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)
to singimase

Singer-songwriter imase stands out for pop music that resonates with teens and people in their twenties, blending relatable lyrics with an R&B essence.
His songs are also known for featuring lots of high notes.
Among his works, the one I especially recommend is “Utau.” The entire chorus is sung in falsetto.
It has a light, airy delivery, so it’s really a song only for those who can easily hit high notes.
Considering that, it’s definitely a track that ranks at S level.
APOLLO STYLEAPOLLO

APOLLO is a reggae DJ with overwhelming popularity in the Kansai region.
Alongside J-REXXX, he’s known as one of Japan’s premier masters of fastest rap.
Among his works, the one I especially recommend is APOLLO STYLE.
Recognized as his signature piece, this track unfolds at a very high BPM.
What’s more, the repeated shouts in the high register during the hook are notoriously difficult.
If you’re confident in your diction, definitely give it a try.
#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!
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.
Server Downmurasaki ima

Shion, a female singer-songwriter known for her compositions that showcase elements of authentic Black music within a catchy musical style.
In “Masho no Onna A,” she delivered vocals that shone with intensity and sensuality, but this work features a style that brings R&B to the forefront.
Across the track, you’ll hear parts that mix falsetto and riffs/ad-libs, as well as advanced R&B techniques like whisper voice and falls.
Give it a try.
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.


