19 Songs With High Notes

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It’s always impressive when a vocalist can project their pipes into the stratosphere. Whether amateur or pro, karaoke queen, or concert king, hearing a soaring pitch sends thrills down your spine.

Read on to learn the best songs with high notes, and find out what makes singers shine. 

1. “All By Myself” by Celine Dion

For the most part, this song (a remake of Eric Carmen’s 1975 classic) is understated and intimate. Perhaps that’s what makes it all the more exciting when Dion belts an astounding, full-voiced F5 in one of the most dramatic moments ever to occur in pop music. That note launches the song from a repeat of the chorus into the bridge, which modulates downwards almost a half-octave in key.

This note may never have happened if it weren’t for the legendary encouragement of music producer powerhouse David Foster. Apparently, he recognized Dion’s vocal potential and wanted to make sure the rest of the world got to experience it as well.

Song year: 1996

2. “Take On Me” by A-Ha

With a catchy beat and stunning visuals, it’s no surprise this tune made it into the canon of best-loved 80s music. But undoubtedly, some of the song’s fame can be attributed to that high note in the chorus.

Part of the effect is due to the range. A-Ha lead vocalist Morten Harket begins at an A two octaves below middle C, then rises to an E two above within the space of just a few seconds. The bane of karaoke singers everywhere; we think this song will continue to sit at the top of the list of high-note marvels for decades to come.

Song year: 1985

3. “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” by The Darkness

Delightfully flamboyant singer Justin Hawkins hits the same note as Harket in this 2000s throwback to the glam-rock era. The chorus repeats multiple times and he hits that E full-voiced each time, leading us to wonder what kind of supplements he’s taking to develop those vocal cords.

For more of Hawkins’ melodic pyrotechnics, check out “One Way Ticket,” where he goes even higher just in the hard-rocking song’s intro.

Song year: 2003

4. “Chandelier” by Sia

The envy of female vocalists everywhere, Sia lets her voice soar into the air to illustrate the bird she describes in this song. It’s a pseudo-operatic stunt that defies the basic pop appeal of her songwriting, leading us to believe Sia might be just as comfortable on the classical stage as in a sold-out arena.

The chorus of “Chandelier” isn’t for the weak. If you’re prepared to reach an octave and a half above middle C, go ahead and give it a try, as long as you make sure to flip into falsetto at some point (just as Sia does).

Song year: 2014

5. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen

It’s impossible to talk about high notes without a respectful nod to the king of showmanship, Freddie Mercury. The Queen frontman’s talents were never more on display than in this dramatic song, one of the band’s most famous ever recorded.

The arrival of the music on the word “Mama” is one peak, but stay tuned for the development section also. “Galileo” is famously up there in pitch, as are “let me go” and some other apex lyrical moments.

Song year: 1975

6. “Dream On” by Aerosmith

Vocalist Stephen Tyler stuns in another 70s classic, the long-winded ballad “Dream On.” The chorus, while not easy, remains sensibly within a male range. However, it should be noted that he really doesn’t use any falsetto here, preferring a strong belt to be heard over the symphonic texture.

The star moment arrives as the song winds up and Tyler jumps up a full octave. The repeated line that provides the title of the song sits at a stunning A-flat, a note even many trained female sopranos have trouble reaching. No problem for the Aerosmith frontman, who shows off his large mouth while screaming it multiple times.

Song year: 1973

7. “Behind These Hazel Eyes” by Kelly Clarkson

We’re used to impressive stylings by Clarkson, the winner of the first season of American Idol. Since her overnight rise to fame, she’s put out multiple albums that all feature her vocal skills. The boldness in her voice and ability to incorporate vibrato into a strong belt has inspired many female singers over the past two decades.

The chorus of “Behind These Hazel Eyes” rises in pitch and isn’t for the faint-hearted. But it’s the note on the bridge that really grabs us. Reaching an F#, she yells the word “anymore” in a way that makes us really believe the heartbreak.

Song year: 2004

8. “Into the Unknown” by Brendan Urie

The Panic! at the Disco frontman has long been known for his spectacular range. It's no surprise he decided to take on this modern Disney hit, from Frozen II. Its Broadway-esque sound, complete with galloping rhythm and pounding drums, provides the perfect backdrop for Urie's killer voice. He dramatically ascends into an echelon that seems an octave too high, and nails it every time.

Adventurous and thrilling, it's a song guaranteed to put goosebumps on your arm as it stands. Add Urie's unbelievable tenor line on top, and you've got yourself a playlist staple.

Song year: 2019

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

Though we must pay tribute to Dolly Parton, the writer of this gorgeous classic tune, her rendition is softer and more intimate. It was Whitney who took it to the next level for the Bodyguard soundtrack.

Wait for the massive drumbeat that launches her into outer space with that iconic belt. Not only is it up there in pitch, but she sustains it and adds vibrato. It's no feat for the timid and has intimidated karaoke singers ever since its release. 

Song year: 1992

10. “Tragedy” by The BeeGees

"Tragedy" by The BeeGees

The masters of falsetto, the BeeGees took over the 1970s with their unique brand of vocals, complete with three-part harmonies. Though most of their songs could fit into the high-notes category, we think “Tragedy” wins the award because there’s almost not a single part of it that goes lower than middle C. It was written for the soundtrack to Staying Alive.

That breathy singing style is on full display here, and the entire song is an example of pure talent. But make sure you hold out for the magic moment of the pre-chorus, where the band drops out entirely to feature Barry Gibb’s sustained solo line on a B3.

Song year: 1979

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