Top 10 Songs You Can Belt To
#10: "Wrecking Ball" (2013) Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus comes in like a wrecking ball with powerhouse vocals on this track, and we’re more than here for it. The ballad, all about a romance that crashed and burned, and the effects it had on a person’s psyche, is intense to say the least. So it requires a performance to match. Of course, Cyrus delivers, putting the full range of her talent on display by digging deep and transporting us to new heights with every big note. Now, we know we could never recreate the amazing power and vulnerability she simultaneously belts with, but we won’t ever tire of trying.
#9: "Chandelier" (2014) Sia
Big, bold, and daring — those are words we’d use to describe “Chandelier.” While they certainly apply to the song’s exploration of subjects like alcohol use, they also apply technically speaking. From the second Sia’s voice enters the picture, it’s clear she means business. And it isn’t long before she lets out a fierce musical dragon, taking her voice to baffling places. As listeners, we’re compelled to join in, giving each huge moment our all. And it’s hard not to feel like we’re swinging from a chandelier when we do. Now, if you have the breath capacity to dance in honor of the music video at the same time, we bow down!
#8: "Listen" (2006) Beyoncé
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Beyoncé doesn’t need to tell us to listen to the song here in her heart twice! This is the woman who’s given us belt-able classics like “Love On Top,” after all. Originally recorded for 2006’s “Dreamgirls” movie and later included on her “B'Day” album, “Listen” is Queen Bey at her best. She combines her formidable, commanding voice with a gorgeous storytelling ability, taking the ballad’s sweeping moments and bringing them to life with feeling. Her performance hits us at our cores, never failing to create a sense of liberation. So whenever we’re alone at a crossroads, we channel Beyoncé and reclaim our strength by belting out this mesmerizing tune.
#7: "I Want It That Way" (1999) Backstreet Boys
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Tell us WHY it’s impossible to do anything other than sing our butts off when this emotional ballad comes on. Okay, we know why – the Backstreet Boys set a gold standard with their own enthralling delivery, and aiming for anything less just feels wrong. Ideally, we’d be able to assemble our own group to really go all out in our renditions and achieve maximum drama – but that’s beside the point. Whether we’re dealing with heartache or a mistake, we know we can trust Kevin, Howie, AJ, Nick, and Brian to belt us through. Believe us when we say, we want it that way.
#6: "Someone Like You" (2011) Adele
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Break-ups can really suck – this is a truth universally acknowledged. But you know what else is a truth universally acknowledged? That the right tune can help us get through it! Because sometimes, we just need to let go of all the stuff in our heads, and express ourselves through music. Adele’s “Someone Like You” is the perfect number for those occasions. She sings with an emotion that feels almost unrestrained, giving listeners a glimpse into her pain every time she belts. This gives all of us permission to follow suit. We’ll never find a song quite like this, and we’re more than okay with that.
#5: "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975) Queen
To say this is a difficult number to pull off would be an understatement. But that won’t ever stop most folks — us included — from giving it our best shot. After all, if you’re not going hard while performing this rock banger at karaoke, what’s the point? It’s chock-full of grand moments that practically beg us to go wild. Do you want to channel your inner opera singer? Or maybe you’re in the mood for some a cappella? You can get all that and more in this one eclectic package, which is a huge part of the fun. Honestly, any way the wind blows doesn't really matter to us, as long as “Bohemian Rhapsody” is there for the ride.
#4: "Livin' on a Prayer" (1986) Bon Jovi
Whoah, we’re halfway there! We can’t even say those words without “Livin’ on a Prayer” popping into our minds, which pretty much tells you everything you need to know. The band tells the story of fictional characters Tommy and Gina with an intensity and spirit that instantly draws us in. So naturally, we can’t help but want to replicate their feisty delivery when we scream along. Seriously, is there anyone who’s able to stay quiet when that chorus hits? We know we can’t. Hey, it doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not – we got Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer,” and that’s a lot.
#3: "Total Eclipse of the Heart" (1983) Bonnie Tyler
Turn around, bright eyes, because we have one heck of a love song for you to jam out to! Bonnie Tyler and “Total Eclipse of the Heart” are practically synonymous with each other at this point, and for good reason. Jim Steinman’s lyrics and production are filled with feeling, and Tyler’s voice further bolsters them, making the final result ultra-climactic. The whole thing is haunting and dramatic in the best way, creating a sense of catharsis in anyone listening (and likely harmonizing with Tyler). Basically, loudly crying out each word is the perfect way to get through those days every now and then when we all fall apart.
#2: "All by Myself" (1996) Céline Dion
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Sometimes, you have to blast a playlist of ballads and wallow. Céline Dion’s “Falling into You” album has several options for those occasions. For instance, you can’t go wrong with her cover of “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.” But no tune of hers cuts through us like “All by Myself.” Originally recorded by Eric Carmen, Dion’s gripping version is a classic. Raw and profound, her voice soars in superb fashion, as she masters extravagant high notes like it’s nothing. Whether we’re in the shower, car, or in our rooms, the time is always right to belt about not wanting to be all by ourselves. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. "Skyscraper" (2011), Demi Lovato Making Us Feel Like We Can Rise From the Ground by Singing Along "Un-Break My Heart" (1996), Toni Braxton Heartbreak Ballads Must Be Belted Out "You Oughta Know" (1995), Alanis Morissette If You’re Not Going Hard, You’re Doing It Wrong "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" (1967), Aretha Franklin A Classic That Leaves Us Out of Breath "Love on the Brain" (2016), Rihanna We Have Belting on the Brain When This One Comes On
#1: "I Will Always Love You" (1992) Whitney Houston
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The late Whitney Houston was one of the most legendary vocalists ever, and she proved it by outbelting everyone on more than one occasion. We’d like to take a moment to spotlight her mind-blowing version of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” The poignant ballad about goodbye puts her imposing, awe-inspiring vocals on full display. We have chills just thinking about how it all culminates in that soul-stirring final chorus! Houston goes beyond mastering the impressive notes, instead belting out with distinct purpose. And her verve and gusto always awakens something in us, which means we certainly can’t sing the track calmly. No, each lyric demands we give all the passion we have, unleashing our voices. We will always love doing just that.
