Lovely Vocaloid

[From Classics to the Latest] A Special Feature on Vocaloid Songs That Get the Crowd Going at Karaoke

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.

In recent years, Vocaloid songs have become widely recognized across many age groups.

Many creators—such as YOASOBI, Kenshi Yonezu, Eve, Yorushika, Yoh Kamiyama, and TOOBOE—have expanded their activities while engaging with Vocaloid, and there are plenty of singers who first gained popularity through “utaite” covers of Vocaloid tracks.

You’ll even see Vocaloid songs ranking high on karaoke charts.

So for those thinking, “I want to sing a Vocaloid song, but I’m not sure which one to pick…,” we’re introducing Vocaloid tracks that are guaranteed to hype up the room when you sing them!

This is a carefully curated collection of fail-safe hits by our editorial team!

[From Classics to the Newest] A Special Feature on Vocaloid Songs That Hype Up Karaoke (231–240)

MizanBalloon × Nuyuri

Mizan/flower, Kaai Yuki

Mizan Balloon × Nuyuri

If you want to project a cool image, the Vocaloid song you should sing at karaoke is “Mizan.” It’s a 2022 collaboration by Balloon, a Vocaloid producer who also works under the musician name Keina Suda, and Nuyuri, a Vocaloid producer known for signature tracks like “Lower.” The story-like lyrics, which unfold dramatically, leave a strong impression.

The bittersweet yet beautiful vocals by flower and KASANE Teto spread throughout the track.

The trick is to sing in a conversational tone from the first verse to the pre-chorus, then deliver an emotional vocal in the chorus.

Why not try this urban-tinged uptempo number?

Raise the rankinglower

zombieDECO*27

DECO*27 – Zombie feat. Hatsune Miku

Zombie DECO*27

A work by DECO*27 that likens a fragile, mentally unstable maiden’s heart to a zombie.

The stylish sensibility really shines, with artwork done in the style of overseas cult films.

Self-taught in composition, DECO*27 is a Vocaloid producer active at festivals abroad, and he has founded a company called OTOIRO, where he also serves as a sound producer.

Within the extremely simple lyrics lie subtle metaphors and rhymes, making it a track that reveals something new with each listen.

Raise the rankinglower

[From Classics to the Latest] A Special Feature on Vocaloid Songs That Hype Up Karaoke (241–250)

mannequinDECO*27

DECO*27 – Mannequin feat. Hatsune Miku

Mannequin DECO*27

It’s a Vocaloid song that blends cuteness, coolness, poignancy, and emotion.

Created by DECO*27, a Vocaloid producer who continues to thrive at the forefront of the scene, it was released in 2023.

Although it bears the title of the album MANNEQUIN, which came out the previous year, the lyrics include phrases that evoke tracks from MANNEQUIN such as Vampire and Animal.

In other words, it has the feel of a summative work.

You can sense the history DECO*27 has built up.

Raise the rankinglower

Day by Daysyudou

Hatsune Miku & KAFU - day by days [syudou]

Day by Days syudou

It’s an addictive, tension-filled track where yandere-style romantic feelings sway back and forth.

The insanely high-pitched chorus and ultra-difficult, high-speed rap feel like they pierce right through you.

On top of that, the restless beat further highlights the lyrics that depict an unstable heart.

Recreating the original would be fun, but it’s also a song that makes you want to try different interpretations—like singing an octave lower on purpose, doing a male-female unison, or splitting the rap parts with friends.

Raise the rankinglower

To You GreenlightsOmoi

To You Greenlights / Hatsune Miku

To You Greenlights Omoi

Omoi’s “To You Greenlights” was written as a special bonus track for the 10th anniversary edition of Hatsune Miku: Magical Mirai.

Centered on the theme of “believing in each other,” its lyrics—singing “If I’m with you, I can go anywhere”—give you a positive boost.

The chord progression based on the canon progression adds to the sense of uplift, too.

In the latter half, the mood shifts dramatically: the tempo picks up, and the synthesizer melody cranks up the excitement.

Definitely give it a try at karaoke!

Raise the rankinglower

My dentistYukopi

Yukopi – My Dentist (feat. Kaai Yuki)

My dentist, Yukopi

This is a song posted by the Vocaloid producer Yukopi along with a piece of writing titled “What the dentist said.” Just as the title suggests, the lyrics are essentially the very things a dentist would likely say.

The first half portrays the process of recommending an extraction, while the second half depicts what happens during the extraction itself.

Although the lyrics don’t mention it, the music video makes it clear that the extraction was probably painful.

With that in mind, I’d like you to sing it with a sense of pathos.

Raise the rankinglower

GURUjin

GURU / Jin [Official MV]

GURU-jin

I’m sure there are people who’ll get hooked within the first 10 seconds! Created by Jin, who’s also known as the author of the Kagerou Project series, it was released in 2021.

A beat with elements of folk music combines with sharply defined guitar tones to create a crisp, punchy sound.

And the melody line sticks in your head after just one listen! It’s packed with phrases you’ll find yourself humming without thinking.

Songs like this really make you want to sing them yourself, don’t they?

Raise the rankinglower