Every singer should have a few traditional and contemporary acapella songs under their belt. Many times, singers are required to sing acapella music at auditions – without an accompanist or background track.
Music directors often ask singers to sing acapella in order to hear and test their musicality and stamina. (Acapella singing requires that these skills be sharp!) It also shows that you’re able to be a leader, and that you’re comfortable having the spotlight on you as a solo singer.
If you have an audition coming up, or are simply looking to find more music for your group or choir, check out this list of the best acapella songs broken up into categories for different genders and genres.
50+ Best Acapella Songs for Any Singer
You can sing just about any genre in the acapella style, including pop, jazz, R&B, country and Broadway. Many artists such as New York Voices, Pentatonix, and the Mormon Tabernacle choir have turned both traditional and contemporary songs into their own unique vocal arrangements.
They create all the melodies, rhythms, and harmonies with their voices alone! By diving into separated voice parts, each person plays an important role in their acapella singers ensemble. For instance, a male voice may take all the bass lines, while a soprano takes the melody, and another voice handles the beatboxing.
Check out this list to get started!
Best Acapella Songs for Female Singers (Solo or Group)
1.“I knew you were trouble” Taylor Swift
This incredible rendition of Taylor Swift’s song comes from an all-female acapella group – the BYU Noteworthy. The harmonies are crystal clear and the arrangements, quite entertaining!
2. “I can’t make you love me” Bonnie Raitt
3. “Tale as old as time” Beauty and the Beast
4. “I turn to you” Christina Aguilera
5. “Dreaming of you” Selena
6. “Don’t wanna lose you” Gloria Estefan
7. “Try” Colbie Caillat
8. “Natural woman” Aretha Franklin
9. “Love song” Sara Bareilles
10. “Fallin’” Alicia Keys
Best Acapella Songs for Male Singers (Solo or Group)
11. “Bridge over troubled water” Simon & Garfunkel
This is a spectacular group performance by Ithacappella. Pay attention to what it sounds like when you take away the instruments and just hear raw voices.
12. “Can’t buy me love” The Beatles
13. “Leaving on a jet plane” Peter, Paul and Mary
14. “Hakuna matata” The Lion King
15. “Mmm bop” Hanson
16. “Beat it” Michael Jackson
17. “Candle in the wind” Elton John
18. “When you’re gone” Matchbox 20
19. “Who let the dogs out” The Baha Men
20. “I want it that way” Backstreet Boys
RELATED: The Top Tip for How to Sing Acapella
Best Acapella Songs for Large Groups of Men & Women
21. “A whole new world” Aladdin
Check out this mixed group singing acapella. Notice their volume and how they really listen to each other to create a flawless performance!
22.“Where have all the flowers gone” Peter, Paul, and Mary
23. “I say a little prayer” Aretha Franklin
24. “Country roads” John Denver
25. “Yesterday” The Beatles
26. “Human nature” Michael Jackson
27. “True colors” Cyndi Lauper
28. “Give me one reason” Tracy Chapman
29. “God must have spent a little more time on you” N’SYNC
30. “September” Earth, Wind and Fire
Best Contemporary Acapella Songs (Solo or Group)
31.“Single ladies” Beyonce
The strong melody and added rhythmic components in this live student performance are very impressive!
32. “If I was your man” Bruno Mars
33. “Home” Michael Buble
34. “You belong to me” Taylor Swift
35. “Hello” Adele
36. “A million reasons” Lady Gaga
37. “God bless the broken road” Rascal Flatts
38. “She will be loved” Maroon 5
39. “Stickwitu” Pussycat Dolls
40. “Hero” Mariah Carey
Best Traditional Acapella Songs (Solo or Group)
41. “Sir Duke” Stevie Wonder
Check out this all-male group and their fun performance energy!
42. “My way” Frank Sinatra
43. “Nature boy” Nat King Cole
44. “Let there be peace on earth” Harry Connick Jr.
45. “Somewhere over the rainbow” Eva Cassidy
46. “I will always love you” Dolly Parton
47. “You’ve got a friend” Carole King
48. “Fire and rain” James Taylor
49. “Amazing grace” Celtic Women
50. “Moon river” Barbra Streisand
51. “Wade in the water” Fisk Jubilee Singers
Singing acapella is quite engaging, because you have the flexibility to improvise with the melody, rhythm, and interpretation. The biggest challenge however, is keeping your intonation and pitch in sync.
If you’re looking to strengthen your skills as an acapella singer, it’s best to get some instruction from a trained vocal coach, such as those at TakeLessons. An acapella singing teacher can help you learn new material and gain confidence for an upcoming audition or performance.
Post Author: Liz T.
Liz T. teaches singing and acting lessons online. She is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music with a B.M in Vocal Performance and she currently performs all styles of music including Musical Theater, Classical, Jazz, Rock, Pop, R&B, and Country. Learn more about Liz here!
Liz T