[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!
- Recommended karaoke songs for male vocalists with high voices
- [Taking on a song with a wide vocal range] An S-class challenge track
- A masterpiece with exhilarating high notes. An enchanting high-tone voice.
- [Feels Great to Listen To!] Popular Songs by Female Artists with Captivating High Notes
- I want to sing songs that use a lot of falsetto—tracks that are also good for practicing falsetto at karaoke.
- Recommended for great singers! A collection of impressive songs if you can sing them
- [If You Can Sing These, You're Amazing!] Cool Karaoke Songs for Women
- 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!
- Recommended for teenage girls! Easy-to-sing karaoke songs
- [Challenge] A Compilation of Anime Songs with High-Pitched Melodies and High-Tone Vocals
- [For Women] A roundup of enka songs that can score high in karaoke
- Great for karaoke song selection! Recommended easy-to-sing songs for Gen Z women
[High-Pitch Warning!] Very High Songs That Are Hard to Sing (261–270)
REMMr.Children
Among Mr.Children’s songs, one I especially recommend for its wide vocal range is REM.
The song spans a remarkably broad range from mid1 F# to hi B, with the highest note, hi B, appearing repeatedly in the A, C, and D sections.
The pitch moves up and down dramatically, and notes like hi B and hi A show up right after mid2 F# or mid2 G as if it’s nothing, so you’ll need excellent pitch control.
There are also many shout-like parts, which demand strong vocal cords.
If you’re confident in your singing ability, definitely give it a try.
and I love youMr.Children
The piece “and I love you” is striking for its breezy instrumentation and sultry vocals.
The trickiest part is, without a doubt, the falsetto in the chorus.
Because the pitch moves up and down quite dramatically, there’s a real risk of going off-pitch in the falsetto sections.
In the final chorus, consecutive shouts appear, and since many of them rely on a shout + mixed voice technique, you’ll need not just height but also fullness in the high notes.
The lowest note is mid2 A, so there’s room to lower the key, but the highest note is hi D.
Make sure to assess your own vocal timbre and range carefully, and set the key to what suits you best.
fanfareMr.Children
Mr.Children’s classic “fanfare,” which evokes the vibe of UK rock.
Although it features a crisp, punchy rock sound, the vocals frequently employ shouts, so powerful singing is required in every section.
The range is fairly wide, from mid1 C# to hi A#, and the hi A parts demand both shouting and sustained long tones, requiring solid foundational vocal technique.
If you’re confident in a raw, gritty vocal style, be sure to add this to your repertoire.
For Whom the Alchemist ExistsMr.Children
As a work with a strong message, “Tagatame” enjoys solid support from hardcore fans.
Its vocal range is quite wide, spanning mid1C to hiB, and because the lowest note is mid1C, there isn’t much room to lower the key.
It also features a hi A# shout, so a powerful high-register delivery is required.
In addition, the lyrics are emotional, so a vocally expressive performance is needed; even though there’s no falsetto, overall it can be considered a very challenging piece.
[High Pitches Ahead!] High Songs That Are Hard to Sing (271–280)
A Song for Youerica
This is Erica’s seventh single, released in January 2013.
It was sold as a digital download only and was not released on CD.
It’s a ballad that showcases Erica’s captivating, crystal-clear high tones, and I think it’s an ideal song for women who are good at singing high notes to perform at karaoke.
When you sing it, pay attention to the parts in the original where she gently uses falsetto (head voice).
wanna Be A Dreammakerglobe
Released in 1998 as globe’s 13th single.
The song was used in the NISSEKI “Ena Card” campaign commercial, and its music video was created around the theme of “a nightmare KEIKO had.” It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, and at the 40th Japan Record Awards, globe won their first Grand Prize with this song.
Miracle Dreamlandshiki
A hidden gem known to those in the know: a track from Kyoto songstress (perhaps?) Shiki’s second album, “Miracle,” released in 2010.
A Berklee College of Music alum who also performed as a musical actress Off-Broadway, she masterfully shifts from powerful, soulful high notes to a gentle, embracing falsetto—delivering a richly colorful vocal performance.
The climactic shout at the end of the chorus in this song is simply stunning! If you’re good with high notes, definitely give it a try!