The future of music

30 Best Songs With High Notes

March 17, 2023
songs with high notes

Music is a universal language that has the power to stir emotions and create memories that last a lifetime.

One of the most captivating aspects of music is the ability of singers to hit high notes that soar above the rest of the music, creating moments of pure magic.

The ability to hit high notes is a true test of a singer’s vocal range and technique.

We’ve put together a list of the 30 best songs with high notes that show how talented and versatile singers are across many different genres.

These songs are sure to give you goosebumps and leave you in awe of the vocal prowess of these incredible artists.

1. “E.T.” by Katy Perry ft. Kanye West

The lyrics of “E.T.” describe a relationship between two individuals, with Perry singing about feeling like an extraterrestrial being and West adding verses that explore the idea of alienation and loneliness.

The song’s catchy chorus and pulsating beat, combined with Perry’s soaring vocals and West’s rap verse, make it an instant dancefloor hit.

The song was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.

“E.T.” is a memorable and catchy song that shows how well Perry can hit strong high notes and try out different musical styles.

2. “Love On The Brain” by Rihanna

“Love On The Brain” was released in 2016 and was written by Fred Ball, Joseph Angel, and Rihanna herself.

It features a soulful melody with powerful vocals that showcase Rihanna’s impressive vocal range.

She effortlessly hits the high notes with a raw and emotional quality that adds to the intensity of the song.

The lyrics talk about a complicated and passionate relationship.

Rihanna sings that she can’t resist her lover’s charms.

3. “Trumpets” by Jason Derulo

The lyrics of “Trumpets” describe a man who is so in love with his partner that he feels like he’s hearing trumpets every time he sees her.

One of the standout features of the song is Derulo’s vocal performance.

He has a smooth, polished way of singing, and during the chorus, he hits several impressive high notes.

His vocals blend seamlessly with the song’s catchy melody, making “Trumpets” a fun track to listen to.

4. “Halo” by Beyoncé

“Halo” is a power ballad that incorporates pop, R&B, and gospel influences.

The song was released in 2008 and was included in her third studio album, I Am… Sasha Fierce.

The lyrics describe the feeling of being saved by love and the desire to protect and cherish the person who has brought light into one’s life.

The song’s music video, directed by Philip Andelman, features Beyoncé on a beach and has been viewed over 1.3 billion times on YouTube.

5. “Fallin’” by Alicia Keys

“Fallin'” is a soulful and emotional ballad that shows how good Keys is at singing and playing the piano.

The most famous part of the song is the chorus, where Keys hits a series of high notes that show off her impressive vocal range and control.

The song’s lyrics describe the frustration and turmoil of a complicated relationship, with Keys admitting her vulnerability and emotional turmoil.

“Fallin'” reached the top of the charts in several countries, including the United States, where it spent six weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

6. “Lovin’ You” by Minnie Riperton 

“Lovin’ You” was written by Riperton and Richard Rudolph, and it became Riperton’s biggest hit, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song is known for Riperton’s use of her trademark “whistle register,” which is a high-pitched singing technique that is difficult for most singers to achieve.

Riperton’s use of the whistle register in the song’s chorus gives it a dreamy, ethereal quality that perfectly captures the feeling of being in love.

The lyrics of “Lovin’ You” are simple and straightforward, expressing the depth of love that the singer feels for her partner.

7. “Dreamlover” by Mariah Carey

“Dreamlover” was written and produced by Carey and Dave Hall, and it features a sample from “Blind Alley” by The Emotions.

The song is a fast-paced mix of pop and R&B that shows off Carey’s range as a singer and her ability to come up with strong and memorable hooks.

The lyrics talk about a woman who is looking for the perfect lover and dreams of finding someone who can make her happy.

8. “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” by The Darkness

“I Believe in a Thing Called Love” was released in 2003 as the lead single from the band’s debut album, Permission to Land.

The song is known for its catchy guitar riff, driving drumbeat, and lead singer Justin Hawkins’ soaring vocals, which reach an amazing high pitch during the chorus.

The chorus features Hawkins hitting an F#5, which is an extremely high note for any singer to reach.

The song’s lyrics are about the power of love and the belief that anything is possible when two people are in love.

9. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen

“Bohemian Rhapsody” is known for its operatic structure, complex vocal harmonies, and mix of rock, pop, and operatic music styles.

It tells the story of a young man who has committed murder and reflects on the consequences of his actions.

The song is also famous for its use of multi-tracking and overdubbing, which allowed Mercury to layer his vocals and create a rich choral effect.

10. “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele

Rolling in the Deep” features some of Adele’s most impressive and powerful high notes, making it a standout example of a song with high notes.

The song’s lyrics deal with themes of heartbreak and revenge, and its driving beat and catchy melody have made it a worldwide hit.

The song’s most impressive high note comes during the chorus, when Adele belts out the line “We could have had it all,” hitting a sustained C5, which is a notoriously difficult note to sing for many singers.

Adele is one of the most famous and loved singers of her generation because she can hit such impressive high notes while also singing with a lot of feeling and intensity.

11. “Chandelier” by Sia

“Chandelier” was released in 2014 as the lead single from Sia’s sixth studio album, 1000 Forms of Fear.

The song has been described as an anthem for anyone who has ever struggled with addiction or mental illness because of its strong vocals and emotional lyrics.

The lyrics of the song describe the feeling of being caught in a cycle of self-destruction and the desire to escape from that cycle.

12. “My Immortal” by Evanescence

“My Immortal” was written by band members Amy Lee and Ben Moody and produced by Dave Fortman.

It is a hauntingly beautiful and emotional ballad that has resonated with many fans

The lyrics of “My Immortal” describe a person’s feelings of loss and despair after the death of a loved one.

The song is filled with images of darkness, pain, and emptiness, but also with a sense of longing and hope for a reunion with the departed.

The most memorable part of the song is the chorus, where Lee’s strong vocals and Moody’s haunting guitar riffs come together to create a feeling of melancholy beauty.

13. “Dream On” by Aerosmith

“Dream On” was released in 1973 on Aerosmith’s debut album and features lead vocalist Steven Tyler hitting some incredibly high notes, which have become a trademark of the band.

The song’s lyrics are about holding on to your dreams and not letting anyone stand in your way.

Tyler’s soaring vocals perfectly capture the song’s message of hope and determination.

Tyler’s high notes in “Dream On” have become legendary, and the song is often cited as one of the best examples of his vocal range and power.

14. “All By Myself” by Céline Dion

“All By Myself” is a cover of a song written and performed by Eric Carmen in 1975, but Céline Dion also recorded a version of the song for her 1996 album Falling Into You.

The song is a power ballad about feeling alone and longing for love.

The chorus is particularly powerful, with Dion’s voice soaring as she sings, “All by myself, I don’t want to live all by myself anymore.”

The song has become a classic and is often associated with feelings of heartbreak and loneliness.

Dion’s version was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

15. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston

“I Will Always Love You” is a song originally written and recorded by country music singer-songwriter Dolly Parton in 1974.

However, the song gained international popularity in 1992 when it was covered by American singer Whitney Houston for the soundtrack of the movie “The Bodyguard.”

The lyrics of the song describe the feelings of a person who is parting ways with a loved one but wants to assure them that their love will always remain strong.

The song’s poignant lyrics, combined with Houston’s powerful voice and the soaring melody, have made it a popular choice for weddings, funerals, and other emotional moments.

16. “All Of Me” by John Legend

“All of Me” is a beautiful and romantic ballad that features Legend’s soulful vocals over a simple piano melody.

The lyrics of the song are about unconditional love, with Legend singing about giving all of himself to his partner, flaws and all.

Legend said that he wrote the song about his wife, model Chrissy Teigen, whom he married in 2013.

The couple has been open about their relationship and has often shared their love story with the public, making “All of Me” a deeply personal and intimate song for both of them.

17. “Believe” by Cher

“Believe” is known for its prominent use of Auto-Tune, a vocal processing tool that creates a robotic or artificial sound effect, particularly on the high notes of the chorus.

“Believe” is thought by many to be one of the best songs with high notes, and Cher’s performance of it is thought to be one of the best vocal moments in the history of popular music.

The song’s lyrics are about resilience and finding strength in oneself, with Cher singing about the power of believing in oneself and overcoming adversity.

18. “Baby Love” by The Supremes

“Baby Love” features lead vocals by Diana Ross, backed by the harmonies of fellow Supremes Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard.

The lyrics of the song describe the feelings of a woman who is deeply in love with her partner, singing about the way he makes her feel and her desire to be with him.

The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo, combined with Ross’s powerful vocals, have made it a classic of the Motown sound and one of the most beloved songs of the 1960s.

19. “Free” by Mya

“Free” is an upbeat R&B and dance-pop track that promotes self-love and encourages listeners to be true to themselves.

Mya sings about wanting to break free from a relationship that has become suffocating and controlling.

She expresses her desire to be independent and live life on her terms.

“Free” was a commercial success, making it into the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.

20. “No Air” by Jordin Sparks ft. Chris Brown

In “No Air,” Sparks and Brown sing about the pain of being in a relationship that is falling apart.

They describe the feeling of suffocation and desperation when the love they once shared is no longer there.

“No Air” reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.

The song’s emotional lyrics and powerful vocal performances by Sparks and Brown have made it a popular choice for romantic ballads and breakup songs.

21. “Blessed” by Elton John

“Blessed” is one of Elton’s most notable songs that showcases his impressive vocal range and ability to hit high notes.

The song was released in 1995 as a single from his album Made in England.

“Blessed” starts with a quiet, thoughtful piano intro. 

Then, the song builds up to a powerful chorus where Elton John’s voice soars with high notes that show how well he can control his voice.

The song’s lyrics speak to feelings of gratitude and appreciation for the blessings in life, and Elton’s emotional delivery adds to the song’s impact.

22. “Titanium” by David Guetta ft. Sia

“Titanium” is a popular electronic dance music (EDM) song that was released in 2011.

One of the most impressive aspects of “Titanium” is Sia’s soaring vocals, which reach an impressive high note in the chorus.

As she sings the catchy chorus “I am titanium,” her voice builds up to a powerful climax that shows off her impressive vocal range and control.

The song’s lyrics speak to themes of inner strength and resilience, making it an empowering anthem for many listeners.

23. “I’ll Never Love Again” by Lady Gaga

“I’ll Never Love Again” is a heartbreaking ballad that was featured in the 2018 film “A Star is Born,” in which Gaga also starred.

The high notes Gaga hits at the end of the song are impressive, showing how well she can control her voice and use it to show how she feels.

“I’ll Never Love Again” is a heartbreaking song that speaks to themes of love and loss, making it a relatable and poignant anthem for many listeners.

The song’s lyrics speak to the pain of losing someone and the struggle to move on, while also offering a message of hope and the promise of finding love again someday.

24. “Run” by Leona Lewis

Leona Lewis covered “Run” in 2008 for her second studio album, Spirit.

Her version of the song was the first non-charity single by a British female solo artist to go straight to number one on the UK Singles Chart.

The song also became a hit in several other countries, including Australia, Germany, and the Netherlands.

The lyrics of “Run” are emotional, exploring themes of perseverance, hope, and the power of love to overcome adversity.

25. “Somebody to Love” by Queen

“Somebody to Love” has a gospel feel, with a prominent piano line and a choir-like arrangement.

The lyrics explore the search for love and the longing for connection, with Mercury’s vocals conveying a sense of desperation and yearning

“Somebody to Love” has stayed popular over the years, and artists like George Michael and Adam Lambert have covered it.

26. “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys

“If I Ain’t Got You” is a soulful ballad that explores the idea that material possessions mean nothing without love.

The powerful vocals of Keys are backed by piano and string instruments, which give the song a timeless and classic feel.

The lyrics of “If I Ain’t Got You” emphasize that all the riches in the world cannot compare to the feeling of being in love.

The song suggests that a meaningful relationship is the most valuable thing one can possess and that true happiness comes from being loved and loving in return.

27. “Emotions” by Mariah Carey

“Emotions” was released in 1991 and became an instant hit, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song features Carey’s signature high-pitched vocals and showcases her impressive vocal range.

In particular, the chorus has some of the hardest high notes in the whole song.

Carey’s ability to hit these notes with ease and precision has made the song a fan favorite and a classic in the pop music genre.

28. “One Last Time” by Ariana Grande

“One Last Time” is an upbeat, EDM-inspired track that sees Grande singing about wanting to spend one last night with a former lover before their relationship comes to an end.

The May 2017 bombing at the Manchester Arena, which happened after Grande’s concert there, brought “One Last Time” back into the spotlight.

The song became linked to the tragedy, and it was often played as a tribute to the people who died.

29. “Video Games” by Lana Del Rey

“Video Games” was included in Lana Del Rey’s debut studio album, Born to Die, which was released in 2012.

The song features Lana Del Rey’s distinctive dreamy and nostalgic style, with haunting vocals and atmospheric instrumentation.

The lyrics of the song describe a love story that is based on video games, with Lana singing about being in love with a boy who spends all his time playing video games.

30. “Stone Cold” by Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato’s impressive vocal range and emotional delivery are on full display in the powerful ballad “Stone Cold.”

The song is about heartbreak and the pain of losing someone you love, with Demi singing about feeling numb and cold after a breakup.

The song features stripped-down instrumentation, with a focus on Demi’s vocals and the emotional weight of the lyrics.

The chorus is particularly impactful, with Demi belting out the high notes and conveying a sense of raw emotion.

Songs With High Notes – Final Thoughts

The 30 best songs with high notes showcase the vocal prowess and versatility of some of the greatest singers in music history.

These songs are impressive not only for their technical difficulty but also for their emotional impact.

They use their high notes to convey a range of emotions and connect with their audiences on a deep level.

The 30 best songs with high notes are a testament to the power of the human voice and its ability to move and inspire us.

They remind us that music is not just about hitting the right notes but also about conveying the heart and soul of the artist and the message they want to share with the world.

You may also like: How to Sing High Notes

Will Fenton

Will, the founder of MIDDER, is a multifaceted individual with a deep passion for music and personal finance. As a self-proclaimed music and personal finance geek, he has a keen eye for futuristic technologies, especially those that empower creators and the public.

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