Bittersweet songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks

Song of the Eternal NightKami wa saikoro o furanai

God Does Not Play Dice “Yoru-Naga Uta” [Official Lyric Video]

On sleepless nights, I suddenly remember someone precious who’s no longer by my side.

This is a tear-jerking rock ballad that sings of a heartbreak so intense it feels like your chest might burst.

It’s a work by the Fukuoka-born band God Doesn’t Roll Dice, included on their mini-album “A View on Lambda,” released in May 2019.

Starting with an intro that feels like turning back the hands of a clock, it builds to a dramatic chorus where emotions spill over all at once, sending shivers through your heart.

It also served as the theme song for the film “Little Subculture Wars: The Rebellion of Village Vanguard!” released in October 2020.

It’s a song that gently stays with you on nights when you can’t let go of a love you can’t forget, or when you want to sing your heart out and cry at karaoke.

forget-me-notAwesome City Club

Awesome City Club / Wasurena (MUSIC VIDEO)

This is a signature ballad by Awesome City Club, created under the inspiration of the world of the film We Made a Beautiful Bouquet.

It portrays unforgettable memories of love in a way that’s both beautiful and heartrending, while conveying a strong will to move forward into the future.

The twin-vocal arrangement, sung from both a woman’s and a man’s perspective, adds depth to the story and really strikes a chord.

Included on the album Grower, released in February 2021, this song captured many hearts alongside the film’s success.

When you’re grieving a breakup or spending a night haunted by someone you can’t forget, why not try singing it at karaoke? Letting your overflowing emotions ride the melody might help lighten your heart, little by little.

NAOHY

HY – NAO (Official Music Video)

This work, which vividly portrays the pain of unrequited and unattainable love, is a ballad that brings listeners to tears.

The lyrics are based on the real-life experience of vocalist Izumi Nakasone’s close friend, and the aching feeling of not being noticed by the one you love comes through painfully clearly.

Included on the album “Confidence,” released in April 2006, it’s a timeless classic that has long been cherished by many fans.

It is also featured on the best-of album “STORY ~HY BEST~,” and has become established as a signature heartbreak song by HY.

Set to a piano accompaniment that lets you sing your heart out, it’s perfect for those times when you want a good cry to feel refreshed.

If there’s someone you just can’t forget, why not sing this song at karaoke and let all your feelings out?

PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – Pretender [Official Video]

This is one of Official HIGE DANDism’s signature ballads, sung over a dramatic melody about the end of a heartrending love.

The protagonist deeply loves the other person yet realizes they are not meant to be, and their inner struggle is heartbreaking.

Holding an impossible wish—if only in another timeline—and ultimately stepping back while praising the other’s beauty, the lyrics are impossible to hear without tears.

Released as a single in May 2019, it became widely known as the theme song for the film “The Confidence Man JP.” Pouring your feelings into it at karaoke will surely lighten the burden on your heart.

A song that heals the pain of heartbreak and helps you gradually look forward, this masterpiece gently stays by your side in the season of farewells.

me me sheRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – me me she [Official Music Video]

A ballad by the rock band RADWIMPS whose aching melody and candid lyrics pierce the heart.

The title is read as “Memeshii,” and it portrays a complex state of mind where lingering attachment to an ex and a self-centered kind of love are intertwined.

Many listeners will likely relate to the contradictory feelings of acknowledging one’s own weakness as “memeshii” while still wishing happiness for the other person.

Included on the classic 2006 album RADWIMPS 4 ~Okazu no Gohan~, it’s not a single, yet it has remained beloved for years.

When you want to let your overflowing emotions out through song, or sink fully into the pain of heartbreak at night, try singing it at karaoke—you might find your heart feels a little lighter.

nape (of the neck)aiko

aiko - “Eriashi” music video

Opening with the sound of a beautiful piano, this is a supreme ballad from aiko.

The lyrics delicately trace lingering feelings for a past lover and memories that don’t fade even as the seasons turn, gently comforting hearts fresh from heartbreak.

While accepting the breakup, the earnest wish to meet again in a few years with a smile is a message that’s sure to tug at anyone’s heart.

Released in November 2003, this song was a lead single from the acclaimed album “Akatsuki no Love Letter” and was also performed at the 54th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It’s a piece that suits the quiet winter air—on nights when you want to cleanse your sadness, try singing it out and letting your overflowing emotions flow with it.

I became someone else’s girlfriend.wacci

wacci “I Became Someone Else’s Girlfriend” Music Video

It’s wacci’s signature song, which spread through word of mouth on social media and resonated with many.

While acknowledging the maturity and kindness of her new partner, it delicately portrays a woman’s wavering heart as she can’t help recalling the unpretentious days spent with her ex.

Beneath the words she tells herself to affirm her current happiness, you can feel a lingering attachment that won’t fade, and it’s heart-wrenching.

Released as a digital-only track in August 2018, its realistic depiction became a hot topic, and it has continued to be loved—surpassing 100 million total streams by June 2021.

On nights when you can’t sort out your feelings because you find yourself comparing your current partner with your ex, try singing it with all your emotions.

The bittersweet melody will wash away the ache in your heart along with your tears.