Pick out the challenging songs that will earn you respect if you can nail them at karaoke!
Have you ever thought, “I’d look so cool if I could get through this song at karaoke,” only to crash and burn halfway through?Songs that are hard to sing hide plenty of tough spots—wide vocal ranges, complex rhythms, and blisteringly fast phrases that barely leave room to breathe.But that’s exactly why the sense of accomplishment when you nail them is second to none.In this article, we introduce a wide variety of challenging songs that are worth taking on at karaoke.If you want to test your limits or are looking for a spark to help you level up your singing, let this guide you to your next song choice!
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Pick up notoriously difficult songs that will make people take notice if you can pull them off at karaoke! (161–170)
Thunderous applauseLiSA
Issai no Kassai was pre-released and included on LiSA’s album LANDER, which came out in November 2022.
It was chosen as the official theme song for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on ABEMA and TV Asahi.
The song has a driving feel and a high word count, so you won’t be able to sing it unless you precisely understand which syllables are matched to the finer notes.
You’ll also need falsetto for the parts in the chorus that shoot up in pitch.
There’s a key change right before the final, extended chorus as well, so make sure to listen closely to the band’s playing to catch your notes.
Crimson Bow and ArrowLinked Horizon
It was the first opening theme of Attack on Titan.
It was even performed at the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Up to the first verse it isn’t too difficult, but after that the melody changes suddenly and it switches mostly to German, so it’s hard to keep up with the abrupt shifts.
Also, it’s a tough song to sing in karaoke because the on-screen display makes the lyrics hard to read.
Unforgettable DaysMISIA
I think switching between chest voice and falsetto in the chorus is difficult.
I recommend singing while clearly keeping in mind, “Up to here is chest voice, from here is falsetto.” This is one of MISIA’s signature songs, released in 1999 as her fourth single.
Keep IT RealONE OK ROCK
This is the title track from an album released in 2006.
Don’t get thrown off by the tempo changes between fast and slow—sing it through with confidence.
If you try singing the Japanese lyrics as if you were pronouncing English, it might bring out that ONE OK ROCK vibe.
Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism
This is a digital download–only single by Official HIGE DANDism, released on May 7, 2021.
It was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime Tokyo Revengers.
As a vocal piece, the song is quite difficult: it modulates key multiple times throughout, and the arrangement dynamically shifts in step with those changes.
The vocal performance by Satoshi Fujihara is especially notable—his projection, and particularly his powerful, soaring high tones, are outstanding.
To reproduce this in karaoke, you’ll need significant singing ability, including vocal production, pitch accuracy, and expressive control.
Precisely because of that, mastering this song should bring an exceptional sense of accomplishment.
Give it your best and aim to make it your own!
apoptosisOfisharu Higedan Dism
This is a song by the Japanese piano pop band Official HIGE DANDism.
It was released in advance on streaming services on August 11, 2021, as the lead track from Editorial, which came out on August 18, 2021.
The song is currently being used in an Apple Music commercial.
It’s a very beautiful piece with a flowing melody.
Precisely because of that, the most important thing to keep in mind when singing it is to deliver it gently so your voice never becomes piercing, even in the high parts.
That said, there are sections such as the chorus where a gentle yet powerful vocal is required, which I feel raises the difficulty of performing this song.
Focus on the vocal expression, study and understand the original thoroughly, and then give it a try.
Super ShooterRIP SLYME
The rapid flow is seriously tough! At first, your mouth won’t be able to keep up.
Start by memorizing the lyrics, then get a feel for when to take breaths.
Singing with a few people might make it easier.
Definitely give it a try at karaoke with a big group!