[For women in their 70s] A collection of songs that are easy to sing even for people who are tone-deaf

Graduation PhotoYumi Arai

Graduation Photograph / Sotsugyou Shashin

Released in 1975 and included on Yumi Arai’s third album, COBALT HOUR, this song is a classic that resonates with many thanks to its lyrics about changing relationships and self-image during the process of growing up.

Although it’s known as a standard for graduation season, listening to it as an adult may bring back memories of your school days.

Timeless in its appeal, the song features a relaxed melody that makes it easy to sing while checking the pitch.

It’s especially recommended for women with lower vocal ranges.

Blue Light YokohamaAyumi Ishida

Blue Light Yokohama

Ayumi Ishida’s classic “Blue Light Yokohama.” This long-running hit is beloved not only by people in their 70s but also by those around their 50s.

Although the song is a kayōkyoku number with strong enka elements, that applies only to the simplicity of the vocal scale.

The advanced enka technique known as kobushi (melismatic ornamentation) appears only once per verse.

Therefore, even those who aren’t good at using kobushi should find it particularly easy to sing.

The vocal range is also narrow, making it a comfortable song for people who struggle with high notes.

The last dance is mineKoshiji Fubuki

Fubuki Koshiji – Save the Last Dance for Me (from “Fubuki Koshiji: A Magnificent World”)

The legendary Takarazuka Revue actress, Fubuki Koshiji.

After retiring from the troupe, she thrived as an artist and left behind many timeless songs.

Among her works, the one I especially recommend is “Save the Last Dance for Me.” This piece exists in both a relaxed version and a rhythmic, up-tempo version.

For women in their 70s, I recommend the latter.

It has fewer long sustained notes and a more dazzling arrangement, which makes it easier to mask the high notes, so even those whose voices aren’t very steady should be able to sing it without difficulty.

Goodbye for today.Ryoko Moriyama

Goodbye for today.

Ryoko Moriyama’s classic “Kyo no Hi wa Sayonara” is a soothing, healing song with a gentle melody that remains beloved by many listeners today.

That said, the song’s prominent high notes may make some women in their 70s feel apprehensive.

It’s true that parts are sung in a higher register, but that’s because Moriyama performs it in a high key—the song’s overall vocal range itself isn’t particularly wide.

If you struggle with high notes, don’t try to imitate Moriyama’s approach; instead, focus on holding the pitch accurately in a way that suits your own singing style.

My boyfriend is left-handed.Megumi Asaoka

My boyfriend is left-handed.

As we age, it can become harder to project our voices, making it difficult to sing bright, cute tunes.

Once you reach your seventies, you may feel this even more.

For those in that situation, I recommend Megumi Asaoka’s classic “My Boyfriend Is Left-Handed.” Although it’s a bright and charming song, it doesn’t have the wide vocal range that such songs often require.

So if you adjust the key to suit your voice, even those who struggle with high notes should be able to sing it.

It also features relatively short sustained notes, making it easier for people who run out of breath to perform.

Stop the clockRumi Kusama

Stop the clock

Rumi Kusama’s moving cover of the classic song “Tokei o Tomete” (“Stop the Clock”).

The original was by Jacks, and it was later covered by Carmen Maki and Rumi Kusama.

It’s a hidden gem known to those in the know.

For an easier reference to sing along with, we’ve selected Rumi Kusama’s cover this time.

The piece features a relaxed tempo and emotive vocals; however, despite being emotive, the melody doesn’t fluctuate dramatically in pitch, so when you actually sing it, you may find the vocal line surprisingly plain.

It’s a song that still has plenty of musical impact even when sung in a lower register, so if the high parts feel tough, don’t hesitate to drop the key significantly.

Scat at DawnSaori Yuki

Yoake No Scat

Yuki Saori’s biggest hit, “Yoake no Scat.” It’s known for its distinctive opening that begins with the humming “Loo-loo-loo-loo,” and it’s a song beloved across many generations.

Although it’s generally an easy piece to sing, many people may still find it difficult.

It’s true that Yuki Saori’s voice is high, so those who struggle with high notes might find it challenging.

However, that’s simply because her key is high; the song itself doesn’t have a wide vocal range.

As long as you set the key properly, the tempo and vocal line are gentle, making it quite singable.

Give it a try.