Top 10 Modern Songs with Harmonies That Give us Chills
#10: “Everything Has Changed (Taylor's Version)” (2021)
Taylor Swift feat. Ed Sheeran
Top 20 Songs with Harmonies That Give Us Chills
One thing we’ve come to expect from these singers is their ability to go from warming your heart to hitting you right in the feels with their music. So, unifying their sounds gives you something truly magical. Their harmonies can be tender and soothing one moment, then surge with intensity the next, truly capturing the whirlwind of new love. Whether you’re seeking a dose of nostalgia and longing or simply want a track that will give you goosebumps, this is the one for you. It will really tug at those heartstrings and send those tingles into a frenzy. If you want to keep that tingly feeling going, follow up with Sheeran and Beyoncé’s harmonies on “Perfect.”
#9: “Shallow” (2018)
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
The moment we heard Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper's voices blend, we knew we were listening to something special, especially within the context of the movie. Lady Gaga starts off strong with her solo, building up the intensity, and then Cooper joins in, complementing her perfectly without stealing the spotlight. Gaga's powerful vocals contrast beautifully with Cooper's soulful tone, creating this amazing dynamic when they mix. It's the kind of synergy that makes your hairs stand on end. The beauty lies in how these harmonies mirror the song's emotional journey—they build up tension, express vulnerability, and really pull you in. They pull it off impeccably! No wonder people thought they were harmonizing off-screen, too.
#8: “Hallelujah” (2020)
Carrie Underwood & John Legend
As solo artists, Carrie Underwood and John Legend each possess the power to send shivers down our spines. Together, they’re downright breathtaking! Underwood’s radiant country vocals sparkle like fairy lights, while Legend’s velvety R&B tones wrap us in a cozy holiday glow. The contrast in their voices creates a beautiful fullness in the harmonies, with Underwood’s voice cutting through the mix and Legend’s adding warmth and depth and capturing the season’s essence. These two go together like gingerbread cookies and eggnog. They’re utterly delightful, impossible to resist, and make every moment feel merry and bright! You could be celebrating the holiday season in a heatwave, and they’ll still manage to leave you with chills.
#7: “Shape of My Heart” (2000)
Backstreet Boys
True, we’re focusing on post-2000 songs here. Yet, we can’t overlook the harmonies that set the stage for later Backstreet Boys hits. Tracks like “Just to Be Close to You” and “10,000 Promises” carried us into the new millennium with goosebumps aplenty. They were almost priming us for “Shape of My Heart.” The arrangement is perfect; the gentle guitar melody with stripped-back instrumentation lets the vocals take center stage. Their complex layered sound is heavenly, and every member pulls their weight, adding to the magnetism and catchiness of the number. “Shape of My Heart” reels you in, while the harmonies in “I Still…” can turn anyone into a lifelong Backstreet Boys fan.
#6: “If” (2004)
Destiny's Child
Top 10 Songs with Harmonies That Give Us Chills
While it might not be the biggest hit from their final album, it’s still worth our attention. “If” showcases the group’s ethereal harmonies in a way that was pretty unique for its time. It’s a song about heartache and they make sure their listeners feel every ounce of that anguish. The group practically had their perfect harmonies down to an art. Everyone’s voice has flawless panning, and the vocal timbre in their stacks is just sensational. They really took the idea of a symphony to a whole new level and redefined our expectations of the genre. No one’s getting through this number dry-eyed or without a surge of tingles charging around their bodies.
#5: “Say Something” (2013)
A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera
Top 20 Best Modern Christmas Songs
According to Xtina, what drew her to this song was that it didn’t rely on any fancy techniques to make its message reach audiences. While listening to it she started embellishing with her own harmonies and then suggested collaborating with A Great Big World. The result? A song with simple yet breathtaking harmonies that firmly grip your heart. Their consonance create a sense of melancholic beauty, making the pain behind the lyrics feel even more real. The group takes on lead vocalist roles while Xtina weaves in harmony lines that add an extra dimension to the melody. It’s easy to get lost in this lush and dramatic soundscape they’ve created together.
#4: “Regresa a Mí (Unbreak My Heart)” (2004)
Il Divo
If you're a fan of Il Divo, you probably feel that spine-tingling sensation almost every time you hear one of their songs. However, when they fuse their captivating, diverse voices with a moving piece like Toni Braxton's “Un-Break My Heart,” it's like an overwhelming rush of emotions all at once. Il Divo's signature operatic vocals and dramatic arrangements, including their use of four-part harmonies, define their sound. In “Regresa a Mí,” these harmonies perfectly complement the lyrics and classical style, adding depth and a sense of profound intensity. While some parts are more subtle, the bridge and chorus showcase the full power of every note and singer, building to a breathtaking climax.
#3: “Just Give Me a Reason” (2013)
Pink feat. Nate Ruess
Top 10 Songs You Know from the First Word
This song tells the story of two people trying to reignite the flame in their relationship. Interestingly, it was initially intended as a solo piece. However, Pink realized the power of the back-and-forth in the storytelling and convinced Nate Ruess to join her. Their voices unite in a way that mirrors the push and pull of a troubled relationship. As it progresses, you can feel the emotions getting stronger with subtle changes in their well-crafted harmonies. It’s almost like it draws you in, and you’re right there with them, feeling their longing and desire for togetherness.
#2: “I Will Wait” (2012)
Mumford & Sons
Top 10 Songs with the Most Underrated Harmonies
While this song may not boast the complex harmonies found in others, its simpler sounds are crucial in delivering a powerful punch. Marcus Mumford leads the way with his vocals, and his bandmates join in with supportive harmonies that build a sense of unity and optimism, perfectly mirroring the hopeful message. The real magic lies in the contrast between the verses and the chorus. The verses are stripped down, relying just on the singer's voice for a more intimate feel. But then the chorus explodes – everyone joins in, creating a powerful statement. It's like the song builds to this triumphant moment, celebrating a love that will last forever.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Lovely” (2018), Billie Eilish & Khalid
Eilish and Khalid’s Voices Blend Together in a Melancholic Harmony
“Somebody That I Used to Know” (2011), Gotye feat. Kimbra
The Duo’s Vocally Explosive Clash Gives Us Chills with Its Surprising Beauty & Bittersweet Tension
“Lucky” (2009), Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat
These Harmonies Are Pure Sunshine, Warming You Like Two Voices Falling in Love
“Little Me” (2013), Little Mix
The Group Powerfully Layers Vulnerability into an Anthem of Strength
“Winter Song” (2008), Sara Bareilles feat. Ingrid Michaelson
Anyone Else Feel Those Goosebumps When They Hear These Crystalline Harmonies?
#1: “Lullaby” (2006)
Josh Groban feat. Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Few songs can elicit goosebumps from its opening notes quite like this one. Featuring Ladysmith Black Mambazo, it’s a beautiful fusion of Groban’s rich baritone and the unique vocals of the South African choral group. Groban leads the vocals, but it’s the diverse timbres of the choral group that truly captivate. Their ornamentation adds depth, while their harmonies keep us mesmerized. Maintaining a lullaby-like feel, the song gradually swells, with the group’s harmonies carrying Groban’s voice to a heavenly climax. Indeed, pay close attention to how their varied sounds interweave and complement Groban’s melody. It’s the kind of song that can give you chills with just the mere thought of it.
Which modern song gives you chills? Let us know in the comments.
