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

SAY YESCHAGE and ASKA

[MV] SAY YES / CHAGE and ASKA

Known by the nickname “Chageasu,” CHAGE & ASKA is a musical duo whose exquisite harmonies captivate fans.

This is their 27th single, used as the theme song for the TV drama “The 101st Proposal,” which became a social phenomenon.

With its dreamy arrangement and catchy melody, the track became a million-selling hit.

The overall key is low and the melodic range is modest, making it easy to sing even for those who aren’t confident at karaoke.

For those in their 40s—the generation that grew up with it—it’s a ballad that symbolizes the trendy-drama boom of 1990, and we hope pairs will sing it together to recreate the harmonies.

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Hoshino Takashi

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thrillHotei Tomoyasu

Tomoyasu Hotei / HOTEI – Thrill

Hotei Tomoyasu’s 10th single overall, released on October 18, 1995.

As of 2021, when this article is being written, many people in their 40s probably had a blast performing in copy bands of BOØWY—the band Hotei was in at the time—at school or university cultural festivals.

Genre-wise, it’s what you’d call beat punk, and when you sing it at karaoke, as long as you keep the original song’s aggressive drive and momentum, there’s no need to sweat the small details.

After all, Hotei is a guitarist, not a singer! Enjoy it while reminiscing about your teenage years!

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Kei Takahata

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BoyhoodInoue Yosui

Yosui Inoue – Shonen Jidai (Live) NHK Hall 2014/5/22

This is Yosui Inoue’s 29th single, released in September 1990.

It’s also his biggest hit.

Inoue himself is a singer with an exceptionally high level of vocal ability, so it’s quite difficult for those who aren’t confident singers to perform it the way he does.

However, the song itself—if I may say so without causing misunderstanding—features a very wholesome, almost Ministry-of-Education-songbook-like melody and straightforward phrasing, making it easy for anyone to learn and sing.

I imagine that this kind of familiarity evokes a certain sense of nostalgia, which helped propel the song to hit status.

Just be mindful of the key you choose, and rather than obsessing over singing it too perfectly, focus on tracing the melody honestly—you’ll likely sing it quite nicely.

Let’s all sing it while thinking of our own “Shōnen Jidai,” our boyhood days.

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Kei Takahata

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Tearful KissSazan Ōrusutāzu

Tears' Kiss

This was Southern All Stars’ 31st single, released in July 1992.

It was the theme song for the drama “Zutto Anata ga Suki Datta,” which became a huge talking point at the time, to the point of being called a social phenomenon due to the extreme behavior of the character Fuyuhiko.

If you’re in your 40s now, there’s a good chance you’ve heard it.

In contrast to the unsettling atmosphere in the drama, the theme song itself is a mid-tempo tune with a rather heartwarming melody, making it easy for anyone to hum along.

You might even have fun doing a little impression of Southern’s vocalist, Mr.

Kuwata, while you sing!

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Kei Takahata

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You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi

[Official] Eiichi Ohtaki “Kimii wa Tennen-shoku” Music Video (40th Anniversary Version)

Eiichi Ohtaki’s seventh single overall, released on March 21, 1981.

The song has been used in many commercials, including Rohto Pharmaceutical’s “New V Rohto” (1981), Kirin Beverage’s “Namacha” (2004), and Asahi Breweries’ “Asahi Slat” (2010), so many of you have probably heard it through those ads.

It features an extremely poppy, straightforward melody, with no musically or rhythmically difficult sections, so even those who aren’t confident singers should be able to handle it at karaoke with little trouble.

Just be careful not to let the bouncy rhythm get too heavy!

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Kei Takahata

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single bedSha ran Q

Sharam Q “Single Bed” (Music Video)

Released in June 1994, this was Sharam Q’s sixth single.

Along with the subsequent hit “Zuruina Onna,” its sales grew and it became Sharam Q’s first million-selling hit.

Now, this song is an ideal choice for people who aren’t confident singers when picking a karaoke repertoire! The melody and rhythm are simple, there aren’t many high notes, and the slow tempo makes it easy to sing; plus, there are hardly any long sustained notes that require you to focus on keeping pitch.

If you’re in your 40s, you probably experienced the glittering Japan of the era when this song was a hit in real time, so I think you’ll enjoy singing it while recalling that “atmosphere of the times.”

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Kei Takahata

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Beard and Boobsyunikōn

Unicorn - 'Beard and Boobs'

Unicorn is a band that gained popularity for its genre-defying, free-spirited musical style.

I think many men in their 40s admired them.

Among Unicorn’s songs, the one I especially recommend is Hige to Boin.

It’s an orthodox rock track characterized by a rough, gritty vocal line.

The range is somewhat wide, but there’s no falsetto, and it’s fine to sing with a raw, aggressive delivery, so the overall difficulty is relatively low.

It’s recommended for those who want to sing in a masculine style with some shouts for impact.

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Ryo

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