[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
- Cool If You Can Sing! Popular Karaoke Songs Recommended 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 Notes Warning!] Difficult High-Pitched Songs to Sing (31–40)
First loveUtada Hikaru
As you know, Heisei-era DIVA Hikaru Utada’s 10th single was released as a limited digital track in May 2018.
While Utada sings high tones beautifully, simply having a high natural voice doesn’t make her songs easy to perform.
The key to making this song sound good is how softly you can produce your voice, even on pitches that might come off as shrill.
In terms of rhythm and timing as well, to put it casually, you’ll need a very Western pop sensibility.
If you’re going to take on this song, pay close attention to those aspects as you practice.
unrequited lovemiwa
Miwa is known for her cute voice that perfectly matches her adorable appearance, and you can also expect her songs to be easy to sing.
There aren’t many intricate performance elements—just singing them straightforwardly works great.
If you struggle because you can only hit high notes, definitely give her songs a try at least once.
DestinyShenelu
This is the third single by Che’Nelle, an R&B singer with a very international background: her father is Malaysian, her mother is of mixed Indian and Dutch heritage, she grew up in Australia, and she is currently based in Los Angeles.
It was released in May 2017 and was used as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Reverse.” Over a backing track highlighted by striking string arrangements, Che’Nelle’s highly dynamic vocals truly shine.
When singing this at karaoke, you’ll need to use vocal technique that fully resonates through your body as an instrument, maintain high notes without constricting the throat, and keep tight control over the song’s rhythm.
Because it’s a demanding song to perform, being able to pull it off will surely earn you admiration from those around you.
Although the theme here is “for those good at high notes,” please note that this song also requires you to deliver the low parts solidly.
My instincts were spot on, and it’s frustrating.zutto mayonaka de ii no ni.
The sixth digital single by the music unit “Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni” (commonly known as ZUTOMAYO), whose member lineup and profiles remain a mystery and who have a very distinctive name, was released in June 2019.
The vocal melody centers on extremely high tones while jumping sharply in pitch, and there are many sections delivered in a very rapid-fire manner, so it’s fair to say this song is quite challenging to perform well.
If you’re a woman with a naturally high chest voice, try tackling it by firmly supporting your voice so it doesn’t crack in the high sections, and pay as much attention as possible to your diction.
MesmerizerSatsuki
Satsuki, a Vocaloid producer known for eccentric compositions, shines again with their quirky musicality in the new track “Mesmerizer.” In particular, this song features strikingly high notes in the chorus.
The tempo is quick, and there are few natural breathing points typical of Vocaloid, so solid vocal technique is required.
To perform this piece well, it’s crucial to finish each four-bar vocal line in the chorus slightly earlier than in the original.
If you sing it exactly like the original, there will be no place to breathe from the start to the end of the chorus, so make yourself a breathing spot even if you have to force it.
[High Notes Warning!] High-Pitched Songs That Are Hard to Sing (41–50)
tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa
This is a work from Koresawa’s indie era, known as a singer-songwriter.
It’s a heartbreak song about breaking up with the partner she lived with, where the woman leaves.
The lyrics vividly portray emotions that women who have experienced heartbreak can relate to.
Centered on acoustic guitar and piano, the gentle melody is soothing, and her clear, transparent high notes resonate deeply in the heart.
Since the song is composed in a range that’s comfortable for many women, delivering it with feeling at karaoke is sure to be a hit with the girls.
Filmyama
Yama, a female singer-songwriter who’s gained popularity for her stylish musicality.
Her new track “Film” features a sound that blends R&B with 2-step and house, reminiscent of m-flo in the 2000s.
The vocal line centers on the higher register, and the chorus sustains an extended falsetto using a whispery tone.
While pitch control isn’t particularly difficult, the R&B style calls for techniques like falls and ad-libs, and the prolonged high phrases demand strong endurance.