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 of tough songs that will make people take notice if you can nail them at karaoke! (211–220)
#NAME?ONE OK ROCK
ONE OK ROCK is a rock band that enjoys immense popularity not only in Japan but also overseas.
Their authentic sound and songwriting, which can stand shoulder to shoulder with international bands, are truly impressive.
Among their tracks, the one I especially recommend is their new song, +Matter.
The most challenging part of this piece is, without a doubt, the chorus.
Because it requires repeatedly switching between falsetto and high chest voice, it demands a high level of pitch control.
On top of that, as is common in rock music, the vocals call for loud, shout-like delivery, so a powerful presence is also essential.
Silent JealousyX JAPAN
Known as a song where intensity and beauty coexist, this piece overwhelms listeners as its high-speed performance and emotionally rich lyrics intertwine to exquisite effect.
Words portraying lost love, false tears, and fierce emotions are delivered at a rapid-fire pace, creating a passionate worldview.
Included on the 1991 album “Jealousy,” it continues to influence many artists as a track that symbolizes X JAPAN’s musical identity.
Highly recommended for fans of melodic speed metal or those who want to test their expressive singing.
The difficulty is high, but once you can sing it, you’re sure to draw everyone’s attention!
First LoveUtada Hikaru
All of Hikaru Utada’s songs are famously difficult, but this one is probably the best known and the hardest.
The tempo is on the slower side, but the gap between the low and high notes is so large that I don’t think anyone without a very wide vocal range can really pull it off.
DREAMERyamazaru
Yamazaru is an artist with many facets—actor, singer-songwriter, and entrepreneur.
He’s known for a catchy sound that mixes EDM and rock.
Among his works, the one I especially recommend is DREAMER.
The vocal line is relatively simple, but the chorus features very deep low notes, so you need to deliver powerful low-end presence.
It may seem easy, but it’s trickier than it looks.
Focus on clear diction and solid vocal projection, and try to master the chorus.
AwA AwAchōtokkyū
Right now, the hottest boy group is Cho-Tokkyu (BULLET TRAIN).
Rather than a conventional boy group, their slightly unique musical style really stands out.
Among their songs, the one I especially recommend is AwA AwA.
It’s a track that frequently appears on TV, so I think many of you already know it.
The challenging part of this piece is the falsetto in the chorus.
You fill the chorus using a tone somewhere between mixed voice and falsetto, and that’s where pitch control and stamina become the real hurdles.
Maplesupittsu
This is the 19th single by the Japanese rock band Spitz, released in July 1998 as a double A-side with its coupling track “Spica,” and it was used as the opening theme for TBS’s “COUNT DOWN TV.” It’s a very relaxed ballad, but you can enjoy Masamune Kusano’s singing, featuring a very resonant falsetto especially in the high notes of the chorus.
It seems likely he’s using a falsetto with a strong chest-voice component—something close to what’s commonly called a mixed voice—but in any case, it’s a great example of a male vocalist using falsetto effectively.
Be sure to listen closely to the original and practice along.
NIGHT DANCERimase
Singer-songwriter imase, who enjoys support from younger generations with his R&B-tinged tracks.
Among his works, one of the most challenging in the high register is NIGHT DANCER.
While the song isn’t extremely high overall, much of the chorus is sung in falsetto, requiring a high level of control.
It’s a trending track you’ll often hear on TikTok and Instagram Reels, so be sure to master it.