40 Hard Songs to Sing in Order to Test Your Vocals

Master vocal

As singers, we constantly strive to push the boundaries of our vocal abilities, aiming to reach new heights of mastery.

However, finding the right repertoire to test our skills can be challenging.

This blog post offers a meticulously curated list of 40 vocally demanding songs that will put your singing prowess to the ultimate test.

These carefully selected tracks will challenge various aspects of your technique, from soaring high notes to intricate melismas, providing a comprehensive workout for your voice.

Whether you’re an aspiring vocalist or a seasoned performer, this compilation will help you identify areas for improvement, refine your skills, and take your performances to unprecedented levels.

Get ready for a journey of vocal exploration as we explore these 40 demanding yet rewarding songs.

List of Hard Songs to Sing of All Time

1. Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen

Bohemian_Rhapsody_by_Queen

“Bohemian Rhapsody” is one of the most iconic rock songs ever, known for its complex structure and operatic sections.

Freddie Mercury’s dynamic range and ability to seamlessly transition between different styles within the same song make it a formidable challenge for any singer.

The rapid tempo changes and intricate harmonies require precise timing and exceptional vocal control.

Tackling this song is a true test of a singer’s versatility and skill.

  • Challenge: Dynamic range, operatic sections, and rapid tempo changes.
  • Awards: Grammy Hall of Fame, Brit Award for Best British Single
  • Year released: 1975

2. I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston

I_Will_Always_Love_You_by_Whitney_Houston

Whitney Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” showcases her incredible vocal prowess.

The song features high belts and sustained notes that require excellent breath control and power.

The emotional delivery needed to convey the song’s poignant message adds another layer of complexity.

This ballad is a benchmark for vocalists aiming to demonstrate their ability to handle both technical and emotional aspects of a song.

  • Challenge: High belts, sustained notes, and emotional delivery.
  • Awards: Grammy Award for Record of the Year, Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
  • Year released: 1992

3. Chandelier by Sia

Chandelier_by_Sia

“Chandelier” by Sia is known for its powerful chorus and high notes that push a singer’s vocal range to the limit.

The song demands excellent breath control to maintain the intensity and energy throughout.

Sia’s distinctive vocal style and emotional intensity make this song a challenging piece that tests a singer’s endurance and expressive capabilities.

  • Challenge: Powerful chorus, high notes, and breath control.
  • Awards: Grammy nominations for Record of the Year, Song of the Year
  • Year released: 2014

4. All By Myself by Celine Dion

Celine_Dions_All_By_Myself_is_a_classic_power_ballad_that_showcases_her_wide_vocal_range_and_emotional_intensity

The song includes long sustained notes that require significant breath support and control.

The ability to convey deep emotions while maintaining vocal precision makes this song a true test of a singer’s capabilities.

  • Challenge: Wide vocal range, emotional intensity, and long sustained notes.
  • Awards: Grammy nominations for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
  • Year released: 1996

5. Vision of Love by Mariah Carey

Vision_of_Love_by_Mariah_Carey

“Vision of Love” is Mariah Carey’s debut single highlighting her extraordinary vocal abilities.

The song is known for its melismas, whistle notes, and vocal agility.

This song is particularly challenging because of Mariah’s ability to execute complex vocal runs and seamlessly transition between different vocal registers.

  • Challenge: Melismas, whistle notes, and vocal agility.
  • Awards: Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, Grammy Award for Best New Artist
  • Year released: 1990

6. Run by Leona Lewis

Run_by_Leona_Lewis

“Run” by Leona Lewis is a powerful ballad that requires sustained high notes and a dynamic range.

The song demands emotional expression and vocal control, especially in the climactic sections.

Leona’s rendition of the song is known for its emotional depth and vocal strength, making it a challenging piece for any singer.

  • Challenge: Sustained high notes, dynamic range, and emotional expression.
  • Awards: N/A (cover version by Leona Lewis)
  • Year released: 2008 (cover version)

7. Listen by Beyoncé

Listen_by_Beyonce

“Listen” from the musical Dreamgirls, performed by Beyoncé, is a powerful anthem that showcases her incredible vocal strength and range.

The song features powerful belting and requires the singer to convey deep emotional intensity.

The song’s dynamic shifts and vocal runs make it a demanding piece that tests a singer’s vocal flexibility and power.

  • Challenge: Powerful belting, wide range, and emotional delivery.
  • Awards: Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media
  • Year released: 2006

8. Lovin’ You by Minnie Riperton

Lovin_You_by_Minnie_Riperton

“Lovin’ You” by Minnie Riperton is famous for using the whistle register, a challenging vocal technique that requires precise control.

The song’s soft dynamics and intricate vocal lines test a singer’s ability to maintain control and pitch at extremely high notes.

Riperton’s unique vocal style and the song’s delicate nature make it a true test of vocal skill.

  • Challenge: Whistle register, vocal control, and soft dynamics.
  • Awards: N/A
  • Year released: 1975

9. And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going by Jennifer Holliday

And_I_Am_Telling_You_Im_Not_Going_by_Jennifer_Holliday

“And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” is a powerful ballad from the musical Dreamgirls, originally performed by Jennifer Holliday.

The song is known for its emotional intensity and powerful belting.

It requires sustained high notes and a deep emotional connection to convey the song’s raw emotion.

This song is a benchmark for powerful vocal performances.

  • Challenge: Powerful belting, emotional intensity, and sustained high notes.
  • Awards: Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
    Year released: 1982

10. Emotions by Mariah Carey

Emotions_by_Mariah_Carey

“Emotions” by Mariah Carey is known for its demanding vocal runs and use of the whistle register.

The song showcases Mariah’s vocal agility and control, requiring precise execution of rapid vocal runs and transitions between different vocal registers.

The high energy and technical difficulty of this song make it a challenging piece for any vocalist.

  • Challenge: Whistle notes, rapid vocal runs, and vocal agility.
  • Awards: N/A
  • Year released: 1991

11. Somebody to Love by Queen

Somebody_to_Love_by_Queen

“Somebody to Love” is a soulful rock anthem by Queen that showcases Freddie Mercury’s incredible vocal range and the band’s harmonizing skills.

The song features intricate harmonies that require precise timing and blending, as well as a dynamic range that tests the singer’s ability to transition smoothly between different vocal intensities.

The sheer endurance needed to maintain vocal power and control throughout the song makes it a challenging piece for any vocalist.

  • Challenge: Harmonies, dynamic range, and vocal endurance.
  • Awards: N/A
  • Year released: 1976

12. Rolling in the Deep by Adele

Rolling_in_the_Deep_by_Adele

Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” is a powerhouse song that demands powerful belting and vocal control.

The emotional expression required to convey the song’s raw intensity adds another layer of difficulty.

Adele’s distinctive vocal style and the song’s dynamic shifts make it a true test of a singer’s ability to maintain control and convey deep emotion.

  • Challenge: Powerful belting, vocal control, and emotional expression.
  • Awards: Grammy Awards for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Short Form Music Video
  • Year released: 2010

13. I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston

I_Have_Nothing_by_Whitney_Houston

“I Have Nothing” is a signature ballad by Whitney Houston that showcases her incredible vocal strength and control.

The song features sustained high notes and a dynamic range that requires significant breath support and emotional delivery.

This powerful ballad is a benchmark for vocalists looking to demonstrate their ability to handle both the technical and emotional aspects of a performance.

  • Challenge: Sustained high notes, dynamic range, and emotional delivery.
  • Awards: N/A
  • Year released: 1992

14. My All by Mariah Carey

My_All_by_Mariah_Carey

“My All” by Mariah Carey is a romantic ballad highlighting her exceptional breath control, high notes, and vocal agility.

The song’s delicate nature and intricate vocal runs require precise execution and emotional expression.

Mariah’s ability to transition seamlessly between different vocal registers makes this song challenging for any singer.

  • Challenge: Breath control, high notes, and vocal agility.
  • Awards: N/A
  • Year released: 1998

15. Defying Gravity from Wicked (Idina Menzel)

Defying_Gravity_from_Wicked_Idina_Menzel

“Defying Gravity” from the musical Wicked is a powerful anthem that showcases Idina Menzel’s incredible vocal strength and range.

The song features powerful belting and requires the singer to convey deep emotional intensity.

The dynamic shifts and dramatic expression in the song make it a demanding piece that tests a singer’s vocal flexibility and power.

  • Challenge: Powerful belting, wide vocal range, and dramatic expression.
  • Awards: N/A
  • Year released: 2003

16. Ain’t No Way by Aretha Franklin

Aint_No_Way_by_Aretha_Franklin

“Ain’t No Way” by Aretha Franklin is a soulful ballad that requires deep emotional delivery, intricate vocal runs, and powerful belts.

The song’s rich emotional content and Aretha’s unique vocal style make it a challenging piece that tests a singer’s ability to convey raw emotion and maintain vocal precision.

Challenge: Emotional delivery, vocal runs, and powerful belts.
Awards: N/A
Year released: 1968

17. Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler

Total_Eclipse_of_the_Heart_by_Bonnie_Tyler

“Total Eclipse of the Heart” is a dramatic power ballad by Bonnie Tyler that demands powerful belting and emotional intensity.

The song’s dynamic shifts and long sustained notes require significant breath support and vocal endurance.

Bonnie Tyler’s raspy voice and the song’s theatrical nature make it a challenging piece for any singer.

  • Challenge: Powerful belting, emotional intensity, and vocal endurance.
  • Awards: N/A
  • Year released: 1983

18. Creep by Radiohead

Creep_by_Radiohead

“Creep” by Radiohead is a grunge rock ballad that tests a singer’s dynamic range and emotional delivery.

The song features sustained high notes and requires the ability to convey deep, raw emotion.

The song’s quiet verses and explosive chorus contrast adds to its vocal complexity.

  • Challenge: Dynamic range, emotional delivery, and sustained high notes.
  • Awards: N/A
  • Year released: 1992

19. Grenade by Bruno Mars

Grenade_by_Bruno_Mars

“Grenade” by Bruno Mars is a powerful ballad that requires strong belting and vocal control.

The song’s emotional intensity and dynamic shifts make it a challenging piece for any singer.

Bruno Mars’ ability to convey deep emotion and maintain vocal precision throughout the song sets a high bar for vocalists.

  • Challenge: Powerful belting, vocal control, and emotional delivery.
  • Awards: N/A
  • Year released: 2010

20. Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel

Bridge_Over_Troubled_Water_by_Simon__Garfunkel

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel is a classic ballad that showcases a wide range of vocal expressions, emotional expressions, and vocal control.

The song’s gentle verses and powerful climax require significant breath support and the ability to convey deep emotion.

Its timeless appeal and vocal complexity make it a true test of a singer’s abilities.

  • Challenge: Wide vocal range, emotional expression, and vocal control.
  • Awards: Grammy Awards for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Contemporary Song
  • Year released: 1970

21. Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey

Dont_Stop_Believin_by_Journey

“Don’t Stop Believin'” is a classic rock anthem by Journey that features powerful belting and high notes.

The song’s high energy and dynamic shifts require significant vocal endurance and control.

Steve Perry’s soaring vocals and the song’s uplifting message make it a challenging piece for any singer looking to showcase their vocal power.

  • Challenge: Powerful belting, high notes, and vocal endurance.
  • Awards: N/A
  • Year released: 1981

22. Back to Black by Amy Winehouse

Back_to_Black_by_Amy_Winehouse

“Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse is a soulful ballad that demands deep emotional delivery and vocal control.

The song’s dynamic range and Amy’s distinctive vocal style require a singer to convey raw emotion and maintain precision throughout.

This song truly tests a singer’s ability to balance technical skill with expressive performance.

  • Challenge: Emotional delivery, vocal control, and dynamic range.
  • Awards: Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album
  • Year released: 2006

23. Time to Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman

Time_to_Say_Goodbye_by_Andrea_Bocelli_and_Sarah_Brightman

“Time to Say Goodbye” is a beautiful operatic duet performed by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman.

The song requires exceptional vocal control and operatic style, with both singers needing to blend their voices seamlessly.

This piece’s emotional intensity and technical demands make it a challenging song for any vocalist.

  • Challenge: Operatic style, vocal control, and emotional intensity.
  • Awards: N/A
  • Year released: 1995

24. Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland

Somewhere_Over_the_Rainbow_by_Judy_Garland

“Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is a timeless ballad performed by Judy Garland in the film “The Wizard of Oz.”

The song requires a wide vocal range, emotional delivery, and breath control.

Its gentle melody and deep emotional resonance make it a challenging piece for any singer looking to convey its poignant message.

  • Challenge: Wide vocal range, emotional delivery, and breath control.
  • Awards: Academy Award for Best Original Song
  • Year released: 1939

25. Take On Me by a-ha

Take_On_Me_by_a-ha

“Take On Me” by a-ha is a synth-pop classic known for its high notes and falsetto sections.

The song’s energetic tempo and demanding vocal range require significant endurance and control.

The iconic high-pitched chorus is a true test of a singer’s ability to maintain vocal precision and power.

  • Challenge: High notes, falsetto, and vocal endurance.
  • Awards: MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist in a Video
  • Year released: 1984

26. Dream On by Aerosmith

Dream_On_by_Aerosmith

“Dream On” by Aerosmith is a rock ballad that showcases Steven Tyler’s powerful belting and high notes.

The song’s dynamic shifts and emotional intensity require significant vocal endurance and control.

Its soaring chorus and dramatic delivery make it a challenging piece for any vocalist.

  • Challenge: High notes, powerful belting, and vocal endurance.
  • Awards: N/A
  • Year released: 1973

27. Halo by Beyoncé

Halo_by_Beyonce

“Halo” by Beyoncé is a powerful ballad that features sustained high notes and emotional delivery.

The song’s dynamic range and intricate vocal lines require exceptional control and breath support.

Beyoncé’s ability to convey deep emotion while maintaining vocal precision makes this song a challenging piece for any singer.

  • Challenge: Sustained high notes, emotional delivery, and vocal control.
  • Awards: Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
  • Year released: 2008

28. Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush

Wuthering_Heights_by_Kate_Bush

“Wuthering Heights” by Kate Bush is known for its high-pitched vocals and vocal agility.

The song’s unique style and dramatic delivery require significant control and expressive performance.

Kate Bush’s distinctive voice and the song’s intricate vocal lines make it a challenging piece for any singer.

  • Challenge: High-pitched vocals, vocal agility, and emotional delivery.
  • Awards: N/A
  • Year released: 1978

29. Without You by Mariah Carey

Without_You_by_Mariah_Carey

“Without You” by Mariah Carey is a powerful ballad that showcases her wide vocal range and emotional delivery.

The song features high notes and requires significant breath control and vocal precision.

Mariah’s ability to convey deep emotion while maintaining technical skill makes this song challenging for any vocalist.

  • Challenge: Wide vocal range, emotional delivery, and sustained high notes.
  • Awards: N/A
  • Year released: 1994

30. Earth Song by Michael Jackson

Earth_Song_by_Michael_Jackson

“Earth Song” by Michael Jackson is a powerful anthem that features dynamic shifts and emotional delivery.

The song’s demanding vocal range and intense message require significant control and breath support.

Michael’s ability to convey deep emotion and maintain vocal power throughout makes this song a true test of a singer’s abilities.

  • Challenge: Powerful belting, dynamic range, and emotional delivery.
  • Awards: N/A
  • Year released: 1995 

31. Super Bass by Nicki Minaj

Super_Bass_by_Nicki_Minaj

“Super Bass” by Nicki Minaj is a high-energy rap song that features fast-paced sections requiring excellent breath control and vocal agility.

The song’s rapid-fire lyrics and rhythmic complexity challenge a singer’s ability to maintain clarity and precision throughout.

Nicki’s dynamic performance and distinctive style make this a tough song to master.

  • Challenge: Fast-paced rap sections, breath control, and vocal agility.
  • Awards: Billboard Music Award for Top Streaming Song
  • Year released: 2011

32. Zombie by The Cranberries

Zombie_by_The_Cranberries

“Zombie” by The Cranberries is a powerful rock ballad that demands strong belting and emotional intensity.

The song’s repetitive structure and Dolores O’Riordan’s haunting vocals require significant vocal endurance and control.

The raw emotion conveyed through the song’s lyrics adds layer of complexity for any singer.

  • Challenge: Powerful belting, emotional intensity, and vocal endurance.
  • Awards: MTV Europe Music Award for Best Song
  • Year released: 1994

33. Paparazzi by Lady Gaga

Paparazzi_by_Lady_Gaga

“Paparazzi” by Lady Gaga is a pop anthem that requires precise vocal control and emotional delivery.

The song’s dynamic range and intricate vocal lines demand a singer’s ability to transition smoothly between different vocal intensities.

Lady Gaga’s unique style and the song’s dramatic flair make it a challenging piece.

  • Challenge: Vocal control, emotional delivery, and dynamic range.
  • Awards: MTV Video Music Award for Best Art Direction
  • Year released: 2008

34. Un-break My Heart by Toni Braxton

Un-break_My_Heart_by_Toni_Braxton

“Un-break My Heart” by Toni Braxton is a soulful ballad that showcases her deep emotional delivery and powerful belting.

The song’s intricate vocal lines and dynamic range require exceptional control and breath support.

Toni’s ability to convey deep emotion while maintaining vocal precision makes this song a true test of a singer’s abilities.

  • Challenge: Emotional delivery, powerful belting, and vocal control.
  • Awards: Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
  • Year released: 1996

35. Celine Dion by Céline Dion

Celine_Dion_by_Celine_Dion

Céline Dion’s repertoire features a wide vocal range and sustained high notes, demanding exceptional control and emotional delivery.

Songs like “My Heart Will Go On” showcase her ability to convey deep emotion and maintain vocal precision throughout.

Tackling her songs is a challenge that tests both technical skill and expressive performance.

  • Challenge: Wide vocal range, sustained high notes, and emotional delivery.
  • Awards: Multiple Grammy Awards
  • Year released: Various (e.g., “My Heart Will Go On” in 1997)

36. Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley

Hallelujah_by_Jeff_Buckley

“Hallelujah” by Jeff Buckley is a hauntingly beautiful rendition that requires deep emotional delivery and vocal control.

The song’s dynamic range and intricate vocal lines demand a singer’s ability to maintain clarity and precision while conveying the song’s poignant message.

Jeff’s unique interpretation and emotional depth make this a challenging piece.

  • Challenge: Emotional delivery, vocal control, and dynamic range.
  • Awards: N/A
  • Year released: 1994

37. La Vie en Rose by Édith Piaf

La_Vie_en_Rose_by_Edith_Piaf

“La Vie en Rose” by Édith Piaf is a timeless classic that demands deep emotional delivery and precise vocal control.

The song’s intricate melody and dynamic range require a singer’s ability to convey the song’s romantic essence while maintaining vocal precision.

Édith’s unique style and emotional depth make this a challenging piece.

  • Challenge: Emotional delivery, vocal control, and dynamic range.
  • Awards: N/A
  • Year released: 1947

38. Stay by Rihanna

Stay_by_Rihanna

“Stay” by Rihanna is a powerful ballad that showcases her ability to convey deep emotion and maintain vocal control.

The song’s sustained high notes and dynamic range require significant breath support and precision.

Rihanna’s raw and emotional performance makes this song a true test of a singer’s expressive abilities.

  • Challenge: Emotional delivery, vocal control, and sustained high notes.
  • Awards: N/A
  • Year released: 2013

39. You’re Beautiful by James Blunt

Youre_Beautiful_by_James_Blunt

“You’re Beautiful” by James Blunt is a heartfelt ballad that features high-pitched vocals and deep emotional delivery.

The song’s gentle melody and intricate vocal lines require precise control and breath support.

James’ unique voice and the song’s poignant message make it a challenging piece for any singer.

  • Challenge: High-pitched vocals, emotional delivery, and vocal control.
  • Awards: N/A
  • Year released: 2005

40. Piece of My Heart by Janis Joplin

Piece_of_My_Heart_by_Janis_Joplin

“Piece of My Heart” by Janis Joplin is a rock classic that demands powerful belting and emotional intensity.

The song’s dynamic shifts and raw emotion require significant vocal endurance and control.

Janis’ distinctive raspy voice and the song’s dramatic delivery make it challenging for any vocalist.

  • Challenge: Powerful belting, emotional intensity, and vocal endurance.
  • Awards: N/A
  • Year released: 1968

Conclusion

In summary, this curated list of 40 vocally demanding songs provides a comprehensive challenge for singers seeking to expand their abilities.

From soaring high notes to intricate melismas, each track presents a unique opportunity to identify areas for growth and refine your technique.

So, what’s next? Embrace the challenge and dive into this repertoire, allowing these songs to catalyze your vocal development.

As you conquer each piece, you’ll expand your range and gain a deeper appreciation for the craft of singing.

Don’t just read about it – take action!

Start exploring these songs today and witness firsthand the transformative power they can have on your vocals.

Share your journey with us and inspire fellow singers to embark on this rewarding musical adventure.

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