Iconic and popular songs sung by female artists: great cover versions
What songs come to mind when you hear the word “cover”? That famous hit.
A classic that’s often sung.
A standout track by an artist known for cover performances, and so on—so many great songs have been passed down through the ages as times change.
This time, we’ve carefully selected cover songs sung by women that really hit you in the heart.
You might even discover something new in your favorite tracks you always listen to.
Every one of these covers is wonderful, so please give them a listen.
- [Nostalgic Hits] Smash Hits with the Showa Generation! Classic and Popular Songs Sung by Female Vocalists
- Great covers of classic and popular songs sung by male artists
- [Songs I'd love women to sing!] Popular ballads performed by female artists
- Songs women like. Famous and popular Japanese songs.
- Thrilling to Cool Showa-Era Tunes! Classic Songs from Female Singers and Artists of the Showa Period
- An iconic song by a female artist that Gen Z can get hyped about with their peers
- A classic Showa-era kayōkyoku song sung by a female vocalist. A nostalgic tune passed down through the years.
- Masterpieces that sing about women. Recommended popular songs.
- That popular voice actor is doing that song!? A roundup of cover songs by voice actors
- Packed with masterpieces! Karaoke songs recommended for women of the Yutori generation
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Classics for Karaoke — Women Singers Edition
- [Women Artists Only] Tear-Jerking Masterpieces Recommended for Gen Z
- If you’re unsure what to pick, you should definitely sing these! Recommended songs by female artists for karaoke
Top 10 iconic and popular songs brilliantly covered by female artists (1–10)
Graduation PhotoImai Miki
It’s a classic ballad that Yumi Matsutoya released back when she was still Yumi Arai.
Originally sung by Hi-Fi Set, it’s one of those songs that has been covered by many artists over the years.
Miki Imai’s gentle, unadorned voice fits the song’s image perfectly.
BoyhoodUtada Hikaru
The original song is a classic by Yosui Inoue.
It has an incredible clarity, and the high notes unique to a female voice match beautifully, making it very soothing to listen to.
Utada’s signature vibrato is also one of its charms, so I highly recommend this track both to younger listeners and to those in their forties who want to feel nostalgic—please give it a listen at least once.
Something Certainayaka
Here’s a song Kazuya Oda released in 2005.
Since it was used in various TV shows and commercials, I think many people are familiar with it.
Oda’s version, sung in his clear, high register, is wonderful, but Ayaka’s rich, expressive voice also suits the song very well and really brings out her unique style.
Great cover versions of classic and popular songs sung by female artists (11–20)
Movin’ on without youHamasaki Ayumi
The original song is Hikaru Utada’s second single.
It became a hot topic after Ayumi Hamasaki performed it at her own live show! Ayu, another diva who was often called Utada’s rival, delivers a cool, rock-style rendition of the Heisei era diva’s song.
Listening to this track will make you appreciate Ayumi Hamasaki’s greatness all over again.
Song of SpringFujihara Sakura
Singer-songwriter Sakura Fujiwara has covered a 2005 hit song by Spitz.
The guitar sound and her uniquely original vocals create a soothing, acoustic atmosphere.
It’s a cover you’ll want to listen to over and over again, thanks to Fujiwara’s healing voice.
ANNIVERSARYJUJU
Here’s a song released by Yumi Matsutoya in 1989.
Since it’s about celebrating marriage, it’s said to have even been used as a music box message for congratulatory telegrams.
Yumi Matsutoya’s songs are melodious and beautiful, and it feels as though new life is breathed into them by each performer—so it’s fair to say many artists choose to cover her work.
At all times.Inoue Sonoko
The original song is the third single released by Noriyuki Makihara in 1991.
It was used in a commercial featuring Kento Yamazaki and Marie Iitoyo, and became a hot topic on social media.
Her clear, translucent voice and the piano accompaniment make it so captivating that you wouldn’t even think it’s a cover.
Why not take this opportunity to give it a listen?