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 tough songs that will earn you respect if you can nail them at karaoke! (371–380)
ERRORMiura Daichi
Daichi Miura, a singer-songwriter famed as the “Japanese Michael Jackson,” consistently releases new tracks, always thrilling the scene with music that defies expectations in the best way.
Among his recent songs, the one I especially recommend is “ERROR.” It features frequent use of falsetto and many abrupt pitch jumps, making it challenging to stay on pitch.
The slow tempo also leaves little room to hide imperfections, which further adds to its difficulty.
Perfect BlueWagakki Band
Among Wagakki Band’s works that blend tradition and innovation, this is arguably one of the most captivating songs.
With its exhilarating, fast-paced rhythm and rapid-fire lyrics, it delivers a powerful message centered on self-exploration and growth.
Released in September 2015, the track showcases the band’s musical identity, achieving a superb harmony between the tones of traditional Japanese instruments and rock elements.
While it’s fairly challenging to sing at karaoke, it’s the perfect choice when you want to take a new step forward or reflect on yourself.
Why not give it a try?
A selection of challenging songs that will make people take notice if you can pull them off at karaoke! (381–390)
Close your eyesHirai Ken
It was released in 2004 as Ken Hirai’s 20th single.
The song was used as the theme for the film “Crying Out Love in the Center of the World,” topped the Oricon yearly singles chart that same year, and became a million seller.
The chorus is very high-pitched and requires falsetto, making it a highly challenging song.
paprikaYonezu Kenshi
Released in August 2018, this is Kenshi Yonezu’s self-cover version of the song he wrote for the elementary and middle school unit Foorin as a cheer song for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
It was also featured on NHK’s Minna no Uta.
Mastering the mixed voice is key to singing this one, and that’s probably the most important thing to watch out for when you sing it at karaoke.
Perhaps because it was designed as a cheer chorus song, as long as the key suits you, the melody itself is very familiar and easy to remember.
If you’re not confident in switching between vocal registers, pay close attention to your key settings.
Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy
This is a digital-only single by singer-songwriter Vaundy, released in May 2020.
It was issued as a pre-release single from his first album, “strobo.” The song has a rather striking title, doesn’t it? Contrary to the impression the title might give, the track itself is a very orthodox, up-tempo pop song, showcasing Vaundy’s clear, soaring high tones over the backing track.
The vocal melody frequently uses a relatively high range, so I think it’s also a good recommendation for higher-voiced male singers to try at karaoke.
To sing it well, it’s important not to lose the sense of tempo and groove, so make sure you feel the beat solidly and be careful to keep the rhythm from becoming flat as you sing.
I’d rather die.Fuji Kaze
It’s a song by Fujii Kaze included on his first album, “HELP EVER HURT NEVER,” released in May 2020.
Within its simply arranged slow ballad style, you can enjoy Fujii Kaze’s remarkably diverse vocal expression.
Starting with an opening scat that skillfully shifts from mixed voice to falsetto, followed by a solid low register, and then soaring high notes in the latter half, the melody unfolds at a slightly brisk pace with frequent rises and falls.
Altogether, it makes for a song that’s quite challenging to sing.
If your vocals rush ahead of the backing track, it can ruin the slightly languid atmosphere of the original, so first make sure to really feel the rhythm of the backing track before you sing.
ANOTHER WORLDGACKT
It’s a high-energy rock number right from the intro.
If it’s difficult, start by singing slowly while reading the lyrics.
Once you get used to it, try singing along with the music.
Hitting the high notes in the chorus feels great.
It was released in 2001 as GACKT’s ninth single.