Lovely karaoke song

Challenge! A roundup of easy-to-sing songs by Hikaru Utada

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

Hikaru Utada is a female singer-songwriter who has been active since her teens.

Back then, it was rare for teenage artists to release songs incorporating R&B, and she had a major impact on the Japanese music scene.

This time, we’d like to feature some of Hikaru Utada’s songs that are especially easy to sing.

We’ll delve into which parts are technically challenging and how to approach singing them, so if you’re not confident in your singing, be sure to check this out.

Challenge! A roundup of easy-to-sing Hikaru Utada songs (11–20)

I am a bear.Hikaru Utada

"I Am a Bear" (Choreography & Direction: WARNER)

I Am a Bear - Hikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada’s classic “Boku wa Kuma” is memorable for its nursery rhyme–like melody.

Many people may recognize it from commercials and other uses.

You could even say that the nursery rhyme–style melody makes it easy to sing.

In fact, the song is crafted so that children can sing it with ease.

With its narrow vocal range, few long notes, and a relaxed tempo that makes keeping rhythm simple, it’s packed with singable features, so anyone can handle it.

If you want it to sound more like a polished vocal performance, focus on matching the pitch precisely on the phrase “kuma,” and add dynamics by singing the quiet sections in a whispery tone, known as a whisper voice.

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When Someone's Wish Comes TrueHikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada – When Someone's Wish Comes True

When Someone’s Wish Comes True - Hikaru Utada

The 13th single “Dareka no Negai ga Kanau Koro,” used as the theme song for the film CASSHERN.

Unusually for a Hikaru Utada track, the lyrics were written first, and the simple, piano-centered ensemble makes for a comfortable listen.

The song spans a wide vocal range and features continuous high falsetto passages, which makes it challenging, but the relaxed tempo and restrained singing style mean it’s easier to handle if you pace your breathing and delivery.

Because it’s a piece that demands expressiveness more than technique, those confident in their singing should definitely give it a try.

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A midsummer passing showerHikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada – Midsummer Shower

Sudden Shower in Midsummer - Hikaru Utada

The fifth digital-only single, “Manatsu no Tooriame” (Midsummer Showers), was chosen as the theme song for the news program NEWS ZERO.

Its clear ensemble, featuring piano and strings, soothes the heart along with its delicate vocals.

While the melody spans a wide range with frequent leaps, the understated singing style makes pitch control easier, so it’s a relatively approachable song to try.

Since a series of high notes appears in the middle section, if the key doesn’t suit you, try adjusting your device’s settings and give it a sing.

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ForevermoreHikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada “Forevermore”

Forevermore Utada Hikaru

Forevermore, the seventh digital-only single, was also selected as the theme song for the drama “Gomen, Aishiteru.” It’s a track marked by a tense sound where the strings resonate strikingly, and a rhythm that gradually gains power.

The blend of a light, jazz-tinged groove with expansive, soaring vocals also evokes a sense of unease.

While the distinctive melodic lines and techniques are challenging, the vocal tempo is gentle, so value each word and sing with a relaxed approach.

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Keep Tryin’Hikaru Utada

Utada Hikaru – Keep Tryin’

Keep Tryin' Utada Hikaru

This song carries a light, digital-infused sound and sings of hope for the future.

It gained attention when it was chosen as the CM song for KDDI’s “au LISTEN MOBILE SERVICE” and was distributed for free as a full ringtone as part of a campaign.

It lightly depicts everyday moments and the leap into new places, and the crisp, expressive vocals that convey a smile are also striking.

While the unique melodic line may seem challenging, the moderate tempo and gentle pitch range make it quite singable if you stay mindful of the lyrics and keep relaxed.

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One Last KissHikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada 'One Last Kiss'

One Last Kiss Utada Hikaru

The digitally released single “One Last Kiss,” which was selected as the theme song for the animated film Evangelion: 3.

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0 Thrice Upon a Time, drew attention alongside the movie’s success and is also known as a hit number that has surpassed 100 million streams.

While the continuous falsetto high notes make pitch control and breathing challenging, the overall vocal range isn’t wide, so it should be relatively easy to sing at karaoke.

Because the melody moves quickly, be careful not to fall behind the rhythm as you sing.

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Challenge! A roundup of Utada Hikaru’s easy-to-sing songs (21–30)

Wait & See ~Risk~Hikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada – Wait & See (Risk)

Wait & See ~Risk~ Hikaru Utada

The 5th single “Wait & See ~Risk~,” which also made headlines for featuring American producer duo Jam & Lewis, became a million seller despite having no tie-in, symbolizing Hikaru Utada’s momentum at the time.

While the song is characterized by a wide vocal range and a complex melody, its catchy hooks make it easy to remember and fun to try at karaoke.

It’s a catchy pop tune that I highly recommend tackling in the original key if you’re confident in your high notes.

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