17 Best Songs Without Instruments. 17 a Cappella Gems

Hey there, aspiring DJs and music lovers! Ready to explore a unique and mesmerizing world of instrument-free tracks?

We’ve handpicked 17 of the best songs without instruments, showcasing the incredible power of the human voice.

These captivating a cappella gems will add depth and emotion to your playlists, ensuring a memorable experience for your audience. Let’s dive in!

List Of 17 Best Songs Without Instruments

Best Songs Without Instruments in a list format

1. Hide and Seek – Imogen Heap

Hide and Seek is a captivating song by Imogen Heap, featuring only her angelic voice processed through a vocoder. The song’s beautiful harmonies and emotional lyrics create a haunting and mesmerizing experience.

2. Don’t Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin

Don’t Worry Be Happy is a joyful and uplifting a cappella song by Bobby McFerrin. Using only his voice to create melody, harmony, and percussion, McFerrin delivers a timeless message of positivity and happiness.

3. Some Nights (Intro) – Fun.

Some Nights (Intro) is a beautiful and ethereal track by Fun. that showcases the group’s incredible vocal harmonies. This short yet powerful song sets the stage for the rest of the “Some Nights” album.

4. The Lion Sleeps Tonight – The Tokens

The Lion Sleeps Tonight is a classic a cappella hit by The Tokens, featuring tight vocal harmonies and an infectious melody. The song’s catchy “Wimoweh” refrain has made it a popular choice for group sing-alongs.

5. Hips Don’t Lie (Bamboo) – Shakira ft. Wyclef Jean

This unique version of Hips Don’t Lie, titled Hips Don’t Lie (Bamboo), showcases Shakira and Wyclef Jean’s vocal talents without the use of instruments. The rhythmic clapping and beatboxing provide a fresh take on the original hit song.

6. Virtual Insanity – The Flying Pickets

The Flying Pickets deliver an impressive a cappella rendition of Jamiroquai’s Virtual Insanity. Using only their voices to recreate the song’s funky groove, this cover highlights the group’s incredible vocal abilities.

7. Daft Punk – Pentatonix

In this remarkable medley, Pentatonix pays tribute to Daft Punk with a seamless blend of the electronic duo’s greatest hits. This a cappella masterpiece showcases the group’s astounding vocal range and tight harmonies.

8. Fix You – Street Corner Symphony

Street Corner Symphony offers a moving a cappella rendition of Coldplay’s Fix You. Their heartfelt interpretation of the song features stunning harmonies and raw emotion.

9. I’m Yours – Straight No Chaser

Straight No Chaser’s a cappella cover of Jason Mraz’s I’m Yours highlights the group’s tight harmonies and clever vocal arrangements. Their upbeat and engaging performance brings a new dimension to the original song.

10. Scarborough Fair / Canticle – Simon & Garfunkel

Scarborough Fair / Canticle by Simon & Garfunkel is a haunting and intricate a cappella piece that weaves together two traditional English ballads. The duo’s mesmerizing harmonies create a timeless and evocative listening experience.

11. Imagine – The Swingles

The Swingles’ a cappella rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine showcases their incredible vocal skills and innovative arrangements. Their performance adds a unique and powerful touch to this iconic song.

12. Royals – VoicePlay ft. Rachel Potter

In their a cappella cover of Lorde’s Royals, VoicePlay and Rachel Potter deliver an engaging and fresh interpretation of the hit song. Their intricate vocal arrangements and impressive beatboxing skills make this rendition stand out.

13. Africa – Perpetuum Jazzile

Africa, originally by Toto, is given a unique a cappella treatment by Perpetuum Jazzile.

14. Bohemian Rhapsody – Home Free

Home Free’s a cappella take on Queen’s iconic Bohemian Rhapsody is a true masterpiece. Their powerful vocals, tight harmonies, and creative arrangements breathe new life into this classic rock anthem.

15. This is Halloween – VoicePlay

VoicePlay’s spine-tingling a cappella rendition of This is Halloween from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a true treat for the ears. The group’s haunting vocals and intricate harmonies perfectly capture the spirit of the original song.

16. The Longest Time – Billy Joel

The Longest Time by Billy Joel is an infectious doo-wop style a cappella track. Featuring Joel’s smooth vocals and tight harmonies, this song transports listeners back to the golden age of vocal groups.

17. Carol of the Bells – Pentatonix

Pentatonix’s take on the traditional Christmas carol, Carol of the Bells, is a dazzling a cappella arrangement that showcases the group’s incredible vocal talent. Their dynamic performance breathes new life into this beloved holiday classic.

Fun Facts About Best Songs Without Instruments

Hide and Seek – Imogen Heap

Fun Fact: Imogen Heap’s Hide and Seek gained widespread popularity after being featured in a memorable scene from the teen drama series “The O.C.” The song’s haunting vocals and innovative use of a vocoder have made it an enduring favorite among fans.

Don’t Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin

Fun Fact: Bobby McFerrin’s Don’t Worry Be Happy was the first a cappella song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This feel-good tune has inspired countless covers and has been featured in various films, commercials, and television shows.

The Lion Sleeps Tonight – The Tokens

Fun Fact: The Lion Sleeps Tonight has roots in a South African song called “Mbube,” written by Solomon Linda in 1939. Over the years, the song has been covered by numerous artists and was featured prominently in Disney’s “The Lion King.”

Daft Punk – Pentatonix

Fun Fact: Pentatonix’s a cappella tribute to Daft Punk earned the group a Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella in 2015. The medley has garnered over 330 million views on YouTube, making it one of the group’s most popular videos.

Africa – Perpetuum Jazzile

Fun Fact: Perpetuum Jazzile’s a cappella rendition of Toto’s Africa features a unique technique in which the singers use their hands to simulate the sound of rain. This innovative performance has earned the group millions of views on YouTube and widespread acclaim.

So there you have it—17 astounding instrument-free tracks to elevate your DJ sets and enchant your listeners. Embrace these a cappella masterpieces, let them inspire your creativity, and continue to share the magic of music with your audience. Keep spinning, exploring, and most importantly, enjoying the journey!

Thanks for reading.

TBone