Mezzo sopranos out there have a unique range perfect for just about any pop tune. These 45 mezzo soprano songs are ideal for those singers looking for a quick warm up.
1. “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” – Beyoncé
Beyonce’s 2008 hit “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” became one of the artist’s most popular tunes with three Grammy Awards to its name. The song celebrates single life while shooing off guys that refused to show how much they truly loved their ex.
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2. “She Works Hard For The Money” – Donna Summer
Donna Summer wrote the signature song for the working woman with “She Works Hard For The Money.” The singer was inspired to write the song after witnessing a restroom attendant dealing with long hours at the job.
3. “Someone Like You” – Adele
Adele is known for her heartbreaking tunes, and “Someone Like You” is arguably one of her most crushing songs. The song became such a hit, it was performed on FOX’s hit show Glee.
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4. “I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston’s cover of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” became the best-selling single for a female artist with 25 million copies sold worldwide.
It almost didn’t happen, though. While working on The Bodyguard soundtrack, Houston planned to cover Jimmy Ruffin’s “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.” After discovering the song was being used elsewhere, Houston decided to work on “I Will Always Love You” instead.
While Houston’s version eclipsed Parton’s original cut in terms of popularity, Parton isn’t mad at the massive royalties gained from the song.
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5. “Wrecking Ball” – Miley Cyrus
For her 2013 studio album Bangerz, Miley Cyrus unveiled a massive hit with “Wrecking Ball.” The song, which is about a failed relationship, became Cyrus’ first number-one hit in the United States.
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6. “Before He Cheats” – Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” describes the destructive aftermath after finding out a significant other is caught cheating. The track became one of the best-selling country tunes of all time with over seven million copies sold in the United States.
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7. “You Oughta Know” – Alanis Morissette
As the lead single from Alanis Morissette’s 1995 studio album Jagged Little Pill, “You Oughta Know” was an eye-opening song for the radio with its blunt lyrics (“Does she speak eloquently? And would she have your baby/ I’m sure she’d make a really excellent mother”). The grungy tune was also a complete departure from Morissette’s first two dance-pop albums.
8. “Wasting All These Tears” – Cassadee Pope
After winning The Voice, Cassadee Pope unveiled their debut single “Wasting All These Tears” in 2013. The country-pop tune found an audience with listeners worldwide.
9. “Orinoco Flow” – Enya
Enya’s “Orinoco Flow” is a geographer’s dream with a slew of locations mentioned in the four-minute tune. The song became one of the most popular tunes in new-age history with two Grammy nominations.
10. “Everyday Is a Winding Road” – Sheryl Crow
Australian rock band Crowded House, who are best known for their hit “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” became a big part of Sheryl Crow’s “Everyday Is a Winding Road.” Crowded House drummer Paul Hester inspired Crow to write the tune, which includes Crowded House vocalist Neil Finn.
11. “I Will Remember You” – Sarah McLachlan
After listening to Seamus Egan’s instrumental tune “Weep Not for the Memories,” Sarah McLachlan decided to add lyrics to give it a more dreary vibe. After approval from Egan, “I Will Remember You” was born. Egan would record the tune with their band Solas.
12. “Don’t Stop The Music” – Rihanna
Sampling Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin,'” Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop The Music” became an instant hit with six million copies sold in the United States.
13. “Hung Up” – Madonna
Madonna’s “Hung Up” marks the second time ABBA allowed an artist to sample their music. Using the intro to ABBA’s “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight),” “Hung Up” became a big hit at electronic festivals worldwide.
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14. “Let it Go” – Idina Menzel
Taken from the Frozen soundtrack, Idina Menzel’s “Let It Go” became one of the most covered and parodied songs in recent years. After a slew of songs proposed for the movie were rejected, “Let It Go” was the first to get the thumbs up from everyone. Since Frozen was released in different languages, other artists covered the song for their respective countries.
15. “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” – Jennifer Holliday
Written for the Broadway musical Dreamgirls, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” deals with singer Effie and their dwindling relationship with manager Curtis Taylor Jr. Jennifer Holliday, who portrayed Effie in the original Broadway production, delivered one of 1982’s strongest soul songs.
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16. “People” – Barbra Streisand
Taken from the soundtrack of the Broadway production of Funny Girl, “People” almost didn’t make it into the final script. When Barbra Streisand, who portrayed Fanny Brice in the original production, sang it during try-outs, everyone knew it was destined for greatness.
17. “Are You That Somebody?” – Aaliyah
Written for the soundtrack to Dr. Dolittle, Aaliyah didn’t originally like “Are You That Somebody?” Fortunately, the artist decided to record the tune, which became the artist’s fifth song in the top 40.
18. “Left Outside Alone” – Anastacia
Anastacia’s “Left Outside Alone” became one of the artist’s strongest songs ever when it dropped back in 2004. In 2014, the artist re-recorded the song as “Left Outside Alone, Part 2” for her sixth studio album Resurrection.
19. “My Immortal” – Evanescence
Evanescence unveiled a heartbreaking ballad with “My Immortal,” which is featured on her 2003 debut album Fallen. Former guitarist Ben Moody, who co-wrote the song, dedicated it to his late grandfather.
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20. “Born This Way” – Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga continued her dominance in the pop world with the title track from her sophomore studio album Born This Way. The song focuses on loving who you are as a person. Gaga wrote the chart-topping song in just 10 minutes, it’s reported.
21. “Like A Prayer” – Madonna
Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” confused people with its merging of sexual and religious themes. The singer was inspired to write this song after a string of bad instances in their personal and professional life, including their divorce from actor Sean Penn. “Like A Prayer” was also another chance for Madonna to take their spot as a producer following their 1986 album True Blue.
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22. “Just a Girl” – No Doubt
“Just A Girl” marked a big change in songwriting for Gwen Stefani. This was the first tune she wrote without the assistance of her brother (and No Doubt co-founder) Eric, who exited after the recording of No Doubt’s 1995 studio album Tragic Kingdom. The song was written in response to Gwen’s father scolding them for visiting their bandmate (and former boyfriend) Tony Kanal at night.
23. “Halo” – Beyoncé
Written by OneRepublic vocalist Ryan Tedder, “Halo” was almost not a Beyoncé song. The megastar was offered the song, but they stalled on recording it, which led to Tedder offering it to Leona Lewis. Beyoncé would eventually record the song, which went double platinum in the United States.
24. “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll” – Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Originally recorded by English glam rock band Arrows in 1975, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ version of “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll” became Jett’s first number-one single in the United States. While on tour with The Runaways, Jett saw Arrows perform the song on TV and wanted to unveil their take on it. The song’s popularity grew thanks to its accompanying music video, which was on constant rotation on MTV. Jett’s cover of the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame back in 2016.
25. “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” – Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” was inspired by Atlantic Records co-owner Jerry Wexler’s thoughts about a “natural man.” While the song became a smash hit in the United States in 1967, the song took over 50 years to land in the U.K. music charts.
26. “Leave (Get Out)” – JoJo
At the age of 13, JoJo earned her first number-one single with 2004’s “Leave (Get Out).” This made her the youngest person to grab the prestigious number-one song spot. 14 years after its initial release, Jojo re-recorded the song following a dispute with her previous record label Blackground Records.
27. “Real Love” – Mary J. Blige
Sampling Audio Two’s “Top Billin,'” Mary J. Blige’s “Real Love” earned the singer their first top-10 hit. The track was also one of P. Diddy’s first production credits.
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28. “Brave” – Sara Bareilles
Sara Bareilles wrote “Brave” as an anthem for people having a hard time coming out as gay (“Say what you wanna say/ And let the words fall out/ Honestly I wanna see you be brave”). The singer was inspired to write this song after watching one of their friend experience fear of showing who they are. With over three million copies sold in the United States, “Brave” became Bareilles’ third top 40 hit.
29. “Miss You Much” – Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson’s “Miss You Much” topped the Billboard Hot 100 charts for four consecutive weeks. The song has been referenced in songs by artists such as “Weird Al” Yankovic and Akon.
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30. “Bad Romance” – Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga’s electropop single “Bad Romance” hit number one in 20 countries, including the United States, Denmark, and the United Kingdom.
31. “Party In The U.S.A.” – Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus almost didn’t get a smash hit with “Party In The U.S.A.” The song was originally created by Jessie J, but she didn’t end up bringing it to the public. After some rewriting, the song eventually earned a rare diamond certificate. With nods to Jay-Z and Britney Spears, “Party In The U.S.A.” is a guilty pleasure for many people.
32. “So What” – P!nk
P!nk’s brief separation from husband Carey Hart inspired the hit song “So What.” The pop track is P!nk’s highest-selling single to date with over 4.5 million copies sold in the United States alone. It also became her second number-one single following her 2001 cover of “Lady Marmalade.”
33. “Love You Like a Love Song” – Selena Gomez
Released in 2011, Selena Gomez’s “Love You Like a Love Song” has become a karaoke classic with its catchy melodies. We’re sure you’ve heard this song SOMEWHERE – whether at the karaoke bar or on the radio waves. This song is proof that Selena Gomez deserves to be one of the biggest stars in the world.
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34. “I Believe” – Fantasia Barrino
American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino became the second female artist to have their debut single hit number one single with “I Believe.” Barrino had some extra help in the American Idol family for this song; former contestant Tamyra Gray helped co-write the tune.
35. “One Kiss” – Dua Lipa
Producer Calvin Harris teamed up with singer Dua Lipa for 2018’s summer anthem “One Kiss.” The song’s throwback nature earned it a slew of end-of-the-year list placements from various publications.
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36. “Jar of Hearts” – Christina Perri
Christina Perri’s 2010 debut single “Jar of Hearts” was released before the artist had a record deal. The song was written about an ex of Perri’s, who was looking to rekindle their relationship. Instead of meeting up with them, Perri wrote the song in their bedroom.
37. “Wind Beneath My Wings” – Bette Midler
While “Wind Beneath My Wings” (or “Hero”) was recorded by acts such as Lou Rawls and Gary Morris, Bette Midler’s version helped bring the song to new heights with its inclusion in the soundtrack to Beaches. Midler’s version landed her the only number-one single in the United States she ever received.
38. “Doesn’t Mean Anything” – Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys’ “Doesn’t Mean Anything” tackles the importance of true love over materialism. Keys has had many different hits throughout her hallowed career, but we think if you’re a mezzo soprano looking for one ideal song to sing for karaoke or an audition from her discography, you should try this one out!
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39. “Respect” – Aretha Franklin
Originally recorded by Otis Redding, “Respect” found a bigger audience thanks to singer Aretha Franklin. With different lyrics, Franklin’s version of “Respect” became a feminist anthem and earned the singer a spot in the respected National Recording Registry in 2002.
40. “Call Me Maybe” – Carly Rae Jepsen
When it comes to compiling a list of the most perfect pop songs ever, Carley Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe” will land high on everyone’s list. Unveiled back in 2011, the tune became the biggest-selling single for a solo female artist in the 21st century with over 18 million copies sold worldwide.
41. “Hollaback Girl” – Gwen Stefani
Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl,” which stems from their 2004 debut solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby., is a song chockful of attitude (“So I’m ready to attack, gonna lead the pack, Gonna get a touchdown, gonna take you out”).
42. “It Must Have Been Love” – Roxette
While Swedish pop act Roxette unveiled “It Must Have Been Love” in 1987, the song didn’t gain traction until its inclusion on the Pretty Woman soundtrack, which sold over nine million albums worldwide. In 1997, the act would re-record the song in Spanish for their compilation album Baladas en Español.
43. “Whenever, Wherever” – Shakira
Following four studio albums in Latin America, Shakira exploded onto the American charts with “Whenever, Wherever.” The song was co-written by Gloria Estefan, who insisted that Shakira started writing songs in English to tap into a broader market.
44. “Havana” – Camila Cabello
Camila Cabello showcased her Cuban heritage with the salsa-tinged number “Havana.” In 2018, the song earned one billion streams, which made it the highest streamed song by a solo female artist.
45. “Bring Me to Life” – Evanescence
“Bring Me to Life,” which was featured on the Daredevil soundtrack, brought Evanescence newfound stardom in the rock scene. With 12 Stones vocalist Paul McCoy on guest vocals, the song caused an issue when some individuals perceived it as a Christian song. Because of this, the track found its way onto multiple Christian music stores across the United States. In 2017, Evanescence unveiled a newer version of the song, which omits the rap lyrics and incorporates strings and electronics
While some mezzo sopranos will use these songs as a warm-up, they can also be perfect for those karaoke nights. There’s nothing better than showing friends their true talent by singing along to a beloved song. They could also be perfect for YouTube cover videos, which can go viral at the right time.