Challenge yourself with difficult songs at karaoke! Tracks that will earn you praise if you can sing them well
Even when you think, “I want to try this song at karaoke!”, once you actually give it a shot you sometimes run into unexpected hurdles—like a range that’s too wide or rhythms that are too complex.
What technical elements make certain songs difficult to sing? In this article, we’re featuring high-difficulty tracks that are especially rewarding to tackle at karaoke.
We also touch on which parts are challenging and what kind of vocal approach is required, so if you want to expand your expressive range as a singer, be sure to check it out!
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Challenge yourself with difficult songs at karaoke! Tracks that will earn you praise if you can pull them off (101–110)
I meet peopleMrs. GREEN APPLE
A song by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, included on their first mini-album “Progressive,” released in February 2015.
By the way, the title is apparently pronounced “Gahōjin.” As for Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, first and foremost, vocalist Mr.
Omori’s singing voice contains a great deal of high-order overtones, and that alone may make many people feel there’s a high hurdle to singing this song at karaoke.
On top of that, Omori also has a very wide range of vocal expression, so to reproduce this track as in the original, you’ll need to switch between various vocal techniques and have the ability to understand the song well and express it solidly.
If you’re confident in your singing, definitely give it a try!
ROSEHANA
In 2025, HANA—a seven-member female group that could well be called one of the year’s most talked-about acts—burst onto the scene.
Produced by CHANMINA, their fluid movement between hip-hop and R&B, paired with world-class sound quality, made a powerful impact both in Japan and abroad.
Their debut track “ROSE,” released in April 2025, was an undeniable hit, racking up 15 million views on YouTube within three weeks and showcasing the immense potential of all seven members.
With a firm “no lip-syncing” policy, their talent is obvious from the official live performances available—though of course, attempting their songs at karaoke will demand a comparable level of vocal skill.
From robust, R&B-inflected vocals that soar across high and low registers to razor-sharp rap, if you and your confident singer friends can pull off a faithful recreation, you’ll undoubtedly be the stars of the night at karaoke!
Killer Intent vs. Killer IntentMakishimamu Za Horumon
Maximum the Hormone, a defining presence in Japanese metal.
Known for their hard-hitting sound that blends nu metal and hardcore punk, many listeners find their songs challenging to sing.
Among their catalog, the one I especially recommend is ‘Intent to Kill vs Intent to Kill.’ In this work, which features a collaboration with Toma Ikuta, his parts are relatively simple, but the rest demand high-level vocal techniques that rely heavily on death growls and screams.
the Beat of LifeKubota Toshinobu
Toshinobu Kubota is an R&B singer who has been active for many years and is known in Japan as one of the quintessential great vocalists.
From his catalog, the song I especially recommend is “the Beat of Life.” This track has an R&B sound reminiscent of the late 1990s and early 2000s, and it showcases sophisticated vocal techniques like ad-libs (often heard in R&B) multiple times.
It also demands a strong sense of groove, making it a great challenge for those who are accustomed to singing Western music.
The Spider’s ThreadTomei
Singer-songwriter TOMEI, who gained nationwide popularity for performing the theme song of the film “Suzume,” is, somewhat unexpectedly, an artist with a sharp-edged musical style.
She has repeatedly released sensibility-driven tracks that ignore market trends.
One such example is ‘Kumo no Ito’ (Spider’s Thread).
While the piece is rooted in Showa-era kayōkyoku, it features frequent use of falsetto.
Its overall vocal range is wide, and the rhythm is relaxed, making it a high-difficulty song where there’s little room to hide any shortcomings.
Take on tough songs at karaoke! Tracks that will earn you praise if you can pull them off (111–120)
Gambling hallŌishi Masayoshi
Masayoshi Oishi, a well-known figure even in the online world.
With his excellent talk skills and catchy musical style, he has even pulled off a show at the Budokan.
His new song is Gambling Hall.
The track blends a Japanese flavor with a jazzy vibe that really shines.
Speaking of Masayoshi Oishi’s music, soaring high notes are a trademark, and they’re very much present here as well.
While it’s not an intense song per se, the melodic leaps are quite pronounced, so delicate pitch control is essential.
A flower of no colorUtada Hikaru
Utada Hikaru’s fantastical masterpiece “Naniiro Demo Nai Hana.” This track is marked by an opening and chorus that feel almost like Western pop.
It begins with a languid, dreamlike melody, while the first verse evokes a touch of standard jazz.
In the latter half, R&B flavors emerge, making it a highly intricate piece.
The vocal range is on the narrower side, so it doesn’t demand a specific voice type, but it does call for strong rhythmic sense and advanced techniques like expressive ad-libs reminiscent of vocal “kobushi.” Be sure to check it out.