Great for karaoke too! Jazz classics you’ll want to sing at least once

Pop music writer/editorKEI
A style that keeps updating my favorites while loving mainstream and hit songs. I have experience writing articles for outlets like Utaten. Since I discovered music as a student, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. 2000s J-POP and 2010s K-POP were my youth, and I’m also loosely into jazz and R&B. I enjoy good music across genres with a “good is good” mindset. Thanks to my past work environment (and its influence), I listened to a lot of classic rock and kayōkyoku, which may have broadened my tastes. At RAG MUSIC, I mainly cover K-POP. I focus on reviews that emphasize feelings people can relate to, and on editing aligned with local pride and hit potential. Thank you!
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!

Listening to jazz is great, but singing it… that’s a bit much.

I bet quite a few people feel that way, right?

Jazz has a reputation for being a high hurdle, but among all music genres, it’s actually one of the easiest to sing.

Here’s why!

Jazz generally has slower tempos, which makes it easier to add your own arrangements.

That’s why it’s beginner-friendly to sing!

This time, I’ve picked out songs you might want to try at karaoke and songs you might want to sing at a jazz bar.

There are some lesser-known tracks in the mix too, so it’s also great for anyone looking to discover good songs!

Also great for karaoke! Jazz classics you should sing at least once (11–20)

Georgia On My MindPeggy Lee

Peggy lee – Georgia on my mind

Georgia On My MindPeggy Lee

This song, which has a strong bluesy image, was composed in 1930 by Hoagy Carmichael.

It is the state song of Georgia in the United States, and since it has been used in commercials in Japan, you’ve probably heard it at least once.

It’s a song that also suits a male vocalist very well.

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ROUTE 66Nat King Cole

NAT KING COLE ROUTE 66

ROUTE 66Nat King Cole

Here’s a fun song with lyrics that feel like a travel guide, celebrating a journey along U.

S.

Route 66.

Written by Bobby Troup in 1946, this song is performed in a variety of styles—not just jazz, but also boogie-woogie and rock.

Since the chord progression is a simple, easy-to-understand blues form, it should be relatively easy to pick up by ear.

The lyrics include many place names, which might seem challenging at first, but if you start by slowly reading through the lyrics, you’ll be able to sing it in no time.

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Cry Me A RiverJulie London

Julie London – Cry Me A River

Cry Me A RiverJulie London

Here’s the fierce, heartbreak-fueled anthem that says, “You made me cry so much—now it’s your turn to cry a river”: Cry Me a River.

It was originally written as a song for a film, but it became a hit after Julie London covered it.

Among jazz tunes, this one has a touch that almost feels like Japanese enka.

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RivedertiMario Biondi

Mario Biondi – Rivederti (Sanremo 2018)

RivedertiMario Biondi

Mario Biondi, a soul singer from Italy who is wildly popular worldwide.

His rich, captivating low voice, delivered from a height of over two meters, is truly remarkable.

Though he’s a soul singer, he also excels in genres like jazz and pop.

His song “Rivederti” is a pure jazz number.

The melody is relaxed, so it’s not very difficult to sing.

It’s in Italian, but I think it’s easier to sing than songs in English.

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Puro TeatroBuika

Miguel Poveda & Buika “Puro Teatro” – La Noche en Blanco – Homenaje a Pedro Almodóvar 13.09.2008

Puro TeatroBuika

In addition to winning a Latin Grammy, the Spain-born artist Buika has received numerous other awards, including the African Grammy.

Recently, she has been back in the spotlight thanks to a collaboration with the globally popular guitarist Santana.

Her musical style is highly distinctive, blending flamenco at its core with genres such as African music, jazz, R&B, and neo-soul.

Her track “Puro Teatro,” while jazz-tinged, is crafted with a melody that strongly evokes the essence of flamenco.

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OshúnDayme Arocena

Dayme Arocena, « Oshún » | Live Néo Géo

OshúnDayme Arocena

Daymé Arocena is a powerhouse singer currently attracting worldwide attention.

Hailing from Cuba, she’s still relatively unknown in Japan, but she’s highly acclaimed abroad, especially in the Spanish-speaking world.

While she blends a variety of genres—jazz, techno, funk—on top of African-inspired sounds, her track “Oshún” features an arrangement with a distinctly strong jazz flavor.

It’s not a difficult piece, but it contains many elements essential for vocalists.

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Also great for karaoke! Classic jazz songs you’ll want to sing at least once (21–30)

Lover, Come Back To MeHibari Misora

hibari misora – lover,come back to me

Lover, Come Back To Me Misora Hibari

This song, released in 1928, is a classic that ranks among the older jazz standards and has been beloved and performed by many artists, both vocal and instrumental.

While it’s a lively, up-tempo piece, the lyrics aren’t particularly dense, making it relatively easy for Japanese speakers to sing.

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