[A Must-See for Rock Beginners] KiYoshiro Imawano's Easy-to-Sing Songs
Kiyoshiro Imawano, a legendary figure in Japan’s rock scene.
Not only did he make his mark with bands like RC Succession and The Timers, but he also created many classic songs as a solo artist.
Even now, after his passing, his musical style and values continue to be loved by many listeners.
This time, we’ve picked out some of Kiyoshiro Imawano’s songs that are especially easy to sing.
We’ll also feature tracks from RC Succession and The Timers, so be sure to read to the end!
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Must-See for Rock Beginners: Kiyoshiro Imawano’s Easy-to-Sing Songs (1–10)
Nuclear Power Plant Ondo (festival song)Za Taimāzu
Genpatsu Ondo is a song that humorously and satirically expresses the basic stance of Kiyoshiro Imawano—say what needs to be said.
Centered on a figure named ZERRY, who is presented only as someone “very similar to Kiyoshiro Imawano,” The Timers actively released songs that stirred controversy, and even within their discography this track is especially biting in its irony.
However, there’s no official audio release; you can only check out live recordings on YouTube and the like.
Set to an ondo rhythm familiar to Japanese listeners, the lyrics are easy to remember in several senses, and it’s so singable you could hum it absentmindedly.
That said, if you sing it in front of people who don’t know the band or the background of the song, they might misunderstand it in various ways—so be careful!
Oh! RADIOImawano Kiyoshirō
The wistful sound of the harmonica and the nostalgic melody, along with the laid-back vibe, reveal a different side of Kiyoshiro from his rock ’n’ roll persona.
The song was originally created as a campaign tune to commemorate a radio station’s 20th anniversary and was provided to a group of popular musicians.
However, there exists a demo recording on which Kiyoshiro himself performed all the parts, and this posthumous work was released as a single in June 2009, one month after his passing in May of the same year.
The melody, sung in a relaxed, flowing style over a so-called 8-beat shuffle rhythm, sits generally on the higher side of the range, so men with lower voices might find it somewhat high.
That said, the pitch stays fairly consistent, so if you adjust it to fit your vocal range, you should have no trouble singing it at karaoke.
To your daughterDANGER
This track features Kiyoshiro Imawano joining the Doktor Umezu Band, led by Kazutoki Umezu—known as the horn section “Blue Day Horns” from RC Succession—released under the name “DANGER.” If you’re expecting catchy rock ’n’ roll, you might be surprised: it’s a fairly avant-garde, free jazz–style sound over which Kiyoshiro sings with complete freedom, making it a rather unusual unit even within his discography.
Stripped down to the melody alone, though, it’s very simple and characteristically Kiyoshiro.
So if you’re going to sing it, it’s best to grasp the melody by tuning into the piano—the only instrument consistently playing chord tones.
[A Must-See for Rock Beginners] Kiyoshiro Imawano’s Easy-to-Sing Songs (11–20)
SUMMER TOURRC sakuseshon
Released in 1982 and reaching No.
6 on the Oricon chart, this RC Succession hit was co-written by Kiyoshiro Imawano and Reiichi Nakaido.
A live version was included on the hit album BEAT POPS released the same year, featuring a horn section for an even more vibrant arrangement.
“SUMMER TOUR” is a song you’ll definitely want to sing at karaoke in the height of summer, though men might find the vocal range surprisingly high.
The pitch movement isn’t extremely wide, so if high notes aren’t your strength, you should be able to handle it by adjusting the key to suit your range.
Enjoy the playful lyrics and try channeling Kiyoshiro as you sing!
Welcome!RC sakuseshon
As an opening number for a live show, you couldn’t ask for a more fitting classic than “Yōkoso”! It’s included on RC Succession’s legendary live album RHAPSODY from their shift into a rock band, and Kiyoshiro Imawano kept performing it even in his solo years.
The lyrics welcome the audience to the concert and introduce the band members—something that would almost certainly backfire if a run-of-the-mill artist tried to imitate it.
It’s a catchy, brilliant rock ’n’ roll tune you can blast through on sheer momentum, but the range is on the higher side, so if you’re not comfortable with high notes, try lowering the key.
You know me.RC sakuseshon
When RC Succession’s “Ame-agari no Yozora ni” (In the Midnight After the Rain), one of their signature songs, was released as a single, this track “Kimi ga Boku o Shitteru” (“You Know Me”) appeared as the B-side.
It’s said to symbolize the relationship between Kiyoshiro Imawano and Reichi Nakaido, and in a sense it’s a very important song, as it would always be performed whenever they appeared together even after RC Succession went on hiatus.
The lustrous ring of the guitar and the tone of the organ, along with Kiyoshiro’s slightly wistful voice and the melody, are truly moving.
While it’s hard to imitate Kiyoshiro’s idiosyncratic vocal phrasing, singing the melody yourself reveals how simply catchy and approachable it is.
This song is exactly that kind of classic—there are no extremely high notes, and it feels great to sing.
By all means, try singing it with a dear friend who can handle the backing vocals!
Theme from THE TIMERSZa Taimāzu
Among Kiyoshiro Imawano’s towering discography—where he never flinched from releasing works sometimes labeled “problematic” to challenge the world—the group that stirred the most controversy was The Timers.
At the same time, you can’t overlook their playful covers and lyrical flair.
This “Timers no Theme ~ Theme from THE TIMERS” is a track modeled on The Monkees’ “(Theme From) The Monkees.” The melody, which many will find familiar, is very easy to sing.
The lyrics might startle listeners who don’t know the backstory, but the rhythm of the words is so catchy that you can’t help humming along.
It’s perfect for lighting up a karaoke session among friends who are in on the joke!