In the article “20 Good Songs to Harmonize to,” readers will find a hand-picked collection of songs that are perfect for harmonizing. The article highlights the key factors that contribute to a song’s harmonization potential, such as its melody, chord progression, and overall structure. While personal preferences come into play when selecting harmonizing songs, the article acknowledges that some individuals prefer to stick within the same genre, while others enjoy mixing it up. With iconic tunes like “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen and contemporary hits like “Titanium” by David Guetta ft. Sia, the list aims to cater to a wide range of musical tastes. Each song on the list is accompanied by a brief description and background, providing readers with a glimpse into the harmonization opportunities offered by these beloved tracks.
Factors to Consider in Harmonizing Songs
When it comes to harmonizing songs, there are a few key factors to consider. These factors can greatly affect the overall success and effectiveness of your harmonization. Let’s take a closer look at some of these factors:
Melody
One of the most important factors to consider in harmonizing songs is the melody. The melody is the main tune or theme of a song. When harmonizing, it’s crucial to choose a melody that is both catchy and easy to follow. This will make it easier for you to harmonize with the melody and create beautiful and harmonious sounds.
Chord Progression
Another factor to consider is the chord progression of the song. The chord progression refers to the sequence of chords that are played throughout the song. Harmonizing involves choosing harmonies that complement and enhance the chord progression. It’s important to choose harmonies that not only fit with the chords being played but also add depth and richness to the overall sound.
Overall Structure
The overall structure of a song is also an important factor to consider when harmonizing. This includes the arrangement of different sections such as verses, choruses, bridges, and outros. Understanding the structure of a song will help you determine where and how to add harmonies. It’s important to choose the right moments to harmonize in order to create a cohesive and balanced sound.
Personal Preferences in Song Selection
In addition to the technical factors mentioned above, personal preferences also play a significant role in selecting harmonizing songs. Here are a couple of aspects to consider:
Genre Preference
One personal preference that affects song selection for harmonizing is genre preference. Some individuals prefer to harmonize with songs that belong to a specific genre. This may be because they resonate more with the style, instrumentation, and overall feel of that particular genre. Harmonizing with songs in a genre that you love can add an extra layer of enjoyment and connection to the music.
Mixing Genres
On the other hand, some people like to mix things up and harmonize with songs from different genres. This can be an exciting and creative way to explore the possibilities of harmonization. Mixing genres allows you to experiment with different harmonization techniques and challenge yourself to create unique and interesting harmonies.
Song List
Now that we’ve covered the factors to consider and the personal preferences in song selection, let’s delve into a list of great songs to harmonize to. This list includes a wide range of genres and features some classic and contemporary favorites. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced harmonizer, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste.
‘I Get Around’ by Beach Boys
This catchy and upbeat song by the Beach Boys is a great choice for harmonization. With its infectious melody and simple chord progression, it offers plenty of opportunities to add harmonies. The harmonies in this song can be tight and close, creating a sense of unity and energy.
‘Titanium’ by David Guetta ft. Sia
“Titanium” is a powerful and emotional song that lends itself well to harmonization. The soaring vocals of Sia combined with the electronic beats of David Guetta create a perfect backdrop for harmonies. Harmonizing with this song allows you to add depth and intensity to the already impactful lyrics and melody.
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen
“Bohemian Rhapsody” is a timeless classic by Queen that showcases the band’s incredible vocal harmonies. This epic and theatrical song is a harmonizer’s dream, with its intricate arrangements and multi-layered vocals. Harmonizing with “Bohemian Rhapsody” will give you the opportunity to explore complex harmonies and create a truly exhilarating musical experience.
‘End of the Road’ by Boyz II Men
“End of the Road” is a heartfelt R&B ballad by Boyz II Men that is perfect for harmonizing. This song allows for beautiful harmonies that showcase the group’s signature soulful sound. Harmonizing with “End of the Road” can be an emotional and touching experience, as you blend your voices together to convey the song’s poignant message.
‘I Will Wait’ by Mumford & Sons
“I Will Wait” by Mumford & Sons is a folk-rock anthem with a driving rhythm and rousing melodies. Harmonizing with this song can create a sense of unity and camaraderie, as you join your voices together to sing the powerful chorus. The harmonies in “I Will Wait” can be both simple and impactful, adding warmth and texture to the song.
‘Louder Than Words’ by Les Friction
“Louder Than Words” by Les Friction is an epic and cinematic song that demands powerful harmonies. The soaring vocals and orchestral arrangements provide ample opportunities for harmonization. Harmonizing with “Louder Than Words” allows you to create a grand and symphonic sound, adding drama and intensity to the song’s lyrics and musical composition.
‘I Get Around’ by Beach Boys
Description
“I Get Around” is a classic surf rock song by the Beach Boys. Released in 1964, it quickly became a hit and is still loved by fans around the world. The song exudes a carefree and energetic vibe, with its catchy melody and upbeat tempo. The harmonies in “I Get Around” are characteristic of the Beach Boys’ signature sound, with tight and close harmonies that create a sense of unity and joy.
Background
“I Get Around” was written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love, two members of the Beach Boys. The song was inspired by Wilson’s desire to create a fun and fast-paced track that would capture the excitement of cruising around in cars. The harmonies in the song were meticulously crafted by Wilson, who aimed to create a seamless blend of voices that would enhance the lively and carefree feel of the song. “I Get Around” remains one of the Beach Boys’ most popular and iconic songs, and its harmonies continue to inspire and captivate listeners.
‘Titanium’ by David Guetta ft. Sia
Description
“Titanium” is a powerful dance-pop ballad by French DJ and producer David Guetta, featuring the mesmerizing vocals of Sia. Released in 2011, the song has become a huge hit and has been widely covered and harmonized by many musicians and singers. The melody is captivating, and the lyrics are empowering, making it an emotional and impactful song to harmonize to.
Background
“Titanium” was written by David Guetta, Afrojack, Sia, and Giorgio Tuinfort. The song was originally intended for Mary J. Blige but ended up being recorded by Sia. The harmonies in “Titanium” beautifully complement Sia’s powerful vocals, adding depth and intensity to the song. The combination of electronic beats and heartfelt lyrics creates a perfect canvas for harmonization, allowing singers to showcase their vocal abilities and create a harmonious and captivating performance.
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen
Description
“Bohemian Rhapsody” is a legendary rock opera by the British band Queen. Released in 1975, it defied traditional song structures and pushed the boundaries of what a song could be. The song is known for its intricate arrangements, multi-layered vocals, and genre-bending sound. Harmonizing with “Bohemian Rhapsody” offers a unique and exhilarating experience, as you navigate through its diverse sections and explore the complex harmonies that make the song so iconic.
Background
“Bohemian Rhapsody” was written by Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen. The song took several months to record, with the band meticulously layering vocals upon vocals to create a rich and dynamic sound. The harmonies in “Bohemian Rhapsody” were carefully crafted to blend seamlessly with the lead vocals and add depth and texture to the song. The result is a masterpiece that continues to captivate and inspire musicians and harmonizers alike.
‘End of the Road’ by Boyz II Men
Description
“End of the Road” is a heartfelt R&B ballad by the American vocal group Boyz II Men. Released in 1992, the song became a massive hit and is considered one of the group’s signature songs. The harmonies in “End of the Road” beautifully complement the soulful melodies, creating a heartfelt and emotional listening experience. Harmonizing with this song allows you to embrace the vulnerability and expressiveness of Boyz II Men’s harmonizing style.
Background
“End of the Road” was written by Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Antonio “L.A.” Reid, and Daryl Simmons. The song was recorded specifically for the soundtrack of the Eddie Murphy movie “Boomerang.” The harmonies in “End of the Road” showcase Boyz II Men’s incredible vocal abilities and their ability to create rich and intricate harmonies. The song went on to become a massive success, cementing Boyz II Men’s status as one of the most influential R&B groups of all time.
‘I Will Wait’ by Mumford & Sons
Description
“I Will Wait” is an anthemic folk-rock song by British band Mumford & Sons. Released in 2012, the song features a spirited and infectious melody that invites listeners to sing along. The harmonies in “I Will Wait” bring a sense of unity and camaraderie, as you join your voices together to sing the powerful chorus. Harmonizing with this song allows you to embrace the energy and passion of Mumford & Sons’ music and create harmonies that enhance the uplifting and empowering feel of the song.
Background
“I Will Wait” was written by all four members of Mumford & Sons: Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, Winston Marshall, and Ted Dwane. The song was inspired by the band’s experiences touring and their desire to create a song that would resonate with their fans. The harmonies in “I Will Wait” are simple yet impactful, providing a strong foundation that supports the song’s dynamic instrumentals and heartfelt lyrics. The song’s success propelled Mumford & Sons to international fame and established them as one of the leading bands in the folk-rock genre.
‘Louder Than Words’ by Les Friction
Description
“Louder Than Words” is an epic and cinematic song by the musical project Les Friction. Released in 2012, the song features powerful vocals and orchestral arrangements that create a grand and symphonic sound. The harmonies in “Louder Than Words” are full and expansive, adding drama and intensity to the song’s lyrics and musical composition. Harmonizing with this song allows you to embrace the grandeur and theatrics of Les Friction’s music and create harmonies that captivate and inspire.
Background
“Louder Than Words” was written by Helmut Vonlichten, the co-founder of Les Friction. The song was originally created as a demo for a production music library but ended up gaining popularity and being released as a single. The harmonies in “Louder Than Words” were carefully crafted to complement Vonlichten’s powerful vocals and create a sense of unity and strength. The song’s epic sound and emotional lyrics have resonated with many listeners and harmonizers, making it a favorite choice for those looking to create impactful and dynamic harmonies.
In conclusion, harmonizing songs can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Considering factors such as melody, chord progression, and overall structure can greatly enhance your harmonization skills. Additionally, personal preferences, such as genre preference and mixing genres, should also be taken into account when selecting songs to harmonize to. The song list provided offers a diverse selection of songs, including classics like “I Get Around” by Beach Boys and “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, as well as contemporary hits like “Titanium” by David Guetta ft. Sia. Each song offers its own unique opportunities for harmonization and provides a fulfilling and expressive musical experience.
