Karaoke songs in foreign languages that are easy for women in their 60s to sing: world classics and recommended popular tracks

Manic MondayThe Bangles

The Bangles – Manic Monday (Official Video)

Their first hit song from the American all-girl rock band the Bangles’ second album features Susanna’s cute, slightly wild-sounding vocals that leave a strong impression.

It’s well known that PRINCE wrote it under the pen name “Christopher,” but any PRINCE fan would recognize it as “PRINCE” the moment they hear the melody—even with a different pen name—since it’s essentially an arrangement of the classic 1999.

By the way, at the time, band member Michael Steele (guitar, bass) was a former member of The Runaways, the group that gained popularity in Japan, where Cherie Currie once stunned audiences by taking the stage in underwear.

YesterdayThe Beatles

Yesterday • The Beatles • Original • 1965

A gem of a song written and composed by Paul McCartney, known by virtually everyone.

The noble melody of the string quartet blends beautifully with the acoustic guitar backing, creating a pleasant feel.

Many people probably practiced the chords on an acoustic guitar during their student days.

A melancholic melody paired with sentimental lyrics.

Sing it while overlaying it with your own youth, and it’ll bring you to tears.

California Dreamin’The Mamas & The Papas

The Mamas & the Papas – California Dreamin’

A representative song by the folk group The Mamas & the Papas, active in the 1960s, whose introduction alone will make many people think, “How nostalgic!” Listening again now, the slightly wistful melody line and lyrics make it feel as though this song—which should also be a flagship of the peace movement they championed at the time—was already foreseeing the flower movement, bordering on illusion, and the hippie culture sliding into decadence; it’s melancholy.

Because the parts are easy to divide, I’d like to sing it while playing the tambourine, filled with a sense of nostalgia.

ChiquititaABBA

ABBA – Chiquitita (Official Music Video)

One of ABBA’s signature songs with a Spanish-flavored arrangement, just like its title.

If, when you hit setbacks in life as the lyrics describe, you have a friend who stays by your side and quietly encourages you, you’re truly fortunate.

Around this time Agnetha had divorced Björn, yet she delivers the song without letting that show in the slightest—proof of a true professional.

It can also be heard as an anthem to rally yourself.

Perfect for group singing; even if part division is difficult, it should still sound beautiful in unison.

The blue sky of CaliforniaAlbert Hammond

Blue Skies of California / Albert Hammond — It Never Rains in Southern California / Albert Hammond

No matter where you went, this song was playing on the radio day after day.

The lyrics weren’t exactly cheerful, but listening to it, I could almost see it—the way the Japanese title said, “The sky over California is blue.” Back when a dollar cost 300 yen, California in America felt so far away.

I used to close my eyes and listen, caught in a complicated mix of longing and resignation.

Heaven Is A Place On EarthBelinda Carlisle

Belinda Carlisle – Heaven Is A Place On Earth (Official HD Music Video)

A familiar song that became a worldwide hit: the second solo single from Belinda, the cute lead vocalist of the hugely popular American girl band The Go-Go’s.

After hitting rock bottom with alcoholism and drug addiction, she made a brilliant comeback, transforming into an alluring, mature woman—something that left a strong impression on fans.

It’s a pop tune where her lightly vibrato-tinged sweet vocals contrast with her powerful vocal runs, making many fans rejoice, “Welcome back, Belinda!”

Yellow Ribbon of HappinessDawn

The Yellow Ribbon of Happiness / Dawn Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree / Dawn

An American pop group active in the 1970s.

This song sold well in Japan too.

It has a tear-jerking, story-like quality, and later became the basis for the Japanese film “The Yellow Handkerchief,” directed by Yoji Yamada and starring Ken Takakura.

Come to think of it, in the early 1970s, titles featuring handkerchiefs and ribbons were popular—like “Momen no Handkerchief” (Cotton Handkerchief).

I want to sing it lightly and casually, reminiscing about those days.