[Karaoke Songs for May] A list of classic tracks that capture the lingering spirit of spring and the arrival of early summer

OverdoseNEW!natori

Natori – Overdose

Singer-songwriter Natori, whose irresistibly addictive beats and languid vocals gained explosive support primarily on social media.

Released in September 2022, this debut track—now his signature song—is a danceable number that was also featured in Nike’s Air Max Excee campaign web commercial.

It was later included on his first album, “Gekijō,” and is known for dominating the streaming market, ranking high on 2023’s year-end charts.

Its thrilling lyrics, hinting at a sweetly seductive ruin, may resonate with the late-spring nights of May, when the fatigue of a new life begins to set in.

Why not surrender to the insistent rhythm and let even the gloom of the May blues melt into a pleasant intoxication?

In early summer, malice spreads through the city like a disease.NEW!Kitanitatsuya

Early summer, murderous intent soaks the city like a disease / Tatsuya Kitani – Early Summer, Murderous Urge / Tatsuya Kitani

From its very title, this track leaves a powerful impression and stands as one of Tatsuya Kitani’s signature early songs.

Included on his first full-length album, “I DO (NOT) LOVE YOU.” released in September 2018, it’s a self-cover of a song originally released in 2015 under his Vocaloid producer name, Konnichiwa Tanita-san.

In stark contrast to the dazzling early-summer sunlight, it vividly depicts the trapped heat and suffocating atmosphere of the urban concrete jungle.

Its sharp alternative rock sound seems to speak for the murky emotions churning inside and the inescapable impatience that grips you—sure to shake listeners to the core.

Mahoro in SummerNEW!Harukamirai

Harukamirai – Summer Mahoro (Official Music Video)

A rock number by Harukamirai that carries a refreshing sense of speed while somehow tinged with poignancy.

Through summer scenes, it looks back on one’s past self and youth, conveying a warm message that embraces them from the perspective of who we are now as adults.

This track is included on the album “THE BAND STAR,” released in July 2020, and its music video—centered on live footage—also became a hot topic among fans.

In dazzling May greenery, why not get a head start on the early summer air and sing of the bittersweetness of youth alongside the hope of the present? Belt it out with the same intensity you felt back then, and you’ll feel the energy for tomorrow welling up inside you.

From the viridian-windowed MayNEW!Yorushika

Yorushika – In May, From The Emerald Green Window (五月は花緑青の窓辺から) (Lyrics/Kan/Rom/Eng)

May, when the view of fresh greenery from the window blends with the slightly sticky air of early summer.

Vividly capturing that seasonal state of mind is a track by Yorushika, famed for their narrative-driven music.

Set to a breathlessly propulsive band sound, it portrays tears likened to verdigris and reflections on time slipping away, tightening the listener’s chest.

Released in April 2019 as part of the concept album “That’s Why I Gave Up Music,” this piece is a pivotal song that symbolizes the wavering emotions at the turn of the seasons within a masterpiece chronicling the story of a young man who quits music.

Its refreshing yet somehow bittersweet melody is perfect for this time of year, when changing environments can make fatigue surface more easily.

carnationNEW!Janne Da Arc

carnation

On Mother’s Day, which falls on the second Sunday of May, you can’t help but want to express the gratitude that you’re usually too shy to say out loud.

The song that stirs up those warm feelings is this track included on the visual kei rock band Janne Da Arc’s album ARCADIA.

Released in July 2004, it’s a piece that graces the latter part of the album and can be considered one of the band’s hidden gems.

In contrast to the intensity you’d expect from a rock band, it’s a ballad whose gently plucked guitar tones and unadorned lyrics of love for one’s mother resonate deeply.

It delicately portrays the greatness of a parent that you only come to appreciate as an adult, as well as the childlike awkwardness that makes it hard to be honest, and just listening to it brings a slow, comforting warmth to the heart.

This May, why not listen to this song as if you were offering flowers to someone dear?