Top 10 Songs with the Most Underrated Harmonies
#10: “Everywhere” (1987)
Fleetwood Mac
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Even into the 1980s, Fleetwood Mac was churning out memorable hits like “Everywhere.” The single was written by Christine McVie, and features vocals that rival the group’s earlier classics. McVie might be the lead singer on this one, but Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks notably join her in the chorus. Their dynamic sound gives this pop track its sonic edge. As their amazing voices combine, we’re treated to an emotional display that tugs at our heartstrings. Honestly, any love song sounds even more romantic with these kinds of harmonies – they feel so effortless! It’s a shame we don’t talk about them more often.
#9: “Hole Hearted” (1990)
Extreme
They’ve certainly got “More Than Words,” but many mistakenly forget Extreme’s other hit, “Hole Hearted.” Yet we think it’s time it – and its harmonies – get their due. After all, the pop rock number blends voices with the best of them. The stage is set with some solo work courtesy of a few different members, and we can tell right away we’re listening to a gem. But things really come alive in the chorus. This, of course, is thanks to the gorgeous harmonies that take over, bringing the song to a whole new level. This is exactly the kind of tune we want to sing along to around a campfire with our nearest and dearest.
#8: “(Keep Feeling) Fascination” (1983)
The Human League
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Sometimes a band just wants to rock out and sing together. It seems that’s how the Human League felt when crafting “(Keep Feeling) Fascination.” The underappreciated hit features some incredibly entertaining vocal parts that are guaranteed to pump us up during our next karaoke night. We hear not one, not two, but four members showing off their vocal chops before they come together in spirited fashion. Not many groups can even say they have four people willing to sing their own parts, let alone harmony. It’s definitely time the Human League gets some more love for what they pull off here!
#7: “I Will Wait” (2012)
Mumford & Sons
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Whether you call their music bluegrass or folk rock, Mumford & Sons give a wide audience something to love. That includes a stellar assembly of oft-overlooked harmonies on songs like “I Will Wait.” Through the compelling verses, Marcus Mumford has his bandmates pepper in their voices to accentuate the soulful lyrics. It all builds to a beautiful chorus that feels like the culmination of their vocal talent. By the second refrain, everyone is singing in unison with conviction, and it’s triumphant. They’re so in sync with one another, while bringing to the fore older and newer musical styles as they harmonize. That deserves way more attention!
#6: “Sunday Will Never Be the Same” (1967)
Spanky and Our Gang
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During the pop era of the 1960s, Spanky and Our Gang provided several upbeat anthems. “Sunday Will Never Be the Same” might be the best showcase of their harmonic skills. Singer Elaine McFarlane and her bandmates give their all in a top-tier single, as their voices find each other in a way that makes the words soar. The way the collective can sing simple lyrics in harmony never fails to make us feel all warm and fuzzy. Spanky and Our Gang’s harmonies make them instantly recognizable – we just wish they got more recognition for them here!
#5: “Roam” (1989)
The B-52's
Morrison - Devil Said Roam
Experimenting with genres, The B-52’s defy easy classification in their storied career. They also treat us to incredible vocalists who can belt out “Roam.” From the jump, the song lets Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson flex their vocal chops. The chorus then lets them come together in a catchy, energetic, and fun hook that never gets old. Their harmonies, while often underappreciated, are endlessly fascinating, giving the number extra flair. Pierson and Wilson are so powerful here, they could easily rival most of their contemporaries. They make us want to sing, dance, and clap along every time they harmonize.
#4: “Survivor” (2001)
Destiny's Child
If there was ever any doubt that the members of Destiny’s Child were survivors, this song surely ended them. The chorus has all the intensity you could hope for in one of the girl group’s iconic numbers. We often hear about the emotion and attitude, and rightfully so. But we want to draw your attention to the harmonies, which are overlooked yet remain timeless. Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams step up, delivering exciting vocals that could blow the roof off any building. Their harmonies may seem easy to pull off, but that’s only because these women are so talented, we don’t see the level of skill required. Standing strong together, they assemble their voices in a superhero-level formation.
#3: “Sun King” (1969)
The Beatles
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The Beatles were no stranger to stellar harmonies, as seen on tracks like “Because,” from “Abbey Road.” On that same album, there’s a deeper cut, “Sun King,” that combines the members’ legendary sounds in a way we all need to be talking about more. The guitar-led instrumentation slowly sets the mood before John, Paul, and George enter the fold. With a three-part harmony, they add a soothing energy to the delicate arrangement. It’s like the trio are guiding us off to a peaceful sleep. Almost angelic in quality, the harmonies permeating this track capture what we imagine it must feel like to surf on a cloud.
#2: “Fall on Me” (1986)
R.E.M.
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You may mainly think of them as a defining alternative group, and for good reason! But lest we forget R.E.M. also featured an excellent collection of singers. Many forget that they come together for “Fall on Me.” Every time Michael Stipe and Mike Mills’ unique vocal tones come together, it sounds like magic. They remind us of the power a great, cohesive harmony has to elevate a piece and make it stand out from the crowd. We’d also be remiss not to mention drummer Bill Berry’s mesmerizing vocal contributions in the latter parts of the number. “Fall on Me” ends up as something of a sound collage, and it’s fantastic.
#1: “Dance with Me” (1975)
Orleans
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Orleans probably doesn’t come up in discussions of best groups, or harmonies, too often, but they should. The combination of vocals on this 1975 work deserve mention next to the finest soft rock classics of the decade. The singers weave in and out in amazing flashes of sonic brilliance throughout, demanding our attention. There’s one specific high note they nail that has us rewinding the track again and again, because hearing it once doesn’t do it justice. The production also represents a distinct era of musical excellence. “Dance with Me” still resonates all these years later, whether or not you were around for the original release.
Did we forget another underappreciated harmony? Let us know in the comments below.
