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

Become my boyfriend and be gentle with me.Yasuyuki Okamura

Yasuyuki Okamura - Become My Boyfriend and Be Kind (Perfect ver.)

Be my boyfriend, be gentle—Yasuyuki Okamura

Yasuyuki Okamura is a singer-songwriter who was active in the 1980s and 1990s and has recently been drawing renewed attention.

Influenced by the great artist Prince, he’s known for a genre-defying musical style and a distinctive, well-regarded vocal delivery.

His classic track “Become My Boyfriend and Be Kind” is perfect for learning about groove.

Blending funk and hip-hop into a kind of disco music, this piece is ideal for practicing how to catch the feel with your instincts rather than through theory.

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Until we meet againKiyohiko Ozaki

Kiyohiko Ozaki Until the Day We Meet Again 1971

Kiyohiko Ozaki - Until the Day We Meet Again

This was Kiyohiko Ozaki’s second solo single, released on March 5, 1971.

The greatest appeal of Ozaki’s singing lies in his richly resonant, canzone-like vocal style, which can be fully appreciated in this song.

In particular, the high notes in the chorus showcase that charm to the fullest.

Also, considering that, unlike today, it was impossible back then to apply pitch correction to recorded vocal tracks, his superb intonation is nothing short of astonishing.

While it may be quite difficult to acquire this kind of vocal production and pitch sense through self-study alone, I believe this song is an excellent practice piece for anyone aiming to improve their singing.

For your next step up, be sure to cultivate vocal skills that approach Ozaki’s own!

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A bouquet for boring daysLUCKY TAPES

LUCKY TAPES – A Bouquet for Boring Days [Official Music Video]

A bouquet for the boring days — LUCKY TAPES

Kai Takahashi’s solo project, LUCKY TAPES.

In the early days, their sound often mixed rock and J-pop, but recently the R&B side has grown stronger, and they’ve been releasing many stylish tracks.

Among them, the one I especially recommend is “Bouquet for Boring Days.” While it’s categorized as J-pop, it carries an R&B-like groove in places.

That said, the rhythm isn’t difficult, and it doesn’t feature the advanced vocal techniques common in R&B, such as melisma.

The vocal range is also very narrow, making it a song that should be easy for teenage male singers to perform.

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CheersTsuyoshi Nagabuchi

Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi – Kanpai [With Lyrics]

Cheers, Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi

This is a renowned song that has continued to resonate with many as an anthem celebrating life’s new beginnings.

Originally released in September 1980 on the album “Kampai,” it vividly depicts a celebratory scene lit by candlelight and carries a warm message of encouragement for a friend taking their first step forward.

Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s powerful vocals deliver hope and courage for the future.

In 1988, it was re-recorded and released as a single, becoming a major hit that reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

In the early 1990s, it was also featured in commercials for Kirin Lager Beer, further boosting its recognition.

To this day, it remains a timeless song passed down through the years, often chosen to convey heartfelt feelings to loved ones at important milestones in life, such as weddings and graduation ceremonies.

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globeKenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu – Spinning Globe

Globe Kenshi Yonezu

This is Kenshi Yonezu’s 14th single, released in July 2023.

It was reportedly written as the theme song for the film “The Boy and the Heron” (How Do You Live?).

Over a simple yet grand piano-centered backing track, you can fully enjoy Yonezu’s gentle yet powerful vocals.

In particular, the use of a chest-leaning mixed voice in the A section should be very instructive for those aiming to master mixed voice.

For the upper-middle range of the vocal melody, try singing so that the sound resonates broadly against your upper palate.

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[For Men] Songs That Make You a Better Singer: Practice Tracks for Improving at Karaoke (111–120)

Bridge of Gloryyuzu

Eikou no Kakehashi – Yuzu (Full)

Glorious Bridge - Yuzu

This song portrays the hardships and setbacks in life, and the journey of overcoming them to grasp hope.

It beautifully expresses the light that awaits beyond tears no one sees and the sweat shed in silence, woven with melodies and words that deeply resonate with listeners.

Released by Yuzu in July 2004, the song was chosen as NHK’s official theme for the Athens Olympics, and, together with the moment the men’s gymnastics team won gold, it became etched in the memories of many.

Loved as a cheer song for everyone striving toward their goals, it continues to offer support: to those taking steady steps toward their dreams and to those confronting the walls before them.

As a piece that accompanies the important moments of life, it delivers a powerful, heartfelt message that truly resonates.

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TaketenGReeeeN

GReeeeN - Taketen [Official Music Video]

Taketen GReeeeN

This is GReeeeN’s 24th digital-only single, released on May 26, 2021.

It was also selected as the ending theme for the film “Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko.” The song is a gentle, ballad-style piece, sung with a high, clear, piercing tone that showcases its beautiful melody.

While it’s a slightly advanced choice, it’s ideal as a practice piece for developing powerful high-tone singing.

If possible, I recommend practicing to sing it using chesty head voice rather than relying on falsetto.

However, forcing high notes can strain your throat, so start at a comfortable key and gradually work your way closer to the original key.

Above all, don’t push yourself too hard!

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