Everyone knows there’s superior acoustics in the car. If you aren’t belting it out going down the road, then what are you doing on your drive? The best tracks to do so are with high notes. Not only can you sing your heart out to the imaginary crowd, but you also don’t have to be perfect.
So, we put together a list of songs with high notes that should go on your playlist. Not only can you get that emotion out, but you can also buff up your voice.
1. Lovin’ You – Minnie Riperton
This is a sweet song with notes so high they are almost ethereal. If you pay close attention to the end, Minnie Riperton is leaving a love note for her daughter Maya. It’s extra special when you realize that the track is a lasting tribute because this singer passed away all too soon.
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2. Dreamlover – Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is the queen of high notes, and this one definitely delivers. When calling out to the ultimate fantasy person, you’d hope to have a pitch high enough for them to hear. She wants to be rescued by this person, and if that isn’t one of the most relatable thoughts, what is?
3. I Believe In A Thing Called Love – The Darkness
Trying to convince someone that the two of you can make it work? The lead singer takes the note so high that you almost wonder if he has been kicked in the groin. Luckily, that’s just his intense way of expressing his feelings. The rock sounds and meaningful lyrics put together a song that you can’t help but be touched by.
4. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
Many regard Bohemian Rhapsody as one of the best songs ever written & recorded. If nothing else, it’s a musical journey that sounds like snippets from various genres made to work beautifully together. The first “Galileo” shouted out sounds as if it came from an angel atop a cloud rather than a man in front of a mic. Masterpiece? You decide.
5. Rolling In The Deep – Adele
Adele belts it like none other, and her lyrics are just as powerful as her voice. Whatever this person did to end things was the wrong thing to do. She laments over how close they got to being successful. It sounded like it was a fiery passion that went cold because of an idiot. Everyone understands that disappointment.
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6. Chandelier – Sia
Sia has spoken about how this song represents a chaotic time in her life. Taking a step back from the lyrics, you can see how these are signs of spiraling out of control. Whether she was trying to suppress the dark thoughts creeping up or just wanted a night of escape, there’s a lot of raw emotion emanating from the singer.
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7. My Immortal – Evanescence
The beginning piano notes set the stage for what feels like heaviness. Once Amy Lee starts vocalizing, you pick up quickly on how exhausted she is in her relationship. Her partner sounds pretty toxic, and he’s been threatening to leave. She has finally reached the point where she doesn’t care. Knowing it has been over, she’s ready to accept it.
8. Dream On – Aerosmith
Steven Tyler’s voice has undergone quite a metamorphosis over his years fronting for Aerosmith. Dream On is a great example. He goes from singing to screaming in a life retrospective. Which, to be fair, many people would want to do in a similar situation.
Next: Ultimate list of the most iconic and best male singers ever
9. All By Myself – Céline Dion
This remake of Eric Carmen’s classic was masterfully done by one of the most successful singers of all time. Céline Dion was able to take the words to new heights, at least in pitch. Essentially, it’s bringing life to loneliness in lyrical form. The perspective is from someone who is looking back on their life and is not pleased by where they are now. It used to be so fun and carefree. How has life trailed so far from that place?
10. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
When Dolly Parton put this song out, it was a very sweet, country ballad about a breakup. Whitney Houston thought it was perfect for The Bodyguard soundtrack. She made something that was emotionally charged and powerful. They didn’t call her The Voice for nothing. Since the track’s debut in the 90s, it’s continued to bring tears to the eyes of anyone looking thoughtfully at ending relationships.
11. All of Me – John Legend
There’s nothing like love to inspire lifelong sentiment. It’s the kind most partners would like to hear. John Legend throws it all out on the line when he’s singing to his wife, Chrissy Teigen. His smooth-like-butter voice has the audience melting with the endearing way he refers to her. Having the model star in the video with him was a no-brainer.
Next: Music’s greatest love songs of all time
12. Believe – Cher
Getting to play around with sound effects is a great way to fall into a massive hit, especially when it’s by a seasoned pro. Cher ponders a question to listeners, “Do you believe in life after love?” When it came out, it got a lot of people thinking. It was an interestingly worded question but also, of course, you can go on after a partnership doesn’t work out. It may not always feel like it, but time helps.
13. Baby Love – The Supremes
In babydoll fashion, The Supremes are pleading for a return of love. It’s about a woman who would do anything to be with her partner again but she hasn’t realized how bad he is. This guy hurts her, but she just doesn’t want anyone else.
14. Free – Mya
Mya is already on the soprano side of sound. So, when this early 2000s single came out, her voice combined with relatable lyrics made for a breakout hit. The track is basically an advertisement for her single status. She has her life together, she’s a catch, and if you’re available, maybe something can happen. Not only is it a good song, but it’s a great way to look at dating.
15. No Air – Jordin Sparks And Chris Brown
The American Idol winner shows off her pipes in this late 2000s hit about being so obsessed with someone you can’t breathe when they aren’t around. She puts up a good argument in duet style while expressing her undying devotion to someone. Jordin Sparks’ life is too integrated with this person to be without them.
16. Blessed – Elton John
Elton John has reached a time in his life when he’s ready to have children. He doesn’t know when it will happen or what to expect. What he does know is that they will have a wonderful life. He pledges to go to any lengths to make that happen. It’s what most parents want for their offspring, but he actually has the means to ensure it.
17. Fallin’ – Alicia Keys
When Alicia Keys burst onto the scene in the early 2000s, her a cappella opening was an instant draw. Her vocal skill was immediately noticed and highly praised following this release. It’s the perfect anthem for on-and-off relationships. These are couplings that have almost too much passion and not enough substance for a real relationship. Makes for great music, though.
18. Halo – Beyoncé
Once you’ve heard it, there’s no question as to why this song is popular at weddings. The story is about overcoming baggage from bad relationships and allowing yourself to open up to someone else. That person who makes you feel comfortable enough to get close to is like an angel, your saving grace.
19. Trumpets – Jason Derulo
Imagine looking at someone doing humdrum activities and feeling inspired. Jason Derulo tries to put his feelings in so many different ways that he makes it impossible to not relate to at least one of his comparisons. The pitch matches his excitement as he goes along praising every bit of this woman he’s in love with.
20. Love On The Brain – Rihanna
Have you ever been led on? This song is for you. Rihanna sings about some guy who keeps pulling her around. She is desperate to win his affection and goes to great lengths just to be noticed. Knowing a person is not good for you isn’t enough reason to stop wishing it would happen.
21. E.T. – Katy Perry Feat. Kanye West
Anderson Cooper said of his late mom that he always felt like she was from another planet, in a good way. That’s the type of person Katy Perry has a connection with in this selection. He’s otherworldly, and she just wants him to absorb her.
As the Head Editor and Writer at Music Grotto, Liam helps write and edit content produced from professional music/media journalists and other contributing writers. He works closely with journalists and other staff to format and publish music content for the Music Grotto website. Liam is also the founding member of Music Grotto and is passionate in disseminating editorial content to its readers.
Liam’s lifelong love for music makes his role at Music Grotto such a rewarding one. He loves researching, writing and editing music content for Music Grotto.