Tear-jerking foreign songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke. Timeless classics and popular hits from around the world.

Night Before ChristmasSam Smith

Sam Smith – Night Before Christmas (Lyric Video)

Singer-songwriter Sam Smith, known for his distinctive high-tone voice, originally focused mainly on ballads, but his musical style has evolved since around “Unholy,” and he’s now exploring a variety of genres.

His Christmas number “Night Before Christmas” is a piece imbued with a soulful vibe.

Because it’s in 3/4 time, the rhythm can be hard for Japanese listeners to feel, but the tempo is very slow and the melodic leaps aren’t extreme, so if you’re comfortable with Black music, definitely give it a try.

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Ryo

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HelloAdele

Adele – Hello (Official Music Video)

This soulful and beautiful ballad by Adele has reportedly been praised by artists around the world.

Its theme is a nostalgia akin to regret; it wasn’t written for any specific person, but rather as a song that lets listeners think of someone in their own lives.

I want to sing it with overflowing emotion.

What’s going onMarvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On

It’s a hidden gem known to those in the know, a jazz number that conveys its historical backdrop.

What shocked people were the lyrics addressing social issues like the Vietnam War, pollution, and poverty—and, they say, his raw, impassioned performance laying bare that anguish.

Many artists have covered it.

The SubwayChappell Roan

Chappell Roan – The Subway (Official Music Video)

It’s a song that really builds up toward the second half.

In the first half, the chorus goes up to D5, but it’s not a section where you should belt, so aim for an airy, gentle delivery.

The tempo isn’t fast, so it’s easier if you learn it melody by melody.

If you’re not used to using falsetto, practice humming so you can switch smoothly between chest voice and falsetto.

In the first half, try projecting your voice upward, resonating in the area between the eyebrows or the head to create a light, open sound.

In the second half, the resonance gets a bit stronger, so direct the sound downward and resonate in the chest to bring out more power.

Try speaking or singing with a hand on your chest—you’ll feel strong vibrations there—then sing while focusing on that resonance!

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Kubota Mami

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Lover, You Should’ve Come OverJeff Buckley

Jeff Buckley – Lover, You Should’ve Come Over (Official Video)

This is an achingly beautiful soul ballad left behind by the legendary American singer Jeff Buckley, who died far too young at 30.

It sings of the helpless regret and burning longing after a breakup.

If you’ve ever let go of someone precious because of youthful mistakes, you’ll likely find this song deeply relatable.

Wishing “I wanted you to come see me,” only to realize it’s too late—those feelings with nowhere to go are truly painful.

The track appears on the classic album Grace and was also featured in the drama FlashForward.

Even decades after its August 1994 release, it continues to move hearts.

On a quiet night when you want to be alone with your thoughts, you might let yourself sink into this heavenly voice.