Practice songs and reference tracks for mixed voice (for men)

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

The term “mixed voice.”

You’ve probably heard this word at least once.

If you’ve found your way to this article, chances are many of you regularly think, “I really want to master mixed voice!!”

In fact, a great number of the students who come to my vocal training lessons tell me, “I want to be able to use mixed voice.”

Now, explaining what mixed voice actually is in terms of vocal technique could fill an entire book, so here I’ll follow the common understanding and define it as “a voice quality that sits between chest voice and falsetto (head voice).” Once you’ve learned mixed voice, you can subtly control the blend of chest and head elements—adjusting their ratio—to achieve a wide variety of vocal expressions, and you’ll also expand the range of songs you can sing.

In this article, I’ve gathered songs that should help you acquire mixed voice—a technique that can be considered essential for singing modern music.

Within the brief introductions to each song, I’ve included some simple “tips for singing,” so please use them as a reference and incorporate them into your daily vocal practice.

[For Men] Mixed Voice Practice Songs, Useful Reference Tracks (91–100)

You’re My Only Shinin’ StarToshiki Kadomatsu

[MV] You’re My Only Shinin’ Star / Toshiki Kadomatsu – An original music video dedicated to Miho Nakayama in heaven

Toshiki Kadomatsu - You're My Only Shinin' Star

This song was originally written by Toshiki Kadomatsu for singer and actress Miho Nakayama in 1988, but what I’m introducing here is the later self-cover version by Kadomatsu himself.

In this Kadomatsu version, aside from the powerfully sung sections in the chorus, it seems to be sung mostly in mix voice—or something very close to it—making it an ideal piece to practice for mastering mix voice.

When you practice, try to avoid tightening your throat as much as possible, and aim the sound toward the middle of your upper palate.

Since it’s a ballad, keep your overall tone and delivery soft, and practice creating a clear contrast with the more powerful parts like the final chorus!

Raise the rankinglower

In conclusion

How was it? I hope this gave you a sense that even though we say “mixed voice” as a single term, it can produce a wide range of expressions depending on how it’s used.

To really master mixed voice, you need to be able to control your body well for phonation, so it may not be easy to get the hang of right away.

But that’s exactly why, once you do, I think the joy of singing will grow many times over.

It’s amazing how many colors of expression you can create with just slight adjustments to your vocal control—human voices are fascinating, aren’t they? That said, don’t push yourself too hard when practicing singing or vocalization.

If possible, please take formal voice training!