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

A flower blooming in joyACO

A flower blooming in joy

ACO is a female singer-songwriter who gained popularity for her trip-hop-centered musical style.

Many women in their 40s may have discovered her through her guest appearance on Dragon Ash’s classic track “Grateful Days.” Among ACO’s songs, the one I especially recommend is “Yorokobi ni Saku Hana” (“A Flower Blooming in Joy”).

While the vocals are sentimental, the melody line is unexpectedly even and subdued, with a fairly narrow range, making it easy to sing regardless of your vocal timbre.

Be sure to give it a listen.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

My pager doesn’t beep anymoreKunitake Mari

Mariko Kunitake “Pokeberu ga Naranakute” MV

Mari Kunitake, who was active as a singer and model.

She’s what you might call a one-hit wonder, but many people probably still remember her.

Speaking of her hit song, of course it has to be “Pokeberu ga Naranakute” (“My Pager Doesn’t Ring”).

Released as the theme song for a drama of the same name, this piece is arranged as a ballad, with a vocal line that has little fluctuation and is very easy to sing.

Many of you likely watched the drama at the time, so consider adding this song to your repertoire.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

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.

KanadeSukima Suichi

Sukima Switch – “Kanade” Music Video : SUKIMASWITCH / KANADE Music Video

Sukima Switch’s second single.

Because it’s a song by Sukima Switch with a somewhat laid-back vocal style, it should be easy to sing at karaoke for anyone regardless of gender.

In particular, women will likely find the high notes relatively easy, so I’d love to hear it performed with a light, relaxed delivery rather than forcing it.

The lyrics are from a male perspective, but I think women can also bring convincing power to male-perspective lyrics like this—especially from their 40s and up.

Please try singing it as “your own song.”

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kei Takahata

Report a problem

Crimson MoonShibata Jun

Jun Shibata – Crimson Moon (MV)

Jun Shibata is a female singer-songwriter whose melancholic vocals and distinctive allure leave a strong impression.

While she may not be a household-name mainstream artist, many women in their 40s likely listened to her often in their 20s.

Among her songs, the one I particularly recommend is Guren no Tsuki (Crimson Moon).

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

If you want it to sound even better, sing with emotion and emphasize dynamic contrast.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem