[High-pitched warning!] Songs with high notes that are hard to sing
The Japanese music scene is known for having a relatively low emphasis on groove, but an unusually large number of high-pitched songs.
In particular, since Japan has finally started earnestly incorporating overseas music in recent years, the overall level of songs has risen dramatically.
With that in mind, this time we’ve picked out Japanese songs that are on the higher side.
From songs with a wide vocal range, to tracks that have pinpoint high parts, to songs that stay in the high register throughout, we selected from a broad set of perspectives—so be sure to find the tracks that suit you!
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- I want to sing songs that use a lot of falsetto—tracks that are also good for practicing falsetto at karaoke.
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- Pick out the challenging songs that will earn you respect if you can nail them at karaoke!
- [Karaoke] A roundup of songs that are easy for women to sing!
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- [For Women] A roundup of enka songs that can score high in karaoke
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- [Karaoke] Songs That Make It Easy to Score High | From Classics to the Newest Hits
[High Pitch Warning!] High songs that are hard to sing (231–240)
heartaimyon
This is Aimyon’s 12th single, released on November 24, 2021.
It was selected as the theme song for the TBS Tuesday drama “Only Just Married,” and was released digitally in advance on October 20.
It’s a ballad with a very simple arrangement, through which Aimyon’s slightly distinctive voice sounds especially appealing.
While she’s not a singer known for superhuman high notes, she has a voice rich in attractive high-frequency elements.
Because of that, some people might hesitate to choose this song at karaoke just because it’s “high,” but please give it a try.
Aim to sing gently overall so your voice doesn’t become too sharp or harsh.
save your dreamKahara Tomomi
A song released in 1996 by Tomomi Kahara, one of the Komuro Family.
Her songs are all set in a high range, making them quite difficult to sing for people with lower voices.
Even for those with naturally high chest voices, many of her tracks are fairly challenging.
But for anyone blessed with an abundance of high notes that rarely get used, they’re perfect! This song, too, is packed with high notes and falsetto from the very beginning, so if you consider yourself a queen of high notes, definitely give it a try!
[High Notes Warning!] Difficult High-Pitched Songs to Sing (241–250)
A world where the sun does not riseAimer
This song, which is also the theme for “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle Arc: Chapter 1 Akaza’s Return,” spans roughly E3 to E5 and is quite advanced to sing on a first try.
When I first heard it, Aimer’s English-like diction made me think, “Is this a Western song?” but it’s firmly in Japanese (lol).
The A section is sung phrase by phrase in the lower register, but from around the B section it gradually becomes more emotional.
There are plenty of high notes, but rather than belting them in chest voice, using a strong head voice brings out both the poignancy and the power, matching the song’s mood.
From low to high notes, try singing with your eyebrows slightly raised to help stabilize pitch!
Night Pierrot 360°Ado
This is Ado’s fifth digital-only single, released on June 14, 2021.
It was selected as the opening theme for the late-night drama series “Hatsujōji made 1-jikan” (One Hour Until the First Time).
Now, if you listen to the track all the way through, there aren’t any parts that use so-called ultra-high chest-voice belts, and Ado herself is, if anything, a singer with a relatively low natural chest voice.
However, she more than makes up for that by skillfully switching between vocal registers (chest voice, mixed voice, and falsetto) to deliver a brilliant interpretation of the song.
You don’t have to imitate the original exactly, but if you can show off this deft switching of vocal production at karaoke, you’re sure to become the center of attention! Be sure to listen closely to the original, study it, and try to emulate it.
You’ll surely gain a lot from the process!
Sun Goddessieiri reo
Leo Ieiri’s fifth single was released in November 2013, with digital pre-release starting in October of the same year.
The song was written as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Clinic on the Sea.” Beginning abruptly with a high-tension, high-pitched chorus, this track might seem daunting to sing at karaoke right from the start.
However, try to support your voice firmly and be careful not to let it crack.
Keeping an energetic vibe is important too!
JUMPIkuta Rira
Rira Ikuta is a singer-songwriter who was once a member of the acoustic session unit Plusonica and now also performs as the vocalist of YOASOBI.
Her seventh digital-only single, “JUMP,” written as the theme song for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, is a refreshing track with a driving beat and a catchy guitar-riff intro.
Since the verse opens with high notes right from the start, be mindful to warm up your voice if you choose it as your first karaoke song.
Also, the melody in the chorus gradually rises in pitch, so take care not to mismanage your breathing or pacing.
Endless sorrowHamasaki Ayumi
It was released in 2001 as Ayumi Hamasaki’s 22nd single.
The song was used as the theme for the TBS drama “Mukashi no Otoko,” and it reached number one on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
The lyrics and composition were handled by Ayumi Hamasaki herself.
Its soaring high notes are particularly memorable.