RAG Musicartist
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Masterpieces by male artists known for their captivating high notes. Recommended popular songs.

Even when we say “high-tone voice” or “the allure of high notes,” there are many types of singers: some have a naturally high-sounding speaking voice but don’t actually have a very wide upper range, while others don’t sound particularly high, yet when they sing, you realize they’re actually hitting incredibly high notes.

High tones in male voices in particular often carry a curious sensuality and tend to sound especially appealing to listeners.

This time, we’ve gathered classic songs by male singers whose high notes are especially captivating.

High-tone vocals may now feel like a prerequisite for professional singers, but the ways of expressing them vary greatly from singer to singer.

Enjoy this rich variety of high-tone voices.

It might also give you ideas for your karaoke repertoire if you’re good with high notes!

That said, don’t push yourself when singing high notes! Forcing your throat to squeeze out high notes can often damage your precious voice.

If you’re thinking of trying these songs yourself, be sure to take proper voice training first before you take on the challenge!

Masterpieces by male artists known for captivating high notes. Recommended popular songs (191–200)

GLOWidom

idom “GLOW” (Theme song for the Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m. drama “Guardian of the Competition”)
GLOWidom

A song by singer-songwriter idom, who is also gaining attention as a multi-creator involved in video production, editing, and illustration.

Despite being the work of a newcomer, it was selected as the theme song for the prime-time Monday drama “The Vigilante” starring Kentaro Sakaguchi and Anne, and became a hot topic.

Even if you’re weak, by holding on to that weakness and moving forward, you can become strong.

Losing something isn’t the end; the message to live strongly beyond that resonates deep within, carried by idom’s straightforward vocals.

Take back love!kurisutaru kingu

[High Quality] Take Back the Love! (Subtitled).mp4
Take back love!kurisutaru kingu

A theme song by Crystal King for the hugely popular anime Fist of the North Star—likely known by just about everyone.

The original version was released in October 1984, and it seems several remakes have been released since.

Speaking of Masayuki Tanaka, Crystal King’s high-tone vocalist, he was hailed at debut as a Japanese Robert Plant for his powerful high-register voice, and in this track he delivers a strong, exhilarating high tone right from the start.

Many aspiring singers—especially those aiming for HM/HR styles—probably admire this kind of high-register voice, don’t they? This is a standout track where a metallic high tone truly shines!

globeYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu “Spinning Globe” × Hayao Miyazaki “The Boy and the Heron”
globeYonezu Kenshi

This is singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu’s 14th single, released in July 2023.

The song we’re introducing here, “Spinning Globe,” was written as the theme for the film The Boy and the Heron, Hayao Miyazaki’s first feature-length directorial work in ten years.

It’s a slow-tempo ballad centered on piano accompaniment, and over its beautiful backing track you can fully enjoy Yonezu’s exceptionally captivating high-tone voice.

It never feels overbearing, yet his clear, resonant vocals shine through.

Also note the effective use of falsetto for the higher passages throughout the track.

YesterdayOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Yesterday [Official Video]
YesterdayOfisharu Higedan Dism

This song was written as the theme for the 2019 animated film HELLO WORLD.

Set to a striking sound featuring piano and strings woven by Satoshi Fujiwara, it conveys the anguish of sacrificing something to protect family and friends, as well as the swell of budding romance.

Opening the acclaimed album Traveler, the track surpassed 300 million streams in February 2023.

If you can pull off this dramatic number at karaoke, you just might capture the heart of that special someone!

Masterpieces by male artists famed for their high vocals: Recommended popular songs (201–210)

A melody instead of a bouquetShimizu Shota

Shota Shimizu – A Melody Instead of a Bouquet / THE FIRST TAKE
A melody instead of a bouquetShimizu Shota

He isn’t particularly known as a high-note singer, but Shota Shimizu also has an impressive upper register.

In his early days, when his tone resembled Aretha Franklin’s early sound, his falsetto tended to be breathy.

As his career progressed, his voice took on a more characteristically Japanese color, and his high notes became more stable.

This work showcases the beauty of Shimizu’s falsetto.

The final section, where he adds riffs while staying in falsetto, is difficult even for professional vocal coaches.

Because of the summerRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Summer’s Fault [Official Music Video]
Because of the summerRADWIMPS

Released in September 2020, this track appears on RADWIMPS’ first EP CD “Natsu no Sei ep,” which compiles all the songs they released digitally from March to July 2020.

It’s crafted as a mid-tempo ballad that lets you fully enjoy vocalist Mr.

Noda’s clear voice, rich in higher overtones with a slightly boyish quality.

The song conveys a poignant feeling that evokes images of summer twilights.

It’s a piece that suits a gentle singing voice very well.

When singing it at karaoke and the like, be careful to keep the high notes from becoming too sharp or harsh.

Dear daysHirai Ken

Ken Hirai 'Dear Beloved Days' MUSIC VIDEO
Dear daysHirai Ken

This is Ken Hirai’s 34th single, released on May 4, 2011.

It was used as the theme song for TBS Television’s 60th anniversary drama “JIN.” As a piece of music, it’s a beautifully crafted ballad that lets you fully savor the charm of Ken Hirai’s exquisitely delicate vocals.

Essential to this nuanced vocal expression is his incredibly appealing high tone! In addition to a chest voice rich in attractive high overtones, he skillfully employs mixed voice and falsetto to bring out the song’s beauty to the fullest.

It’s also an ideal practice piece for mixed voice and falsetto, so if you’re aiming to become a singer like him, be sure to use it as a reference.