A collection of enka songs with “Blues” in the title: masterpieces that sing of sorrow
When you look through enka song titles, many of you may have noticed there are a lot of tracks called “___ Blues.”
Blues is a music genre born in America, where singers pour a range of emotions into songs built on a particular rhythm and chord progression.
In Japan’s enka scene, many songs began to be composed with the blues in mind, and a particularly large number of melancholy tunes were released.
In this article, we’ll introduce classic enka songs whose titles include the word “Blues.”
Listen to them while picturing the scenes and emotions woven into each track.
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A collection of enka songs with “Blues” in the title: Classic masterpieces of sorrow (1–10)
Ura-Namba BluesMizuki Kei
This is a blues enka by Kei Mizuki that conjures up the bustle and neon of Osaka’s backstreets in Ura-Namba.
Known as a “high-spirited Naniwa girl,” she sings a one-night-only love story.
The lyrics, which even drop the names of modern cocktails, are filled with the regret of not exchanging contact information and the aching feelings of a woman who can’t forget the person she spent just one night with.
If you have an unforgettable love memory, or on a night when you want to sink into a touch of sentimentality, listening to this will surely tighten your chest at the heroine’s endearing earnestness.
Motomachi BluesSen Masao
Speaking of the Showa era, it’s also memorable as the heyday of blues.
Unlike overseas blues, the Japanese take on blues was about whether it carried a bluesy feel within an enka style, and by that definition, this work is a spot-on blues kayō song.
It preserves the essence of enka while combining the grit of blues with the singability of pop kayō, and the vocal lines are kept very simple throughout.
It’s approachable even for beginners, so consider adding it to your repertoire.
Not even worth confessingKitahara Mirei
One blues number that really fires up the karaoke crowd is Mirei Kitahara’s “Zange no Neuchi mo Nai” (“No Value in Confession”).
Released in 1970 as her debut single, the song drew attention to her talent, honed through performing in nightclubs.
Her polished vocals caught the eye of lyricist Yū Aku and singer Hiroshi Mizuhara, leading to her professional debut.
The song’s appeal lies in its unique beauty steeped in anguish and longing.
Packed with the essence of the blues, it remains a favorite for karaoke to this day.
When a singer pours their own emotions into it, the song’s depth truly stands out.
“Zange no Neuchi mo Nai” can rightly be called an immortal classic.
Sad SakeMisora Hibari
It’s a classic song known for its wistful melody and lyrics that resonate deeply.
Released in June 1966, this piece is recognized as one of Hibari Misora’s signature songs, and a version featuring spoken lines also gained popularity.
The lyrics, which portray the pain of heartbreak and the strength to overcome life’s hardships, have struck a chord with many and continue to be loved today.
Combined with Misora’s emotionally rich vocal performance, it’s a track that leaves a lasting impression on listeners.
It’s recommended not only for those interested in enka and mood kayō, but also for younger music fans who want to experience the great songs of the Shōwa era.
Take your time to savor the heartfelt vocals and lyrics.
Port Town BluesMori Shinichi
This song, which portrays a poignant love story set in Japan’s port towns, was the third single of Shinichi Mori’s career, released in 1969 (Showa 44).
With lyrics by Takeshi Fukatsu and music by Kosho Inomata, it weaves the names of port towns from around the country into a richly emotional tale of heartbreak and lingering affection for a lost lover.
Coupled with Mori’s powerful, husky voice, it has long been cherished as a melancholic masterpiece that resonates deeply with listeners.
At the 62nd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2011 (Heisei 23), the song was performed for the first time in 42 years as part of a program supporting recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, drawing renewed attention to its enduring appeal.
It’s a track you’ll want to share with someone special as you take in the scenery and sentiments of Japan’s port towns.