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.
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Blues classics and popular songs to sing at karaoke (1–10)
perfectMitsuyoshi Azuma & The Swinging Boppers
Azuma Mitsuyoshi & The Swinging Boppers is a group led by Mitsuyoshi Azuma, known as a highly skilled blues singer.
They’re renowned for an authentic sound that rivals blues from overseas and are held in very high regard within the blues community.
Among their songs, the one I especially recommend is Batchigoo.
It’s a track packed with everything great about jump blues, the genre they excel at most.
It's a sad color, isn't it?Masaki Ueda
A classic where wistfulness meets soul, this is one of Masaki Ueda’s signature songs.
Released in October 1982, it initially struggled, but its popularity on cable radio grew, and by the following year it had become a major hit, reaching No.
5 on the Oricon chart.
The unusual combination of Kansai-dialect lyrics with a melody that evokes English-language songwriting creates a uniquely captivating charm.
The bittersweet lyrics, depicting a farewell by the sea, resonate deeply with listeners.
Ueda’s distinctive husky voice further elevates the song’s appeal.
If you sing it at karaoke, the key is to pour your emotions into the performance.
Asahi TowerNaomi Chiaki
Asahi-ro is a song I especially recommend to women.
Although the original is a Western song, it has been covered by many artists in Japan.
Among them, Naomi Chiaki’s cover is particularly famous.
The song’s theme is quite dark, but it matches the despair and wistfulness of the melody, and there are many powerful melodic passages throughout.
It’s a vocally challenging piece, but because the melody makes it easy to sing with feeling, I encourage you to give it a try.
Blues classics and popular songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke (11–20)
Yokohama Honky-Tonk BluesKei Ishiguro
Kay Ishiguro is a female singer who gained popularity in the 1970s with her genre-defying musical style.
Though she has explored many genres, her blues recordings are especially well-regarded.
Among her songs, the one I particularly recommend is Yokohama Honky-Tonk Blues.
It’s a blues number with a touch of kayōkyoku (Japanese pop) flavor, characterized by a gentle, wistful mood.
I think it sounds especially alluring when sung by a woman with a lower voice, so it’s a great pick for singers like that.
crowdKiyoshiro Imawano
Singer-songwriter Kiyoshiro Imawano, beloved by many for his unconventional personality and distinctive musicality.
Though he’s a singer who represents rock and punk, he also released songs rooted in the blues, which could be called a close relative of those genres.
Among them, the one I especially recommend is “Zattō” (Crowd).
Surprisingly, Imawano’s uniquely colored voice pairs exceptionally well with the blues.
It’s a perfect pick for those who want to hear blues that carries a refined coolness while holding a subtle, wistful touch.
Since coming out to OsakaMasaki Ueda
Masaki Ueda is one of Japan’s leading soul singers.
I think everyone has heard his signature song, “Kanashii Iro Yane,” at least once.
Though he’s known as a soul singer, he also actively works on blues numbers, which share many similarities with soul.
Among them, one track I especially recommend is “Osaka e Dete Kite Kara.” It features a melody reminiscent of the late Ray Charles, blending jazz, blues, and soul.
Since it’s a quiet song, it’s also recommended for those who aren’t confident in their vocal power.
I miss youBEGIN
BEGIN is a band from Okinawa that has been active for many years.
This song, which was also used in a Nissan Motor commercial, is their debut single released in March 1990.
The lyrics portray lost dreams and memories of the past, as well as bittersweet feelings of love, expressing the climate and emotions of Okinawa while singing of universal romantic emotions.
The gently flowing melody sometimes aches the heart and at other times offers warm comfort.
It’s a track that showcases BEGIN’s flexible musicality, blending elements of blues, Hawaiian, and Okinawan music.
For karaoke, it’s recommended as a song that brings quiet emotion and evokes nostalgia for past memories and a bygone era.