When you have an audition, picking the right song is crucial. If you’re looking for good baritone audition songs that can help you stand out, you’re in the right place! We’ve got a variety of options from musical theatre to pop and rock so that you can pick the perfect one for you.
It’s not every day we get to pick the song we sing for an audition, so it’s a special opportunity when we do and one that should take careful consideration. When choosing your audition song, you need to think about whether the tune shows off your voice without forcing you to sing notes you can’t reach. You also want a piece that conveys the right emotions for the part you’re auditioning for and one that helps you stand apart from your competition.
Here are some ideas to help you get started…
What Are the Best Baritone Audition Songs?
Whether you’re auditioning for a local theater performance or Broadway, these songs will help you land the part! It’s best not to sing a brand new song for an audition unless you have a lot of time to practice. So, pick one that you’re familiar with, or start practicing a couple that you like for an audition down the road!
Good audition songs for baritones include “I Can’t Stand Still” from Footloose, “Forest for the Trees” from Spitfire Grill, and “The Sweetest Sounds” by No Strings. Keep reading for the best list of good audition songs for baritones, so you can nail your next audition and win the parts you dream of and deserve!
Here’s a quick list of the best baritone audition songs.
- “I Can’t Stand Still” – Footloose
- “Forest for the Trees” – Spitfire Grill
- “The Sweetest Sounds” – No Strings
- “Pretty Women” – Sweeney Todd
- “Greased Lightning” – Grease
- “Sweet Caroline” – Neil Diamond
- “Forever in Blue Jeans” – Neil Diamond
- “America” -Neil Diamond
- “Light My Fire” – The Doors
- “Riders on the Storm” – The Doors
- “People are Strange” – The Doors
- “It’s Been Awhile” – Staind
- “So Far Away” – Staind
- “Epiphany” – Staind
- “The Clouding” -Iced Earth
You can find more ideas in the video below where Betsy, a singing teacher at TakeLessons, shares good audition songs for baritones for broadway, classical, pop, and comedic parts. She’ll also share overperformed songs to avoid.
Baritone Audition Songs (Musical Theatre)
While there are many options for baritone musical theatre songs, you also have many rock and pop songs to choose from. We’ll discuss different songs and share videos to help you decide which one is right for your voice and the part you’re auditioning for.
You may also be interested in: Vocal Audition Crimes: 3 Mistakes That Turn Judges Off
1. “I Can’t Stand Still” – Footloose
“I Can’t Stand Still” from Footloose is an excellent option for showing off the energy in your voice. This jazzy and upbeat audition song is ideal for musicals that have a similar, lighthearted feel. One big advantage is that you don’t need to have a wide range to sing this song.
2. “Forest for the Trees” – Spitfire Grill
Consider incorporating some acting into your performance to impress musical directors with your rendition of “Forest for the Trees” from Spitfire Grill. This is the perfect way to exemplify your ability to interpret lyrics. “Forest for the Trees” is quite a challenging piece, as it includes several high notes. If you can sing it well, it will definitely help you make an impact at your audition!
3. “The Sweetest Sounds” – No Strings
If you’re looking for slower baritone audition songs, “The Sweetest Sounds” from No Strings is an excellent option. This is your chance to show you can make a gentle and romantic piece also powerful and exciting. As with any slower tempo piece, it’s essential to incorporate emotion to keep your audience’s attention. And because No Strings is a comedy, this song is best suited for auditions for comedic musical theater works.
4. “Pretty Women” – Sweeney Todd
“Pretty Women” is another piece that involves lyrical interpretation in your performance, both through the emotion in your voice and some acting on stage. It’s a wonderful piece to show off your singing skills because of the juxtaposition of lighthearted passages with the serious, darker areas. Similarly, while some parts of this song involve singing very softly and emphatically, other parts are powerful and romantic.
5. “Greased Lightning” – Grease
There probably isn’t a better choice for an audition in a rock musical than “Greased Lightning” from Grease. While not very difficult to sing as it has a limited range, “Greased Lightning” is all about showing off your energy and the power of your voice. It’s also an excellent choice for incorporating acting and a bit of dancing. If you’re looking for male audition songs, you should definitely consider “Greased Lightning!”
Baritone Audition Songs (Pop and Rock)
For pop and rock gigs, it’s best to consider the vocal range of the original artists as you look for an audition song. Here are some great, fun options for baritone singers.
6. “Sweet Caroline” – Neil Diamond
Neil Diamond has you covered if you’re looking for the best baritone pop songs for audition. “Sweet Carolina” is a karaoke favorite because it’s relatively easy to learn, even for rookie singers. This one features a bit of soft rock, too.
7. “Forever in Blue Jeans” – Neil Diamond”
Another pop tune by Neil Diamond is “Forever in Blue Jeans.” This up-tempo song reminds us of the importance of simple things!
8. “America” – Neil Diamond”
Interested in a patriotic song that’s a mix of pop, rock, and country? Neil dedicated this one to his grandmother, where he sings to celebrate America.
SEE ALSO: How to Survive as a Baritone Singing Pop
9. “Light My Fire” – The Doors
This rock song features a jazzy improvisation, too. “Light My Fire” is a longer audition song at 7 minutes.
10. “Riders on the Storm” – The Doors
Classified as the precursor of gothic music, “Riders on the Storm” is a mix of psychedelic rock, jazz rock, art rock, and gothic. Another long one, this song is often referred to as ‘magic’ and certainly one to make you stand out at your next audition.
11. “People Are Strange” – The Doors
If you’re looking for a shorter song by The Doors to play for your audition, “People Are Strange” is a fun, upbeat tune. This one is a mix of pop and rock.
12. “It’s Been Awhile” – Staind
Staind’s most successful hit, “It’s Been Awhile” is one of the best baritone audition songs if you’re looking to stand out. This personal song is a mix of pop and rock.
13. “So Far Away” – Staind
A personal favorite, this one only gets better with time! You’re sure to impress with this one at your next audition.
14. “Epiphany” – Staind
“Epiphany” is an underrated yet beautiful pop and rock song. This is an excellent choice if you’re looking to showcase the dynamics of your vocals.
15. “The Clouding” – Iced Earth
The tones and range of “The Clouding” easily makes this one of the most unique baritone audition songs. Though this one is sure to take extra practice, it’s well worth the effort if you can get it down for an upcoming audition.
Good Luck and Have Fun!
So there you have it! We hope you’ve found something great from this list of baritone audition songs for musical theater, pop, or rock. Start practicing, work with a voice teacher, and you’ll be well on your way to standing out and impressing your audience.
Do you have any other suggestions for good audition songs for baritones? Let us know in the comments section below. Good luck on your future audition, and remember – confidence is key!
Photo by: Eva Rinaldi
Shanika