Belting - Best Songs for Belting

 

By Nellie Vinograd

Belting is a singing technique when the singer carries their chest voice beyond its natural break, or maintaining chest voice for pitches that are usually for head voice.

Are you feeling ready to develop your belting voice even more?

In this singing lesson we've listed of a variety of songs from different genres to test out what’s the right fit for you.

Not all belters are created with the same style, so it’s always good to have options.

Or if you’re not feeling ready to audition or perform with these yet, they also make great songs to sing in the shower or during a long car ride.

These are perfect songs to practice while learning how to sing.

Musical Theatre

Getting ready for a big audition or want to expand your Broadway repertoire?

Here are some interesting belting choices (not “Defying Gravity”!) from a variety of classic and contemporary musicals.

Let your inner belter shine with these showstoppers. 

 

“Being Alive” from Company

“The Gods Love Nubia” from Aida

“Gimme Gimme” from Thoroughly Modern Millie

“And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls

“Maybe This Time” from Cabaret

“The Ladies Who Lunch” from Company

“Bless The Lord” from Godspell

“Not A Day Goes By” from Merrily We Roll Along

“A Summer in Ohio” from The Last Five Years

 

Duets:

“I Will Never Leave You” from Side Show

“Suddenly Seymour” from Little Shop of Horrors

“Take Me Or Leave Me” from RENT

“When You’re Home” from In The Heights

Check out our vocal lesson on belting, which is included in our 30 Day Singer Beginner Course

Contemporary Pop 

Ready to challenge yourself and expand your belting chops?

Try out some of these contemporary pop songs from some of the best belters on the charts right now.

These songs could also work as audition songs if you’re trying out for a rock musical or a show with a modern edge.

Be especially careful when you belt in pop songs, because it’s a challenge to recreate the professional, studio-recording sound that these singers pull off.

You don’t want to lose your voice or damage your vocal cords by straining or screaming.

 

“Cut To The Feeling” by Carly Rae Jepsen

“Firework” by Katy Perry

“Skyscraper” by Demi Lovato

“Rumor Has It” by Adele

“Dangerous Woman” by Ariana Grande

“Unwritten” by Natasha Beddingfield

“Shake It Out” by Florence + the Machine

“Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson 

“Love On Top” by Beyoncé 

 

Retro 

If you’re looking for a particular sound or want to try different belting styles, some of these throwbacks could be what you need.

Try singing with the raspy growl of Joan Jett or the penetrating warmth of Aretha Franklin.

It’s also helpful to get a bit of music history and context by exploring music from the 20th century.

Pay tribute to the belters of the past with these fun classics. 

 

“How Will I Know” by Whitney Houston

“Think” by Aretha Franklin

“I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross

“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor

“Just A Girl” by No Doubt

“Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

“To Zion” by Lauryn Hill

“My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion

 

Hopefully these suggestions will lead you to discovering even more great belting songs.

As always, you want to find what works for you and your singing style, even if it’s not the most well-known or expected choice.

FAQ

What is a belt in a song?

A belt in a song is when a singer uses their full chest voice to hit high and powerful notes. It's like turning the volume and intensity up on their voice without switching to a falsetto or head voice.

What singers are good at belting?

Some of the powerhouse belters out there include Adele, Beyoncé, and Jennifer Hudson. They're known for their strong, resonant voices that can fill a room without the need for a mic.

Is belting good or bad for you?

Belting isn’t inherently bad, but like anything in music, it has to be done correctly. Poor technique can lead to vocal strain or damage, so it’s important to learn proper belting techniques, usually with the help of a vocal coach.

What is belting song technique?

Belting song technique involves using the chest voice to project loud, clear tones, especially on higher notes. It requires proper breath support and vocal cord coordination to avoid strain and achieve a powerful sound.

Is Ariana Grande belting?

Yep, Ariana Grande is definitely a belter. She’s known for her wide vocal range and ability to hit high notes with a strong, clear voice, using both belt and mixed voice techniques.

Am I mixing or belting?

If you’re singing high notes that feel strong and chesty, you're probably belting. If it feels like a blend of your chest and head voices, giving you a more balanced and less intense sound, then you're likely mixing.

Does belting feel like yelling?

Belting might feel a bit like yelling, because it's loud and intense, but it shouldn’t actually feel harsh or painful. Proper belting is controlled and uses technique to protect your voice.

Why is belting so hard?

Belting can be tough because it requires a lot of vocal control, support, and stamina. It’s not just about being loud; it’s about hitting those high notes clearly and powerfully without hurting your voice.

Can everyone belt while singing?

Not everyone can belt right off the bat—it can take practice and proper vocal training. Some people might find it easier than others due to natural vocal strength and range, but most can learn with the right techniques.

Why can't I belt when I sing?

Struggling with belting usually comes down to technique issues like insufficient breath support or not using your voice correctly. A vocal coach can really help in identifying and correcting these issues so you can start belting out those tunes!