Lovely karaoke song

[For Men] Songs to Get Better at Singing: Practice Tracks for Improving at Karaoke

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!
Music producer, composer, vocal coach, keyboard playerKei Takahata
From around 1995 to 2000, I built experience with a major label as a composer and producer. I then moved to the United States and studied voice and singing under Elizabeth Sabine, one of Los Angeles’s top vocal coaches, mastering the so-called Hollywood vocal technique advocated by Sabine. After returning to Japan, I have been involved in training and producing a variety of singers. My direction, which brings out the full appeal of both the music and the vocalist, is highly regarded. In the collaboration video with Vo. ryuichi of the band Guild below, I handled keyboards, vocal direction, and sound production. For inquiries and requests regarding voice training and music production, please contact me via the website below. SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-402518821

What are the conditions for becoming a better singer?

Of course, taking proper vocal training lessons to learn correct vocal production and turning your body into a “well-resonating instrument” is both fundamental and the most important point.

But after acquiring those “foundational singing techniques,” it’s also crucial to choose songs that match your level and goals, actually sing them, and build your expressive abilities through real-world practice.

In this feature, we’ve selected recommended practice songs for men who want to improve their singing.

For each song, we explain key points to watch out for when singing it and why we chose it.

Please use this article to suit your own aims.

For Men: Songs to Improve Your Singing. Practice Tracks for Getting Better at Karaoke (91–100)

Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenEigo Kawashima

EXILE ATSUSHI – Sake, Tears, Men and Women (EXILE ATSUSHI SPECIAL SOLO LIVE in HAWAII)

Sake, Tears, Men and Women by Eigo Kawashima

This is a socially conscious masterpiece that portrays the subtle miscommunications between men and women and the nuances of emotional expression with deep insight.

It warmly observes how men open up through drinking and women through tears, each revealing their inner feelings.

Born from impressions Eigo Kawashima had at age 18 during a family memorial gathering, the song was included on the November 1975 album “Jinrui” (Humanity) and released as a single in June 1976.

Also known as the jingle for the sake brand Kizakura, it became a major hit, reaching No.

9 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It is a gem I recommend to anyone who wants to face their heart honestly when confronted with life’s sorrow and poignancy.

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countrysideKoji Tamaki

Koji Tamaki “Rural Landscape” (HD)

Koji Tamaki - Denen

This is a gem of a masterpiece by Koji Tamaki, depicting people who, while facing the weaknesses and conflicts hidden within, live with strength.

The song richly portrays life as it is: a solitary soul kicking a stone, eyes gazing at the night sky in prayer, and an oil-stained back fallen silent.

Its melody gently teaches the importance of not overreaching, but simply taking one step at a time and steadily doing what you can.

Released in July 1996, the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Coach” and became a major hit, reaching No.

2 on the Oricon charts.

It’s a track I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who feels lost or anxious in daily life, or who is searching for a way of living that is true to themselves.

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For Men: Songs That Make You a Better Singer. Practice Tracks for Improving at Karaoke (101–110)

GuildBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN "Guild"

Guild BUMP OF CHICKEN

A track from BUMP OF CHICKEN’s second major-label album, Yggdrasil, released on August 25, 2004.

The tempo makes it relatively easy to keep the rhythm, and the vocal melody develops in a fairly simple way, so among the songs featured in this special, I think it’s one that most people will find comparatively easy to sing.

However, because the melody is simple, if you just trace it as-is, the performance can end up flat and dull.

Practice while really feeling the beat of the backing track, and, if possible, understanding the lyrics so you can recreate the song’s worldview.

Try singing slightly behind the beat, and be careful not to rush ahead.

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Cry BabyOfficial HIGE DANDism

Official HIGE DANDism – Cry Baby [Official Video]

Cry Baby Official HIGE DANDism

A digital-only single by Official HIGE DANDism released in May 2021.

It was reportedly written specifically as the opening theme for the TV anime Tokyo Revengers.

As a karaoke—or rather, vocal improvement—practice piece, this song is quite an advanced selection.

First and foremost, you’ll need to be able to recreate vocalist Satoshi Fujihara’s very bright, resonant high-tone voice, and you’ll also have to keep up with the numerous key changes that occur throughout the song.

In addition, it demands a wide range of rhythmic expression, from lively sections to softly sung parts.

Precisely because it’s such a difficult song, the rewards you’ll gain once you can sing it well are considerable.

Make sure you develop a technique that never constricts your throat even in the high notes, and then move on to the next stage of practice, okay?

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FateOfficial HIGE DANDism

Official HIGE DANDism – Fate [Official Video]

Shukumei by Official Hige Dandism

This is Official HIGE DANDism’s third single, released in July 2019.

The most important point when singing this song is, of course, how well you can control and deliver the high notes.

If you tighten your throat and end up using a so-called “throat voice,” you’ll likely crack or become breathy more often.

Practice supporting your upper body firmly with your core and producing high notes without squeezing your throat.

To keep the power in the high notes, work on delivering thick, full high tones.

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Deceptive LoveSid

SID “Deceptive Love” Music Video

Deceptive Love, Sid

From the Japanese visual-kei band SID, this song is included on their 11th album, “Umibe.” “Damasiai” was released digitally in advance of the album.

While many selections in this article are relatively advanced, I think this track makes an ideal practice song even for beginners at singing or karaoke.

The vocal melody itself doesn’t have many particularly difficult parts, so practice to faithfully reproduce this slightly side-to-side, groovy rhythm.

It’s perfect for developing your sense of rhythm and feel for the beat.

Since it’s an up-tempo song, be careful not to let your singing get ahead of the beat.

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Indigo WaltzToshinobu Kubota

Toshinobu Kubota – Indigo Waltz [Official Video Short ver.]

Indigo Waltz Toshinobu Kubota

Toshinobu Kubota’s masterpiece “Indigo Waltz.” Many people probably associate him more with “LA LA LA LOVE SONG” or “Missing,” but if you’re serious about improving your vocal skills, I definitely recommend “Indigo Waltz.” There are two main reasons.

First, it’s in 3/4 time, a rhythm many Japanese singers find challenging.

Second, it features lots of long tones and vocal improvisation.

Since many recent songs shy away from powerful vocals and sustained notes, it’s better to tackle pieces like this if you want to build real vocal ability.

Give it a try.

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