RAG Musicartist
Lovely artist

A roundup of female singers who create wonderful cover songs

Among the singers active in the J-pop scene, some perform their own original songs, while others take on a wide range of cover songs.

There are also singers who usually focus on original music but include a cover as a bonus track or occasionally release an entire cover album.

In this article, we’ll spotlight female singers who create wonderful cover songs.

The main appeal of cover songs is that they let you experience a different flavor from the original.

Covers can also serve as a chance to learn about a singer’s background or discover new songs.

Be sure to listen to plenty of the cover tracks by the singers introduced below.

Female singers who do wonderful cover songs (21–30)

cherryBando Tomiko

Formed in 1999 and known for releasing songs like “Hinotaru Sakamichi” and “Fukai Mori,” Tomiko Van debuted as the vocalist of the male–female duo Do As Infinity.

Her calm, husky, and powerful voice gives the impression of a cool, confident woman.

Although Do As Infinity disbanded in 2005 to much regret, they reunited in 2008 and resumed activities.

While Do As Infinity’s original songs are excellent, Tomiko Van’s cover tracks also draw you in with a distinctly different feel.

kurichan
Report a problem

powder snowBENI

Debuting in 2004 with “Harmony,” she was selected for numerous original songs used in commercials and as theme songs, including the ending theme “GOAL” for the anime Eyeshield 21 and the Kao Biore Body Deli commercial song “Kiss Kiss Kiss.” BENI, who comes from the 2002 National Beautiful Girl Contest, is also renowned for her stunning looks.

Beyond her remarkable singing voice, she has been active in many fields, collaborating with cosmetics as part of projects supporting women.

kurichan
Report a problem

Compilation of female singers who create wonderful cover songs (31–40)

Wine Red HeartShiina Ringo

Shiina Ringo captivates listeners with her one-of-a-kind artistic world.

She debuted in May 1998 with the single “Koufukuron” (The Theory of Happiness), and her music—fusing rock, jazz, kayōkyoku, and other genres—has won wide acclaim.

Songs like “Honnō” and “Gips” retain an undimmed allure and continue to influence many artists today.

Her landmark 2000 album “Shōso Strip” sold over 2.3 million copies.

That literary and provocative worldview is perfect for anyone seeking a musical experience unlike any other.

Be sure to give her songs a listen.

Report a problem

A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyOnitsuka Chihiro

Chihiro Onitsuka – Setting Off on a Good Day, Westward
A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyOnitsuka Chihiro

Chihiro Onitsuka is an artist who has built her own unique world with a soul-stirring voice.

Debuting in 2000, her song Gekkou, which became a massive hit as the theme for the TV drama TRICK, sold over 560,000 copies.

Her ability to captivate listeners with just piano and vocals is a truly unparalleled charm.

Her acclaimed album Insomnia became a million seller, and in December 2001 she won the Japan Record Awards’ Lyrics Award for Mezame.

If you want to immerse yourself in lyrics and vocals that cut deep into the heart, be sure to step into her world.

Report a problem

I miss you so much right nowShenelu

Che’Nelle – Aitakute Ima (English Ver.)
I miss you so much right nowShenelu

Australian singer-songwriter Che’Nelle’s song “Believe,” the theme for the 2012 film “BRAVE HEARTS: Umizaru,” topped the digital charts and became a long-running hit that’s often sung at karaoke.

Many of you may know her from her powerful vocals showcased on Japanese TV karaoke showdowns.

Her clear tone and feminine high notes really resonate.

Raised in Malaysia and Australia, Che’Nelle’s activities in Japan are also worth keeping an eye on.

kurichan
Report a problem

The Last Night TrainMISIA

The Last Night Train Misia ~Jimmy~ A Stupid but True Story
The Last Night TrainMISIA

With her expansive and powerful vocals, singer MISIA captivates countless listeners.

She made her major debut in 1998 with the single “Tsutsumikomu Yō ni…” and has released numerous hits such as “Everything” and “Aitakute Ima.” Beyond her music, she is actively involved in social contribution, including support for the LGBTQ community and for children in Africa and Kenya.

On a cover album released in 2011, she interpreted classics by Nat King Cole and Michael Jackson.

She also covered Kai Band’s “Saigo no Yogisha” on her own jazz album.

With a one-of-a-kind, exceptionally high level of vocal prowess, she is a singer whose gentle, enveloping voice reaches across the world.

SAKI
Report a problem

Falling in Love feat. Akiko KobayashiGILLE

Falling in Love feat. Akiko Kobayashi (Cover by GILLE)
Falling in Love feat. Akiko KobayashiGILLE

Singer GILLE drew attention when a cover video she posted on YouTube in 2012 became a hit.

She had originally debuted in 2011 under the name TASHA gee, later changing her stage name to GILLE.

Making use of her language skills, she sings English covers of Japanese hit songs.

Her appeal lies in her expansive, soulful voice, and she can deliver songs across genres—from ballads and rock to dance-arranged tracks.

Her cover songs have been released as both singles and albums, and she has also produced many original tracks.

In 2016, she changed her stage name again and has been active as JILLE.

SAKI
Report a problem

In conclusion

We’ve rounded up a selection of wonderful female singers who have created lots of cover songs.

While many of them work on covers alongside their own original tracks, there are also singers who have boosted their popularity by covering beloved classics.

If any of the artists introduced in this article caught your interest, be sure to take your time and listen to their cover songs.