[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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- [Karaoke] Recommended easy-to-sing songs by Kazuyoshi Saito.
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Must-See for Rock Beginners: Kiyoshiro Imawano’s Easy-to-Sing Songs (1–10)
ROCK ME BABYImawano Kiyoshirō
Opening his fifth solo album, GOD, released in 2005, is the breezy, R&R-flavored track ROCK ME BABY, just as its title suggests.
Even within its characteristically simple lyrics—so typical of Kiyoshiro, who never forgot the heart of a kid who loves rock ’n’ roll—there’s a subtle yet important message that showcases his impeccable sensibility.
It’s a perfect karaoke song with a catchy melody you can memorize after just a few listens, though you might find the pitch range a bit demanding.
Since this is the kind of song where the groove matters most, start by going all-in with the energy—try imitating Kiyoshiro’s style, including the final shout.
Heavy rainImawano Kiyoshirō
With lively drums, a bright horn section, and a catchy melody, this classic by Kiyoshiro will make your body and soul start dancing! This “Hageshii Ame” isn’t a cover of THE MODS, but rather a track included on Kiyoshiro’s sixth solo album, Yumesuke, released in 2006.
It also drew attention for featuring Kiyoshiro’s longtime ally from the RC Succession days, Reiichi Nakaido, in the songwriting.
It has that quintessential Kiyoshiro vibe, and while the surprising chorus that even mentions “RC Succession” sits a bit on the higher side of the range, the jumps aren’t too extreme.
If you relax into the upbeat groove and sing along, the rhythm comes naturally, making it easy to perform.
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!