Vocalists know that certain songs can be more challenging to sing than others due to high notes, fast tempos or intricate lyrics. Don’t feel bad if some songs seem particularly challenging for you!
Aerosmith’s “Dream On” is a power ballad that requires male singers to sing with great control and accuracy, yet it remains an iconic song everyone knows. Christina Aguilera’s “Hurt” also requires impressive vocal control to sing well.
1. “Dream On” by Aerosmith
Aerosmith’s 1973 hit song “Dream On” is a timeless power ballad that continues to inspire listeners throughout their lives. The lyrical theme of the song explores both good and bad times, inspiring listeners to dream on as they age.
It is an iconic rock song loved by people of all ages and backgrounds. The lyrics of the song are universally relatable for everyone.
Steven Tyler composed the song over six years, inspired by a story he heard about finding a suitcase full of money that was rumored to belong to gangsters.
Even though the song wasn’t a hit initially, it ultimately saved the band from being dropped by their label. Columbia Records wanted to part ways due to lackluster sales of their previous single, but after its release it quickly rose to number 59 on Billboard Hot 100 chart and saved their deal with Columbia Records.
This song has become one of Aerosmith’s most iconic hits and an integral part of their live performances. It also appears on both of their two box sets.
Rapper Eminem sampled this track in his 2002 hit song “Sing for the Moment.” In it, he interpolated the main riff and chorus from Aerosmith’s original song as well as using Joe Perry’s guitar solo from that track.
It was also featured in a Kia Stinger TV commercial that ran during the 2018 Super Bowl. Steven Tyler drives his car backwards while fragments of the song play in the background.
Aerosmith’s version of the song is a beloved choice among fans and has been covered by various musicians. It’s considered their signature song, ranking #172 on Rolling Stone’s list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
2. “Hurt” by Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera is a pop icon renowned for her powerful vocal range, provocative image, and singular approach to pop music. Throughout her career she has released numerous hit songs that have become timeless classics.
“Hurt” was Aguilera’s first hit as a solo artist and it quickly became her biggest single to date. The song boasts an infectious chorus and catchy melody, encouraging listeners to embrace their identities with pride. Additionally, its lyrics emphasize self-empowerment and self-love as positive messages for women and the LGBTQ+ community alike.
The lyrics to this song are straightforward, yet they have an immense effect on people’s lives. They encourage individuals to accept themselves for who they are and celebrate their unique beauty.
Aguilera’s powerful voice shines through the song, allowing her to convey an emotional message while staying true to her signature style. This song showcases Aguilera’s versatility in adapting her sound across different genres and times; it remains a popular hit among her fans.
Another song that displays Aguilera’s versatility is “Unless It’s With You.” This ballad features an intimate piano and vocals, allowing her to craft an intensely tender piece filled with powerful emotion. A reminder that love can change you forever and it’s essential to have someone who truly understands you.
Aguilera’s versatility in adapting to different eras and styles has been one of the primary reasons her music has become so popular. Her ability to reinvent herself multiple times throughout her career shows that she truly can do it all while staying true to herself artistically. From her debut album to her most recent releases, Aguilera has demonstrated she can successfully traverse different genres while staying true to herself.
3. “Seal” by Seal
Seal is a British singer best known for providing the vocals to Adamski’s 1990 hit “Killer.” Since then, he has become one of the world’s best-selling artists with songs like “Crazy” and “Kiss from a Rose” reaching number one on the charts. Furthermore, Seal has received multiple awards including the Brit Award and four Grammy Awards in recognition of his work.
This song is about a man seeking love. It has been covered by many artists, including Alanis Morissette.
Though its melody may be captivating, its lyrics may be difficult to decipher. Furthermore, its repetitive pattern may make the song seem dull and incomprehensible at times.
However, the song does contain some memorable lines like “It’s hard to find the perfect partner” and “Seal he knows that you can’t live without him.” These phrases are sure to touch a chord with any listener.
In Europe, the song became a huge hit and has been used as the soundtrack of several films and TV shows. For example, it can be heard in season 2 of Shameless as well as Batman Forever.
Seal has performed at numerous renowned venues, such as the Royal Variety Performance in 2007, Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in December 2007, and American Idol in 2007. Additionally, he has participated in multiple reality singing competitions.
In 2004, Seal released a greatest hits album that included a cover of the Bacharach/David classic “Walk On By.” One Night to Remember followed in 2006, recorded at the Olympia Theatre in Paris and featuring an orchestra and choir instead of the usual backing group used for live performances.
4. “Bad Things” by Linkin Park
Linkin Park has come a long way since their nu metal beginnings, yet they haven’t forgotten their roots. From dark and moody electro-pop on their latest album to raw rock on Meteora, the band continues to create music that’s truly exciting for fans in the industry.
Linkin Park’s debut album, Hybrid Theory, was released in 2000 at a time when grunge had worn its welcome, nu metal was becoming popular and indie rock had become overshadowed. By taking an experimental step towards success with their second album – though not commercially successful – they established themselves as an innovative band capable of taking on any genre of music.
Although many songs from this album rely heavily on electronic and rap elements, the band never forgot their rock roots. Lead single “What I’ve Done” serves as a prime example; its eerie lyrics contrast with distorted guitars and counterpoint rapping by Mike Shinoda, giving it an urgency that feels like someone reaching for safety.
This song also features a groundbreaking collaboration with hip-hop superstar Jay-Z, which remains hugely successful to this day. Recorded originally for MTV Ultimate Mashups, the collaboration ultimately became its own standalone EP.
Over the years, Linkin Park have always dared to experiment and this has lead to them creating some of the most captivating music around. From using their talents for charitable causes or simply making their best work possible, Linkin Park has never shied away from trying something new. While some of their albums share many similar themes and elements, they have managed to craft them into truly unique songs that will be remembered long after they finish performing them.
5. “Titanium” by David Guetta feat. Sia
The hardest songs to sing require great stamina and breath control. These songs tend to be lengthy with frequent tempo changes that require great concentration from most singers in order to keep up.
Furthermore, some songs require a wide vocal range in order to sound good – particularly those that feature both high and low sounds like “Titanium” by David Guetta feat. Sia.
This song is an example of a challenging song to sing due to its large vocal range used by the lead singer. Even experienced singers will struggle to keep up with the fast tempo and rhythmic pattern set forth by this challenging piece.
Though this song can be challenging to sing, its message of resilience and strength in the face of hardship is powerful.
This popular song is often chosen for karaoke competitions and other singing events. It has an infectious melody, making it great fun to sing along to, but requires considerable effort and stamina in order to do so successfully.
David Guetta and Sia collaborated on this song, which became the fourth single from their 2011 album Nothing but the Beat. It became a worldwide hit and remains an iconic part of dance music and pop culture today. This track serves as proof that powerful lyrics can be amplified when combined with appropriate music and beats.