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Songs that make it easy to practice vibrato / Recommended songs for those who want to practice

Do you ever think, “If only I could master vibrato, my singing would sound so much better…”? Vibrato—the technique of gently oscillating the voice—is an essential expressive tool that adds depth and emotion to a song.

However, not every song is suitable for practice.

In fact, songs that make it easier to produce vibrato share certain traits, and the right song choice can significantly speed up your progress.

In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of songs with plenty of long tones that make applying vibrato easier, as well as numbers that are ideal for practice in terms of vocal range.

Find the one song that adds a new layer of expression to your voice!

Songs That Make Vibrato Easier / Recommended Tracks for Those Who Want to Practice (11–20)

cherry blossomKobukuro

This was Kobukuro’s 12th single, released on November 2, 2005.

It was also used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Ns’ Aoi.” It’s a very Kobukuro-like ballad with a highly acoustic, simple sound, and since the vocal melody makes extensive use of sustained notes, it should be easy to understand how vibrato is used for expression throughout the song.

I think it’s best to start by accurately imitating the way the artists themselves sing it.

That paper airplane splits the cloudy sky19

This is the second single by the Japanese folk duo 19 (Juke), released in March 1999.

It was also used as the ending theme for ABC’s variety show “Wide ABCDE~su.” The key points for reproducing the vibrato in this song are the low-note vibrato at the end of the A verse and the falsetto high-note vibrato at the end of the B verse.

It’s a bit hard to tell whether these are purely vocal expressions or were composed that way in the melody, but precisely because the pitch movements are so clear, I think it’s relatively easy for the general listener to recreate when singing.

To my belovedMoriyama Naotaro

Naotaro Moriyama’s classic “Aishi Kimi e.” It’s an extremely simple piece with just piano and vocals, and its moving lyrics have made it a beloved hidden gem among many listeners.

One of the most practice-friendly aspects of vibrato in this song is, above all, its leisurely tempo.

While the piece spans a somewhat wide vocal range and may have parts that are tricky to sing, it lets you practice a variety of vibratos—such as high-register vibrato and whisper-voice vibrato.

Be sure to check it out.

stationTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – Station [Live Version / 2000 @ Nippon Budokan]
stationTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi’s classic song “Eki” is one of Japan’s signature tracks, so many younger listeners may recognize it through their parents’ generation.

It’s also an ideal piece for practicing vibrato.

While the vocal line is catchy enough to fit right into today’s music scene, it also features sections that call for solid long tones and pronounced vibrato.

Since recent songs tend to avoid vibrato, if you’re struggling to find practice material, definitely consider adding this one to your repertoire.

scale (as of a fish or reptile)Hata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata – “Uroko (Scales)” Music Video
scale (as of a fish or reptile)Hata Motohiro

Hata Motohiro’s 2nd single, released on June 6, 2007.

It was used as the image song for Nippon TV’s summer documentary “Teijisei: 1461 Days of Memories.” Hata’s distinctly masculine vocals are vibrant within this mid-tempo rock track.

On first listen, he employs a vibrato with relatively large time-axis variations to convey subtle nuances throughout the song.

Let’s study the contrast with the more straightforward singing style in the chorus, where he belts the high notes.

Instead of goodbyeJUJU

JUJU “Instead of Goodbye”
Instead of goodbyeJUJU

Released in April 2011 as JUJU’s 16th single, “Sayonara no Kawari ni.” It was used as the theme song for NTV’s “Sukkiri!” and in a commercial for RecoChoku.

The mid-tempo melody and arrangement carry a touch of sadness that really resonates.

A key element in creating that sense of poignancy is JUJU’s wonderful vibrato, which she uses extensively; the vibrato in the latter half of the chorus, in particular, is outstanding.

Because the vocal melody spans a wide range, this might be a slightly advanced pick, but the vibrato on the long notes is quite easy to imitate and sing.

Definitely try practicing this song and show off your beautiful vibrato to your friends!

Songs that make it easy to practice vibrato / recommended for those who want to practice (21–30)

Letter ~To You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki

Angela Aki “Letter: To You, Fifteen” Music Video (HD)
Letter ~To You at Fifteen~Anjura Aki

In the junior high school division, it was selected as the required piece for the 75th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

It’s a piano ballad characterized by many long tones.

I imagine many people sing it at karaoke, too.

The overall vocal range spans G3 to D5, and the range gradually rises from the B section.

Since the lyrics directly convey emotions, it’s easy to use vibrato as a “tremble of feeling.” When singing, if you force your voice, it becomes harder to produce vibrato with your throat, so take in plenty of breath and let out air along with your voice.

Try singing as if aiming into the distance.