Easy-to-sing karaoke songs: Classic picks for women in their 40s

GoodbyeGAO

GAO – Sayonara [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

GAO is a singer with a memorable husky voice and an androgynous presence.

After the 2000s, she made a surprising shift to gangsta rap and even released a full-fledged hip-hop album, and she continues to be active in music under the name GAO today.

Many people probably think of her 1992 smash hit “Sayonara” when they hear her name.

The song has since been covered by many singers and remains a classic of early Heisei-era J-pop that continues to be sung today.

Featuring a very singable melody built on a simple chord progression with restrained leaps in pitch, it’s also a great choice for those aiming for a high karaoke score.

For the high notes in the chorus, be sure to project strongly from your diaphragm so you can deliver them with power.

Ding DongZoo

ZOO Ding Dong EXPRESS

ZOO was a music group that was hugely active in the 1990s.

In Japan, they helped popularize black contemporary music, gaining popularity with a sound that made what was then an uncommon genre catchy and accessible.

Among ZOO’s songs, one I especially recommend is “Ding Dong.” While the song has fairly pronounced dynamic nuances, they are primarily expressive rather than driven by volume, which stays relatively steady, so it’s not overly difficult.

The vocal range is also narrow, so if you lock into the rhythm and pitch, you can aim for a high score at karaoke.

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Marigoldaimyon

Aimyon – Marigold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Aimyong’s songs have a timeless appeal that’s independent of trends, making them popular across generations.

“Marigold,” released in 2018, marked her major breakthrough.

Its somewhat nostalgic melody evokes the early Heisei era, making it very pleasant to listen to and a classic that resonates with people of all ages.

For women in their 40s who say, “I mostly listen to the J-pop from my youth, but I want to try singing something more recent…,” I highly recommend Aimyong’s songs.

“Marigold” sits on the lower side pitch-wise and doesn’t have an extreme vocal range, so even those with lower voices or who feel insecure about singing should give it a try!

I want to be happy.Uchida Yuki

YUKI UCHIDA – I Want to Be Happy

Yuki Uchida has been active as an actress for many years.

Younger people might not know this, but for many women in their 40s, she also leaves a strong impression as a musical artist.

Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is “Shiawase ni Naritai” (“I Want to Be Happy”).

While the melody has some noticeable rises and falls, the overall tempo is relaxed, so you should be able to follow the pitch without trouble.

The vocal range is also narrow, making it a good choice to sing even when your voice is starting to tire at a second party.

Be sure to check it out.

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I’m only gazing at you.Daikoku Maki

Only Looking at You (2019 Remastered)

Maki Ohguro, an artist born in Sapporo, Hokkaido, has captivated many fans with her powerful vocals and compelling performances.

She began playing in bands during high school and made her debut in 1992.

Since then, she has enlivened the music scene with songs rooted in pop while incorporating a wide range of genres such as rock and R&B.

Known for her strong vocals and catchy melodies, she received the Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards and was named one of the Best 5 Artists at the Japan Gold Disc Awards in 1995.

After overcoming a period of hiatus, she continues to be highly active today.

Her worldview—expressed through powerful singing and lyrics that resonate with the heart—is a perfect match for listeners seeking both the vigor and warmth that music can offer.

The Maiden with Flaxen HairShimatani Hitomi

Hitomi Shimatani / "A Maiden with Flaxen Hair" [OFFICIAL MV FULL SIZE]

Released by Hitomi Shimatani in May 2002, this song is a celebrated piece that portrays a refreshing romance.

It expresses a young girl’s feelings of love through dreamlike imagery, beautifully harmonizing with scenes of landscape and nature.

The lyrics, imbued with youth and purity, are complemented by her clear, translucent vocals, capturing the brilliance of innocent love in full.

Featured in a commercial for Kao Essential Damage Care Shampoo, it became a major hit, peaking at No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

With its broad, expansive melody and an elegant tone that sways like hair in the wind, it carries a familiar charm that invites everyone to hum along.

On the day of departure…Kawashima Ai

Ai Kawashima / On the Day of Departure (Lyrics)

A beautiful ballad by Ai Kawashima set in a spring classroom where cherry blossoms dance, depicting an eternal farewell and a promise to meet again.

Carried by gentle piano tones, memories with friends, hopes for the future, and feelings of gratitude are woven together with a clear, transparent voice.

Released in February 2006, the song was featured on TV programs and commercials, and has since become a beloved graduation classic.

It’s a piece that, along with nostalgic memories of classrooms and schoolyards, gives you the courage to take a new step forward.

Why not sing it while reflecting on your school days?