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.
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- A classic Showa-era kayōkyoku song sung by a female vocalist. A nostalgic tune passed down through the years.
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- 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)
LemonGIRLFRIEND
A song in which the girls’ band GIRLFRIEND covers Kenshi Yonezu’s smash hit.
With an arrangement that brings the band sound to the forefront more than the original, it achieves a track that feels weighty and powerful within a floating atmosphere.
Plus, having a female vocalist changes the nuance of the lyrics, making it a number that even fans of the original can enjoy.
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.
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.
Great cover versions of classic and popular songs sung by female artists (11–20)
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?
The Reason We Set Out on a JourneyAndō Yūko
In 1994, Kenji Ozawa released “The Reason We Go on a Journey,” and singer-songwriter Yuko Ando has covered it.
The performance is a lavish cover by Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra.
The back-and-forth with Skapara’s Kin-ichi Motegi is exquisite, making it an incredibly compelling listen.
It’s a highly recommended cover song you’ll want to play again and again.
First loveHoshimura Mai
Mai Hoshimura, a singer-songwriter, has covered Kozo Murashita’s long-beloved hit “Hatsukoi,” originally released in 1983.
Murashita, who passed away at the young age of 46, left behind many classics, and this song—often sung at karaoke—is one of his most famous.
Hoshimura delivers a superb performance, and hearing this masterpiece sung by a woman gives it a fresh, new feel.
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.