Top 10 Hardest Songs to Sing
#9: “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” (2003)
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The Darkness English rock band The Darkness tried to write “the most 80s song [they] could” with this glam rock throwback. Everything about the track is completely over the top, from the lyrics to the surreal music video, which features a giant space octopus. It became the band’s biggest hit, charting worldwide upon its release in 2003, and winning fresh attention in the 2010s thanks to Samsung and Apple Music commercials. However, singing along is no mean feat. To pull off the chorus, you have to sing fast, and match Justin Hawkins’ incredibly high falsetto. You might believe in a thing called love, but don’t believe you can sing this song at karaoke unless you’ve tried it out first.
#8: “Dream On” (1973)
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Aerosmith This quintessential classic rock power ballad from the early ‘70s was the first hit for Steven Tyler and the boys. And a massive hit it was, staying on the Billboard charts for at least three years: first with the 3-minute-and-25-second single, then the longer 4-minute-26-second album release, and again when Columbia Records chose to re-issue the single version again. Originally written by Tyler on piano but recorded on guitars, the soulful tune starts slow and simple, but builds to an enormous climax featuring Tyler’s trademark, difficult to imitate screams. Pretty heartfelt too, and needing good diction to convey the important message.
#7: “Unchained Melody” (1965)
The Righteous Brothers Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield had a bona fide hit with this classic, but the love song has a deeper history than you think. Written by Alex North and Hy Zaret for the 1955 prison movie “Unchained” (hence the title), it was performed in the film by Todd Duncan, then covered several times in its first ten years. But the Righteous Brothers made it the massive success it is, and it even saw renewed energy in 1990 with the blockbuster film “Ghost.” But “popular” and “easy to sing” aren’t the same. Its soulful melody full of vocal trills, big dramatic leaps, and emotional crescendos makes it difficult to master. And with such a classic, you really don’t want to mess this one up.
#6: “Love On Top” (2011)
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Beyoncé The legendary Queen Bey is going to be difficult to emulate, no matter which of her soulful songs you attempt, and her hit “Listen,” written for the movie “Dreamgirls,” was another contender for this spot. But this old-school-sounding classic, inspired by Etta James and with hints of ‘80s R&B like Chaka Kahn and Whitney Houston, makes our list because of its variety of notes and big intervals. Powerful and belty, it requires clear diction for the lyrics, and good breath control—even if you’re not dancing the way she is in her New Edition-inspired official video. Not to mention, the continuous modulations bringing the song higher and higher in the vocal range at the song’s end.
#5: “All by Myself” (1996)
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Celine Dion Folks may forget that this song was originally written and sung by Eric Carmen way back in 1975, not to mention based on—actually, taken from—the 1901 Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor by Sergei Rachmaninoff, because most people know the now quintessential version by Celine. And why not! Her powerhouse vocals are so much stronger, and that incredible high note she hits before the drums come in the middle, turn it into a massive tour de force. Yes, the song has been covered many times, including in the opening of “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” but Celine takes the cake with this emotionally raw, virtuosic calling. Better stick to the air drums rather than imitate this.
#4: “Lovin’ You” (1975)
Minnie Riperton Non-singers don’t realize how incredibly difficult it is, and how much breath is required, to sing high, yet quietly, at the same. No one else can accomplish this as easily and beautifully as Minnie Riperton. This mother to comedy superstar Maya Rudolph, whose name she vocalizes at the end of the track, excelled in the exquisite whistle notes you hear throughout the song. That last walkdown is from an F#6 to an A5, and she hits an astonishing A6 in this live performance. Minnie began her vocal training in opera, developing an impressive, five-octave coloratura soprano vocal range, but she became interested in popular music styles instead. Such a tragedy that this massive talent died from breast cancer at the young age of 31.
#3: “Bohemian Rhapsody” (1975)
Queen Queen has a ton of amazing, fun-to-sing-along hits, but this one illustrates the theme of the brilliant album it comes from: “A Night at the Opera.” It runs the gamut from power ballad to operatic passage, to straight-up classic rock, all in one 6-minute suite. Rock genius Freddie Mercury has a powerful voice, and this song uses the vocal talents of all four band members, from bass to soprano, making it even more difficult to attack solo. Like the gospel-style “Somebody to Love” and the classic “The Show Must Go On,” this song is a challenge. Absolutely sing it in the car with your buddies while banging your head and playing air guitar, but leave it off the karaoke stage—unless you’re unconcerned with singing well.
#2: “I Will Always Love You” (1992)
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Whitney Houston This song is a cover originally written by Dolly Parton, and Parton is one of only a few recording artists to reach number one twice with the same song. The original 1973 recording climbed the charts, and then Dolly re-recorded it for the 1982 film musical “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” Yet it reached new heights on the voice of megastar Whitney Houston. Her 1992 recording for “The Bodyguard” spent a then-record-breaking 14 weeks at number one, and then climbed the charts again in 2012 after Houston’s tragic death. Whitney is inimitable, bringing so much beauty, emotion, and soul to the ballad. Her formidable voice fills the rafters with gorgeous sound, and she hits those high notes with ease, grace, and power. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Chandelier” (2014), Sia
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“Livin’ on a Prayer” (1986), Bon Jovi
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“Earth Song” (1995), Michael Jackson
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“Wuthering Heights” (1978), Kate Bush
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#1: “Emotions” (1991)
Mariah Carey While this entire list could be made up of Mariah Carey songs, from “Vision of Love,” to “Forever,” to “Bliss,” we’re going to limit our pick to the song with the highest note in her catalog. Taking a page from Minnie Riperton, and Mimi credits the “Loving You” singer as a heavy influence, this ‘70s-style pop hit also features whistle notes in the upper register. Showcasing a four-octave range from D3 to E7, she belts at the top of her voice, and then goes even higher with glass-shattering whistle notes. They’re not easy to sing, especially with power, and Mimi displays them with a virtuosic ability like no one else.
