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 classics and popular tracks (21–30)
Stars swimMacaroni Enpitsu
This moving song portrays the feelings of a protagonist who defies fate, centered on themes of summer’s restlessness and the fragility of destiny.
Its fleeting beauty—like fireworks racing across the sky as if stars were swimming—leaves a strong impression, and the lyrics, evoking loss, parting, and the resolve to embark on a new journey, are quintessential Macaroni Enpitsu.
Released in April 2022, the track was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime “Summer Time Rendering” and was later included on the album “Tama-shii no Ibasho” (Where the Soul Belongs).
With powerful instrumentation and an exhilarating melodic line, it’s perfect for belting out at karaoke and is highly recommended for those who want to sing their hearts out.
Spot the differenceMasaki Suda
This is one of Masaki Suda’s signature songs, written, composed, and produced by Kenshi Yonezu.
It’s a heartwarming track with an encouraging message: life isn’t always about having the right answers—its value lies in all the mistakes we make.
It carefully portrays a shift from self-denial to self-acceptance through meeting someone important, making it highly relatable.
Released in May 2019, the song was chosen as the theme for the Kansai TV/Fuji TV drama “Perfect World” and is also included on the album “LOVE.” It’s perfect for times when you want to reflect on yourself or belt out your feelings at karaoke—singing it at full volume can leave you feeling refreshed.
Heart-wrenching songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks (31–40)
Departures ~A Song of Ai for You~EGOIST
It’s the ending theme of the anime Guilty Crown.
It’s a love song that reflects EGOIST’s emotions, set to a beautiful piano-driven melody.
The song alone conveys a deep sense of poignancy, but I think watching the anime makes it even more moving.
AitaiMiliyah Kato
Included on Miliyah Kato’s fourth original album, Ring.
Released on July 8, 2009.
It’s a slow-tempo unrequited love song in which the singer admits the love can’t come true, yet still longs to see you.
With a piano-based accompaniment, it expresses a poignant, feminine heart.
tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa
It’s a painfully honest story song that realistically portrays heartbreak.
Over more than six minutes, post-breakup emotions are carefully traced alongside the gentle tones of an acoustic guitar.
A pack of cigarettes left behind by an ex becomes the trigger for recalling the time they spent together, and looking back, only regret remains—such a bittersweet inner landscape is woven through Koresawa’s delicate vocals.
Released in March 2017, just before her major-label debut, this piece can be considered a culmination of her work.
It’s also included on the album “Korekara,” where it continues to be loved.
The melodious, straightforward lyrics are sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced heartbreak.
On nights when you want to face your own feelings, try singing it at karaoke.
Lovers AgainEXILE
EXILE’s 22nd single, released on January 17, 2007.
From the intro, the song already conveys a deep sense of melancholy.
Set against a winter backdrop, it’s a slow-tempo track brimming with 120% bittersweet emotion, in which the singer speaks of wanting to see the person they parted with once more.
It’s a song you’ll want to deliver with a gentle, heartfelt touch.
Time goes byEvery Little Thing
Released on February 11, 1998, this is Every Little Thing’s best-selling single.
It’s a slow-tempo ballad that talks about a former lover after a breakup and builds steadily toward a powerful finale.