Bittersweet songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks
While it’s great fun to sing crowd-pleasers that get everyone hyped at karaoke, it can be just as nice to connect over a poignant, melancholic ballad.
So this time, we’ll introduce a selection of bittersweet songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke all at once!
Unlike upbeat tracks that amp up the energy, melancholic ballads tend to be slower in tempo and feature lots of long sustained notes.
That’s why they feel so good to sing!
And above all, many of these songs invite you to empathize with the lyrics and pour your emotions into them, so you’re sure to bond and get excited with the people you’re with through that shared connection to the music.
Let’s dive in.
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Bittersweet songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (11–20)
Dinner Songtuki.
It has been drawing attention as a poignant song that tugs at the heart.
The lyrics crafted by 15-year-old tuki.
express the fragility of human relationships and the depth of love, deeply moving many listeners.
Released in September 2023, the track achieved major commercial success, including reaching No.
1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
It skillfully portrays self-loathing for hurting a loved one and the contradictory feelings of still yearning for them.
It’s a perfect song for those who want to sing it at karaoke or who resonate with the complexities of love.
cold; curt; blunt; unfriendlyRADWIMPS
This song portrays the ache of unrequited love.
It’s one of the tracks included on the album “ANTI ANTI GENERATION,” released in December 2018, and it carefully captures the subtle emotional shifts that occur in romance.
With RADWIMPS’ characteristically poetic lyrics and memorable melody, it resonates deeply with anyone struggling in love.
The music video features Nana Komatsu and Fūju Kamio, unfolding a romantic story.
It’s perfect for karaoke, so it’s recommended for those troubled by love or anyone who wants to express bittersweet feelings through song.
Try singing your heart out while overlaying your own feelings onto the lyrics.
Dried flowersYuri
This ballad portrays a heartrending breakup, with Yuri’s delicate vocals resonating deeply.
Written from a female perspective, the lyrics express the disconnect between lovers and the pain of parting, striking a chord with many listeners.
Released as a digital-only single in October 2020, it gained strong support among younger audiences, especially on social media.
Following a performance on the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE, it rapidly became a hot topic and topped all three of Billboard Japan’s 2021 year-end charts: Downloads, Streaming, and Overall.
It’s a recommended song for anyone who has experienced heartbreak or said goodbye to someone important.
It’s also very popular for karaoke—try singing it with all your emotions.
Because you are hereUru
It’s a ballad characterized by a moving vocal performance and profound lyrics.
Woven from Uru’s own experiences, the song conveys the idea that the presence of someone important can give you the courage to live.
Released in February 2020 as a digital-only single, it was written as the theme song for the TBS Sunday drama “Theseus no Fune” (Ship of Theseus).
It captured the hearts of many listeners, earning Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan in March of the same year and Platinum in December.
It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to cherish everyday happiness and the bonds with loved ones.
Sing it at karaoke, and it’s sure to bring tears to your eyes.
LeoYuri
A heartwarming song that portrays the bond with its owner from a dog’s perspective.
It’s one of the tracks included on the album “Ichi,” released in January 2022, and Yuri has mentioned it as one of his favorites.
The lyrics, sung by a dog named Leo about his journey from meeting his owner to their farewell, deeply resonate with anyone who has memories with a pet.
It’s a song that will strike a chord not only with dog owners but also with those who have experienced parting with a pet.
When singing it at karaoke, imagining the scenes in the lyrics will make your performance even more moving.
It’s the perfect track for reflecting on someone dear or cherished memories.
Be sure to try singing it at karaoke!
Eine KleineKenshi Yonezu
This song depicts the small wonders felt in everyday life and the bittersweetness of farewells.
It gently weaves scenes of changing seasons and daily moments, resonating deeply with listeners.
Kenshi Yonezu’s delicate vocals and the piano’s melody richly convey the emotions.
Included on the album “YANKEE,” released in April 2014, it was also used as the theme song for a Tokyo Metro advertising campaign.
It’s a recommended track for those who have experienced parting with someone or who cherish the simple happiness of daily life.
With its heartfelt melody and lyrics, it is sure to stay close to your heart.
It’s a song you’ll want to sing at karaoke.
Bittersweet songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke. Recommended classics and popular tracks (21–30)
I love you, but I can’t love you.AAA
This is AAA’s 50th single, released on September 16, 2015.
According to Oricon, it reached No.
4 on the weekly chart.
It won the Excellence Award at the 57th Japan Record Awards.
The swiftly unfolding melody conveys a heartrending sense of sorrow.
It’s a love ballad about feelings for a former lover with whom separation was the only choice.