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[Diva] Easy-to-sing Akina Nakamori songs, even for those who struggle with low notes

[Diva] Easy-to-sing Akina Nakamori songs, even for those who struggle with low notes
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[Diva] Easy-to-sing Akina Nakamori songs, even for those who struggle with low notes

As a songstress representing the Showa era, Akina Nakamori continues to captivate many people to this day.

Her vocals are striking for being both powerful and delicate, but have you ever felt that her songs are “low in range” or “difficult” when you try them at karaoke? While her unique expressiveness and wide vocal range can make her songs seem intimidating, there are actually some that are relatively easy to sing.

In this article, we introduce Akina Nakamori songs that are approachable for karaoke.

Focus on the familiarity of the melodies and the vocal range, and try finding a new favorite track.

[Diva] Akina Nakamori’s easy-to-sing songs. Even for those who struggle with low notes (1–10)

AL-MAUJ (Al-Māj)NEW!Nakamori Akina

A signature song of the late 1980s’ more assertive style, it captivated many fans with its unique worldview.

True to its title, which means “wave” in Arabic, it’s a mysterious track characterized by an exotic, foreign-inspired atmosphere and a bittersweet vocal delivery with an adult mood.

The melody comes in solidly right from the start, and compared to other songs, the range isn’t excessively low.

It feels like you should sing each phrase with care and intention.

If you let your whole mouth resonate and produce a fuller, thicker tone, you should achieve a presence in your voice similar to Nakamori’s.

Keep that in mind as you sing.

FinNEW!Nakamori Akina

[With Lyrics] Fin / Akina Nakamori
FinNEW!Nakamori Akina

As the title, which means “The End” in French, suggests, this is a rock-style song depicting the dramatic end of love.

With lyrics by Hajime Matsumoto, composition by Ken Sato, and arrangement by Jun Sato, it’s a masterpiece highly praised for its mature expressiveness.

The A section is sung in a lower range, almost spoken, and the pitch rises toward the chorus.

When singing, be careful not to drop your vocal placement too low.

Raising your hand above your head and directing your voice there, or lifting your eyebrows, can make it easier to produce low notes—highly recommended.

If you keep that placement even when the melody changes, you’ll find it easier to land the pitches smoothly, so give it a try.

SAND BEIGE -To the Desert-NEW!Nakamori Akina

[With Lyrics] SAND BEIGE -To the Desert- / Akina Nakamori
SAND BEIGE -To the Desert-NEW!Nakamori Akina

A hallmark of exotic songs, it refers to the ocher and sandy hues of the desert, and uses keywords that express the scenery and emotions of a heartbroken woman who sets off for Egypt and what she sees there, depicting a fantastical, lyrical tale of parting.

This song later became the starting point for an exotic musical direction.

In the chorus, a flowing melodic line is characteristic, and breath placement is important.

Rather than singing everything in one go, if you sing each phrase one by one, I think you can catch the flow.

Try starting with an accent and letting your voice taper off at the end.

Twilight -An Evening Dusk Letter-NEW!Nakamori Akina

[With Lyrics] Twilight - Evening Letter - / Akina Nakamori
Twilight -An Evening Dusk Letter-NEW!Nakamori Akina

A ballad written and composed by the sibling duo Etsuko and Takao Kisugi.

It was released to mark the first anniversary of her debut, featuring lyrics that depict nostalgic scenery and a sultry vocal performance.

It’s said to be a highly popular track among fans as a representative early ballad by Akina.

The A melody is sung quietly, almost like speaking, while the chorus is delivered boldly and firmly.

Since it gradually builds in intensity, it might be good to let your emotions burst in the chorus and sing with your full voice.

Try singing with a polished, slightly higher-placed tone.

Futari Shizuka – from The Tenkawa Legend Murder CaseNEW!Nakamori Akina

(Official) Akina Nakamori / Futari Shizuka — from “The Murder Case of Tenka Legend” (~Yume~ ’91 Akina Nakamori Special Live at Makuhari Messe, July 28 & 29, 1991) Futari Shizuka
Futari Shizuka - from The Tenkawa Legend Murder CaseNEW!Nakamori Akina

It’s a masterpiece with a mysterious aura that emerged after their return from the 1989 hiatus.

It was written specifically as the theme song for the film “The Murders of the Tenkawa Legend,” with lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Makoto Sekiguchi.

The sound of the Chinese instrument erhu is striking, giving it a Japanese-style, ethnic-flavored ballad feel.

The song itself doesn’t sit too low in range, so it should be relatively easy for most women to sing.

If it still feels low, you can adjust the key, or try mastering some low-register techniques.

People tend to sing low notes from the throat, so you need to engage the vocal cords and turn them into a resonant singing voice.

Try placing your hand on your larynx to feel the vibration as you sing.

The key is to project the voice forward, right in front of you.

ShipwreckNEW!Nakamori Akina

This is the 19th single, released on June 5, 1987, and a cover of a classic written and composed by singer-songwriter Tokiko Kato.

Its profound lyrics liken the end of love to a shipwreck, and Akina’s delicate, emotional vocal performance was highly praised, earning it the No.

1 spot on the Oricon chart as an enduring ballad.

It remains beloved by fans today as the pinnacle of a “serious ballad,” marked by intense emotional immersion.

The A melody sits low, so be careful not to strain your throat.

Raise your eyebrows firmly as you inhale, then release your voice slowly straight ahead; letting both voice and breath out together can make the low notes a bit easier.

The chorus should fall into a more comfortable range, so try singing it with a slightly more attacking approach.

Tears aren’t just for show.NEW!Nakamori Akina

Kazari Ja Nai Noyo Namida Wa (Single Version) [2023 Lacquer Master Sound]
Tears aren’t just for show.NEW!Nakamori Akina

A signature song by Akina Nakamori, released in November 1984.

Written and composed by Yosui Inoue, arranged by Mitsuo Hagita, it’s a rock-tinged track that marked a turning point in Nakamori’s shift from idol to singer-artist.

Her vocals at the time were highly praised, and the song remains very popular for karaoke and is sure to get the crowd going.

The overall vocal range is F#3–A4; the verse may be a bit low, but many will find the chorus easy to sing.

A key tip when singing is to pronounce the romaji clearly.

Nail that and it will sound undeniably cool—don’t be shy, articulate each syllable crisply.

Myth of 1/2NEW!Nakamori Akina

[With Lyrics] 1/2 Myth / Akina Nakamori
Myth of 1/2NEW!Nakamori Akina

This song follows the rebellious “tsuppari” rock direction after the smash hit “Shoujo A.” With lyrics by Masao Urino and music by Yoshiyuki Ohsawa, it’s a classic of fast-paced rock kayō that strikingly captures the sharp emotions and throwaway lines of a teenage girl.

The sound, fusing hard rock-style guitar riffs with synthesizers, is super cool.

The structure builds toward the chorus, so put your voice solidly into the mic in the verse, and for the chorus, sing out with a sense of release for a really satisfying performance.

The track itself is a short 3 minutes and 20 seconds, so definitely learn it and give it a try!

LA BOHEMENEW!Nakamori Akina

“LA BOHEME” is a song characterized by melodious yet powerful rhythms, showcasing Akina Nakamori’s impressive vocal ability.

It portrays an urban, fleeting, and passionate worldview, referring to people who love art and freedom and live carefree lives.

The overall vocal range is E3 to A4: the A section sits quite low, then gradually rises around the B section.

Since even the chorus doesn’t reach particularly high notes, it should be easier for singers who are comfortable with lower registers.

Be careful not to let the low notes sound muffled.

Because the chest naturally resonates when you project your voice, try focusing on head resonance as well to achieve a balanced sound.

Raise your hand and try singing.

I MISSED “THE SHOCK”NEW!Nakamori Akina

[With Lyrics] I MISSED “THE SHOCK” / Akina Nakamori
I MISSED “THE SHOCK”NEW!Nakamori Akina

It’s a song with a dark worldview that sings about the end of love and the loss of emotion.

It’s a classic that was also performed at the 39th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, known for its gothic fashion costumes and expressive contrasts between stillness and movement.

Starting with a quiet A-melody and shifting to a chorus where emotions burst forth, the track stands out for its sharp dynamics, so I think the key is how coolly you can deliver the chorus.

Also, being mindful of where to cut phrases makes it land very stylishly, so rather than letting the melody line flow too much, it’s best to sing crisply and clearly.

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