![[With Vocal Commentary] Mariko Takahashi’s Easy-to-Sing Songs](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VMd1bXKe34Q/sddefault.jpg)
[With Vocal Commentary] Mariko Takahashi’s Easy-to-Sing Songs
Mariko Takahashi is a female singer who was tremendously active from the 1970s through the 1990s.
After making her mark with Pedro & Capricious, she went on to create numerous classic songs as a solo artist.
This time, we’ve selected some of her most singable tracks from among her works.
While Mariko Takahashi is known for her distinctive, sultry vocal style, we’ll also delve into how to sing in a way that brings out that allure.
If you want to learn concrete vocal techniques, this is a must-read!
[With Vocal Commentary] Mariko Takahashi’s Easy-to-Sing Songs (1–10)
vexing lipsTakahashi Mariko
The 18th single “Hagayui Kuchibiru,” which was selected as the theme song for the TV drama “Counting Sleepless Nights.” It’s a memorable number featuring sexy lyrics that evoke a mature romance and a passionate vocal performance.
While it has a wide vocal range and lots of melodic movement, the key isn’t very high and the tempo isn’t fast, so it should be approachable for karaoke.
It’s a well-known song that’s sure to liven up karaoke with any generation, so consider adding it to your repertoire.
I want to soar through your sky.Takahashi Mariko
The 1st single “Anata no Sora o Tobitai” was released as her solo debut after leaving Pedro & Capricious.
Chosen as the image song for the Seibu Distribution Group, its intro has a clear, floating quality that really sticks in your ears.
Overall, the key is a bit high and the melody moves a lot, so it’s not easy, but the vocal range itself isn’t very wide—so try to sing it calmly.
If the key just doesn’t suit you at karaoke, adjust it to a comfortable setting before giving it a try.
Message for JohnnyTakahashi Mariko
“A Message to Johnny” was the fourth single by Pedro & Capricious and marked Mariko Takahashi’s record debut.
The contrast between the wistful strings and the bittersweet lyrics creates a moody yet soulful atmosphere.
Although the vocal range is narrow and the key isn’t high, be careful not to fall behind as the melody tends to rise along with the ensemble.
It’s a major hit that enjoyed a long run on the charts and is still performed live today.
FriendsTakahashi Mariko
“Friends,” the 29th single chosen as the theme song for the third season of the TV drama Hamidashi Keiji Jounetsu-kei.
The ensemble, featuring a wistful piano melody and strings, creates a sense of melancholy.
With its relaxed tempo and generally narrow vocal range, it’s easy to sing; however, watch out for sudden interval leaps so you don’t slip off pitch.
If possible, try incorporating edge voice to get closer to the original vibe—give it a shot!
GrandpaTakahashi Mariko
The song “Grandpa,” included on the 13th album Eternally.
The lyrics, which depict time spent with an elderly man the narrator met after a quarrel with their partner, create a somewhat nostalgic atmosphere.
Overall, the range is narrow, the key is low, and the tempo is relaxed, making it approachable to try; however, be careful, as the song can sound flat if you don’t pay attention to dynamics.
With its crystal-clear vocals and fresh sound, it’s a heartwarming number.
The sun is burning.Pedoro & Kapurishasu
Released in 1973, “The Sun Is Burning,” included on Love Sound Special—the first album Mari Takahashi released after joining Pedro & Capricious—is a track whose laid-back offbeat groove and catchy choral work linger in the ear.
The melody doesn’t move much and the tempo is relaxed, making it relatively easy to sing, but be aware that some phrases sit in a higher key.
In the original, the vibrato is particularly striking, so if you’re confident, why not give it a try?
To Marie on Fifth AvenuePedoro & Kapurishasu
This song is one of the signature tracks by Pedro & Capricious, released in 1973, with vocals by Mariko Takahashi, the group’s second lead singer.
The lyrics tell a bittersweet love story about a woman he once lived with, beginning with a restrained, conversational tone.
In the latter half, it showcases one of Mariko Takahashi’s strengths: her soaring upper register and powerful delivery that doesn’t rely on belting.
It might be nice to sing it as if you were the protagonist of this story-like song.