Even if you’re tone-deaf, it’s okay! Easy karaoke songs for men in their 40s

one thing or anotherFujii Takashi

Takashi Fujii 'Nandaka Nanda' Music Video

Takashi Fujii’s classic song “Nandaka Nanda.” While he works as a comedian, he has also left behind several standout tracks as an artist, and this one is among his most popular.

Although it’s a comic song, it’s put together as a fairly authentic electropop track, with elements that foreshadow the EDM that later became a global phenomenon.

The key is a bit high, but the overall vocal range isn’t wide, so as long as you pay attention to pitch and the opening notes, it’s easy for anyone to sing.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

SPYMakihara Noriyuki

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “SPY” (Music Video) [12th Single] (1994)

This was Noriyuki Makihara’s 12th single, released in August 1994.

Makihara himself is a wonderful singer with a very beautiful voice and solid vocal control, so for those who aren’t confident singers, reproducing the original as-is at karaoke might be rather difficult.

However, the song itself isn’t constructed with the kind of intricate melodic development you see in modern tracks, and the melody is very easy to hum.

So as long as you set the key appropriately, it should be relatively easy to sing even for those who aren’t good at singing.

Try to make a clear contrast between the major section (the part where the melody becomes brighter partway through) and the regular sections.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kei Takahata

Report a problem

her boyfriendMakihara Noriyuki

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “Her Lover” (Music Video) [7th Single] (1993) Noriyuki Makihara / Kanojo no Koibito

Noriyuki Makihara, a singer-songwriter who was hugely active from the 1990s to the 2000s.

While he’s known for his distinctive pop sound, he has actually released some tracks that evoke R&B.

One such song is Shiawase de Aru You ni.

Although it has an R&B feel, it doesn’t feature advanced vocal techniques like the ad-libs you’d hear in authentic R&B.

As long as you can handle the falsetto that appears partway through, the rest isn’t very difficult, making it a song that anyone can sing.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

cherry blossomKetsumeishi

Ketsumeishi “Sakura”

Ketsumeishi established a melodic rap style in the 2000s, appealing even to listeners who weren’t hip-hop fans and achieving nationwide popularity.

Their 2005 release “Sakura” is the landmark smash hit that truly brought their name into living rooms across the country.

Many people probably have memories of listening to their music in their twenties while driving with friends or a significant other.

Even in the Reiwa era, it remains a karaoke favorite.

Not only is the melodic part catchy enough to hum right away, but the rap sections aren’t particularly difficult, so even those who feel unsure about rapping should give it a try.

It can be a lot of fun to split the song with friends—one person handling the melody and another the rap!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

By the time of the Christmas carolsInagaki Junichi

Junichi Inagaki "By the Time the Christmas Carol Plays"

This is Junichi Inagaki’s 27th single, released in October 1992.

As his biggest hit, this song has practically become a staple of the Christmas season in Japan.

Its enduring popularity is also evident from the duet version released with Kōmi Hirose in 2009.

When it comes to Junichi Inagaki songs at karaoke, you might picture a slightly overconfident guy belting them out, but this track doesn’t feature particularly tricky melodies or ultra-high notes, so even those who aren’t strong singers should feel free to give it a try without hesitation.

Inagaki’s own voice is slightly high and clear, but if singing in the original key is tough, you can lower the key and sing it with a huskier tone and it will still work well.

Add it to your repertoire as a go-to karaoke number for the Christmas season.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kei Takahata

Report a problem

Rose of PassionTHE BLUE HEARTS

[Official] THE BLUE HEARTS 'Rose of Passion' [6th Single (1990/7/25)] THE BLUE HEARTS / Jyounetsu no Bara

This is THE BLUE HEARTS’ ninth single overall, released in 1990.

It was also used as the theme song for the TBS drama “High School Graffiti 2.” THE BLUE HEARTS, who performed this song, burst onto the scene during the so-called band boom from the late ’80s to the early ’90s.

So among people in their 40s, there are likely quite a few who covered this song with their own bands and performed it at school festivals back then.

The song itself is an up-tempo, straight-ahead rock number, and even from a vocal standpoint, it doesn’t seem to require particularly advanced techniques or special projection.

So don’t overthink it—just belt it out and have fun!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kei Takahata

Report a problem

PearlTHE YELLOW MONKEY

THE YELLOW MONKEY – Pearl

For many men in their 40s, THE YELLOW MONKEY is something to admire, isn’t it? The band—known for leaving behind numerous classic songs—has one track in particular that I especially recommend to men in their 40s for its singability: Pearl.

It’s a piece where Yemon’s straightforward sensibility shines throughout, and it’s woven together with a youthful, boyish melody from start to finish.

The vocal range is narrow and sits mostly in the mid-to-low register, so even at a second-party karaoke where your voice might not project well, you should be able to sing it without any issues.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem