known for its pop tracks.
That said, because the lineup includes Fuyunonsuke Kondo, one of Japan’s premier blues singers, the group also has some distinctly bluesy songs.
Among them, the one I especially recommend is Shogenaide yo BABY.
It’s also well known as the theme song for the popular show Hajimete no Otsukai (My First Errand).
This track blends a cute charm with the cool, gritty edge of the blues.
Be sure to give it a listen.