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Singable Songs by The Carpenters | Famous Western hits that are easy to sing despite being in a foreign language

The Carpenters were a pop duo who enjoyed great success in the 1970s, the heyday of rock.

The brother-and-sister duo created numerous classics with their orthodox pop sound.

Their popularity in Japan has been particularly remarkable, and their songs are still beloved as karaoke staples today.

This time, we’ve picked out some of the Carpenters’ most singable tracks.

There’s also commentary from a vocal coach on technique, so it’s a must-read for anyone who wants to sing Western pop songs well!

Singable Songs by The Carpenters | Famous Western Hits That Are Easy to Sing (1–10)

SingCarpenters

The Carpenters have produced numerous classic songs.

“Sing” is one of the tracks that best represents them.

It’s frequently used in commercials and other media, so many of you may find it familiar.

This piece is also very easy to sing.

While there are spots with a slightly wide range, it doesn’t go so high as to require a full-on mixed voice, so anyone should be able to sing it if they set an appropriate key.

If you’re worried about the key change, you might consider lowering it by one step from your initial plan.

SuperstarCarpenters

Speaking of the Carpenters, their music is known for its gentle, uplifting feel, but some of their songs exude a certain sensuality.

Among those, the one I especially recommend is “Superstar.” While the chorus is set in a major key, the other sections are in a minor key, resulting in a sexy melody imbued with wistfulness throughout.

As for the vocal line, it uses a scale found in Japanese kayōkyoku (popular songs), making it one of the easiest Carpenters’ songs to sing.

Close To YouCarpenters

Among the Carpenters’ catalog, the classic “(They Long to Be) Close to You” stands out as one of their most beloved hits.

Released in the 1970s, this love song portrays a woman pining for someone she adores.

Musically, it sits squarely in the realm of classic pop, with a brisk yet gentle melody.

The English lyrics flow smoothly, and the vocal range isn’t particularly wide, making it an easy song to sing.

You can certainly perform it in the style of the original, but a downbeat, whispery approach—like Billie Eilish’s—also sounds compelling.

Give it a try for inspiration.

Singable Songs by The Carpenters: Easy-to-Sing Western Classics (11–20)

For All We KnowCarpenters

For All We Know (From “Lovers And Other Strangers” Soundtrack)
For All We KnowCarpenters

The Carpenters have many orthodox pop songs.

Their tracks are all very easy to follow in terms of pitch and rhythm, but “For All We Know” is particularly easy to keep time with.

It’s in a steady, moderate 4/4 time—neither too slow nor too fast—so even those without a strong sense of rhythm should find it easy to sing.

Also, since the lyrics aren’t densely packed like many contemporary songs, the English should be very easy to pronounce.

We’ve Only Just BegunCarpenters

A wedding song classic, “We’ve Only Just Begun.” Its Japanese title is “Ai no Prelude” (Prelude of Love).

As the title suggests, a prelude is an introductory piece, and the song portrays lovers embarking on a new beginning through marriage.

The melody is generally calm, but when it reaches the chorus the voltage rises a bit and an expansive, grand tune unfolds.

Hearing “grand,” many might assume it demands powerful vocals, but the impact actually comes from layering multiple chorus tracks, so even those who aren’t confident in their vocal power can sing it without worry.

Yesterday Once MoreCarpenters

The song “Yesterday Once More” is extremely popular in Japan as well.

For many people, the Carpenters are synonymous with this track.

The key feature of this piece is, without a doubt, the chorus.

While it’s not insanely high, some people may find it a bit difficult to sing.

In many cases, those who struggle to hit the notes in the chorus tend to tilt their heads upward as they sing.

If you can’t reach higher notes and you look up, it actually makes it harder to produce sound.

Try to be mindful not to force your voice, and attempt to sing while keeping your head slightly tilted downward.

Merry Christmas DarlingCarpenters

Merry Christmas Darling (Single Version)
Merry Christmas DarlingCarpenters

The Carpenters have produced many songs that evoke a sense of melancholy reminiscent of spring or autumn.

Among them are also masterpieces themed around winter.

One song I particularly recommend from their catalog is Merry Christmas Darling.

As the title suggests, it’s a Christmas-themed piece featuring a cozy melody that conjures images of relaxing by a warm fireplace.

Among the Carpenters’ works, it’s especially easy in terms of pronunciation, with a modest vocal range and simple rhythm, making it approachable even for those not used to singing English-language songs.