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. Continue reading Africa
Rock & Pop
After the Lovin’
They don’t come any sweeter than this love song. Sing this lovely tune on an afterglow or for a change of pace during a show.
All I Have to Do Is Dream
You can’t go wrong with a hit by the Everly Brothers. This version is a little bit fancier than the published Harmony Explosion arrangement. Now available for SATB mixed voices. Continue reading All I Have to Do Is Dream
All That She Wants
A rock hit for Swedish group Ace of Base, this arrangement is not for the faint of heart. Sure, it is just that little bit bitter, but she earned it.
Annie’s Song
The lovely John Denver song, this piece is good for weddings—and any other occasion when you want to express your feelings for your beloved.
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
Aura Lee/Love Me Tender
These two love songs from different eras are exactly the same musically. Elvis has not left the building yet. The men’s version is published by the BHS. Continue reading Aura Lee/Love Me Tender
Beach Boys Medley
Celebrating the surfer dude and dudette in all of us; songs include “I Get Around,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “In My Room” and “California Girls.”
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.
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. Continue reading Blue Bayou
Blue Moon
No, not Rodgers & Hart’s straight version from 1934; this is the swinging 1961 doo-wop hit.
Blue Suede Shoes
Step on the gas with this vintage Carl Perkins/Elvis Presley tune.
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. Continue reading Breaking Up Is Hard to Do
Brown Eyed Girl
Van Morrison wrote this happy, lively tune back in the golden year of 1967. Quite faithful to the original, this version is sure to have your audiences rocking and clapping. Up All Night does a great job on this song.
Butterfly Kisses
Pop/country hit about a father and daughter that is sure to go over big at weddings.
Bye Bye Love
Here is one of the Everly Brothers’ finest tunes. The men’s version of this lively tale of lost love is published by the BHS. Continue reading Bye Bye Love
Calendar Girl
Neil Sedaka wrote and sang this most fun tune. Now it is available for your group to sing in contest, even!
Can’t Buy Me Love
This classic from the Fab Four is not only lively and wise, it is contestable too (though perhaps not for SAI). 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. Continue reading Can’t Buy Me Love
Can’t Help Falling in Love
The King sang this pop classic, so your audiences are sure to love being transported into the past by it.
Candle in the Wind
This is Elton John’s moving tribute to Princess Diana. The lyrics of this beautiful song still resonate today.
Candle on the Water
A beautiful song from the Disney film “Pete’s Dragon,” this explores the depths of true love.
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.
Copacabana (At the Copa)
You have never heard the Barry Manilow hit quite like this before. With solo, four harmony parts and two rhythm lines, the song requires a chorus or octet to make it swing.
Crying
This Roy Orbison song is a popular classic, of course. Very few barbershop groups have a lead(s) who can handle the rangy melody, so the lead, tenor and bass take turns with it. (Sorry about that, baris.)
Crying in the Rain
Sung by the Everly Brothers, this poignant song of lost love makes a fine tempo ballad for contest or show. This one will sure take your audiences back. . . .
LEARNING TRACKS AVAILABLE:
- James Estes | http://jamestracks.com
Cycles
Frank Sinatra sang this moving song of life’s ups and downs.
Daydream
“What a day” for singing this Lovin’ Spoonful pop classic. This cheery arrangement is for chorus plus soloist.
Desperado
Yes, this is the Eagles’ big hit, and it can even be sung in contest. So “come to your senses” and give this heartfelt tale a try.
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. Continue reading Devoted to You
Do You Remember These?
This Statler Brothers’ tune revives all sorts of ’50s nostalgia. The arrangement could even be redone for contest.
Donna Medley
Get some serious teenage angst going with this combination of “Donna the Prima Donna” and “(Oh) Donna.” This tune is campy fun.
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. Continue reading Dream a Little Dream of Me
Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes, A
This beautiful Disney song has a most hopeful message: Keep believing!
Eleanor Rigby
Plenty unique and maybe even strange, this Beatles’ tune has lots of key changes and melody swaps.
Elvis Medley
Would you believe a contestable medley could be made of “Hound Dog,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Burning Love” and “Viva Las Vegas”? You will have a blast singing this piece, one that is fit for a—well, the one and only—King.
Enter Sandman
A tough one to explain, this Metallica hit was goofed on by a lounge-lizardy singer who calls himself Richard Cheese. The arranger further degraded the piece, resulting in a delightful, even marginally contestable, abomination.
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.
First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, The
This lovely Roberta Flack song has passed the test of time. Give your audiences some warm fuzzies with this tune.
Flowers on the Wall
This Statler Brothers’ song puts an ironic twist on loneliness. And it won’t bother your audiences at all . . .
For Once in My Life
Stevie Wonder in barbershop? Absolutely! Indeed, this pop classic is even contestable.
For the Good Times
This touching song of love lost was written by singer/songwriter/actor Kris Kristofferson. “Make believe you love me one more time”—that is some good writing. . . .
Frog Kissin’
This delightful song is about not judging a book by its cover. So get on out there and “kiss you a frog!”
God Bless the Child
The rock group Blood, Sweat & Tears revived this 1941 Billie Holiday song in 1968. This tempo, bluesy ballad is as moving as they come. And here is a blessing for you: The piece is no longer exclusive to the Big Apple Chorus.
Goodnight Saigon
Written and performed by Billy Joel, this song is as intense as it gets. The Brothers in Harmony pretty much blew the place’s doors off in the chorus contest at the Philadelphia international.
Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight
Have yourself some fun with a little doo-wop barbershop. Sing this with tongue in cheek, yours or your sweetie’s. . . . Continue reading Goodnight, Sweetheart, Goodnight
Graduation Day
This pop hit is great for school-days shows. Or you can sing it to add some gentle enjoyment to any performance.
Grandma’s Feather Bed
This lively, happy, nostalgic John Denver song is great fun for either sex to sing. Now available in contest and show versions. James Estes has recorded learning tracks for the contest chart.
Grease Medley
Revisit Danny and Sandy in a monster medley that is great for either contest or shows. The Hot Air Buffoons no longer have exclusive rights to the piece. Of course, their take on “grease” had to do with—what else?—food!
Greatest Gift of All, The
Written and performed by John Jarvis, this lovely song stresses two types of love. One is for one’s spouse, while the other is even greater: “Peace on Earth, goodwill to men.” At this time the arrangement is exclusive to Nova Quattro.
Green Green Grass of Home
This melancholy country song is a sure winner. There are many ways to get back home. . . .
Groovy Kind of Love, A
A pop hit for the Mindbenders (1966) and for Phil Collins (1988), the song has been sung lately by the King’s Singers. Makes a great solo for tenor or high lead/bari. The bass also gets some licks in too. Do have a look at this uniquely wonderful chart.
Happy
Diana Ross sang this tender song of the happiness love brings. This is definitely not the Pharrell Williams tune.
Hello, Mary Lou
The lively Ricky Nelson song works just fine for contest or show. Audiences purely love this one.
I Fall To Pieces
The Patsy Cline classic about a love that is tough to get over, this song is sure tug at your listeners’ heartstrings.
I Like Beer
Tom T. Hall’s ode to the ethereal amber beverage is great fun. This whimsical tune is available as either a lead or bass solo.
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. Continue reading I Only Have Eyes for You
I Only Want to Be with You
Popularized by Dusty Springfield in the ’60s, this happy love song was arranged for all of the LABBS ladies.
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
If
This tender pop hit, made famous by Bread, is a most moving love song.
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 their ladies.
Learning tracks
- Dan from Big Apple Chorus (contact Tom)
If You Believe
A most uplifting pop love ballad, this tune is full of goodness and inspiration.
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. Continue reading In My Life
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. Continue reading In the Still of the Nite
Island of Dreams
The ’60s group The Seekers (I’ll Never Find Another You, Georgy Girl) sang this captivating song. It is arranged for eight-part mixed voices.
It Was Almost like a Song
The King’s Singers sang this bittersweet song, which is available in both tenor- and bass-solo versions. Purely lovely. . . .
Killing Me Softly with His Song
This powerful Grammy Award winner, sung by Roberta Flack, is now available in two versions. One is straight, and the other, as sung by MAXX Factor, is delightfully twisted.
King of the Road
Everyone enjoys this light-hearted hobo song by Roger Miller. And it could even be edited to be contestable.
Let It Be Me
The Everly Brothers sang this heartfelt love ballad to great effect. It was a Top 10 hit for the duo back in 1960. Now available for SATB mixed voices.
Let Me Be Your Wings
This wonderful, romantic song was written by Barry Manilow and featured in the movie Thumbellina. And isn’t the title just lovely?
Let There Be Peace On Earth
A show closer with a great message, this song offers the best wish possible. The men’s version of this arrangement is published by the BHS, and it works great for women and mixed groups as well. Continue reading Let There Be Peace On Earth
Little Darlin’
A solid gold hit from 1957 for the Diamonds, this doo-wop tune will give your lead a chance to shine and your tenor some hammy moments.
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. Continue reading Longest Time, The
Make You Feel My Love/Chasing Cars
Unique to say the least, this medley combines the Bob Dylan song with one by Snow Patrol.
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 in the Morning
Pretty and rhythmic, this pop ballad lets you express your feelings for your beloved most sweetly.
May You Always
A modernish rhythmic ballad, this tune is suitable for contest. It conveys a sweet sentiment with powerful, creative lyrics
Merry Christmas, Darling
The Carpenters’ moving hit is available in various versions: women’s, men’s, mixed and as a solo plus four parts for a chorus specialty number. They don’t get any sweeter than this.
Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister)
A wonderful sisterhood song for women, this tune is from the fine film “The Color Purple.”
More
From the movie Mondo Cane, this easy-listening classic is great for shows, glows and weddings.
Motown Medley
With 16 pages of fast musical action, this medley will make you fasten your seat belt. There are some solos with four-part background, so this song is meant for a chorus to sing. Only the women’s version is available right now, but it could be redone for men.
My Boyfriend’s Back
Nobody doesn’t enjoy this fun, catty pop #1 hit from 1963. This tune is good for young and old alike, so give it a whirl.
My Coloring Book
This pop hit from 1962 will touch your audiences’ hearts. Slick and sad, this tune is a most evocative.
My Prayer
This arrangement of the beautiful #1 hit for the Platters (1956) debuted at a barbershopper’s wedding. You can spread the love by picking up on this tune.
Neutron Dance
This 1985 hit by the Pointer Sisters is guaranteed to energize your audiences.
No No Never
Performed in English by Texas Lightning, this song was the German entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006. Has a fine rock/pop/country feel to it.
Nowhere to Go but Up
From the movie Mary Poppins Returns, this delightful song will take you on a natural high. You won’t be flying a kite—you will soar over the town, maybe even heading to the moon. This arrangement is fine for contests using the BHS judging system but might be more suitable for shows in the Sweet Adelines world.
Old Fashioned Love Song
Yes, this is the hit from Three Dog Night. Of course, we sing it in four-part harmony, not three.
One Tin Soldier
This stirring song of the futility of war comes from the film Billy Jack. Sometimes the only survivor is. . . .
Ones Left Standing
This powerful song sounds as though it were written for 9/11. Though it appeared about a year earlier, the amazing sentiments make it a great song for any group’s repertoire.
Operator
This happy song of faith moves along with considerable energy. Manhattan Transfer made the piece famous—and your group can help it stay that way.
Orange Colored Sky
This one is way fun and makes a great opener or closer. It is available in both contest and show versions. Continue reading Orange Colored Sky
Papa-Oom-Mow-Mow
The words don’t make a bit of sense, but that doesn’t stop the fun in this novelty number. In fact, the words are the biggest part of the merriment. This song is no longer exclusive to Buckeye Blend.
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. Continue reading Place in the Choir
Precious Friends
Folk legend Pete Seeger penned this uplifting song. Use this piece to honor a friend(s) or simply to inpire your audiences. Arranged for chorus and soloist.
Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid ride — well, a bicycle, anyhow — again. This light song is, well, delightful.
Rock and Rock Medley
No, that is not a misprint. This snappy opener is a combo of Rock Around the Clock and Rock and Roll Is Here to Stay. Hey, it’s time for you to rock out!
Rock and Roll Medley
Four rock ‘n’ roll classics make this medley a winner: Rock and Roll Is Here to Stay, Hound Dog, Tears on My Pillow and Blue Moon. So, hey, let your eternal teenager out for a little while.
Run for the Roses
The thought-provoking Dan Fogelberg song, this piece seems to be about a colt that might run in the Kentucky Derby but may just have a larger meaning for us all.
Saturday Night in Toledo, Ohio
John Denver sang this clever novelty song. Just what does happen in that Ohio town when the sun goes down?
Saved
Brothers and Sisters, are you leading a life of sin and corruption? If so, this energetic, tongue-in-cheek song will set you on the righteous path. Let me hear an “Amen!”
She Believes in Me
This uplifting pop/country hit pays homage to the beloved lady who gives you so much support.
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. Continue reading Silhouettes (On the Shade)
Smell the Flowers
This country hit tells us to enjoy life right now. Hey, when else is there?
Smokerings
A big hit in Europe in the time of Flower Power, this song was a performed by a Swedish group whose only Austrian member, Dieter Feichtinger, is now a Stockholm barbershopper.
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. Continue reading Solitaire
Summer Sunshine Medley
This medley is a winner any time of year, with Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days Of Summer, Summer In The City, Sunny Afternoon and Sunshine On My Shoulders. Some like it hot!
Thank God I’m a Country Boy
You know how some songs are just plain fun? Well, this is one of them. John Denver’s popular classic can be a hit for your group too.
Thank You for the Music
What could be more inspiring than singing about our music? This uplifting arrangement is no longer exclusive. Continue reading Thank You for the Music
Thank You, World
A great Statler Brothers’ tune honoring music, this song is heavy on old-fashioned values and references.
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. Continue reading That’ll Be the Day
Theme from Ice Castles
Also called Through the Eyes of Love, this song is especially lovely. Give this delightful piece a try.
To Know Him (Her) Is to Love Him (Her)
Emmylou Harris revived this rock’n’roll hit in the album Trio, along with standout performers Linda Ronstadt and Dolly Parton. The original was a #1 hit back in 1958 for the Teddy Bears, one of whose members, Phil Spector, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame as a writer and producer in 1989.
To Where You Are
Debuted by champ quartet Power Play, this powerful love sung has been recorded by Josh Groban. Haven’t heard of this young man with the mature voice? Get hep, cat!
Treat Me Nice
The King himself sang this cautionary love story. The Musical Island Boys might just be willing to share it with you.
Tuxedo Junction
A cool/hot show tune, this swingy number will have your audiences swaying in their seats and smiling from ear to ear.
Twisted
Joni Mitchell sang this offbeat, jazzy piece about a real nut case. So come on, baby, let’s do the . . . twisted?
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.
Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)
Don McLean composed and performed this lovely, haunting song. The poetry of McLean’s lyrics matches well Van Gogh’s later, colorful paintings. This tune is sure to captivate your audiences.
Walk Away
This is the touching Matt Monro hit from 1965. Even when true love is involved, a relationship still could be hopeless.
Wedding Song
This song is just right for weddings, naturally. Pizza, Pooh and Magpie—well, that is what the Beatles called Peter, Paul and Mary—sang this piece with great success.
What Would I Do Without My Music
This powerfully uplifting show song is sung by numerous women’s choruses. Singing about our music is the best! Continue reading What Would I Do Without My Music
Whatever Happened to Randolph Scott
This Statler Brothers’ lament about modern times stresses solid, old-fashioned values. Things were just a lot clearer back then. . . .
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. Continue reading When I’m Sixty-Four
Who Put the Bomp
No doubt you have always pondered this timeless query. Though the song does not exactly provide you with the answer, your group will have big fun exploring the matter. So will your audiences, especially the listeners of, um, a certain age. . . .
Whole New World
A #1 hit for Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle in 1993, this lovely tune soars into the stratosphere to tell us of the joys of new love. And believe it or not, this song works just fine in BHS contests. So take a magic carpet ride on this theme song from the animated film Aladdin.
Winchester Cathedral
A #1 pop hit from 1966, this tune has a lilting feel and a mock-sad message. It is some fun.
Wind Beneath My Wings, The
Here is the inspirational Bette Midler hit about the man behind the woman, or vice versa. Do give this powerful piece a try. Now available for SATB mixed voices.
With Two Wings
Marvelously energetic 8-parter about men and women working together, as sung by Friends. Continue reading With Two Wings
Y.M.C.A.
Your audiences will love to do the movements associated with this song. This tune is sure to raise the energy level of your performance.
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. Continue reading Yesterday
Yesterday, When I Was Young
This is a powerful song from the French, with a sophisticated sentiment of regret. It is especially good for mature groups.
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. Continue reading You’ve Got a Friend