A Must-See for City Pop Fans: Yamashita Tatsuro’s Easy-to-Sing Songs
Tatsuro Yamashita is an artist who has continued to produce many classic songs over the years.
He rarely makes public media appearances, but he’s a widely known, renowned artist who’s also active in providing songs to others.
This time, we’ve picked out some of Yamashita’s songs that are particularly easy to sing.
Perhaps surprisingly, he’s an artist with strong roots in Black music such as soul and R&B, so the overall difficulty tends to be on the higher side.
However, we’ve also included explanations of vocal techniques, so be sure to check them out.
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A Must-See for City Pop Fans: Easy-to-Sing Tatsuro Yamashita Songs (1–10)
Saturday LoverTatsuro Yamashita
The 15th single, Saturday Lover, was chosen as the ending theme for the legendary variety show Oretachi Hyokin-zoku.
Its light ensemble and lyrics that evoke weekend nights are sure to heighten your sense of anticipation just by listening.
While the vocal range isn’t wide, there are many interval leaps, so it’s important to be mindful of each note as you sing.
For those of that generation, it’s guaranteed to get the crowd going—a pop tune notable for its refreshing clarity and airy feel.
Forever mineTatsuro Yamashita
FOREVER MINE, the 40th single released as a double A-side with MIDAS TOUCH.
Created as the theme song for the film Tokyo Tower, its ensemble featuring delicate piano sounds is truly moving.
Although the tempo is quite relaxed and the key is high, the vocal range isn’t wide, making it a good choice even for those who aren’t very confident in singing.
If you focus on dynamics, you can get closer to the original feel, so if you’re comfortable, give it a try.
City TalesTatsuro Yamashita
“Machimonogatari,” the 46th single, written specifically as the theme song for the TV drama Shinzanmono.
Its nostalgic lyrics and melody, together with an ensemble featuring percussive guitar cutting, evoke the drama’s world.
The high-pitched, intricately moving melody is challenging, but since the tempo is relaxed, stay calm and follow the pitch carefully.
There are also occasional leaps in pitch, so be mindful not to miss notes, including in the surrounding phrases.
A Must-See for City Pop Fans: Easy-to-Sing Tatsuro Yamashita Songs (11–20)
Christmas EveTatsuro Yamashita
Used as the commercial song for JR Central’s “Hometown Express (Christmas version),” the 12th single “Christmas Eve” became such a long-running hit that it was certified by Guinness World Records.
It was released as a single cut from the 7th album “MELODIES” and is known as a classic Christmas song in the J-pop scene.
The melody is relaxed, with little rise and fall and a relatively narrow range, making it easy to sing.
However, there are occasional leaps in pitch, so be careful not to miss the notes.
RECIPETatsuro Yamashita
“RECIPE,” the 52nd single, was written as the theme song for the TV drama Grand Maison Tokyo.
Its stylish ensemble and lyrics that evoke time spent with someone special make you feel warm just by listening.
The melody makes sudden leaps into high notes, which can make it easy to go off pitch, but overall the vocal range is narrow and the tempo is relaxed, so with focus it should be quite singable.
For those confident in their high register, we definitely recommend tackling it in the original key—it’s a heartwarming karaoke song.
DREAMING GIRLTatsuro Yamashita
DREAMING GIRL, the 29th single, was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Himawari.
It’s a delightful number where passionate lyrics contrast with a refreshingly crisp ensemble.
While the leaps and dynamics in the chorus can be challenging, the melody flows at a relaxed pace and the range isn’t too wide, so it’s easy to sing if you set the key to suit your voice.
If you’re confident with high notes, definitely try it in the original key—an emotional track worth the challenge.
MUSIC BOOKTatsuro Yamashita
The song “MUSIC BOOK,” included as the B-side to the ninth single “Amaku Kiken na Kaori,” is a single cut from the sixth album “FOR YOU.” Its intro, colored by soulful choral work and refreshing strings, leaves a strong impression.
With a steady dynamics, a narrow vocal range, and a relaxed melody, it’s easy to try even for those who aren’t confident singers.
It’s a breezy pop tune with a stylish arrangement that’s sure to liven up any karaoke session.