Challenge yourself with difficult songs at karaoke! Tracks that will earn you praise if you can sing them well
Even when you think, “I want to try this song at karaoke!”, once you actually give it a shot you sometimes run into unexpected hurdles—like a range that’s too wide or rhythms that are too complex.
What technical elements make certain songs difficult to sing? In this article, we’re featuring high-difficulty tracks that are especially rewarding to tackle at karaoke.
We also touch on which parts are challenging and what kind of vocal approach is required, so if you want to expand your expressive range as a singer, be sure to check it out!
- [Taking on a song with a wide vocal range] An S-class challenge track
- [High-pitched warning!] Songs with high notes that are hard to sing
- [For Men] Tough Karaoke Songs: A collection of tracks that look cool if you can sing them!
- [If You Can Sing These, You're Amazing!] Cool Karaoke Songs for Women
- Recommended for great singers! A collection of impressive songs if you can sing them
- [For Women] Sing challenging songs at karaoke and steal the spotlight!
- [Challenge] A compilation of Vocaloid songs that are difficult to sing
- [For Men] Masterpiece Enka Songs with High Difficulty
- [For Women] Masterpiece Enka Songs with a High Degree of Difficulty
- [For Men] Cool, Popular Songs That Impress at Karaoke
- Karaoke songs popular with women that they want men to sing
- [Karaoke] Songs That Make It Easy to Score High | From Classics to the Newest Hits
- Even karaoke beginners can relax! Easy-to-sing songs for men
Challenge yourself with difficult songs at karaoke! Tracks that will earn you praise if you can sing them well (281–290)
I like you.YOASOBI
A digital-only single by the Japanese music duo YOASOBI, released on May 30, 2022.
At first listen, it sounds like a mid-tempo pop song that’s very easy to hum along to, but the vocal melody is crafted to make full use of ikura’s exceptional vocal ability.
Many listeners may realize that actually reproducing her performance perfectly is quite difficult when they try singing it themselves.
If you sing it at karaoke, be careful not to fall behind the slightly bouncing rhythm, and pay attention to how you switch between the various high-tone vocals.
BlessingYOASOBI
The opening theme for Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury is Blessing, performed by YOASOBI.
Released in 2022, it reached No.
3 on the Oricon Singles Chart and No.
2 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
The chorus is characterized by a melody line with a wide pitch range, and the sections that rise sharply require a relaxed vocal delivery.
A calm, understated singing style that suits the programmed sound—one of YOASOBI’s musical hallmarks—is also essential, and precise rhythm is indispensable for achieving it.
Arpeggio[Alexandros]
![Arpeggio[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uHxwO3mGpLU/sddefault.jpg)
The lead track from [ALEXANDROS]’s album “Sleepless in Brooklyn,” released in November 2018.
It also made waves because Takuya Kimura appeared in the music video.
It’s highly abstract and—speaking a bit crudely—because it has a lot of English lyrics, it’s sung in a very “Western pop-like” style.
In terms of rhythm, if you sing it in a flat, typically Japanese phrasing, it’s hard to capture the vibe.
Feeling the off-beats properly while singing is the top priority.
Also, in the vocal melody—especially in the chorus—you need to use a resonant high tone with a strong head voice, which will be a challenge for those who haven’t had formal vocal training.
Try not to force your voice or strain; choose a key that suits you and aim to sing as relaxed as possible.
Cherry Blossom Timeaiko
It was released in 2000 as aiko’s fifth major-label single.
The initial run was limited to 200,000 copies, making it very difficult to obtain in some regions.
The song was featured in a commercial for Calpis lactic acid bacteria beverage “Calpis Water.” Many of aiko’s songs include numerous semitone passages, and with the high notes and distinctive rhythms, this track is very challenging to sing.
Happy Endingback number
Released in November 2016 as back number’s 16th single.
It’s quite a lovely rock ballad! I think the two main challenges when singing this song are as follows.
First, in the A and B sections, the phrasing—or rather, the breaks in the lyrics—can be a bit unclear, making it hard to find spots to breathe.
For this, carefully listen to the original, understand the rhythmic phrasing and the lyrics well, and you should be able to handle it.
Also, while the singer delivers the high notes with a cool, chest-voice tone, it’s not just about belting; the vocals show clear contrasts and dynamics for expression.
There are parts that use falsetto, too, so it’s probably an ideal practice piece for singing in the higher range.
Above all, practice without overdoing it and be careful not to strain your throat!
FACES PLACESglobe
This is globe’s ninth single, released in 1997.
Similar phrases appear repeatedly.
It’s difficult to convey the mood of the song by adding dynamics within those repetitions.
The high melody in KEIKO’s chorus part is also challenging.
If you can make it through the whole song, it feels satisfying.
D.O.D. (Drink Or Die)hide
Drink or die.
That’s the kind of ultimate choice hide’s track throws at you.
You’ll be blown away by the machine-gun-speed lyrics, no question.
His razor-sharp word choice shines with keen sensitivity, etching itself into your heart and leaving an unforgettable impact after just one listen.
Released in 1994, this work has retained its undiminished aggression over time and continues to captivate fans today.
Tackling it at karaoke demands flawless vocal ability and real stamina.
It might be the perfect pick for thrill-seekers and karaoke lovers chasing something fun and daring.