For those confident in their singing ability: Challenging songs to try at karaoke!
How do people practice songs that are hard to sing at karaoke? Not being able to hit the high notes, running out of breath, not keeping the rhythm… Even with those worries, don’t you ever think, “It would be so cool if I could nail that difficult song perfectly!”? The truth is, the tougher the song, the more likely it is that you can sing it surprisingly well once you get the hang of a few tricks.
In this article, we’ll introduce the traits of challenging songs you’ll want to try at karaoke, along with techniques to help you sing them well.
Let’s master that song you admire—together!
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- [I want to sing out loud] Songs that feel great to belt and are fun for karaoke
- Recommended karaoke songs for male vocalists with high voices
For those confident in their vocal skills: Challenging karaoke songs! (141–150)
Eine KleineKenshi Yonezu
This piece has a mysterious rhythm, as if the lyrics are flowing through it.
Practice so you can express in your singing how the song builds from the pre-chorus into the chorus.
Rather than singing with full force, easing up a little might better bring out the song’s charm.
I miss you so much, I want to see you.Kana Nishino
It was released in 2010 as Kana Nishino’s 10th single.
On the Oricon charts, it reached a personal best of No.
2, and the ringtone and full ringtone versions surpassed one million downloads within three months of release.
Although it’s set in a very high key and is quite difficult to sing, it’s a heartbreak song that enjoys overwhelming support from young people.
Brand New Wave Upper GroundJUDY AND MARY
It was released in 2000 as JUDY AND MARY’s 18th single.
The song was used in Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat commercial and reached No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It starts at quite a high pitch, and the chorus is even higher.
It seems very difficult to sing in this key while keeping up with the rhythm.
[For those confident in their singing ability] Difficult songs to tackle at karaoke! (151–160)
RE RESCUEREOL
Reol is a female singer-songwriter who has gained popularity for her sharp musical sensibilities.
She consistently produces great songs without compromising her style, but among her works, the one I especially recommend is RE RESCUE.
The particularly challenging point in this track is the section in the chorus where falsetto and chest voice switch back and forth.
It demands precise pitch control while also requiring strength, making it unquestionably a high-difficulty song.
TipTapMiisa Shimizu
Miisa Shimizu is a female singer-songwriter who is also active on variety shows.
She’s known for her powerful vocal ability, characterized by a soulful style rooted in R&B and soul.
Her new song, TipTap, features a sound reminiscent of electro-swing, though it leans more toward R&B than jazzy vocals.
With frequent use of falsetto and ad-libs, it’s a song that demands considerable vocal skill to pull off.
KICK BACKKenshi Yonezu
It’s Kenshi Yonezu’s 13th single, released in November 2022.
It was written specifically as the opening theme for the TV anime Chainsaw Man.
Over an up-tempo, hard-edged backing track, you can enjoy Yonezu’s powerful, resonant low register.
In that sense, it’s a song where men with lower voices can really showcase their vocal appeal.
That said, he intentionally strains his voice to some extent, singing with a slightly distorted tone, so be careful not to over-imitate and damage your throat.
In the middle section, where it shifts to a slightly classical style and is sung in a ringing, open manner, try aiming the sound toward your upper palate inside your mouth—you should be able to recreate that resonant quality.
Give it a try.
DreamlandBENNIE K
It was released in 2005 as BENNIE K’s ninth single.
Chosen as the campaign song for Coca-Cola’s “Moments of Connection with Coca-Cola,” it became BENNIE K’s biggest hit.
It’s a bright, refreshing pop tune packed with the dreams of a girl working at a fast-food restaurant, but because the lyrics are very fast and mix English and Japanese, it’s a difficult song to nail at karaoke.