A most powerful piece, this popular hit by Toto is sure to thrill your audiences. Probably more suitable to chorus than quartet. Be sure to check out Perpetuum Jazzile’s version on YouTube and consider adding their stormy sound effects to your performance.
Learning Tracks Women’s
All the Way
This wonderfully intense ballad is great for contest. Flipside first sang it in most heartfelt fashion. Now top women’s groups such as MAXX Factor and Gem City have taken this song to a new level.
Animal Crackers
Do you share this secret vice? Are you just wild about this classic treat? Surely many of your audience members will be able to relate.
Another Op’nin’, Another Show
A great show opener, this Broadway standard will get any performance off to an energetic start.
Anything You Can Do
An eight-part song from Annie Get Your Gun that is a sure hit for a combined number with a chorus or quartet of the opposite sex. Can you guess who wins in the end? Also available in eight-part male and female versions.
Are You Lonesome Tonight
This song from The King works well for both princes and princesses. Give your audiences the royal treatment by singing them this heartfelt ballad. This piece is a real winner that expresses both sadness and hope. Continue reading Are You Lonesome Tonight
Art Is Calling for Me
Hilarious Victor Herbert song for women only, requires a soprano who can sing high in operatic fashion.
As Long As I’m Singin’
Bobby Darin made this cheery song popular. This tune is just right for opening your shows with lots of happy energy.
Bare Necessities
From the animated musical “The Jungle Book,” this delightful tune will charm audiences and judges alike. Storm Front sang it until they decided to be unremittingly hilarious.
Because You Loved Me
Here is a lovely pop song by Celine Dion, in the mold of “The Wind Beneath My Wings.” Sing it at weddings or any time love is in the air.
Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
Mix of classical music and fun lyrics, a real kick; lyrics have a soap-opera theme, which could be changed.
Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing, The
What are these wonderful, romantic things that happen on the dance floor? Your can probably guess, and your audiences will love hearing about them.
Blackbird Parody
There are all sorts of goofy key changes and lyrics in this light-hearted spoof. Can be sung in contest. Hi-Fidelity was runner-up for the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America’s novelty song of the year award with this delightful number.
Blew by You
This clever tune is a sure winner with your audiences. What blew by you? The singer’s toupee! The piece has been a barbershop hit since international champions Power Play sang it and Crossroads subsequently picked up on it.
Blue Bayou
No joke, this is the straight version of the Roy Orbison song, covered so beautifully by Linda Ronstadt, among others. Your group can set a sultry Louisiana mood with this pop hit.
Blue Suede Shoes
Step on the gas with this vintage Carl Perkins/Elvis Presley tune.
Blues in the Night
On just about everyone’s list of top 10 popular songs of all time, this song gets right to the heart of the downside of love. Do check out this most powerful, and contestable, piece.
Breaking Up Is Hard to Do
The lively pop hit by Neil Sedaka can now be sung in contest. Big fun awaits you! Anne Bureau has recorded women’s tracks for both the contest and show versions.
Bye Bye Love
Here is one of the Everly Brothers’ finest tunes. The men’s, women’s and mixed versions of this lively tale of lost love are all published by the BHS, so you would order the arrangement from them.
Can’t Buy Me Love
This classic from the Fab Four is not only lively and wise, it is contestable too (though SAI groups should check with a Music judge). But whether for contest or show, this song is a sure winner. “Everybody tells me so!” Tim Waurick’s tracks for women are purely great, and he now has them for men too.
Christmas in About Three Minutes
One of the most cheerful messes you will ever encounter, this potpourri crams a ton of tunes into 180 seconds. Think you can count them all in real time? Not likely. . . .
Come Go with Me
This doo-wop classic earned the Dell-Vikings a gold single in the golden year of 1957. The BHS publishes the men’s version of this sure winner.
Curtain Falls, The
Hey, if this heartfelt closer about show biz is good enough for Bobby Darin, it should be a hit for your group too.
Devoted to You
It doesn’t get any better than the Everly Brothers singing about true love. Would make a fine addition to wedding vows.
Do You Hear the People Sing?
This rousing song is from the musical “Les Miserables.” Your audiences’ hearts and guts will be moved, and the song itself would even fly in contest, though this arrangement is better off used for shows.
Down by the Riverside
High energy is the name of the game with this lively number. The BHS publishes the men’s version.
Dream a Little Dream of Me
For contest or show, this song is beloved by audiences and performers alike. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS.
Fa-La-La
These lyrics from “Deck the Hall” are transplanted onto various other pieces, resulting in much good cheer.
Feliz Navidad
Wish your audiences a Merry Christmas in bilingual fashion. This lively chart is written for four voices plus percussion instruments. The BHS publishes the men’s version.
Five Minutes More
Love needs just a little more sometimes. You are sure to enjoy this gentle tune. It is no longer exclusive to Fermata Nowhere, so get it while it’s warm and sweet!
Football Medley
“Mr. Touchdown USA” and “Football Hero” comprise this All-American medley. Show your spirit by adding this high-energy piece to your repertoire.
For Good (one soloist)
Though this song is usually set as a dialog between two people (see the next entry), the song can work just fine for one soloist. So if you are like many groups and have just one soloist with the medium range, this piece could be just the ticket for you.
For Good (two soloists)
From the musical Wicked, this song features a heartfelt, intense dialogue between witches Elphaba and Glinda. If your group has two good soloists with medium to high voices, this is the ticket for you. This arrangement, and the sentiments of the song, work just fine for men as well. Tracks for the women’s version have been recorded by Shawn Thomas.
Gee, I Wish I Was Back in the Army
The great Irving Berlin composed this offbeat piece. Why in the world would a carefree civilian want to go back to the regimentation of the military? Irving tells you all about it in highly humorous fashion.
Get Me to the Church on Time
This tune from “My Fair Lady” is a sure hit with your audiences. International champ Power Play sang it delightfully, and it is now available to your group.
Good Enough for Now
Weird Al Yankovic penned and sang this highly, um, offbeat number. It probably sets a world’s record for backhanded compliments to one’s sweetie. Happily, this piece is contestable.
Goodbye Medley
An enormously funny and interesting conglomeration, the arrangement is even contestable. This winner has been recorded by SAI queens The BUZZ. The medley bashes the opposite sex, well, just a little bit.
Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight
Have yourself some fun with a little doo-wop barbershop. Sing this with tongue in cheek, yours or your sweetie’s. . . .
Hey, Good Lookin’
This country classic is as lively and cheery as they come. I promise you this will be extra fun for you to sing, and for your audiences to hear.
Hickey
Now available for men too, this hilarious song of what happened in the back seat of the teen’s car is pretty odd and offbeat. Continue reading Hickey
Hit the Road, Jack
This emphatic tune is arranged for four-part women’s voices with male solo. The fellow needs to be either a bass or a low baritone—low in more than one sense of the word? The arrangement is also available in German. That title translates as “Come, Drink Up, Jack.” Fun, eh?
How D’Ya Like Your Eggs in the Morning
A purely delightful tune, Eggs tells of folks who don’t care, um, egg-zactly how their breakfast is cooked as long as a kiss and a hug are involved. Think Rock Hudson and Doris Day.
I Believe
This inspirational classic is a hit on any show. Power Play put their family touch on this heartfelt tune. Continue reading I Believe
I Don’t Know Enough About You/I Don’t Know Why
A contestable medley that is both slick and sweet, this piece was a hit for 2003 quartet champ Power Play. Hey, love is not always very easy to explain . . . Continue reading I Don’t Know Enough About You/I Don’t Know Why
I Got Rhythm
From the musical Girl Crazy, this swingy tune is a sure crowd-pleaser. But you had better have the rhythm in your soul if you want to pull it off.
I Had Someone Else Before I Had You/Who’s Sorry Now
You will have a lively chance to work out some of your love-related hostilities with this snappy medley.
I Love My Baby (My Baby Loves Me)
Be young and in love again with this swingy, zippy tune. Try something new for contest. SAI carries the women’s version of this happy, lively song.
I Only Have Eyes for You
This popular classic is now available in two versions. One has the shimmering feel of the rock ‘n’ roll hit, while the other is a contestable tempo ballad as sung by Metropolis. The latter can be sung either straight or, as the quartet did it, humorously.
I Wanna Be like You
From the classic animated film The Jungle Book, this song is great fun to, um, monkey around with.
I’d Give a Million Tomorrows
This is a truly wonderful new take on old love ballad. Feelings of regret can be powerful, indeed. Continue reading I’d Give a Million Tomorrows
I’ll Never Fall in Love Again
Dionne Warwick sang this classic by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Though arranged for the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers, the song works fine for men too. Continue reading I’ll Never Fall in Love Again
I’ll Never Say “Never Again” Again
A lively swing number, this contestable tune was a hit for SAI medalist ReMix for the women and BHS medalist SRO for the men. We can’t really be sure about love, can we? Please specify whether you would like to preview the original ReMix version or Mo Field’s revision with intro by Jay Giallombardo—or both!
I’m Beginning to Like It
This one is tough to explain. Think of a typical ’30s swing tune with modern lyrics like “hard-rock diet,” “in your face” and “MTV and AMC.” Way cool, and it is contestable too!
I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter
Everyone likes this fun, offbeat love song. Great for men and women alike, it is now available in both contest and show versions. Learning tracks have been recorded for the women’s contest chart.
If I Can Dream
If you are not familiar with this song, do yourself a favor and find a clip of Elvis Presley singing it. This plaintive plea drives and drives and drives, as 2014 international champ Musical Island Boys showed us so well. In 2017 this song became a LABBS “polecat” number, sung by all of these British ladies.
If I Didn’t Have You
From the animated film Monsters Inc., this happy tune was sung as a duet by Billy Crystal and John Goodman. As a bonus, the arrangement is contestable.
If We Ever Needed the Lord Before
This traditional gospel tune is available in both barbershop and modern versions. At this most interesting time in history “we sure do need Him now,” wouldn’t you agree? Continue reading If We Ever Needed the Lord Before
In My Life
The lovely Beatles tune is great for men and women alike. Express your deep love sweetly and gently with this hit song.
In My Room
The Beach Boys’ story of teenage angst is surprisingly sweet and moving, and works well for singers of all ages. The BHS publishes the men’s version. This short song is a natural for Youth in Harmony groups of both sexes.
In the Still of the Nite
The Boyz II Men redo of the classic doo-wop hit is popular with singers and listeners of all generations. The Society publishes the men’s version.
Isle of Inisfree, The
If your group has a soloist with lots of heart, this lovely tune will take your audiences back home to Ireland. It was the theme from the John Wayne movie The Quiet Man.
It’s Today
From the musical Mame, this happy, driving song urges you to celebrate the day. It makes a really energetic opener and is great for both men and women.
Jamaican Noel
Every voice part gets a solo in this lively, happy Christmas tune. Well-known composer and arranger Kirby Shaw has penned a winner here!
Just a Baby’s Prayer at Twilight
A little child prays for her Daddy, who is off to war. This song will bring a tear to your eye.
Kazoo Koncerto
Big fun is ahead when your group whips out its kazoos. The energy builds and builds to a great finish. This unique number is sure to delight your audiences.
Knock Knock Song
Spike Jones and His City Slickers did a bang-up job on this number way back when. There is plenty of room for fun, including making just about every sound effect you can think of.
Lazy River (Up a)
Fine for either contest or show, this cheerful song helped Marquis win gold at the 1995 International, in Miami Beach. Though a bit rangy, this piece pretty much sings itself.
Let’s Go to the Movies
Tickets: check! Popcorn: check! Candy: check! Drinks: check! Come on in and grab the best seat in the house. The lights have been dimmed, the commercials and trailers are done, and now it is time for the main feature. Roll ’em! And you will be able to roll ’em too—as soon as the Scioto Valley Chorus has ended its run.
Little Girl, The
The women’s version of The Little Boy, this powerful ballad helped both Growing Girls and Swinglish Mix become Sweet Adelines International Queens of Harmony.
Longest Time, The
Billy Joel’s hit is doo-wop barbershop at its most enjoyable. The BHS publishes the men’s version, and the song works great for the ladies as well.
Lullaby in Ragtime, A
This is a contestable editing of the barbershop classic. They don’t come any sweeter than this, so give the song a whirl. Continue reading Lullaby in Ragtime, A
Marks Medley
This seasonal medley combines two songs composed by the great Johnny Marks, Have a Holly Jolly Christmas and Silver and Gold. Your audiences are sure to enjoy the sweet sentiments expressed here.
Mary, Did You Know
Powerful, reverent song, this piece is a hit at Christmas or any other time of year. Available in male, female and mixed voices.
Mood Indigo
An all-time-great popular classic, this swingy tempo ballad is sure to please your audiences—and even the judges. Get down with this evocative, dark-blue tune. {Corny joke: What did the dark-blue cow do? It mooed indigo.)
My Life Flows On (How Can I Keep from Singing)
This beautiful hymn speaks of joy in the face of suffering. The lyrics are just about as strong as those of It Is Well with My Soul, which is saying something.
Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square
This contestable version of a beautiful ballad is most sincere but also rather sophisticated. Do give this strong song a try.
Old Cape Cod
This pop standard paints a lovely picture. Delight your audiences, and the judges too, with this sweet, swingy song.
Oliver Medley
What do you call a medley of Consider Yourself; Food, Glorious Food; and Who Will Buy? Big fun, that’s what! This high-energy contest piece is no longer exclusive to the Brothers in Harmony.
Once Upon a Time
A new twist on an old favorite, this ballad is sure to move your audiences’ hearts. We cannot really recapture the past, can we?
Orange Colored Sky
This tune is fun, lively and makes a great opener or closer. Short and to the point, It is available in both contest and show versions.
Pennies from Heaven
Yes, it does work in contest. There are not many prettier ballads than this one around. Even more fun is that it can be sung as a swinging uptune too.
Place in the Choir
Celtic Thunder sings this happy, lively, energetic, creative, wonderful, fantastic song. You owe it to yourself to check it out for your quartet or chorus. You just do! Can be sung with or without a backup band.
Razzle Dazzle
From the hit musical and movie Chicago, this fast-paced song is quite lively and clever. So it’s time for you to “hypnotizzy” your audiences. . . . Continue reading Razzle Dazzle
Second Star to the Right
A beautiful ballad from the animated film Peter Pan, this song was debuted at the 2009 Anaheim International contest by The Alliance. Tim Waurick has recorded fine learning tracks for both men and women. While this piece stands alone just fine, it would make a lovely companion to a Peter Pan or pirate medley in contest.
Side by Side
Some surprise harmonies flavor this arrangement of the classic barbershop song. Power Play won gold with this upbeat, lively tune.
Silhouettes (On the Shade)
Truly a rock’n’roll classic that will take your audiences back, this tune offers lighthearted fun. The BHS publishes the men’s version.
Sleigh Ride
Inspired by the Andy Williams version of the holiday song, this arrangement features five key changes. That makes for a most energetic piece, for sure.
Smile
As sung by The New Tradition, Nightlife, Ringmasters and many other groups, this piece is really powerful. You could close your shows with it or sing it in just about any other position. This arrangement is my all-time favorite. It works well for BHS, HI, etc. contests, but I am not sure about SAI.
Solitaire
Who would have pictured this haunting song by the Carpenters being sung in contest? Well, one quartet did, and now your group can too.
Something Inside So Strong
Arranged to help the Dutch Association of Barbershop Singers (DABS) celebrate its 20th anniversary, this song is as strong as it gets. It has been used for protest and inspiration by a wide variety of oppressed groups, though anyone can relate to its powerful, uplifting message. A mixed version is now available.
Sound Celebration
I wrote and arranged this energetic song honoring music and other sounds of life around us. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS. There is now an SATB version for YMIH/YWIH singers, as well one for women’s voices.
Spreadin’ Rhythm Around
This fast piece definitely cooks, with a scat section for each voice part. There is nothing more fun than singing about music.
Sugartime
What could be sweeter than singing this McGuire Sisters’ piece of confection? Your quartet or chorus will find out you definitely have not bitten off more than you can chew.
Sunshine of Your Smile, The
First a barbershop hit for the 1956 champ Confederates, this ballad is a real powerhouse. This arrangement is available as sung by 2003 champ Power Plan and in a longer version better suited for choruses.
Swinging on a Star
Great fun for singers and audiences alike, this lively tune is available in both contest and show versions. It is easily one of my most popular charts. Power Play sang it with much success, and it works just fine for the ladies as well.
Thank You for the Music
What could be more inspiring than singing about our music? This uplifting arrangement is no longer exclusive.
That’ll Be the Day
The rock hit performed by Buddy Holly, Linda Ronstadt and many others, this tune is a lot of uppity fun.
That’s My Weakness Now/That Certain Party
Swing Street on the ladies’ side and SRO for the men sang this energetic love medley. Pick up on this proven winner for your group.
There, I’ve Said It Again
That’s right: I love you! And I just cannot hide it. Everyone will enjoy this catchy pop standard.
Too Marvelous for Words
This clever love song is just too marvelous not to sing. Hey, that is what international medalist State Line Grocery thought. How about you? Are you marvy enough?
Under the Boardwalk
This happy summer song is always in season. The BHS publishes the men’s version, of this tune, which is virtually a Polecat song in some places. Now available for SATB mixed voices.
Way You Look Tonight, The
And now for something completely different. This jazzy version of a song usually heard as a barbershop ballad is patterned after Frank Sinatra’s interpretation. If you have some swing in your soul, give this one a look and a listen.
We Rise Again
This song of resilience and hope was composed by Leon Dubinsky, a songwriter from Sydney, Nova Scotia, for a 1984 stage musical titled The Rise and Follies of Cape Breton. The Rankin Family’s 1993 rendition popularized the song across Canada. The message of this song is certainly fitting for the time we live in. So lift your audience’s hearts, and your own, with this soaring song.
We’re Number One
A cute song for a group wid a criminal image, dis barbershopper-written tune is just plain moider!
What Would I Do Without My Music
This powerfully uplifting show song is sung by numerous women’s choruses. But, hey, it works just as well for men’s groups. For everyone, singing about our music is the best! Continue reading What Would I Do Without My Music
When I Just Wear My Smile
Ready to thumb your nose at fashion snobbery? With its ever-so-mildly risqué lyrics, this Mama Cass tune is bound to be hit, whether on the contest stage or in a show.
When I Sing
Jazzy, fun, a natural for barbershoppers, this song is a sure winner. Do check it out.
When I’m Sixty-Four
This Beatles’ song is always a kick, for singers and audience members alike. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS. Of course, you can vary the lyrics to reference any age that ends in a four.
When There’s Love at Home
A beautiful, heartfelt song, this is a pure joy to sing and listen to. Power Play debuted it, and it has since become a barbershop staple.
Wherever There’s Me, There’s You
You may not be familiar with this song, but it is way cheerful and appealing. Your group wants to sing it; you just don’t know it yet. Anne Bureau has made some killer tracks to help you learn this tune fast.
Yesterday
The lovely Beatles’ tune may be the most recorded of all time. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS. Now available for SATB mixed voices.
You Ain’t Gettin’ Diddly Squat
Quite humorous Christmas tune about a kid who has been bad. This sure winner can be sung all year ’round.
You Can’t Get a Man with a Gun
The great Irving Berlin makes some of his best word plays in this delightful song. From the musical Annie Get Your Gun, this contestable tune is for women only.
You Meet the Nicest People
Light and sweet, this Christmas tune will add sparkle to your holiday shows. Wouldn’t you like to meet it?
You’ve Got a Friend
What’s not to like about this Carole King classic? Great for honoring a special person or delighting all of your audiences.
You’ve Got to See Mamma Every Night
This is a highly cute song that lays down the law about fidelity. For sure it is for women only, and the ladies know how to sing it! Continue reading You’ve Got to See Mamma Every Night
Young and Foolish
Great for contest, this ’50s ballad builds to a surprising level of power. The men’s version is published by the BHS, and the song is great for women as well.