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

KISSNEW!Imawano Kiyoshirō

Kiss

This is straight-ahead rock ’n’ roll from Kiyoshiro Imawano, memorable for a phrase that repeatedly chants the title.

Co-written with his close friend Shinji Miyake, it’s brimming with an irresistible urge to make your body move and the warmth that only a handmade production can deliver.

Included on the album “GOD,” released in March 2005, the track was created over the course of about a year at his private studio, the Rock ’n’ Roll Laboratory.

A key highlight is that Kiyoshiro himself plays drums, conveying a hefty, muscular groove.

It has an exhilarating feel that conjures a call-and-response at a live show, making it perfect for when you need a boost or as driving music.

Its very simplicity lets his one-of-a-kind shout hit you straight in the heart.

Mom, please stop.NEW!Imawano Kiyoshirō

Mama Mouyamete

It’s a track where a heart-wrenchingly urgent message fuses with a simple yet powerful rock sound, conveying Kiyoshiro’s sharp gaze toward society.

Included on the 2005 album “GOD,” this work is a shocking piece that depicts a painful cry within the home from a child’s perspective.

Co-written by Kiyoshiro and Shinji Miyake, it’s also known for featuring Kiyoshiro himself on drums—a soulful, hidden gem.

Though not released as a single, its lyrics delve into the darker side of modern society, powerfully shaking listeners and prompting reflection.

With few words and a straightforward melody, the pitch is easy to catch, but because of the heavy theme, try singing it with clear diction—conveying the words distinctly—while feeling the rock beat and pouring emotion into the performance.

naive; inexperienced; sheltered; ignorant of the ways of the worldNEW!Imawano Kiyoshirō

Unsophisticated Man

A masterpiece whose groovy rhythm, warm sound, and Kiyoshiro’s characteristically slightly cynical, introspective lyrics really resonate! This “Seken Shirazu” was the lead single from the classic 1992 album “Memphis.” It’s also known for being recorded in Memphis with the legendary band Booker T.

& the MG’s.

Originally a remake of a song from the ’70s, its B-side was the theme song for “Beat Takeshi’s TV Tackle,” so many people likely heard it back then.

The lyrics, which sing about not fitting into society, are perfect for moments when you want to pause and reflect.

The range isn’t wide and the tempo is relaxed, making it easy to sing, but be sure to cherish that distinctive, conversational nuance when you perform it.

Daydream BelieverImawano Kiyoshirō

Daydream Believer

For those who aren’t from the RC Succession generation, there may be people who first became aware of Kiyoshiro Imawano after hearing this “Daydream Believer” in Acecook’s popular “Super Cup” commercials.

Even after Kiyoshiro’s passing, it continued to play in 7-Eleven ads and has now settled in as a standard classic.

Originally a cover of The Monkees’ hit, it first appeared as the debut single by The Timers, so strictly speaking it isn’t a Kiyoshiro solo track.

However, the Japanese lyrics—written with thoughts of his birth mother, who died young—are filled with Kiyoshiro’s kindness and warmth, and they’re truly moving.

Since the original is a pop song written by an excellent songwriter, it’s easy for anyone to sing, and as mentioned, Kiyoshiro’s Japanese lyrics are wonderful—so sing it out freely and with feeling!

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Transistor radioRC sakuseshon

Transistor Radio

Transistor Radio is the 11th single by RC Succession, released in 1980.

The lyrics, drawn straight from Kiyoshiro’s own childhood experiences, vividly evoke a time when radio was the gateway to music.

It’s a catchy rock ’n’ roll number that kicks off with a buoyant guitar, yet its gently bittersweet, nostalgic melody can really bring a tear to your eye.

It’s a very popular song that many people want to sing at karaoke, but because the pitch range is fairly wide and the highs and lows are quite extreme, you might find it surprisingly difficult when you actually try it.

If you listen to the original over and over and sing with the mindset of boldly exaggerating Kiyoshiro’s vocal style, you might be surprised how well it clicks!

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I want to brag about it to people all over the world.Imawano Kiyoshirō

Kiyoshiro Imawano – I Want to Boast to People All Around the World

The straightforward lyrics, which clearly bring out Kiyoshiro Imawano’s sentimental side, are truly moving and bring tears to your eyes! “Sekai-ju no Hito ni Jiman Shitai yo” (“I Want to Brag About You to Everyone in the World”) was released as a single in April 1996 under Kiyoshiro’s solo name.

The lyrics, which express a pure desire to boast about someone precious to you and about the bond between you and them, avoid any sense of insincerity precisely because Kiyoshiro is the one singing them, and they simply seep into the listener’s heart.

The soulful backing vocals are another highlight, showcasing a side of Kiyoshiro’s musicality distinct from domestic J-pop-style ballads.

The range is a bit on the high side, but the melody is easy to pitch.

Try singing it with your heart, savoring each word.

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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.

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