[Women in Their 40s] Even If You’re Tone-Deaf, You Can Sing! Karaoke Songs That Fit a Woman’s Vocal Range

White LoveSPEED

SPEED / White Love -Music Video-

This is the fifth single by SPEED, a four-member female idol-style dance and vocal group, which was used as the commercial song for Shiseido’s “T’Issera Angel Drop.” Having achieved double million sales, it’s known as SPEED’s biggest hit.

With its catchy melody and dance, it’s a song that many women in their 40s—the generation that grew up with it—can really enjoy at karaoke.

The melody itself is simple, but because of the twin vocals and the wide pitch range, it might be challenging to sing solo.

If possible, team up with a friend whose comfortable range differs from yours, set the key to suit each of you, and give it a try—it’s a very singable song that way.

Go ahead and challenge yourself!

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Hoshino Takashi

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Crimson MoonShibata Jun

Jun Shibata – Crimson Moon (MV)

Jun Shibata is a female singer-songwriter known for her sorrowful vocals and distinctive allure.

She may not be a household name, but many women in their 40s likely listened to her a lot in their 20s.

Among her songs, one I especially recommend is “Guren no Tsuki” (Crimson Moon).

It features a touch of falsetto, but it’s brief and kept low, so even those who aren’t confident singers should be able to handle it without trouble.

If you want it to sound even better, sing with feeling and emphasize the dynamics.

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Ryo

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secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE

ZONE “secret base ~What You Gave Me~” MUSIC VIDEO

The moment that somewhat melancholy intro phrase starts playing, you can’t help but get teary-eyed… there must be people who feel that way.

ZONE’s 2001 single “secret base ~Kimi ga Kureta Mono~” is their biggest hit, and some of you may remember that a cover of the song was used as the theme for the anime “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day,” which aired ten years later, leading to a revival hit.

It was hugely popular at karaoke back then and still is now, and its straightforward, unfolding melody makes it easy to try even if you’re not confident in your singing—and you might even score high at karaoke.

Since all the members sing in the original, it’s also a great choice to sing together with friends from your school days!

Listening to OliviaAnri

Anri / Listening to Olivia [Official Video]

Anri’s biggest hit, “Olivia wo Kikinagara.” Since it was released in 1978, many women in their late 40s probably heard it often in their childhood.

Still recognized today as one of Japan’s classic songs, it sounds like an emotional ballad, but the vocal line is surprisingly simple.

The range isn’t wide and the melody is straightforward, making it easy for anyone to sing—but be careful with dynamics.

Because the arrangement is relatively understated, add clear dynamic contrast and lock in with the timing to give the vocals color.

Don’t forget to adjust the key in advance so you can deliver your strongest voice in the final chorus.

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Ryo

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Melody for TomorrowOka Midori

"Melody for Tomorrow" MV full ver

Tomorrow’s Melody is a pop ballad that steps beyond the realms of enka and kayōkyoku.

Released in 2021, it became a landmark song that opened a new chapter for Midori Oka.

The composer is Minoru Komorita—credited as “Komorita Minoru”—who has crafted many classics, including SMAP’s massive hits like Dynamite and Lion Heart.

Its poignant yet powerful melody will feel familiar to anyone who often sings J-pop at karaoke.

Among Oka’s songs, the vocal range here is relatively narrow, and there aren’t dramatic jumps in pitch, so once you learn the melody, it should be easy to sing.

After that, try focusing on conveying the emotional nuances, just like Oka does!

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KOH-1

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Crimson Japanese lantern (plant)Oka Midori

Crimson Japanese lantern (plant)

It’s a hidden gem that, while reminiscing about the Hozuki Market held in Asakusa, doesn’t foreground the bitterness of betrayal but instead highlights its intense passion even more by delivering the song beautifully with a calm vocal approach.

Although it’s positioned as the coupling track to the single Namidauta released in February 2024, it seems like an irresistible piece for those who love Midori Oka’s more mysterious side.

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

With songs like this, it’s harder to steadily convey emotions that can’t be contained than to show off technique, so read the lyrics carefully before you sing!

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KOH-1

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Kiyamachi in the RainOka Midori

Kiyamachi in the Rain

Composed by Tetsuya Gen, who is said to have helped establish Midori Oka’s signature style, Ameno Kiyamachi was released in 2017 as a double A-side single with Sado no Yuubue, one of the three works in the “Mysterious Enka Trilogy.” It’s a classic, heart-wrenching enka song where vivid scenes of falling rain are artfully interwoven with the psychology of a love that has ended.

Overall, the pitch sits on the higher side, so it may be challenging for those who struggle with high notes.

However, the melody is straightforward and easy to remember, and the intonation is easy to grasp, so lowering the key should make it quite singable.

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KOH-1

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