Are you searching for a list of the most popular and best songs for altos?
That’s why we have compiled a list of the most popular and best songs for altos. These songs are sure to make a lasting impression on any audience.
Remember to have fun and choose songs that make you feel confident and passionate while singing them. With this list of top picks, your alto vocals will shine bright!
1. “I Want the Good Things Back” from Little Mermaid
The song “I Want the Good Things Back” from Little Mermaid is a heart-wrenching ballad that expresses the longing and yearning of the main character, Ariel, to return to her former life as a mermaid in the ocean.
The lyrics depict her deep desire to go back to simpler times when she was free to explore the depths of the sea and live among her family and friends.
2. “The Cake I Had” from Grey Gardens
The song “The Cake I Had” from the musical Grey Gardens is a poignant and bittersweet reflection on the passing of time and its associated memories.
It tells the story of Edith Bouvier Beale, once a wealthy socialite living in a grand mansion but now reduced to living in squalor with her daughter.
The cake mentioned in the title represents moments of joy and celebration, something plentiful in their past life but now seems like a distant memory.
3. “A Trip to the Library” from She Loves Me
“A Trip to the Library” from She Loves Me is a delightful song that captures the joy of visiting a library.
The lyrics, written by Sheldon Harnick, are filled with enthusiasm and wonder as the characters express their love for books and reading.
The song beautifully describes the experience of browsing through shelves filled with endless possibilities, feeling like a kid in a candy store.
It highlights the excitement of discovering new worlds and adventures within the pages of a book.
4. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor is a popular and iconic song with a powerful message about perseverance, determination, and strength.
Released in 1982, this song was featured in the movie “Rocky III” and quickly became an anthem for anyone facing challenges or obstacles in life.
The lyrics tell the story of someone who refuses to give up despite all odds, with lines like “Rising up, straight to the top / Had the guts, got the glory / Went the distance. Now I’m not gonna stop.”
5. “Last Dance” by Donna Summer
“Last Dance” by Donna Summer is an iconic disco anthem that captures the essence of letting go and living in the moment.
The song, released in 1978, marked a pivotal moment in Summer’s career, becoming her first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
With its pulsating beat and infectious chorus, “Last Dance” encourages listeners to leave their worries behind and hit the dance floor for one celebration.
The lyrics speak of a bittersweet ending but also convey a sense of hope and nostalgia for what was lost.
6. “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele
“Rolling in the Deep” by Adele is an emotional and powerful song that explores themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and moving on.
The lyrics depict the pain and anger of a person who has been wronged in a relationship and is now seeking closure.
Adele’s deep and soulful vocals add to the raw emotions conveyed in the song. She sings about diving into her emotions and refusing to let go of the hurt she feels.
7. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston is an iconic love ballad that has stood the test of time.
The song, originally written and performed by Dolly Parton, became even more popular when Houston covered it in 1992.
The lyrics speak of a bittersweet goodbye to a loved one while assuring them of eternal love and memories.
8. “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
“Respect” by Aretha Franklin is a powerful anthem of empowerment and standing up for oneself.
The song, released in 1967, quickly became an anthem for the civil rights and women’s liberation movements.
The lyrics call for respect and equal treatment, highlighting the importance of being treated with dignity and fairness.
9. “Mama Said” by The Shirelles
“Mama Said” by The Shirelles is a timeless classic that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds.
This upbeat and catchy song tells the story of a young girl seeking advice from her mother about love and relationships.
The lyrics, “Mama said there’ll be days like this, there’ll be days like this, my mama said,” remind us that our mothers always have our best interests at heart and their guidance can help us navigate life’s challenges.
10. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell is a timeless classic of unconditional love and unwavering support.
The song, released in 1967, is about two individuals who promise to always be there for each other, no matter the distance or challenges they may face.
Through powerful lyrics and soulful vocals, Gaye and Terrell convey the message that nothing can come between true love.
11. “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan
“I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan is a timeless classic that celebrates women’s strength, resilience, and power.
The song was released in 1978 and remains just as relevant today as it was back then.
It begins with an upbeat tempo and the iconic opening line, “I’m every woman, it’s all in me,” which sets the tone for the entire song.
Through her powerful and soulful voice, Chaka Khan reminds us that all women can do anything they want.
12. “Unbreak My Heart” by Toni Braxton
“Unbreak My Heart” by Toni Braxton is a soulful ballad that has touched the hearts of millions since its release in 1996.
The song tells the story of a heartbroken person pleading with their former lover to come back and mend their broken heart.
Through powerful lyrics and stunning vocals, Braxton captures the pain and longing that come with a broken relationship.
13. “It’s Raining Men” by The Weather Girls
“It’s Raining Men” by The Weather Girls is an iconic and upbeat song that has become a staple at parties and events.
The song, released in 1982, celebrates female empowerment and the joy of finding love.
The catchy beat and infectious chorus make this song a timeless classic. Almost four decades after its release, it continues to bring people together on dance floors.
14. “Goodbye My Love” from Ragtime
The song “Goodbye My Love” from the musical Ragtime is poignant and emotional. It speaks about the pain and heartache of parting ways with someone you deeply care for.
The lyrics convey longing and nostalgia as the narrator bids farewell to their love, reminiscing about the cherished moments they shared.
The melody is hauntingly beautiful, evoking feelings of sadness and regret. It also captures the bittersweet nature of goodbye, where one must let go of something dear to move forward.
15. “Anyone Can Whistle” from Anyone Can Whistle
“Anyone Can Whistle” is a cheerful and upbeat song from the musical “Anyone Can Whistle,” composed by Stephen Sondheim.
The song promotes the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, social status, or abilities, has the potential to achieve great things in life.
It encourages listeners to have faith in themselves and their capabilities and not to be discouraged by setbacks or failures.
16. “Natural Woman” by Carole King
“Natural Woman” by Carole King is a soulful and inspiring song that celebrates every woman’s innate beauty and power.
Through her heartfelt lyrics, King captures what it means to be a strong and confident woman, embracing our strengths and vulnerabilities.
The song speaks about finding love and connection through being true to oneself rather than conforming to societal norms or expectations.
17. “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from The Little Mermaid
The iconic song “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from the Disney movie The Little Mermaid is a powerful and well-loved tune that captures the essence of the film’s villain, Ursula.
This song delves into themes of deception, manipulation, and greed as Ursula preys on those desperate for change and promises them their hearts’ desires without revealing the full consequences.
18. “Somewhere” from West Side Story
“Somewhere” from West Side Story is a powerful and emotional song reflecting the longing for a better world.
The lyrics portray the desire to escape from the violence and prejudice of their current reality and find a place where peace, love, and acceptance exist.
The song’s message of hope for a brighter tomorrow can resonate with anyone who has ever felt marginalized or trapped in their circumstances.
19. “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston is an iconic and timeless song that has captured people’s hearts worldwide.
The upbeat and catchy tune, paired with Whitney’s powerful vocals, makes it impossible not to want to dance along.
It talks about the longing for love and companionship and the desire to find someone to make you feel alive again.
20. “No One” by Alicia Keys
“No One” by Alicia Keys is a beautifully written and soulful song that speaks to the universal experience of love and acceptance.
The lyrics touch upon the idea that no matter who we are or where we come from, we all want the same thing: to be loved for exactly who we are.
Through her powerful vocals and heartfelt words, Keys reminds us that love transcends all boundaries and unites us as human beings.
This song reminds us to embrace our individuality and bask in the joy of being loved and accepted without any conditions or expectations.
FAQs
What are some facts about alto singers?
Alto singers, also known as contraltos, have a unique and powerful vocal range that enhances any musical performance.
Here are five interesting facts about alto singers that you may not know.
1. Alto is the lowest female voice type, falling between the higher-pitched soprano and lower-pitched tenor. This makes them crucial for creating harmonies in choral music.
2. Unlike sopranos, which can easily hit high notes, altos have a richer and warmer sound due to their lower range.
3. Being an alto requires strong vocal control as it involves singing in both chest and head voices simultaneously to achieve the fullness of sound.
4. Some famous alto singers include Adele, Beyonce Knowles, and Cher – just to name a few!
5. Altos often play supporting roles in musicals, but their solos are equally stunning and memorable.
What are the characteristics of an alto voice?
An alto voice is typically characterized by its rich, full tone and lower range. It tends to fall between a soprano and a tenor in the middle of the vocal range.
Altos are known for their warm, velvety quality, often described as “full-bodied” or “sultry.” Their natural depth of voice can uniquely convey emotion and expressiveness.
Altos also can blend well with other vocal parts, making them an essential component of any choir or ensemble.
Their strong chest voice sets an alto apart from other voices, allowing them to sing with power and control in their lower register.
However, they also possess a smooth transition into their upper range, allowing for versatility in their singing style.
Overall, an alto voice brings richness and depth to music that any other vocal part cannot replicate.
What is good about being an alto?
As an alto, you can sing both low and high notes with ease, giving you a wide range of vocal abilities.
This allows you to explore various genres of music, such as jazz, pop, rock, and classical, without feeling limited by your voice type.
Additionally, altos are essential to any harmony group, as their lower register adds depth and richness to the overall sound.
Being an alto also means having a unique tone and timbre that sets you apart from other voices in a choir or group performance.
Furthermore, many famous female singers, such as Adele, Beyoncé, and Christina Aguilera, are altos, which shows the power and beauty of this voice type.
Overall, being an alto comes with its own set of challenges, but it also offers endless opportunities for creativity and expression through music. Embrace your alto voice and make it shine!
Is Billie Eilish an alto?
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Billie Eilish or simply enjoy her music, one question that has been floating around is whether she is an alto.
For those of us who are not too familiar with vocal ranges and terminology, alto is a term used to describe the lower-range female voice.
Based on her singing style and tone, Billie Eilish falls into the alto range. Her voice has a deep and rich timbre, which sets her apart from other female pop artists who tend to have higher-pitched voices.
However, it is essential to note that being an alto does not necessarily mean having a specific vocal range or technical ability. It is simply a label used to describe the natural tone of someone’s voice.
So, while Billie Eilish can be classified as an alto, her unique style and talent are not limited to just one label.
Conclusion
Altos have a unique and beautiful voice that adds depth and richness to any song.
We hope this list of the most popular and best songs for altos has inspired you for your next performance or karaoke night.
Whether you’re belting out a powerful ballad or harmonizing in a group, these songs will surely showcase the alto voice’s beauty.
So go ahead and add them to your playlist, and let your inner alto shine!
Remember, there are no limits to what an alto can sing, so keep exploring and experimenting with different genres and styles. Keep singing loud and proud, fellow altos!