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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Handpicked tough songs that will earn you respect if you can nail them at karaoke! (281–290)
DynamiteSuperfly
This is the sixth digital-only single by the Japanese music unit Superfly, released on May 23, 2022.
Vocalist Shiho Ochi has been known for her powerful singing voice since their debut, and that powerhouse voice is fully on display in this track as well! The song is crafted into a powerful rock number that perfectly matches its title.
If you sing with so-called “throat voice,” merely pushing from the mouth, you’ll never capture this power and soulfulness.
To sing this song, the first requirement is to develop a strong, supported vocal technique.
When practicing this song, be careful not to strain or damage your throat.
Armor of the heartSuperfly
An artist known for powerful vocals.
Their wide vocal range, capable of both low and high notes, is captivating, and this song showcases that appeal to the fullest.
The chorus interweaves low and high notes, making it difficult to stay on pitch.
It gained attention as the theme song for “Yamikin Ushijima-kun Part 3.”
Lovers’ PavementTHE ALFEE
This is The Alfee’s 19th single, released in October 1984.
The biggest challenge in singing this song is, above all, Takamizawa’s high-tone lead vocals.
Since it’s a ballad, you can’t cover things up with sheer energy.
It’s sung with a very clear, soaring high register.
In that sense, it might be ideal as a practice piece for singing high notes, but don’t overdo it.
As long as you set the key to what suits you best, the melody itself isn’t that difficult, so it’s a good idea to gradually raise the key as your vocal range expands.
Seven Days of the WeekU-zhaan×Tamaki ROY×Chinza DOPENESS
The work Shichiyoubi features accomplished rappers like U-zhaan, Tamaki Roy, and Chinza DOPENESS performing together.
It doesn’t showcase soaring high notes or lightning-fast rap, yet it contains a unique difficulty you won’t find in typical tracks.
The reason lies in the meter.
The piece is structured in a very rare 7/4 rhythm, which is particularly hard for us Japanese listeners to groove to.
The beat is so tricky and peculiar that even the opening vocal entry can get lost—so by all means, give it a try.
Heaven and HellUNISON SQUARE GARDEN
UNISON SQUARE GARDEN has many high-difficulty songs, with wide vocal ranges and fast tempos.
This song also has a unique rhythm and pitch, so it may be the kind of track that those who struggle with it really struggle with.
The same artist’s “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” is also very challenging.
PRAYING RUNUVERworld
Their songs are often said to be generally difficult, and PRAYING RUN is particularly challenging for its high notes.
In live performances, the vocalist sometimes lowers the key when singing it.
It’s uptempo, and there seem to be many parts where it’s hard to keep the pitch.
Love SongUru
This is Uru’s 11th single, released on August 25, 2021.
It was selected as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama “Oshi no Ojisama.” It’s a gentle, mid-tempo number with a slight ballad feel, and Uru breathes a very tender life into the song with her voice.
From a vocal technique standpoint, singing this piece requires mastery of mixed voice to falsetto singing and smooth transitions between registers.
Also, because the song has a soft tone, it’s very important to articulate in a way that the consonants in the lyrics don’t become too harsh.
It may not be the easiest choice for casual karaoke, but if you’re confident in your singing, definitely give it a try!