Classic and popular blues songs to sing at karaoke
The blues—a music genre whose charm lies in its deeply melancholic sound.
In fact, Japanese blues is surprisingly known for its high quality.
The underground scene is home to some incredible singers, and it’s overflowing with great songs.
This time, we’ve selected tracks we especially recommend for karaoke.
We’ve also included vocal technique tips from a vocal coach, so if you want to sing the blues with a cool, rugged edge, this is a must-see.
- Ranking of popular blues songs
- A classic of Japanese blues. Japanese blues that lets you get drunk on the sound and vocals.
- A collection of enka songs with “Blues” in the title: masterpieces that sing of sorrow
- Even karaoke beginners can relax! Easy-to-sing songs for men
- Must-see for men: Songs that look cool if you can sing them at karaoke—numbers that women can’t help but be captivated by.
- [Karaoke] A roundup of songs that are easy for women to sing!
- Hidden karaoke gems you might not know: a collection of easy-to-sing, crowd-pleasing tracks
- Gentle songs you want to sing at karaoke. Recommended classics and popular hits.
- Ballad songs that are easy to sing at karaoke. Recommended classics and popular hits.
- Blues masterpieces—from prewar blues to blues rock
- Karaoke songs recommended for men with low voices or who are good at singing in a low register
- Great for karaoke too! Jazz classics you’ll want to sing at least once
- A lineup of classic hits! Karaoke songs recommended for the yutori generation
Blues classics and popular songs to sing at karaoke (1–10)
When dawn breaksAsakawa Maki
When people think of the blues, many picture a genre that’s gritty and energetic.
That’s certainly true for a lot of songs, but there are also blues pieces with a dark, heavy atmosphere.
Those are commonly called “withered blues,” and Maki Asakawa is widely acclaimed as Japan’s best female singer-songwriter when it comes to performing them.
Her music blends elements of jazz and blues into a dark yet stylish sound, making it a great pick for a late-night karaoke song.
Don’t be discouraged, baby.B.B.QUEENS
B.B.QUEENS, the music group that performed the opening theme for the hugely popular anime Chibi Maruko-chan, is best known for its pop tracks.
That said, because the lineup includes Fuyunonsuke Kondo, one of Japan’s premier blues singers, the group also has some distinctly bluesy songs.
Among them, the one I especially recommend is Shogenaide yo BABY.
It’s also well known as the theme song for the popular show Hajimete no Otsukai (My First Errand).
This track blends a cute charm with the cool, gritty edge of the blues.
Be sure to give it a listen.
Asahi Towerchiaki naomi
Asahi-ro is a song I especially recommend to women.
Although the original is a Western song, it has been covered by many artists in Japan.
Among them, Naomi Chiaki’s cover is particularly famous.
The song’s theme is quite dark, but it matches the despair and wistfulness of the melody, and there are many powerful melodic passages throughout.
It’s a vocally challenging piece, but because the melody makes it easy to sing with feeling, I encourage you to give it a try.
crowdImawano Kiyoshirō
Singer-songwriter Kiyoshiro Imawano, beloved by many for his unconventional personality and distinctive musicality.
Though he’s a singer who represents rock and punk, he also released songs rooted in the blues, which could be called a close relative of those genres.
Among them, the one I especially recommend is “Zattō” (Crowd).
Surprisingly, Imawano’s uniquely colored voice pairs exceptionally well with the blues.
It’s a perfect pick for those who want to hear blues that carries a refined coolness while holding a subtle, wistful touch.
Cycling BluesImawano Kiyoshirō
Kiyoshiro Imawano’s song is a work filled with love for bicycles.
It captures the sensation of slicing through the breeze on a refreshing ride, set to a bluesy melody.
Released in July 2005, the track offers a glimpse of his cyclist side.
Imawano, who started cycling in his fifties, pours his passion into every line of the lyrics.
It’s recommended not only for cycling enthusiasts but also for anyone who wants to feel a sense of unity with nature.
Sing it at karaoke, and you’ll surely feel a pleasant wind.