Karaoke songs in Western music that are easy to sing even for people who are tone-deaf
A roundup of easy-to-sing Western karaoke songs even for the tone-deaf!
I know many people feel intimidated by Western music.
In Japanese pop, techniques like vocal runs or shouts aren’t used very often.
Especially vocal runs—similar to what we call “kobushi” in Japan—aren’t typically attempted.
Because we grow up with that kind of musical culture, many Japanese people end up lacking a strong sense of rhythm or melodic phrasing.
This time, I’ve picked out songs that even those with a very “purely Japanese” musical sensibility can sing and still sound cool!
Of course, I’ll also highlight specific tips for each song!
We’ll cover some technical points too, so if you want to get better at singing, don’t miss this!
Karaoke Songs in Western Music That Are Easy to Sing Even for the Tone-Deaf (1–10)
Die With A SmileLady Gaga, Bruno Mars
In recent years, Lady Gaga has made a comeback, dropping hit tunes one after another.
“Die With A Smile” is a collaboration between Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.
The track features a nostalgic sound and vocal lines reminiscent of 1960s pop.
Although there’s one falsetto part in the chorus, there aren’t any heavy R&B-style riffs and runs, making it a song that’s relatively easy to control in terms of pitch.
Good TimeNEW!Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen
This is an exceptionally happy track created by Owl City, a leading figure in electropop, and the globally popular singer Carly Rae Jepsen.
The lyrics paint a picture of an incredibly fun time where you can laugh things off with a cheerful “It’s all good!” no matter what happens.
It’s brimming with a positive energy that says, “Let’s just enjoy the moment.” Released in June 2012, the song appears on both artists’ albums, The Midsummer Station and Kiss, and topped the charts in Canada and New Zealand.
Its brisk melody and the harmonious blend of male and female vocals are a delight, and it’s a sure-fire crowd-pleaser that will light up the room if you duet it at karaoke.
That’s So TrueGracie Abrams
Recently, Gracie Abrams, a female singer-songwriter drawing attention from young people around the world, has been in the spotlight.
She is the daughter of world-renowned film director and screenwriter J.
J.
Abrams, and her popularity has surged since the 2020s.
Her song “That’s So True” is one I particularly recommend.
In the chorus, there’s a part that may sound like a vocal riff, but it isn’t; it’s simply quick, small steps up and down the scale.
That makes it easier to sing even for Japanese listeners who aren’t comfortable with runs.
The vocal range is also relatively narrow, so definitely give it a listen.
toxic till the endROSÉ
BLACKPINK is a group drawing attention not only in Korea and Japan but from the global idol scene.
They’re extremely popular in Japan as well.
Among the members, Rosé is also highly active as a solo artist.
Of her songs, the one I particularly recommend is “toxic till the end.” It’s a track whose musical style is close to Taylor Swift’s, and it’s characterized by a relatively narrow vocal range throughout.
There are no tricky R&B- or soul-style runs, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
Diet PepsiAddison Rae
Addison Rae is a female singer-songwriter who gained worldwide popularity through TikTok.
Among young people overseas, she’s an extremely popular artist—so if you’re someone who keeps up with the latest trends, you probably know her.
Of all her songs, the one I especially recommend is Diet Pepsi.
The chorus is in falsetto, so it might feel challenging, but the melody itself is simple, and there’s almost no use of advanced techniques like vocal riffs.
As long as you can produce a delicate falsetto, anyone can sing it—so give it a try.
ALL MY LOVEColdplay
Coldplay is a rock band that’s hugely popular in Japan as well.
If you follow festivals like Summer Sonic, where overseas artists also perform, you’re probably already familiar with them.
Among Coldplay’s songs, the one I especially recommend is their new track, “ALL MY LOVE.” It’s crafted as a classic ballad; while the vocal range is quite broad, there are almost no advanced techniques like vocal runs, and the tempo is slow, making it an approachable song even for those who aren’t confident singers.
Feel Like Makin’ LoveRoberta Flack
Roberta Flack, a leading female soul singer of the 1970s, is known for her warm vocals and for creating numerous classics alongside artists like Donny Hathaway.
Among her songs, a particular recommendation is Feel Like Makin’ Love.
With its smooth groove, it doesn’t require a wide vocal range or powerful projection, making it very easy to sing even for those who struggle with pitch.
If you want to try a punchier style, D’Angelo’s cover is also a great choice.