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Karaoke songs that are easy to sing even if you’re not confident in your pitch (for women in their 50s)

When you’re invited to go to karaoke with friends or coworkers, it’s hard to decline just because you’re not good at singing or you’re not a fan of karaoke, right? So in this article, we’ve gathered songs that seem easy to sing even for women in their 50s who aren’t confident singers.

If you’re going to sing, familiar tunes are best, aren’t they? With that in mind, we’ve focused on hit songs from the ’80s and ’90s, and we’ve also included some new releases by artists who were active back then! The article includes tips for singing as well, so please use it as a reference and enjoy your karaoke time! And for younger readers, we hope this helps you choose songs when you go to karaoke with people in their 50s.

[Women in their 50s] Easy-to-sing karaoke songs even if you’re not confident in your pitch (71–80)

Don’t give upZARD

Mai Kuraki “Don’t Give Up” (Cover) (Full Ver.)
Don't give upZARD

This was ZARD’s sixth single, released in January 1993.

It’s a textbook example of a hit from the golden age of 1990s J-pop, and as of 2020, there are probably few women in their 50s who haven’t heard it.

Many people likely have memories associated with this song, too.

With Izumi Sakai’s friendly voice and singing style on the original track, and given that the music industry at the time was strongly focused on the karaoke market—prioritizing songs that are “easy to sing at karaoke”—this is a number I can confidently recommend even to those who aren’t confident singers as a great karaoke pick!

Crimson Japanese lantern (plant)Oka Midori

It’s a hidden gem that, while reminiscing about the Hozuki Market held in Asakusa, highlights its intense passion even more by choosing a calm, beautiful delivery instead of putting overt resentment over betrayal front and center.

Although it’s positioned as the coupling track to the single “Namidauta,” released in February 2024, it’s sure to be irresistible for those who love Midori Oka’s mysterious side.

The melody doesn’t demand particularly difficult techniques and is relatively easy to sing, so I encourage you to give it a try at karaoke.

With songs like this, it’s harder to express the simmering, uncontrollable emotions in a restrained way than to showcase technique, so be sure to read the lyrics carefully before you sing!

Lullaby of the Holy MothersIwasaki Hiromi

Released in May 1982, this was Hiromi Iwasaki’s 28th single.

It was also used as the ending theme for the two-hour drama series Tuesday Suspense Theater.

Initially, only one chorus was produced for the drama’s ending theme, but due to the strong response after the broadcast, the rest of the song was quickly created and it was released as a single—so the story goes.

As you’d expect from a song by Hiromi Iwasaki, who was renowned for her vocal ability, this track can be a bit challenging for those who aren’t confident singers.

That said, the composition itself isn’t particularly difficult, so even people who don’t sing often should definitely give it a try.

To achieve the powerful high notes in the chorus like Iwasaki herself, you might need to take some vocal training lessons.

If the high notes are tough, try lowering the key.

Playback Part 2Yamaguchi Momoe

Playback Part 2 # Momoe Yamaguchi (CD audio)
Playback Part 2Yamaguchi Momoe

This was Momoe Yamaguchi’s 22nd single, released on May 1, 1978.

At the time of its release, it sold over 500,000 copies, so there’s probably hardly anyone who hasn’t heard it at least once.

The chorus lyrics are especially memorable, aren’t they? (It’s a shame I can’t quote them…) I’m listening to the song again for the first time in decades to write this article, and I’m struck by how remarkable Yamaguchi’s vocal ability is.

Even as an idol back then, her singing was truly outstanding! That said, it’s still a Showa-era kayōkyoku number.

Musically, there aren’t any particularly difficult melodies or rhythms, so feel free to pick it for karaoke and have fun with it.

If you can even capture a hint of that slightly bad-girl vibe when you sing it, that would be perfect!

stationTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – Station [Live Version / 2000 @ Nippon Budokan]
stationTakeuchi Mariya

The city pop boom, which helped spark a revival trend, has gained worldwide recognition as a music genre representing Japan, and Mariya Takeuchi is known as one of its iconic artists.

That said, city pop leans heavily on R&B and funk elements, making it quite challenging.

Even so, for those who want to sing Mariya Takeuchi’s songs, I recommend Eki (Station).

It’s a work rich with the essence of Showa-era kayōkyoku, so I think it’s very easy to sing even for women in their 50s.

TouchIwasaki Yoshimi

Touch – Yoshimi Iwasaki (Full)
TouchIwasaki Yoshimi

Released in March 1985, this is Yoshimi Iwasaki’s 20th single.

It served as the theme song for the hit anime Touch, based on the original work by Mitsuru Adachi.

It’s a classic that has been covered by many singers, most notably by Noriko Hidaka, who voiced the heroine Minami Asakura in the anime.

With a wistful melody much loved by Japanese listeners and an easy-to-sing structure, it’s a strongly recommended choice for those who aren’t confident in singing and want something for karaoke.

The key should be manageable for most people in the original key.

It also has a pleasantly brisk, slightly rockabilly-style rhythm, so when you sing it, be careful not to let the rhythm get heavy.

Time goes byEvery Little Thing

「Time goes by」MUSIC VIDEO / Every Little Thing
Time goes byEvery Little Thing

When it comes to karaoke with coworkers or friends, a great song for women in their 50s is “Time goes by.” The music duo Every Little Thing released it in 1998, and it’s known as one of their signature tracks.

It was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Amai Kekkon” (“Sweet Marriage”), so some people may feel a sense of nostalgia.

The key to singing it well is to keep your delivery calm in the first verse, then gradually add volume and intensity from the pre-chorus into the chorus, all over a beautiful, piano-centered melody.

Since the tempo is slow, it’s easy even for those who aren’t confident at karaoke.

It has been covered by many artists across eras, making it a great pick for karaoke gatherings with a wide range of ages.