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

Don’t give upZARD

Don't Give Up – ZARD (Full)

This is the sixth single by ZARD, a representative Being-label artist that dominated the J-POP scene in the 1990s, centered around Izumi Sakai, who sadly passed away suddenly in 2007.

The song was used as the ending theme for the first season of the TV drama “Reiko Shiratori de Gozaimasu!” and remains a go-to motivational anthem that you still hear in many contexts today.

While the driving tempo and the intricate melody that appears at the start of the chorus can make it feel challenging, its catchiness makes it easy to remember and sing.

Women in their 40s who likely listened to it during their school days might find themselves reliving their youth when singing it at karaoke.

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Hoshino Takashi

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DiamondsPRINCESS PRINCESS

Princess Princess 'Diamonds <Diamond>'

This is the seventh single by Princess Princess, a band that became an iconic presence in the J-POP scene of the 1980s and 1990s and influenced countless other groups.

Known as one of the band’s signature songs—with another signature track, “M,” included as the B-side—it’s easy to see why this became their biggest hit, achieving million-selling status.

Its upbeat rhythm and catchy melody make it a joy to sing, and women in their 40s—the generation that grew up with it—will likely have a great time singing it with friends.

Although the tempo is fast, the melody is simple, so if you stay calm and focus on not drifting off the beat, you’ll be able to sing it well.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Watarase BridgeMoritaka Chisato

Chisato Moritaka 'Watarase Bridge' (Music Video)

This is the 17th single by singer-songwriter Chisato Moritaka.

It was used as the theme song for the travel program “Ii Tabi Yume Kibun,” and is also known as the first single in which Moritaka, who is also recognized as a multi-instrumentalist, performed the instruments herself.

The lyrics tell a story of remembering a former lover, and they pair perfectly with Moritaka’s distinctive singing voice—many listeners may have felt a twinge of heartache hearing this song.

Its simple melody preserves the song’s atmosphere and makes it easy to sing at karaoke—an enduring classic.

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Hoshino Takashi

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This is my way of life.PUFFY

PUFFY 'That's the Way I Live' OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

PUFFY is a charismatic duo whose unique visuals, fashion sense, and musicality earned high praise from many women across all aspects.

Their music is distinctive, and even now there really aren’t any duos or groups that follow in their footsteps.

Among PUFFY’s works, the one I especially recommend is “Kore ga Watashi no Ikiru Michi” (“This Is the Way I Live”).

It doesn’t require a high vocal part, and even without vibrato it still sounds convincing, making it a very beginner-friendly song.

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Ryo

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Song of LifeTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – Song of Life (Official Music Video)

This song was created in 2009 as the theme for the NHK drama “Pioneers,” with lyrics written by Mariya Takeuchi under the pen name Miyabi.

“Inochi no Uta,” which includes spoken-style elements, is a ballad designed to be sung expressively without straining the vocal range.

The tempo is a relaxed 136, making it nice to sing each phrase carefully.

In particular, for the A section, if you connect the words smoothly and articulate the final vowel sounds clearly, the storytelling quality becomes stronger and the song improves as a whole.

There is a brief high note before the last chorus, but if you belt it you’ll end up using your throat, so try singing it lightly, almost like humming.

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Kubota Mami

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I’m glad I met you.Koizumi Kyoko

Kyoko Koizumi – I'm Glad I Met You (Official Video)

Kyoko Koizumi’s classic song “I’m Glad I Met You.” Although Kyoko Koizumi has solid vocal ability, she actually has a narrow vocal range, and most of her songs don’t feature long high notes.

Among her tracks, this one is especially recommended.

The key changes in the chorus, but just as the energy rises, the melody drops in pitch, making it a comfortable vocal line for women with lower voices or those who struggle with high notes.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

Her debut song Morai Naki became an unexpected hit, and this is the fifth single by Yo Hitoto, a singer who is active not only in music but also as an actress.

The song was born in response to the September 11 attacks that shocked the world in 2001, and it is one of Yo Hitoto’s signature songs, also known as the most sung song of the Heisei era in karaoke.

With its relaxed tempo, sparse instrumentation, and lack of sudden leaps in pitch, it’s easy to sing even for those who aren’t confident singers.

Because of the meaning of its lyrics, it’s a masterpiece that we hope will continue to be sung not only by women in their 40s—the artist’s own generation—but by people of all ages.

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Hoshino Takashi

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