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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A selection of challenging songs that will earn you respect if you can nail them at karaoke! (261–270)
Stand Out Fit InONE OK ROCK
A track from ONE OK ROCK’s album Eye of the Storm, released in February 2019.
The fact that most of the lyrics are in English alone makes this a tough song for many Japanese men.
Even if you manage to get past that, reproducing the expansive high tones and the clean falsetto in karaoke will still be very challenging for many.
The key points are how you use mixed voice in the high notes and how you employ falsetto.
If you’re practicing on your own, please be careful not to strain your throat.
I think it’s important, for singing those soaring high notes, to relax your throat as much as possible and aim the sound as high as you can inside your mouth.
Wasted NightsONE OK ROCK
It’s the lead track from ONE OK ROCK’s full-length album “Eye of the Storm,” released in February 2019, and it was also used as the theme song for the movie “Kingdom.” The song is mostly in English, and Taka, the vocalist, not only has outstanding vocal ability but also a near-native English pronunciation.
Because of this, it can be quite challenging for Japanese speakers to sing at karaoke.
Try to choose a key that prevents your high notes from sounding thin while paying close attention to English pronunciation.
Of course, if you’re confident in your singing or your English, don’t hesitate to give it a try!
Wherever You AreONE OK ROCK
A track from ONE OK ROCK’s 2010 album Niche Syndrome.
ONE OK ROCK has many songs that are very challenging to sing at karaoke, but I think this one ranks among the toughest of them all.
Not only do you need solid high notes, but there aren’t many Japanese singers who can fully deliver this kind of slow rock ballad.
When singing it at karaoke, a key point will be how well you handle the frequent breaks in the song—those moments when the backing drops out.
Of course, you need to memorize the song well, but it’s also crucial to understand it as you sing.
And be sure to pay attention to the pronunciation of the English lyrics, too.
AnarchyOfisharu Higedan Dism
Released as a digital single by Official HIGE DANDism on January 7, 2022.
The first major challenge when singing this song is that it features a slightly bouncy beat that many Japanese singers find difficult.
Keep a strong awareness of the snare drum accents and make sure your groove doesn’t become flat.
Also, the D section after the second chorus has a vocal melody with very large pitch leaps, so being able to switch registers smoothly is essential.
Be careful not to let your voice sound weak in the falsetto parts.
Picked difficult songs that’ll earn you respect if you can nail them at karaoke! (271–280)
UniverseOfisharu Higedan Dism
This is Official HIGE DANDism’s fifth single, released in February 2021.
Many of their songs are quite challenging to sing at karaoke, and this track is no exception—it’s fairly tough.
While the key is a bit high for the average male singer (which can be managed by adjusting the key), many people will likely struggle to recreate the groove that emphasizes a 16-beat feel.
If you sing it without that tight 16th-note sensation, there’s a high risk the song will end up sounding rather dull—especially since the melody itself is simple and accessible.
When performing it, I recommend paying close attention to the sense of beat and rhythm.
This is Official HIGE DANDism’s fifth single, released in February 2021.
Many of their songs are quite challenging to sing at karaoke, and this track is no exception—it’s fairly tough.
While the key is a bit high for the average male singer (which can be managed by adjusting the key), many people will likely struggle to recreate the groove that emphasizes a 16-beat feel.
If you sing it without that tight 16th-note sensation, there’s a high risk the song will end up sounding rather dull—especially since the melody itself is simple and accessible.
When performing it, I recommend paying close attention to the sense of beat and rhythm.
FateOfisharu Higedan Dism
Shukumei is Official HIGE DANDism’s third single, released in July 2019.
Vocalist Fujiwara’s voice is notable and appealing for its highly resonant, clear high tones, and the song is crafted to maximize his “voice.” Another distinctive point is the effective use of mixed voice in sections like the A-melody and other verse parts, even at those high pitches.
Choosing this song for karaoke is quite advanced, but try to sing with as much free, expansive high tone as possible.
It’s also important to avoid making the highs sound like the edgy, piercing tones you might hear in HM/HR.
YELLOW YELLOW HAPPYPocket Biscuits
It was released in 1997 as Pocket Biscuits’ second single.
The composition was handled by Pappara Kawai of Bakufu Slump, who also produced the track, and it became a million seller.
The chorus is very high-pitched, but it’s a very fun song that you can sing along to with the rhythm.