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] A compilation of Vocaloid songs that are difficult to sing
- [For Men] Masterpiece Enka Songs with High Difficulty
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- Karaoke songs popular with women that they want men to sing
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Challenge tough songs at karaoke! Tracks that will earn you praise if you can pull them off (131–140)
that bandkessoku bando
This is a digital-only single performed by Kessoku Band, the in-story group that appears in the 2022 TV anime “Bocchi the Rock!”.
I love Kessoku Band’s rock songs too and often sing “Guitar, Loneliness and Blue Planet,” but “That Band” is really tough because the tempo is fast and the rhythm is very distinctive! I recommend listening closely to the track before trying to sing it.
The timing for clipping the words in the A section, the timing for sustaining notes in the chorus—once the melody starts, there aren’t any spots to rest, so rather than memorizing the whole thing in one go, I think it’s easier to grasp if you learn it bit by bit, melody by melody, which also helps keep it organized in your head.
Also, for the high notes like D5 and C5 in the last chorus, don’t pull the sound back—project your voice forward firmly! It’s like tossing it out with a burst of energy.
Try to keep that in mind!
flowersyuzu
Yuzu, the duo that has been active for many years, continues to shine.
In their early days, their appeal lay in a pop sound with a touch of folk, but lately they’ve shown a surprising evolution.
Their track “flowers” centers on a style akin to what dominates contemporary Japanese music—reminiscent of K-pop and boy groups.
Naturally, the level of difficulty has risen compared to their previous works: while it doesn’t quite reach full-on mixed voice, the song demands sustained high notes and even includes sections with a slight ad-lib feel.
OrangeSPYAIR
SPYAIR is a rock band that’s gained popularity for its wide musical range, from sharp, edgy rock to catchy ballads.
They’re especially beloved by people in their teens and twenties.
Among their songs, the one I particularly recommend is Orange.
It was a nationwide hit, so you may already know it.
The tricky part of this track is definitely the chorus.
While the range isn’t extremely wide, you have to sustain long tones in a part that reaches close to a mixed voice, so solid foundational vocal technique is essential.
FallSuperfly
Shiho Ochi of Superfly is known for her incredible vocal power.
A highly challenging song that really showcases her vocal ability is Fall.
Rooted in jazz, the piece carries a decadent, desolate atmosphere throughout.
It’s not merely a downbeat track, though—the chorus demands overwhelming volume and expressive power.
Maintaining a thick, full-bodied tone while delivering shouts, among other techniques, makes this a song that requires exceptionally high-level technique and solid fundamentals.
selfish; self-centered; willfulkujira
Kujira is a singer-songwriter also known as a Vocaloid producer.
A male singer renowned for his high notes, he’s gained popularity with sophisticated compositions that draw on his background as a Vocaloid P.
Among his tracks, the one I especially recommend is Wagamama.
This song uses the “Just the Two of Us” progression that’s been showing up incredibly often in recent J-pop, and it features frequent falsetto lines.
It also carries a slightly Black music vibe, so you’ll need a good sense of groove to pull it off.
Give it a try.
force majeureVaundy
This track was released as a digital-only single on January 22, 2020, and it gives the impression of “Only Vaundy could sing this!” I think you can broadly divide the song into two parts: the calmer first half and the latter half where the high notes really shine.
The range is very wide too, from A#2 to C5.
In the rap section of the first half, that relaxed feel is key.
Sing it coolly, but make sure your words are clear so it doesn’t turn into a mumble.
For the high notes starting from the chorus in the second half, lift your facial muscles to get ready, then project your voice as if aiming far into the distance! Since the high notes keep coming, that burst of energy—sheer momentum—is crucial.
When you nail this part, it feels amazing for both the singer and the listener! Vaundy has many challenging songs, so they’re really rewarding to practice.
Definitely give it a try!
99LANA
When it comes to female singer-songwriters representing the Reiwa-era R&B scene, it has to be LANA, without question.
Also known as the sister of LEX, she consistently delivers high-sense tracks with top-tier vocals and a remarkable timbre.
One of her signature songs is “99.” It’s an R&B track with a drum’n’bass feel, but the vocal lines are intricately detailed, and you’ll only notice the high-level techniques throughout once you try singing it yourself.
In particular, she frequently uses the ‘fall’ technique, so unless you’re accustomed to singing Western music, it will be difficult to pull off.