[A Must-See for Rock Beginners] KiYoshiro Imawano's Easy-to-Sing Songs

JUMPImawano Kiyoshirō

Jump

With its light guitar riffs and sparkling piano, a soulful horn section, and Kiyoshiro’s signature full-throttle vocals and lyrics, this is a quintessential, no-questions-asked Kiyoshiro Imawano classic! Released as a single in 2004, “JUMP” was also used in the Acecook Super Cup 1.5 commercial, so many people have probably heard it.

The chorus, where the title is shouted with gusto, is easy to remember, and the lyrics—packed with Kiyoshiro’s biting message yet delivered in a fun, uplifting way—make it a song you’ll want to sing at karaoke.

The pitch may feel a bit high for lower-voiced men, but the melody line is straightforward, and you can sing it without trouble by adjusting to your own vocal range.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

Oh! RADIOImawano Kiyoshirō

Kiyoshiro Imawano – Oh! RADIO

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

ROCK ME BABYImawano Kiyoshirō

Kiyoshiro Imawano – ROCK ME BABY

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

Heavy rainImawano Kiyoshirō

Kiyoshiro Imawano – Hard Rain

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.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem