While it’s great fun to sing crowd-pleasers that get everyone hyped at karaoke, it can be just as nice to connect over a poignant, melancholic ballad.
So this time, we’ll introduce a selection of bittersweet songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke all at once!
Unlike upbeat tracks that amp up the energy, melancholic ballads tend to be slower in tempo and feature lots of long sustained notes.
That’s why they feel so good to sing!
And above all, many of these songs invite you to empathize with the lyrics and pour your emotions into them, so you’re sure to bond and get excited with the people you’re with through that shared connection to the music.
Let’s dive in.
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Bittersweet songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke. Recommended classics and popular tracks (1–10)
Close your eyesHirai Ken
It’s a heartrending song that leaves a deep impression on the heart.
It portrays the sorrow of losing a loved one and the lingering feelings for that person.
The recurring sense of loss felt upon waking and the continued search for her within memories are expressed in a way that resonates with listeners.
Ken Hirai’s powerful yet delicate vocals further enhance the song’s appeal.
Released in April 2004, the song was written as the theme for the film “Crying Out Love, in the Center of the World.” It was beloved by many, even topping the Oricon annual chart that year.
It’s a track especially recommended for those who have lost someone important or are experiencing a bittersweet romance.
It’s also easy to sing at karaoke and is a classic that invites heartfelt expression.
LemonYonezu Kenshi
It’s a song where poignancy and beauty coexist.
Released in 2018, it was written as the theme song for TBS’s Friday drama “Unnatural.” Inspired by the passing of Kenshi Yonezu’s grandfather, the song explores themes of parting from loved ones and the feeling of loss.
Focusing on how certain scents can evoke past memories and emotions, the fragrance of lemon symbolizes a strong bond with a loved one who is gone.
It’s perfect not only for singing at karaoke, but also for times when you want to remember someone important or listen to a song that resonates deeply in your heart.
First LoveUtada Hikaru
This song by Hikaru Utada, released in 1999, stunned the public with a maturity and vocal ability unimaginable for a 16-year-old.
The album also holds the record for the best-selling release in Japan’s history.
It’s a love ballad whose gentle, soaring high notes resonate deeply in the heart.
budKobukuro
Kobukuro’s 14th single, released on March 21, 2007.
It is well known as a song written by Kentaro Kobuchi in memory of his late mother.
Its emotionally rich, beautiful melody is truly wonderful.
It became a major hit, reaching number one on the weekly charts.
Love’s Melody and Rainy SkiesAAA
This is AAA’s 38th single, released in 2013.
It features a story about being unable to convey one’s feelings and showcases AAA’s crystal-clear vocals.
When you sing it, you might find yourself closing your eyes and getting immersed in its world.
fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi
This is a classic song that likens a fleeting summer romance to fireworks.
Born from a collaboration between DAOKO and Kenshi Yonezu, it was released in August 2017.
Chosen as the theme song for an animated film, it generated huge buzz, including reaching No.
1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
The lyrics beautifully depict a love that fades with the end of summer, leaving a deep impression on many listeners.
Boasting an astonishing 500 million views on YouTube, it’s also a karaoke staple.
It’s the perfect song for looking back on bittersweet memories of love or sinking into a sentimental mood before parting with someone important.
Wherever you areONE OK ROCK
A song that makes tears flow unintentionally, with a poignant sorrow that grips the heart.
Featured on ONE OK ROCK’s album “Niche Syndrome,” this deeply moving love song centers on themes of profound affection and an eternal vow.
Since being used in a 2016 NTT Docomo commercial, it has captured many hearts and become a popular wedding staple.
It’s such a classic that it ranked No.
1 for two consecutive years, in 2017 and 2018, on the ISUM Bridal Music TOP 10.
The lyrics, woven in both Japanese and English, express a strong resolve to keep loving someone no matter the circumstances.
It’s the perfect track for those who want to sing about love for someone special or are searching for an emotionally stirring song.