Singable songs by back number. Timeless hits you can sing without strain.
With their uniquely striking perspectives, Iyori-san’s distinctive style, universal messages, and love songs—back number is a band that has released countless masterpieces that resonate with people’s hearts.
Many of you probably sing their songs at karaoke, or are thinking about giving them a try.
In this article, we’ll introduce selections from their catalog that are relatively easy, as well as songs that are approachable for singers of any gender.
Be sure to focus on the narrower vocal range and familiar melodies, and pick a song you can sing comfortably and enjoy.
Singable songs by back number. Masterpieces you can sing without strain (1–10)
LetterNEW!back number
Released on August 12, 2015, this medium-tempo ballad sincerely—if a bit shyly—expresses gratitude and love for parents living far away.
Produced by Takeshi Kobayashi and featured in an NTT Docomo commercial, it’s a warm classic that resonates across generations.
The overall vocal range is D3–C5, with the highest falsetto note appearing in the bridge; if you can get through that part, it should be a relatively easy song to sing overall.
High falsetto takes a lot of breath, so the key is to project your voice straight upward, as if aiming directly above your head.
If I became your loverNEW!back number
“If I Became Your Lover,” included as the B-side to “Happy End,” is a pop song that portrays the bittersweetness and daydreams of unrequited love.
Written, composed, and self-produced by Iyori Shimizu, it humorously weaves the ideal of “what if we could be lovers?” over a bright melody.
With its lively tempo, it seems perfect for riding the rhythm in a fun mood.
Because the A melody is sung lightly, the chorus feels like it lifts the energy a notch, with a bit more emotion coming through.
If you widen your eyes while singing the chorus, your voice should come out more smoothly.
Red fireworksNEW!back number
A bittersweet ballad set against a fireworks festival, portraying the pain of heartbreak and a brave facade.
Written and composed by Iyori Shimizu, the lyrics feature a woman who has been told it’s over, singing from her perspective as she puts on a brave front while still harboring deep lingering feelings.
The overall vocal range is C3–C5, and from the first verse through the chorus the range doesn’t change much, but after the final chorus the atmosphere swells emotionally.
If you keep your facial muscles and eyebrows lifted, you’ll find it easier to hit the high notes smoothly and maintain a stable tone.
The chorus rhythm is distinctive as well, so it may help to sing it lightly with a bit of a bounce.
yellowNEW!back number
This is a classic ballad written as the theme song for ABEMA’s romance show “Don’t Be Fooled by the Wolf and the Rainbow,” portraying the bittersweet feelings of unrequited love through metaphors like a “yellow traffic light.” The music video, directed by Yuki Yamato, has become a talking point as a “music video that deepens understanding even without dialogue.” The song’s overall vocal range is D3 to B4, which is somewhat wide and requires skillful use of both chest voice and falsetto, but I think it’s a piece that can be carried more by expressiveness than by pitch accuracy.
If you sing while infusing the lyrics with your feelings and emotions, it will become a thoroughly good performance.
Blue SpringNEW!back number
This is the seventh single, released on November 7, 2012, and it served as the theme song for the drama “Koukou Nyushi” starring Masami Nagasawa.
It’s one of back number’s signature songs, featuring a driving rock sound and lyrics that portray the struggle between ideals and reality, as well as the hazy turmoil of youth desperately trying to live, albeit awkwardly.
The song’s overall vocal range is D3–C5, and since the high notes only appear in parts of the chorus, the rest of the range is relatively calm.
In the chorus, you won’t reach the high notes without building momentum, so try to project your voice confidently without hesitation.
Size of the kaijuNEW!back number
From the intro, it has a rushing sense of exhilaration and is a classic back number-style heartbreak song.
It’s a poppy breakup/unrequited-love track produced by Takeshi Kobayashi.
It portrays the inner conflict of failing to convey your feelings—using the metaphor of a “kaiju’s size”—in the painful situation where the person you like already has a partner.
The overall vocal range is relatively calm at A#2–A#4, but it jumps up to a higher register at the start of the bridge.
Also, since the chorus sits in a higher range toward the latter half, the key is to really belt it out.
In your placeNEW!back number
This is a sentimental breakup song included on the album “blues,” released on July 18, 2012, depicting lingering attachment and a sense of loss toward a lover who left without even saying goodbye.
Written and composed by Iyori Shimizu, it portrays a bittersweet yet forward-looking mindset, trying to carry all the sorrow and memories of what was lost and move on.
Since the vocal range doesn’t change dramatically from the verse through the chorus, it should be relatively calm and manageable to sing.
In parts where you might think “the pitch is a bit high,” projecting your voice clearly should help you hit the notes well.