Great English-language songs recommended for women: world classics and popular hits
You might be thinking, “’Good songs’ is way too vague—what does that even mean?” Basically, this is a list of recommended Western songs across all genres (female singers edition).
That said, it leans a bit toward hip-hop and R&B.
Great Western songs recommended for women: World classics and popular tracks (1–10)
HelloAdele
This song was covered by Taka from ONE OK ROCK, and one of my male students practiced it a lot in our lessons! It was the Taka version, but as he kept practicing, he was able to hit the high notes in the chorus cleanly and comfortably.
So it might be a good practice piece, and it’s also a song that feels amazing to sing once you can do it, so I recommend it! The A and B sections are basically low and gentle, but the chorus jumps into high notes, so the trick is to sing without tensing up.
You might feel like belting, but imagine sending the sound far out.
There are also falsetto ad-libs, so if you keep resonating in the space between your eyebrows and the top of your head, switching between chest voice and falsetto will become smoother.
Try to stay mindful of lifting your facial muscles as you sing!
Good Morning BaltimoreNikki Blonsky
The film Hairspray was released in 2007.
The song Good Morning Baltimore appears in the movie and is sung by the heroine, Nikki Blonsky.
Since it’s a musical-style number, it doesn’t feature the kind of complex vocal lines you hear in modern pop.
The vocal range is from mid2 B-flat to high C, so most women should be able to sing it in the original key.
However, because it often shifts directly from regular singing to a more speech-like delivery, it can be hard to score high at karaoke unless you have a good grasp of English intonation.
All I Want for Christmas Is YouMerry Christmas
Mariah Carey’s signature song, “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Although this piece is often cited as a difficult song, it’s not without singable elements.
The tricky part is mainly the slow-tempo opening; once the beat kicks in and the tempo picks up, the kind of wide-interval vocal runs heard in the intro appear less frequently.
Even so, the overall difficulty remains on the higher side, but given its top-tier recognition and popularity, it’s well worth the challenge.
The RoseBette Midler
The Rose is calm and soothing, and it’s a song that really shines when performed, so it should feel great to sing! When you sing it, breath control is key—you’ll want to let it flow as if you’re speaking throughout.
Try not to break it up too much; aim to sing one phrase at a time so it doesn’t sound choppy and keeps a soft, gentle vibe.
Take a deep breath and try connecting the lines smoothly, as if you’re drawing a large circle forward in front of you.
By the way, The Rose is often chosen for karaoke scoring as well.
The melody is easy to remember, so definitely give it a try!
Take ControlTasha Mac
Many listeners are surely captivated by its sexy, sensual sound and vocals that balance strength with vulnerability.
This track is by Tasha Mack, a singer from Canada based in Los Angeles.
It seems to portray a powerful resolve to take the lead in love and in life.
It will make anyone who listens feel, “I want to carve out my future with my own hands.” Released in March 2022, the song fuses the soul of classic R&B with a modern sheen, giving you the courage to take a step forward on your own.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to quietly on nights when you long to change your circumstances.
Fine By MeChris Brown
This track by American singer Chris Brown features a glittering, 80s-inspired sound and a bouncy beat that’s pleasantly easy on the ears.
The protagonist understands it’s a fleeting, nighttime-only relationship, yet accepts it anyway—a clear-cut love that feels all the more bittersweet.
Released as a single from the acclaimed album “Royalty,” which dropped in November 2015, it’s a Nu-disco number that stands out within an otherwise R&B-centered record.
The cinematic touch—continuing the story from the ending of the “Zero” music video—also captured fans’ hearts.
It’s perfect for nights when you want to feel a little more grown-up, or for moments of solitary reflection.
This melody, painting the portrait of a bittersweet, adult romance, will gently sit beside your complicated feelings.
On My MamaVictoria Monét
A message of powerful self-affirmation that stirs your heart without you even realizing it! This is a track by singer-songwriter Victoria Monét from California.
Written “as if speaking words to herself” during the challenging postpartum period, the song overflows with positive energy that boosts listeners’ self-esteem.
Its memorable hook—sampling a 2009 track—and triumphant horns feel great and seem like they could blow away the languor of summer.
Released in June 2023 and included on the acclaimed album Jaguar II, the song became her first top-40 entry on the Billboard Hot 100.
Why not charge up your energy by listening on a summer drive or on a morning when you want to lift your mood?