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

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

Last updated:2024/2/27

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’ll want to sing at least once (1–10)

You’d Be So Nice To Come Home ToHelen Merrill

Helen Merrill with Clifford Brown / You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To

You'd Be So Nice To Come Home ToHelen Merrill

“You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To,” which was also a big hit in Japan as a commercial song.

It was written by Cole Porter, who composed many jazz standards, and Helen Merrill’s version is especially famous.

I imagine many people are fond of the intro in this arrangement.

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What a Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong – What A Wonderful World (Lyrics)

What a Wonderful WorldLouis Armstrong

This song, which has been used for many years in numerous commercials and TV programs in Japan and is familiar to many, was composed by Louis Armstrong, with lyrics by G.

Douglas and George David Weiss, who mourned the Vietnam War and longed for a peaceful world.

Precisely because the times are so difficult, this song may resonate deeply with listeners.

As a slow-tempo ballad, the lyrics move at an easy pace, making it a song that’s singable even for those not accustomed to English.

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My Funny ValentineElla Fitzgerald

My Funny Valentine (Late Show – Live (1958/Chicago))

My Funny ValentineElla Fitzgerald

Here’s a minor-key ballad from 1937 by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart that suits Japanese tastes.

The lyrics tell a pure love story: my beloved Valentine isn’t pretty and isn’t smart, but I want her just the way she is.

Both the melody and the lyrical flow are slow, making it an easy song to try.

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Somewhere Over The RainbowRay Charles

Somewhere over the Rainbow

Somewhere Over The RainbowRay Charles

Here is a song written for the 1939 musical film The Wizard of Oz.

Winner of the 1939 Academy Award for Best Original Song, it’s one of those tunes that even Japanese people unfamiliar with jazz will likely recognize and find easy to hum.

Judy Garland’s original version is wonderful, of course, but Ray Charles’s warm, embracing rendition is also outstanding.

It’s well received by listeners and is a song I can recommend to both men and women.

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Fly Me To The MoonDiana Krall

Diana Krall – Fly Me To The Moon (Quartet Performances, Las Vegas)

Fly Me To The MoonDiana Krall

This song, often called the standard among jazz standards, is one that many beginner jazz vocalists take on.

So many artists have recorded it that there are plenty of reference tracks to learn from, which is really helpful.

The lyrics are relatively simple and free of difficult words, making it a good choice even for those not familiar with English.

If you get the feel of jazz swing with this tune, you’ll be able to sing other songs stylishly as well.

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Don’t ExplainNina Simone

Nina Simone Don’t Explain

Don't ExplainNina Simone

Here is a song created by the famous jazz singer Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog Jr.

Its lyrics tell a man who’s making excuses for cheating not to make excuses.

For listeners in Japan who are familiar with genres like enka, it might resonate more naturally than expected.

It’s one of the standard songs that has long been loved and performed by many jazz singers.

Nina Simone’s distinctive voice makes this song even more captivating.

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L-O-V-ENat King Cole

Nat King Cole – L-O-V-E (Lyric Video)

L-O-V-ENat King Cole

In addition to being well known as a jazz standard, this song has also been used in TV commercials, so many of you have probably heard it.

It’s a heartwarming song about love, and for those who aren’t comfortable with English, there’s also a Japanese version sung by Nat King Cole, so feel free to use that as a reference.

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