Top 10 Most Impressive Riffs in Hit Songs

Tori Kelly

Its not an easy task to tackle a Stevie Wonder song. In her version of Dont You Worry bout a Thing, Tori Kelly brings a vibrant and modern energy to a classic. She also unleashes her sometimes-underrated vocal chords. Kelly then enters into a series of impressive runs. If one isnt good enough, you get another one not long afterward. She makes the most of this cover by doing Wonder justice. Putting her stamp on a great performance, the singer hits some enormous high notes along the way. She also has to keep singing afterward without missing a beat.

Queen

What more can be said about Freddie Mercurys immaculate voice? In Another One Bites the Dust, Mercury gives a soaring vocal and then throws in an incredible bonus. A musical breakdown lets the singer flaunt his musical gifts, delivering a run worthy of rock history. His tone and control make you reconsider your attempts to copy him. His work cant be overstated, with this part in particular ranking among his finest with the band. Not only is there a great bass line, the single also includes the endlessly dynamic vocals of the Queen front man.

Demi Lovato

For this track alone, Demi Lovato deserves more praise for her vocal strength. Not many pop singers could pull off these kinds of notes in such a short amount of time. Its certainly a physical feat, made up of vocal gymnastics that boggle the mind. Lovato does it all effortlessly, taking words and syllables to new heights. The chorus alone features some acrobatic inflections. When she has to sing the bridge, she almost goes into another dimension. Her extra emphasis only makes the track that much more intense. Its without a doubt a musical statement thats worthy of its success.

Boyz II Men

You could easily call it one of the best R&B tunes of the 1990s. End of the Road also represents a high point for Boyz II Men, giving each member a chance to riff their way into history. This includes one of the more notable parts of the song by Wanyá Morris. During the initial pre-chorus, the singer lets his voice loose and makes you do a double take. You might have to rewind a couple times to take in all of his greatness here. Its even more impressive considering that hes working alongside other worthy vocalists. His vocal run in particular is yet another reason to love the band, creating big moments for a hit single.

Céline Dion

By the end of the 1990s, Céline Dion had become a bona fide superstar. Thats the Way It Is feels like something of a victory lap and another spotlight for her pipes. Later in the song, Dion throws in a vocal run thatll have you covered in goosebumps. Its just what the track needs and gives you one more surprise before its over. Like all of the best pop tunes, the vocalist finds a way to accent these notes in a way only she could. Its a special moment in a long line of awesome work.

Stevie Wonder

With his work on this song and many others, Stevie Wonder had a hand in making vocal runs even more popular. This includes his 1972 smash hit Superstition. He really knows how to show off his voice and answer the song at the same time. This is one of his best and funkiest tracks, including ample opportunities to sing a few extra notes. The vocalist glides through his performance, perfectly executing the assignment. Hes always self-assured with a definitive style. In one of his greatest hits, Wonder finds a way to bring out the best in his iconic voice.

Christina Aguilera

In what might be her signature song, Christina Aguilera stands up for everyone in this moving ballad. Its a somber tune that still allows her to push herself as an artist. This includes some exciting vocal movements that you cant hear anywhere else. With each passing phrase, Aguilera builds up to the memorable chorus and eventually some fabulous vocal riffs. The artist once again declares herself as one of the best singers of the 2000s. Were still in awe of her ability to do a complicated run. In another tune hit like Aint No Other Man, she once again does what few other vocalists can do.

Beyoncé

Its hard to pick Beyoncés best vocal performance. From her successful run in the 2000s, Halo represents one of her strongest ballads ever. Shes a force to be reckoned with behind the mic and uses this tune to remind people. This includes her pitch-perfect vocal stylings in the chorus. It all builds up to a brief and stellar riff, providing the perfect accent to a modern classic. This accent turns an emotional song into an even more entertaining one. The performer proves that shes a versatile artist with the singing chops to compete with anybody.

Mariah Carey

In the early 1990s, Mariah Carey arrived on the scene as a fully-formed vocalist. It didnt take long for her to unleash her earth-shattering abilities. Vision of Love is a prime example of her ability to riff and run her way through a song. She stops just short of being overpowering, but shes also a towering musical talent. You have to stop and wonder as you hear her amazing voice. Combining power and control, the singer makes otherworldly sounds seem possible. She also prepared herself here for a long career of groundbreaking vocals like Lead the Way and Forever.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

An Undeniable Classic & One of the Most Iconic Ways to Sing Freedom Ever

She Almost Sounds Too Good as She Delivers This Singles Finest Notes

The British Vocalist Can Bend His Voice like a Real Professional

The R&B Singer Brings Out a Delicate & Immaculate Vocal Performance

This Footloose Soundtrack Singer Deserves More Love for Her Riffs

Whitney Houston

In this cover of Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston reminded everybody of her generational talent. She makes the song her own with some amazing pipes in a salute to Partons original. The singer can stretch and expand her voice to the point of no return. Its a staggering feat thats made even better by a climactic key change. She once again sings the title, winning over hearts with her stratospheric sound. I Will Always Love You still stands as one of her crowning achievements, giving audiences an unprecedented look at her gift. Its definitely among the more pristine vocals ever recorded, rivaling the artists work on I Wanna Dance with Somebody.

Did we forget another iconic riff that blows you away? Let us know in the comments below.