[Asian Songstress] A Collection of Teresa Teng’s Easy-to-Sing Songs

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Active as a top Asian star since her teens, and breaking into the Japanese market from the 1970s onward, Teresa Teng—known as the “Diva of Asia”—gifted the world with timeless classics in the history of Japanese pop, such as Airport, Tsugunai, and I Only Care About You.

Her life was full of ups and downs, but the many masterpieces she sang with overwhelming vocal power—capable of expressing every shade of emotion—truly deserve to be called an “eternal voice,” and they remain hugely popular choices for karaoke.

This article is especially for those who have recently discovered Teresa Teng, offering a curated list of songs that are easy to sing at karaoke.

They’re great for all ages and genders—be sure to check them out!

[Asian Diva] A Collection of Easy-to-Sing Teresa Teng Songs (11–20)

Dance with sorrowTeresa Ten

Dance with sorrow

Dance with sorrowTeresa Ten

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.

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In conclusion

This time, I picked not only famous singles and signature songs, but also tracks from her albums.

While Teresa is often associated with enka and mood kayō, I’ve also introduced songs with elements of New Music and city pop, so I’m sure some of you found them refreshing.

If you’ve gotten comfortable singing the songs featured this time, be sure to try tackling Teresa’s songs in Chinese as well!