Easy-to-sing songs recommended for women in their 70s: A collection of classic hits perfect for karaoke

IzakayaHiroshi Itsuki

Izakaya – Hiroshi Itsuki x Nana Kinomi [1982] #Izakaya #HiroshiItsuki #NanaKinomi

Set in an izakaya, this song delicately portrays the subtle emotions of lonely men and women.

Yu Aku’s woven lyrics and Katsuo Ono’s soul-stirring melody blend beautifully, evoking a mature worldview steeped in the atmosphere of the Showa era.

The distinctive voices of Hiroshi Itsuki and Nana Kinomi gently envelop a scene where loneliness and warmth intertwine.

Released in October 1982, this work has continued to be loved as one of Hiroshi Itsuki’s signature songs.

A new duet version with Fuyumi Sakamoto was produced in October 2017.

With lyrics that touch on the nuances of life and a familiar, accessible melody, it’s a wonderful choice for everyone to enjoy singing at karaoke.

TouchHiromi Iwasaki

Touch / Yoshimi Iwasaki / Full-size / With lyrics

An anime theme song that captures the bittersweetness of youth was released in March 1985.

It’s a wonderful track featuring Yoshimi Iwasaki’s clear, transparent vocals and a melody that resonates deeply.

The lyrics convey the feelings of a girl in love with her childhood friend, leaving a lasting impression with its sweet, heartrending portrayal of adolescence.

The song drew major attention as the opening theme for the anime Touch and reached No.

12 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

It has also become widely used as a cheer song for high school baseball, a staple performed in the stands.

With a melody everyone can hum along to, it’s a perfect choice for karaoke with friends.

Scorpio womanKenichi Mikawa

Kenichi Mikawa “Woman of Scorpio (New Recording)” (Official Audio)

A signature song by Kenichi Mikawa that portrays the strength and poignancy of a passionate woman who lives for love.

Released in December 1972, this memorable enka number expresses straightforward affection and the sorrow of betrayal.

Mikawa’s powerful vocals blend beautifully with a distinctive worldview inspired by Scorpio, one of the twelve zodiac signs, and the song sold about 97,000 copies on the Oricon charts.

It was performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen for four consecutive years from 2006 to 2009, revealing new charms through various arrangements, including operatic and samba styles.

With its relaxed tempo and gentle melodic contours, it’s also easy to sing—another part of its appeal.

Why not sing it with a sense of nostalgia as a treasured song tied to precious memories?

ScandalTeresa Teng

Scandal

Teresa Teng’s songs are full of that quintessential ’80s vibe.

You can especially hear it in the synthesizers and the vocal lines.

This track, “Scandal,” is unusual for a Teresa Teng song in that its vocal line is crafted more like a 1970s idol tune.

It features a melody that leans somewhat toward doo-wop, and in contrast to the sprightly rhythm, the vocal line is characterized by a narrow range and gentle, gradual pitch movement.

Premonition of PartingTeresa Teng

Premonition of Parting

She has produced numerous masterpieces, and among them, “A Premonition of Parting” is one of her most well-known works.

Although the chorus sits mostly in the mid-to-high range, the pitch movement is very gentle, so even if it feels high, you may find it surprisingly easy to sing.

If you still find the height challenging, don’t hesitate to lower the key.

This song has a narrow vocal range, so even if you lower the key, you won’t struggle with the low parts.

Be sure to add it to your repertoire.

Dance with sorrowTeresa Teng

Dance with sorrow

With lyrics by Toyohisa Araki and music by Takashi Miki—a golden duo—“Kanashimi to Odorasete” is a single released by Teresa Teng in 1991.

It’s a masterpiece from the later period of her career, unveiled near the end of her life.

The mellow sound that straddles enka and kayōkyoku, though a product of the early Heisei era, is something I’d love younger listeners interested in Showa-era pop to hear.

While the chorus reaches slightly higher notes, the melody unfolds straightforwardly and the overall range isn’t that wide, so it’s very comfortable to sing at karaoke.

lover; mistress; extramarital partnerTeresa Teng

Aijin

Teresa Teng has many songs with adult themes, and among them the classic “Lover” is especially known for its mature, bittersweet character.

As one of her signature works, it’s still frequently sung at karaoke today.

While the song features a richly expressive vocal line, its range is surprisingly narrow, staying mostly in the mid or mid-high register.

The development of the melody is also typical of kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), making it a very singable piece, especially for those of a certain age.