Easy-to-sing songs recommended for women in their 70s: A collection of classic hits perfect for karaoke

ScandalTeresa Ten

Scandal

Teresa Teng’s songs are full of that quintessential ’80s vibe.

You can especially hear it in the synthesizers and the vocal lines.

This track, “Scandal,” is unusual for a Teresa Teng song in that its vocal line is crafted more like a 1970s idol tune.

It features a melody that leans somewhat toward doo-wop, and in contrast to the sprightly rhythm, the vocal line is characterized by a narrow range and gentle, gradual pitch movement.

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Ryo

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Premonition of PartingTeresa Ten

Premonition of Parting

She has produced numerous masterpieces, and among them, “A Premonition of Parting” is one of her most well-known works.

Although the chorus sits mostly in the mid-to-high range, the pitch movement is very gentle, so even if it feels high, you may find it surprisingly easy to sing.

If you still find the height challenging, don’t hesitate to lower the key.

This song has a narrow vocal range, so even if you lower the key, you won’t struggle with the low parts.

Be sure to add it to your repertoire.

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Dance with sorrowTeresa Ten

Dance with sorrow

With lyrics by Toyohisa Araki and music by Takashi Miki—a golden duo—“Kanashimi to Odorasete” is a single released by Teresa Teng in 1991.

It’s a masterpiece from the later period of her career, unveiled near the end of her life.

The mellow sound that straddles enka and kayōkyoku, though a product of the early Heisei era, is something I’d love younger listeners interested in Showa-era pop to hear.

While the chorus reaches slightly higher notes, the melody unfolds straightforwardly and the overall range isn’t that wide, so it’s very comfortable to sing at karaoke.

lover; mistress; extramarital partnerTeresa Ten

Aijin

Teresa Teng has many songs with adult themes, and among them the classic “Lover” is especially known for its mature, bittersweet character.

As one of her signature works, it’s still frequently sung at karaoke today.

While the song features a richly expressive vocal line, its range is surprisingly narrow, staying mostly in the mid or mid-high register.

The development of the melody is also typical of kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), making it a very singable piece, especially for those of a certain age.

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Ryo

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Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten

Leave oneself to the flow of time / Teresa Teng (with lyrics)

Teresa Teng, the Asian diva who conveyed life’s deepest emotions through moving melodies.

This song tells of how meeting a beloved person dramatically changed her life, and of her resolve to devote herself completely.

Set to a gentle, warm major-key arrangement, her clear, translucent voice resonates in the heart.

Released as a single in February 1986 and included on the album “Toki no Nagare ni Mi o Makase,” it won the Grand Prix at the 19th Japan Cable Radio Awards that same year.

With its beautiful, easy-to-remember melody, it’s perfect for everyone to hum along to while sharing fond memories.

paper craneOka Midori

paper crane

Released in February 2019, “Kami no Tsuru” (Paper Crane) is a memorable single for Midori Oka, as it marked her first entry into the top 20 of the Oricon charts.

While the melody is bright, it carries a certain poignancy and wistfulness—a classic enka sound that resonates with the Japanese heart.

That said, the typical enka-style vocal ornaments like strong kobushi and intense vibrato are relatively restrained here.

If you focus on singing gently and sincerely, as Oka does, it’s quite approachable even for beginners to enka.

Interestingly, the lower notes can be more challenging than the high ones, so I recommend practicing with clear enunciation and working to apply solid vibrato on the low passages.

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KOH-1

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Apple SongNamiki Michiko

Apple Song - Michiko Namiki - Showa-era song

A gentle, warm song that likens the object of one’s affection to an apple.

Released in January 1946, it became a classic that drew a major response for the first time in the postwar era.

As the theme song of the film “Soyokaze,” it was performed as a duet by Michiko Namiki and Noboru Kirishima.

Under the blue sky, the way the singer longs for the charming apple is portrayed alongside a refreshing melody.

In the turmoil of the time, it became a ray of hope.

For older listeners, it’s a nostalgic piece that brings back memories of the good old days.

Setting aside time to sing it together in a care facility may well spark lively conversations about happy times gone by.