Songs with titles starting with “Ko” [Great for karaoke and shiritori, too!]

Coffee Float (feat. hard life)[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Coffee Float (feat. hard life) (MV)

Alexandros is a rock band that has been active since the 2000s.

Since entering the 2020s, they’ve further refined their stylistic breadth, releasing hits that differ in taste each time.

Among their songs, the one I particularly recommend is “Coffee Float (feat.

hard life).” It’s a work that feels like a mix of indie rock and artcore, featuring fast-paced percussion, while the vocal line is relatively monotone and emphasizes the lower register.

It’s exceptionally easy to sing and highlights a deeper voice, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

exceed; surpass; go beyond; cross (over)[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Transcend (MV) (Anime “Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray” Season 1 Opening Theme)

This is the opening theme song for the anime Uma Musume: Cinderella Gray, which sings of the resolve to take a step toward the future while facing one’s glorious past.

Set to [Alexandros]’ signature energetic rock sound, it powerfully conveys a battle with oneself and the challenge of pushing past limits.

Included on the album PROVOKE released in April 2025, the song carries the message: even when things aren’t going well, we want you to accept—and not fear—the act of breaking out of your shell.

That positive spirit is sure to resonate in your heart.

Cold RainPSYCHIC FEVER

PSYCHIC FEVER – Cold Rain (Official Visualizer)

A drama tie-in song by PSYCHIC FEVER that cultivates a dark, beautiful, and mysterious mood over a sophisticated, disco-tinged backing track.

Released in November 2024 as the opening theme for the Yomiuri TV/Nippon TV Thursday drama “OCTO: Emotion Investigator Akari Kokono Season 2,” the track deftly expresses the “colors” of complex human psychology and emotion.

The group’s global musicality is fully on display here, captivating listeners with expressiveness that transcends borders and language barriers.

With a dynamic rhythm that seems to blow away the gloom of the rainy season and vocals that delicately weave the nuances of emotion, it’s a standout song that’s perfect as BGM for a rainy-day drive.

Calling LonelyShiina Natsukawa

Calling Lonely

Featured on Shiina Natsukawa’s 2023 album “Cable Salad,” this song captivates with its delicate depiction of sentimental feelings toward breaks in the rainy season and a sense of solitude.

The beautiful melody crafted by Kayana Taguchi of sympathy is rooted in pop while creating a distinctive world of its own.

It’s perfect for a quiet rainy day or for reminiscing during the plum-rain season.

For karaoke, try to honor Natsukawa’s gentle vocal tone while giving voice to the emotions you can’t hold back.

Like this all the way until morningMiliyah Kato

Miliyah Kato “Like This Until Morning”

Miliyah Kato’s classic “Konomama Zutto Asamade” (“All the Way Until Morning”).

As one of her early works, the song shows authentic R&B elements throughout.

You need a sense of groove to sing it, so rhythm is required, but the vocal line itself doesn’t have the kind of complexity typical of R&B.

In fact, because each phrase is short, it’s a song that doesn’t demand high-level foundational vocal technique.

If you’re not confident in your vocal power, consider adding this piece to your repertoire.

When love endsRin-ne

When Love Ends – Rin-ne (Official Music Video)

Born in 1999 and hailing from Fukuoka, Rin-ne is a rapper who’s gained popularity especially among younger listeners.

Rather than a hard-edged style, he’s known for a melodious approach that sits between mellow tracks, melody, and rap—earning support even from people who don’t usually listen to hip-hop.

“Koi ga Owareba,” a track from his third EP, “back alley,” released in December 2024, is quintessential Rin-ne: a standout song featuring a chill, lo-fi hip-hop-inspired track, melodious rap, and sharp, clever wordplay.

Overall, there are plenty of sections where the melody is sung, and if you learn the lyrics and the phrasing breaks, it’s approachable even for those who aren’t confident with rap—plus, it’ll sound cool at karaoke!

ContrastTOMOO

TOMOO – Contrast [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This gem of a song, which delicately portrays the ebb and flow of subtle emotions, showcases TOMOO’s hallmark expressive, heartfelt delivery.

The lyrics brilliantly capture the contrasting feelings in love—joy and loneliness, closeness and distance—and are sure to resonate deeply with listeners.

Released in January 2024 and featured as the ending theme for the second cour of the TV anime “Blue Box,” the track has garnered wide empathy as a song themed around the struggles and growth of youth.

Built on a simple piano-and-vocal arrangement, it can be easily adapted with basic chord progressions even by beginner guitarists, making it ideal as a practice piece for singer-songwriters.

It’s a song well worth tackling for anyone who wants to sing while honoring the nuances of emotion.