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

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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Tears aren’t just for show.Nakamori Akina

[Official] Akina Nakamori / “Tears Aren’t Just for Show” (Live in ’87: A HUNDRED days at Tokyo Kosei Nenkin Kaikan, 1987-10-17) AKINA NAKAMORI

Akina Nakamori’s 10th single overall, released in November 1984.

Lyrics and composition by Yosui Inoue.

Many people cite “not being able to hit high notes” as a reason they struggle with singing, but since this song was created for Nakamori—whose charm lies in her naturally lower voice—it doesn’t require extreme high notes.

That makes it an easy challenge even for those who aren’t good with high registers.

Reflecting the era in which it was released, the melody follows in the vein of Showa kayō and New Music, making it very easy to remember and sing.

It’s a great recommendation for people who feel they’re not good at singing!

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Kei Takahata

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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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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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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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Time goes byEvery Little Thing

「Time goes by」MUSIC VIDEO / Every Little Thing

Every Little Thing’s 8th single, released in February 1998.

It was ELT’s first ballad single and, to date, their best-selling million-seller.

Although the song is constructed in a rather intricate way, with multiple key changes throughout, the melody itself is very pop and accessible, making it quite easy to sing even for those who aren’t confident singers.

I’d recommend it as a karaoke pick even for people who say, “I don’t really get today’s music.”

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Kei Takahata

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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.