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

ButterflyKimura Kaera

Kaela Kimura “Butterfly” (Official Music Video)

In 2024, Kaela Kimura celebrates the 20th anniversary of her debut as a singer, and she continues to work with increasing energy while maintaining a unique position free from narrow categorization.

Heavily influenced by Western music, Kimura initially delivered punkish, catchy sounds with a cute flair—but the turning point in her career was Butterfly.

Released in 2009 as a digital-only single, the song was written for a close friend’s wedding and is filled with warmth and love.

Her performance of it on the NHK New Year’s Eve music show Kōhaku Uta Gassen helped make her a household name.

With a melody line that’s easy to relate to for listeners of all ages, it’s easy to sing and hugely popular at karaoke, making it a great pick if you’re aiming for a high score.

Since there are several higher notes in key spots, practice transitioning smoothly into falsetto so your voice doesn’t crack.

If I’m wrapped in kindnessMatsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – If Wrapped in Kindness (THE LAST WEDNESDAY TOUR 2006 ~HERE COMES THE WAVE~)

Yumi’s “Yasashisa ni Tsutsumareta nara” is the theme song for the film Kiki’s Delivery Service, and it has a nostalgic feel, doesn’t it? I’ve sung this one at karaoke too, and since the opening notes are really low, it might be an easy song to pitch for people who are good at low tones! When you sing it, make sure to keep a steady 4/4 beat so the rhythm doesn’t slip.

Also, the arrangement builds toward the latter half, so be mindful of dynamics and project your voice clearly into the mic—doing so can boost your score, so give it a try!

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Kubota Mami

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BE TOGETHERSuzuki Ami

Ami Suzuki 'BE TOGETHER' OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

In the late 1990s, when J-POP was truly shining, this number sung by Ami Suzuki has a charm that instantly captures listeners’ hearts.

Its exhilarating synth sound and buoyant beat are striking, vividly calling back those irreplaceable moments spent with friends under the summer blue sky and the youthful days when our hearts swelled with hope for the future.

Released in July 1999, it also became familiar as a song for a MOS Burger commercial.

It earned Ami Suzuki her first No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and was performed when she made her debut appearance at that year’s NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen—truly one of her signature songs.

This classic is also included on the million-selling album “infinity eighteen vol.1.” Sing it at karaoke, and the excitement of those days will come rushing back, guaranteed to get everyone fired up!

flameLiSA

LiSA “Homura” -MUSIC CLIP-

LiSA’s signature work, with its grand ballad style and striking melody that resonates deeply, was released in October 2020 as the theme song for the film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train.

The song, which sings of farewell, gratitude, and hope for the future, expresses the strength to overcome parting with someone important and keep moving forward.

In karaoke, it’s a popular ballad that isn’t too wide in vocal range and lets you sing with emotion.

It’s a great pick for casual karaoke with friends or for moments when you want to convey your feelings to someone special.

NO TITLISTMiyazawa Rie

Rie Miyazawa: NO TITLIST

Rie Miyazawa’s classic song “NO TITLIST.” Since Miyazawa is not primarily a singer by trade, most of her released tracks are organized around simple vocal lines.

This work is no exception, featuring a very easy progression that anyone can sing.

The structure, which steadily ramps up in energy, is striking, but once the chorus begins the excitement settles down.

As a result, the vocal range stays compact, making it a song that even women with lower voices can sing without any trouble.

1/2Kawamoto Makoto

【MV】Makoto Kawamoto “1/2”

A timeless youth anthem where aching tenderness overflows and the acoustic guitar rings with comforting warmth.

The lyrics delicately portray a powerful desire to become one with the other person, and the frustration of that wish not coming true—gently embracing the kind of love everyone has felt.

Seamlessly blending Makoto Kawamoto’s translucent vocals with her distinctive worldview, the song reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart after its release in March 1997.

As the opening theme of the anime Rurouni Kenshin, it left a lasting mark on many hearts.

It’s a heartwarming track you’ll want to listen to when you want to connect with pure feelings, thinking of someone special.

vexing lipsTakahashi Mariko

vexing lips

Mariko Takahashi has remained popular since the 1970s.

She’s an exceptionally long-running artist who stayed at the forefront into the 1990s.

Because of that, I think even women in their 40s are quite familiar with her songs.

Among her works, the one I especially recommend is Hagayui Kuchibiru (“Frustrated Lips”).

It’s a striking piece featuring vocals influenced by Showa-era kayōkyoku and the distinctive synth sounds of the early ’90s.

In this song, the chorus reaches the highest notes, but it stays within the mid-to-high range overall, and the long sustained notes only appear in the lower register.

As a result, it’s a very singable tune for women with lower voices.