Are you looking for some good songs for altos to sing? What about songs for belters and some all-round good audition songs?
Then you’ve landed in the right place – we have made a countdown of 53 awesome songs to add to your playlist. We’ve also included some of the best audition songs for altos to sing, as well. And if you’re a belter or want to learn how to belt, we’ve suggested below you some of the best belting songs out of our countdown.
There is a wide range of incredible pop songs for altos, but in this article we have listed more than 50 songs to choose from, many of which are our personal favorites.
Table of Contents
Here are 50+ Good Songs For Altos To Sing
53. SWEET DREAMS (ARE MADE OF THESE)
This new wave song by the British duo Eurythmics became Number 1 on the Hot 100 in 1983 and was the lead single on the second album.
Not only is it an excellent presentation of Annie Lennox’s incredible vocals, but it’s also the song that made the duo a commercial success.
52. “ROLLING IN THE DEEP” – ADELE
This song made Adele a superstar and will indeed soothe your vocal cords.
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Her first Super hit song in America is one of the best-selling digital songs in history after spending a whopping 65 weeks on the music charts. She was the winner of four Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
51. “ANYTHING GOES” FROM ANYTHING GOES
If you’re performing a part in that swift narrative, “Anything Goes” from The Golden Age Flair is an ideal song selection. Written by Cole Porter, you can expect it to be playful and melodic. It’s suitable for character roles and leading ladies. (Also, it’s an entertaining audition song for the role of Winifred in Once Upon a Mattress.)
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50. BYE BIRDIE’S “WHAT I’VE EVER SEEN.”
“What I’ve Seen in Him” is one of the songs suitable for both older and younger alto voices. It’s a vintage musical, Bye Bye Birdie, sung by both.
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When editing an audition, choose the appropriate lyrics for your age. (For example, if you’re a teenager, best not to sing lyrics like “8 years, eight years / that’s the time I wasted on him.”)
49. OLIVER “AS LONG AS HE NEEDS ME”!
“As long as he needs me” is one of the most famous musical theater songs for low-voiced women.
Everyone in the audition will be familiar with it, so you need to prepare well and put your own touch on the song. You can tighten it or sing in a more serious style. Music works in both directions.
48. CHICAGO’S “WHEN YOU’RE GOOD TO MAMA.”
Matron Mama Morton is another iconic old role on Broadway, and “When You’re Good to Mama” is their signature song.
It’s fantastic for deep female altos voices – you can really get in the groove and enjoy those deep sounds. Plus, it’s too low for most sopranos, so you don’t have to worry about the other 10 singing the same song.
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47. “IN MY LITTLE CORNER” BY CINDERELLA
When auditioning for a Golden Age musical, such as The Sound of Music, Guys and Dolls, Pajama Game, or My Fair Lady, “In My Own Little Corner” is an excellent song choice. This charming melody from Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is well-suited for a deep voice and offers a good opportunity to showcase your acting skills.
46. EVERYONE TALKS ABOUT JAMIE “IF I MEET AGAIN.”
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” is a musical originating from the UK, which centers around a teenager named Jamie who aspires to become a drag queen.
The song “If I Met You Again” features Jamie’s mother reflecting on how her life might have turned out had she not met and married Jamie’s father.
Considering its thematic content, this song serves as a superb contemporary rehearsal piece for seasoned Altos.
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45. “THE PARTY GOES WITH YOU” FROM 35 MM
35 mm is a captivating work of art that has gained recognition among the younger generation. Therefore, if you’re preparing for an upcoming audition, be aware that you could potentially have a significant audience attentively listening to your performance.
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In contrast to conventional theater singing, this performance takes on the form of a concert where you sing a song while standing in front of photographs. Here, your singing technique and style significantly contribute to the overall effect.
Each song narrates a story, adding a deeper significance to the corresponding image. For further insights into the show, you can delve into writings by its composer and lyricist, Ryan Scott Oliver.
44. “FIREWORK” – KATY PERRY
Although Katy Perry‘s voice classification is up for debate, Firework is ideally suited for an alto to practice their belting.
A dance-pop song reportedly inspired by Jack Kerouac’s novel On the Road is an anthem full of self-empowerment. Since its release, it has topped the chart of 100 Hot Country Songs.
43. I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITHOUT YOU (By Robert Freeman And More)
Classically trained altos will find ample room to display their abilities with these songs. A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder exemplifies comedic skill.
This song, written specifically for altos, originates from a humorous musical that debuted in 2013.
“I Don’t Know What I’d Do” is performed by the character Sibella, illustrating a woman’s vanity as she refuses to marry a man due to his lack of wealth.
42. YOU LEARN TO LIVE WITHOUT By Tom Kitt And Brian Yorkey
This track became famous for the passionate vocals of Idina Menzel in the Broadway musical. Those who have played for them will make a fresh start in New York.
This song is a real showstopper, full of emotions and broken hearts.
41. DON’T DREAM IT OVER (CROWDED HOUSE)
This song, favored by alto voices for its ease of singing, originates from the Australian rock band, Crowded House. It’s an uplifting, serene piece that has been frequently covered by artists like Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande. First released in 1986 on the band’s self-titled debut album, it reached second place on the Hot 100 chart.
40. “WHAT’S LOVE GOT” – TINA TURNER
We pay tribute to the legendary Tina Turner who passed away on May 24, 2023. While the song wasn’t originally crafted for her, she transformed it into an iconic piece, marking her first and only triumph on the US Music Charts. It is a potent composition, yet it maintains a balance, making it accessible to singers without being overwhelming.
Tina Turner’s indomitable spirit and fiery performances will continue to inspire generations to come. Her influence on the music industry and her immense talent will forever be remembered. Rest in peace, Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
39. I HAVE A DREAM – ABBA
This tune, which is incredibly catchy, was designed with a karaoke audience in mind. The opening line, ‘I have a dream,’ suggests that singing the song assists in dealing with issues, a sentiment that is often associated with karaoke.
The song was featured on ABBA’s sixth studio album, Voulez Vous, specifically crafted for altos. Following its release as a single in December 1979, it quickly climbed to number two on the UK music charts, maintaining its position throughout the holiday season.
Your recording equipment
When recording, the quality of your equipment can significantly impact the final result. Here are three high-end pieces of recording equipment that could be especially beneficial for altos:
- Microphone: Neumann U87 Ai: This microphone is a classic in recording studios worldwide and is renowned for its warm sound and versatility. It can capture the rich tones of an alto voice beautifully.
- Audio Interface: Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Duo: This interface offers excellent AD/DA conversion for a detailed, high-fidelity recording. It also includes Unison technology, which models classic preamps for a warm, analog-style sound.
- Headphones: Sennheiser HD 800 S: These are open-back headphones that offer a wide, accurate soundstage. They can provide clear and precise audio monitoring, helping altos hear their performance with great detail and accuracy.
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Apollo Twin X Heritage Edition has all the benefits of the acclaimed Apollo Twin X, but goes a step further, with an added software suite of 5 award-winning UAD plug-in titles, featuring Collections from Teletronix, Pultec, and UA.
“I have been using a Focusrite Clarett 8 Pre for 5 years and with this Apollo Twin it definitely changes the workflow and the quality of audio capture through its much better quality Converters and circuitry designed to emulate in a very careful and almost identical way to the high-end equipment available in Hardware. Plug-ins are somewhat expensive but will be worth every penny invested in Universal Audio. I recommend it if you have the budget to level up your musical production.”
“Excellent sound, it’s worth every penny, and one of the great advantages is that you can be processing the sound in real time, for example: I connect a bass to it and I can be processing it with a preamp, then a 1176 compressor and then an equalizer, all this without latency either to play live or do a live, or to record something and upload it directly to the networks!!!”
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These are all professional-level equipment and are used in many top-tier recording studios. But remember, the best equipment for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.
38. JEWEL “BELIEVE ME A LITTLE.”
Numerous renowned singers have delivered their own renditions of this song, but Jewel’s unique interpretation, blending elements of country music, is notably memorable. This piece is especially fitting for those whose voices don’t comfortably settle in the soprano range.
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Certain sections of this song invite you to sing with heartfelt passion, resulting in a deeply stirring experience. It is, indeed, a captivating composition.
37. SARAH MCLACHLAN’S ANGEL
This is another alto karaoke song, but it’s still a song to learn to sing. It requires you to let go of your emotions with your soul. If you do it right, you will get inspiration and relaxation.
This song was featured on their 1997 album Surfacing. It was about the death of a keyboardist and member of The Smashing Pumpkins, Jonathan Melbourne, from a heroin overdose.
36. “BEFORE HE CHEATS” – CARRIE UNDERWOOD
“Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood is about a woman’s revenge on her unfaithful boyfriend.
This song has been at the top of the Hot Country Songs for weeks since its first release in 2006.
35. “FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES” – GARTH BROOKS
“Friends In Low Places” is the perfect karaoke song for your team. This country song must add excitement to your night and intrigue the crowd.
34. “THIS KISS” – FAITH HILL
“This Kiss” shows Faith Hill’s joy at her first kiss. This song is suitable for female alto players with simple melodies and pitches.
Singing “This Kiss” by Faith Hill allows you to relax instead of straining vocal cords and helps in voice control and range.
33. “BACK TO DECEMBER” – TAYLOR SWIFT
“Back to December” is another Taylor Swift country song you can add to your karaoke list. The lyrics are like an apology and ask for forgiveness.
Many think Taylor Swift wrote this song to apologize to her former boyfriend, Taylor Lautner, but both deny this rumor.
32. “TAKE ME HOME, COUNTRY ROADS.”
Soon after the release of John Denver, the song became his name on Billboard’s US His Hot 100 single. It is also John Denver’s most famous song.
This song is one of the perfect of many songs at large gatherings. Everyone can resonate with the energetic chorus of the song.
31. “LOVE STORY” – TAYLOR SWIFT
“Love Story” is a famous country karaoke song for young people. Composed by country music princess Taylor Swift, the song plays the love story of Romeo and Juliet.
This song officially gave Taylor Swift the first success of her musical career. With romantic lyrics and emotional melodies, “Love Story” is a great country song choice.
30. “ONE WAY OR ANOTHER” – BLONDIE
Blondie’s “One Way or Another” is sure to instill a sense of thrill. Since its debut in 1979, the song has made its mark on popular culture, appearing in trailers, numerous TV series, and over ten movie soundtracks, including the notable film, Mean Girls.
The song appears to draw inspiration from Debbie Harry’s ex-boyfriends who persisted in bothering her post-breakup. Its enduring impact is underlined by its placement at number 298 on The Rolling Stones’ list of “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
29. BONNIE TYLER
A song that is about the 80s. Hold Out for a Hero is an energetic pop song that’s perfect for astonishing the crowd.
The most impressive adaptation of this song when it appeared in the movie was Shrek 2. This was considered the best moment in the film by many who watched it.
28. “SUMMERTIME SADNESS” – LANA DEL RAY
A curious trip-hop ballad, Summertime Sadness is the mood. The songs and albums are curated to capture the aesthetics of that pink dream sequence.
It is among the popular karaoke songs for this state, with the right number of drinks to make you feel confident and sultry.
27. ROCK GO (ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER)
Another excellent choice for showcasing your belting ability (particularly in a 32-bar format) is this song, initially performed by Sierra Boggs. The piece offers a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the subtle vocal control that is so effective with an alto range, in addition to acting abilities.
This song featured in the 1972 film adaptation of Cabaret, which won Bob Fosse an Oscar for his directorial work.
Indeed, it remains a favored audition piece for alto voices and serves as a remarkable platform to exhibit your vocal technique.
26. IF YOU KNEW MY STORY (EDIE BRICKELL, STEVE MARTIN)
This song is one of the many pre-play songs of the 2016 Drama Desk Award-winning musical Bright Star.
The musical is set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina, and begins with this song when Alice Murphy greets the audience and tells a story.
25. Here We Are [Gloria Estefan Song]
Watch the Official YouTube Video Here>>>
This song is the product of Cuban American songwriter “Gloria.” Critics have hailed the song as a “super song,” “beautiful love song,” and more.
This song poses a challenge for pop songs because of its high-tempo beats. The song was at its peak in 1990 and was one of Estefan’s top 10 singles.
24. SOMETHING BETTER HAPPENS – By WILLIAM FINN
This sad song is from the 2011 musical Little Miss Sunshine.
This exhibition is ideal for advanced alto training and is packed with 32-bar cuts. This song, sung by the Hoover family’s mother, wishes more than the current state of a tired life.
23. NO MORE FEAR (BRIAN YORKEY, TOM KITT)
Another song on the belt plate, a fun challenge, comes from the Freaky Friday musical.
Catherine Blake, trapped in her high school daughter’s body, could see her clearly for the first time.
Like many other songs in this 2016 musical, this is a great audition piece with Simple Melody.
22. I CAN HEAR THE BELLS By MARC SHAIMAN
Try everything you have; I Can Hear the Bells is a comic highlighting sexual awakening.
This is from a musical hairspray with text by Marx Shaiman and Scott Wittman with a music style inspired by the R; B of the 1960s.
It has won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
21. YOU LEARN TO LIVE WITHOUT (BRIAN YORKEY, TOM KIT)
This track became famous for the passionate vocals of Idina Menzel in the Broadway musical.
This song is a real showstopper, full of emotions and broken hearts.
20. WHAT I CAN DO IS WORSE (STOCKARD CHANNING)
One of the most famous songs from Musical Grease, but surprisingly, it was almost cut out of the movie because the producer thought it was too sad.
The song speaks of the gentle side of a stubborn leader with a rough look, so it’s an excellent alto song to show off emotional complexity.
19. ONE FINE DAY (CAROL KING)
This is an excellent song with a beautiful story that Alto is perfect for auditioning. With a beautiful voice, it can also add emotions to the singing.
Written by King in 1963, it became a Chiffon’s hit before it was covered by King himself in 1980 and was ranked 12th on the Billboard Hot 100.
18. I HAVE A DREAM (ABBA)
This blockbuster is from ABBA’s sixth studio album, Voulez Vous, released in 1979.
Written by Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, this song contains the alto part of Anni-Frid Ringstad and is supported by the Children’s Choir of the Stockholm International School.
Adele’s Dedicated Song Formerly her boyfriend, this up-tempo and rhythmic song will appear on Adele’s 2016 album 25.
Full of vibrant refrains and happy provocations, it’s an excellent showcase for all alto voices.
17. A MILLION REASONS (LADY GAGA)
This pop song is about hope and sorrow and is full of faith and a positive attitude, centered around Gaga’s Alto.
The song was released as a single on the fifth album Joanne in 2016 and returned to the charts at Gaga’s 24th and 4th place after being sung at the Super Bowl LI halftime show.
16. YOU’RE SO VAIN (CARLY SIMON)
When released in 1972, this song quickly reached number one in different countries.
Not only is it regularly on the list of the best songs ever written, but it’s a mystery who the song mentions. Simon says it’s about three men.
15. DON’T IMPRESS ME MUCH (SHANIA TWAIN)
Shania Twain has an alto voice and is at the forefront of this iconic 90s pop hit. Written for the 1997 come-on-over, Twain’s third studio album is one of her favorite songs.
Twain revealed that she wrote the song after seeing the leaked photo of Brad Pitt naked and wondering what the turmoil was all about.
14. AIN’T NO SUNSHINE BY BILL WITHERS
A perfect song for beginners auditioning for a talent show. It has a real chorus and a repetitive audible rhyme. This song has an original key in ‘A’ minor in the range of E3G4.
This song is very easy because the repetition is easy to recognize, and the range is limited. This song talks about broken hearts and sadness. You can use the dynamics of the music to move your audience emotionally.
13. MY FAVORITE MISTAKE (SHERYL CROW)
Many of the Crow songs are perfect for alto musicians.
`My favorite mistake was Crow’s fifth top 20 single, and it was believed that Crow wrote a song about Eric Clapton she had previously been dating. It first appeared on their third studio album, Globe Session.
12. BAD ROMANCE (LADY GAGA)
This catchy dance-pop song first appeared on Lady Gaga’s third EP, 2009, The Fame Monster.
It offers an upbeat tempo, a bridge of spoken language, and an entirely beatable chorus. Number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, one of the best-selling singles globally, and 11 Platinum awards.
11. FEELING GOOD (NINA SIMONE)
Nina Simone made the song famous when she recorded it on the album.
1956’s “I Put a spell on you” was also a masterpiece.
But it’s actually from the British musical “Grease Paint Roar-Crowded Smell.” John Legend recently featured it in Celebrating America’s performance at Joe Biden’s inauguration.
10. CHAIN OF FOOLS (ARETHA FRANKLIN)
Initially written for Otis Redding, Atlantic Records’ Jerry Wexler thought it would perfectly complement Aretha Franklin’s voice.
Ranked second on the Billboard Hot 100, the song is consistently ranked as one of the most fabulous R&B performances of all time.
9. STYLE (TAYLOR SWIFT)
Swift’s 80s-style songs have lyrics about unhealthy relationships with overlapping understated vocals. It would be an excellent song for Beginner Singers.
The style reached 6th place on the Hot 100 and was the third consecutive top 10 single on the 1989 album. This synth-pop song isn’t too difficult for the average alto singer.
8. DREAMS (FLEETWOOD MAC)
Dreams were the chart-topper when it was first released and was famous long before Nathan Apodaca drank his lips on skateboards and ocean sprays and played 50 million times.
In the second single from 1977 rumors, Stevie Nicks’s distinctive voice sings about the emotional upheaval the band was experiencing at the time.
7. ROYALS (LORDE)
First released on the Lourdes the Love Club EP in 2012. The song received high praise for many reasons.
But above all, the sultry vocals inspired by Lana Del Rey, Amy Winehouse, and Florence Welch make this track perfect.
This song criticizes the extravagant lifestyle often found in fantastic pop songs and hip-hop music.
6. REHAB (AMY WINEHOUSE)
Wine house’s signature song, Rehab, has won three Grammy words and is widely covered.
The 2006’s Back to the Black lead single, Rehabilitation, is lyrically autobiographical, reporting that Wine house refused to go to Rehabilitation to deal with drugs and alcoholism.
The song is inspired by significant figures like Ella Fitzgerald and Shirley Bassey.
5. RAISE YOUR GLASS (PINK)
Raise Your Glass is a song created in collaboration with hitmakers Max Martin and She’ll back and set to celebrate the first decade of Pink since its debut in 2000.
A true story inspired the lyrics of this song, but the drug reference is often misunderstood to be some encouragement for teens to take narcotics. The songwriters have clarified that it was simply satire.
Our #5 song is a brilliantly performed woman’s song and a staple for alto auditions.
4. GIMME ONE REASON (TRACY CHAPMAN)
Newly released in 1995, Gimme One Reason is Chapman’s biggest hit (3rd on the Billboard Hot 100).
This song became famous for the first time when performed live on Saturday Night Live in 1989. Nominated for three Grammy Awards, including Best Female Rock Vocal Performance, this simple 12-bar blues song is not too difficult.
3. MAMMA MIA (ABBA)
The Marimba is the unique TikTok rhythm at the beginning of this 1975 chart-topping. ABBA’s great composer Benny Andersson recorded it at the last minute.
This beautiful song was last recorded on the Swedish pop phenomenon’s self-titled third album ABBA.
2. SOMEONE LIKE YOU (ADELE)
Adele’s economical and delicate vocals, 2011’s second single, is a melancholy farewell to his ex-girlfriend. The singer looks brave and wishes the best in his new relationship.
A direct vocal song, its “less” performance requirements make the track fit comfortably into the alto section.
1. NO SCRUBS (TLC)
TLC’s 1999 release of Fan Mail’s lead single, No Scrubs, is at the bottom of the dating pool, combining Hip Hop, RB, and Rozonda `Chilli` Thomas’ angelic Alto. I’m making a song about men.
The third number one on the TLC was Billboard’s year-end Hot 100, number two. This is just behind Cher’s Believe, the 1998 lead single on Cher’s 22nd album, widely imitated at release. Not only has it topped the music chart in many countries, but it is also one of the best-selling singles in the world, with 11 million songs sold.
Conclusion
We have now come to the end of this extensive list of songs for altos, songs for belters, and best audition songs. We hope you find something interesting among these Good Songs For Altos To Sing.
What is your favorite song from this list and why? And which songs should we be including?
About the Author
Rach Wellard
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