Even if high notes are tough, it’s okay! Oda Kazumasa’s easy-to-sing songs
Kazumasa Oda is a great artist who has been loved for many years for his unparalleled, distinctive voice and unique musicality.
Counting from his days with Off Course, he has produced an astounding number of hit songs, but this time we’ve picked out those that are especially easy to sing.
Although many of his songs feature high vocal parts, we’ve focused on tracks that can be sung even by those who struggle with high notes.
We also touch on specific vocal techniques, so be sure to read through to the end.
[Even If High Notes Are Hard, It's Okay!] Oda Kazumasa’s Easy-to-Sing Songs (1–10)
To the town where you liveOf course
This was Off Course’s 34th single in total, released in January 1988.
It was used in a TV commercial for Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical’s “Salonpas A.” Unlike many Off Course songs that are built around higher registers, the vocal melody in this track centers on the mid-to-low range.
So even if you’re not comfortable with high notes, I think quite a few people will be able to sing it in the original key.
If you place your voice so it resonates around the center of your upper palate inside your mouth, your singing tone should have a brighter, overtone-rich resonance—give it a try.
And don’t forget to sing with a gentle touch throughout the entire song!
Don't Stop LoveOf course
It’s Off Course’s 15th single, released in January 1979.
Since the original release, it has been self-remade multiple times, earned many tie-ins, and inspired numerous cover versions by other artists, so chances are you’ve heard it at least once.
It’s another classic of New Music and J-Pop.
Although Oda himself sings it with a beautifully clear, high tone, the actual vocal range used in the melody isn’t that wide.
So even if you’re not good with high notes, you can lower the key for karaoke and still sing and enjoy it.
In fact, if you strain to hit the high notes and tighten your throat, you’ll lose the original song’s sense of transparency, so it’s best to find a comfortable key and sing it there.
Yes – NoOf course
It’s Off Course’s 19th single overall, released in June 1980.
I think the arrangement of the backing track, overflowing with a clarity that matches Oda’s vocals, makes this a very impressive piece.
The vocal melody itself is also very easy to sing, so if you’re not comfortable with high notes, lowering the key at karaoke should make it plenty singable and enjoyable.
There’s a key change from the intro into the vocal entry, so be careful not to get thrown off at that point.
Sleepless NightOf course
This song depicts turning over thoughts on a sleepless night and recalling a love that’s been lost.
It was released as a single in 1975 and was also included on the album The Smell of Wine, which came out the same day.
The bright, ringing tone of the acoustic guitar with its light rhythm is striking, strongly conveying the warm atmosphere of a folk song.
The melody spans a gentle range, so changing it to a comfortable key should make it easier to sing.
Singing in an unforced key and staying relaxed is the key to approaching Kazumasa Oda’s beautiful vocal style.
A Letter to YesterdayOf course
It’s a refreshing song that looks back on memories experienced yesterday and conveys hope for today and tomorrow that follow.
In addition to being included on the 1975 album “Smell of Wine,” it was also featured as the B-side of the simultaneously released single “Sleepless Night.” The steadily marked rhythm gradually joined by acoustic guitar and strings evokes a calm, peaceful feeling.
The gentle, quietly introspective vocal delivery makes it easy to sing, and since the melodic range isn’t too wide, it’s a song you can perform in a relaxed way.
As long as I have youShota Shimizu ft. Kazumasa Oda
“Kimi sae Ireba” is a beloved classic performed by Shota Shimizu and Kazumasa Oda, cherished by listeners across generations.
The song embodies a passionate desire for self-expression and a warmth that deepens over time, both vividly conveyed through their collaboration.
Shimizu’s impassioned vocals blend with Oda’s gentle voice to portray a tranquil, light-filled family scene.
At the same time, among Oda’s many songs that often feature high notes, this one sits in a relatively accessible range, making it enjoyable even for those who struggle with higher registers.
These vocal techniques are also particularly instructive for beginners in singing.
A Christmas SongMonkey Majik + Kazumasa Oda
A warm Christmas song themed around “family bonds,” portrayed through a collaboration between Kazumasa Oda and MONKEY MAJIK.
Its gentle, softly falling-snow atmosphere and tender, steady rhythm leave a strong impression, and the song’s tempo should be easy to grasp.
Since MONKEY MAJIK handled both the lyrics and composition, the vocal melody centers around their style, and even Kazumasa Oda’s parts emphasize warmth more than high notes.
Keep the theme of “family bonds” firmly in mind, and sing as if speaking gently to your listeners.