Ballad songs that are easy to sing at karaoke. Recommended classics and popular hits.

Listening to OliviaNEW!Anri

Anri / Listening to Olivia [Official Video]

Anri’s hit number “Listening to Olivia.” Thanks to the recent revival boom, it has gained some recognition among younger generations as well.

The song was released in 1978 and became a long-running hit with its distinctive musical style that blends New Music and kayōkyoku.

Its vocal range is somewhat narrow at mid1 G# to high C, and the pitch movement isn’t very drastic.

It’s slightly high for men and slightly low for women, making it highly recommended as a song that can be sung in the original key regardless of gender.

beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko

aiko - 'Kabutomushi' music video

This is Aiko’s fourth major-label single, released in November 1999.

It’s a beautiful ballad with a world view that’s very characteristic of Aiko.

Now, if you’re going to sing this song at karaoke, since Aiko herself isn’t a singer known for superhuman vocal technique or sheer power (and I mean that in no negative way), in that sense I think it’s relatively easy for most people to sing.

From a technical standpoint, as long as you pay attention to making a smooth transition to falsetto on the highest note at the end of the chorus, you should be fine.

Beyond that, if you want to elevate the expression further, I think a deep understanding of the lyrics and the song is essential.

It’s not a technically difficult piece, so rather than imitating Aiko herself, it’s a song I’d like each singer to interpret and express in their own way.

hanatabamilet

milet “hanataba” Music Video (Theme song for TBS Sunday Drama “Antihero”)

Written specifically as a TV drama’s theme song, this track features profound lyrics that explore the complexities of love and human relationships.

It depicts how the presence of a loved one brings light into the darkness.

Released in June 2024, it was selected as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama series “Anti-Hero.” Milet’s powerful vocals and delicate melodies resonate deeply with listeners.

This piece is recommended when you want to reflect on love and relationships or face yourself.

Wrapped in Milet’s emotionally rich voice, why not take a moment to look inward? Since the tempo is relatively relaxed, try singing it while paying attention to the differences in pitch.

single bedSharam Q

Sharam Q “Single Bed” (Music Video)

Sharam Q’s sixth single, released in October 1994.

The melody is simple and easy to remember, and it’s a ballad that most men should be able to sing without trouble.

Tsunku’s own singing style leans— in a good way—toward a karaoke-like feel, which makes it an ideal choice for karaoke.

Mimicking his style to get laughs is certainly an option, but ideally, it’s a song you can enjoy by adding your own flavor and expression.

Unchanging ThingsNEW!Hanako Oku

Unchanging Things

Okuda Hanako’s classic song “Kawaranai Mono” (“The Unchanging”).

Released in 2006, it’s well known as an insert song for the film The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, and its orthodox J-pop ballad style has garnered support from many listeners.

The song’s vocal range spans mid2 A# to hi C#, which is a very comfortable and relatively narrow range for female singers.

While the final chorus features a solid development, there’s no key change, so you’re unlikely to struggle with vocal height.

In terms of range, pitch movement, and rhythm, it’s an easy song overall—definitely give it a try.

To new loversback number

back number – To the New Lovers

Created as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.

m.

drama “Umi no Hajimari,” this piece focuses on breakups with past lovers and relationships with current partners.

It portrays the protagonist’s inner world and emotions, delving deeply into family and love.

The depiction of feeling the roles and responsibilities of a parent is striking, expressing a complex mix of vulnerability and strength.

Released in July 2024, the song pairs an emotionally rich melody with lyrics that evoke deep empathy and inspiration in listeners.

If you’re struggling with family or romantic relationships, or standing at a crossroads in life, be sure to give it a listen.

Its relaxed tempo also makes it easy to sing at karaoke.

milk teaNEW!Masaharu Fukuyama

Masaharu Fukuyama – milk tea (Full ver.)

Among vocal training students who struggle with high notes, a very common comment is, “Because my voice is low, Masaharu Fukuyama’s songs are easy to sing!” In fact, Fukuyama’s songs often have a wide low range and don’t feature many excessively high notes, so there are plenty of songs you can sing in the original key.

However, one caveat is that if you sing the low notes with your throat as if you’re speaking, even a comfortable range can feel strenuous.

It’s important to vibrate the vocal cords at every pitch, so place your hand in the hollow between your collarbones and try singing while checking that your vocal cords are properly vibrating.

Also, when producing sound, aim your voice as if projecting to a distant point; this helps engage the vocal cords rather than the throat.

Instead of mumbling up close, it’s best to sing as clearly and crisply as possible.