A cappella masterpieces: Recommended songs where beautiful harmonies shine (Western and Japanese music)

aca-DISNEYVoicePlay

aca-DISNEY | VoicePlay and Disney On Broadway

This is the American a cappella group VoicePlay.

Since they are based in Orlando, Florida, where Disney World is located, they covered a medley of Disney songs to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Disney on Broadway.

The arrangement has their signature style, and I think it really showcases the strengths of the five members.

Each person’s vocal tone is excellent, reflecting the skill of contemporary, mainstream a cappella.

I imagine this helped win over Disney fans and boosted their visibility.

The First NoelPentatonix

Pentatonix – The First Noel (Official Video)

Many of you may already know the original song, which comes from the traditional English Christmas carol “The First Nowell / The First Noel.” Pentatonix focuses on a cappella harmonies, making both the lead melody and the harmony parts easy to hear, and their singing seems to flow straight into the heart.

Some of you might be practicing a cappella for the Christmas season, right? Since a cappella relies on singing in perfect sync, I think it’s best to memorize the lyrics completely.

Of course, singing it solo at karaoke also creates a great atmosphere! Rather than singing it in a flowing manner, if you deliver each phrase carefully and with feeling, it becomes a very compelling piece—so sing it with confidence!

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The Promised LandUematsu Nobuo

The Promised Land

This piece is notable for its sacred, hymn-like chorus.

The composer is Nobuo Uematsu, world-renowned as a master of video game music, and he has crafted it into a solemn, chorale-style work.

The Latin lyrics seem to convey fundamental questions—why humans bear sin and suffer, and where life returns—as well as sorrow toward an inescapable fate.

The track is included on the soundtrack FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN, released in September 2005.

In the film, it is used as an insert song during a moving scene in which the characters ascend to the heavens.

It’s recommended for nights when you want to quietly immerse yourself in a grand, epic world.

Happy GateLittle Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster Chaos Fes Happy Gate 720

This is a song by Little Glee Monster (aka “Littleguri”), a Japanese female a cappella group well-known from Sony Sonpo’s commercials.

I love this song too, but the lyrics from the Sony Sonpo ads are what stick in my head.

It has a bright, fun, pop vibe that makes you feel like you want to jump right in.

The beauty of the female harmonies really shines through even in a pop context.

While their path is a bit different from typical idol groups, it’s hard to deny there are idol-like elements in Japan.

There’s always tomorrowBaby Boo

There's Always Tomorrow / Baby Boo

They are a five-member male vocal group from Japan who continue their activities under the motto “creating the real thing.” This song was originally a single released by Kyu Sakamoto in 1963, and was later covered by Ulfuls; both versions became major hits.

It has also been sung by members of Yoshimoto.

ForeverGosuperāzu

The Gospellers “Eien ni” Music Video

This is a song by The Gospellers, a Japanese a cappella group known to everyone.

Formed out of an a cappella club at Waseda University, The Gospellers really stand out within J-Pop.

Above all, their vocal prowess is incredible.

The harmonies in their beautiful ballads resonate in your chest.

Their smooth, soaring vocals are wonderful.

They seem to be beloved by a wide range of generations.

Daft PunkPentatonix

Pentatonix – Daft Punk (Official Video)

This is a song by the American a cappella group Pentatonix.

They’ve even toured Japan, so they’re probably well-known here too.

As the title suggests, it has a punk-ish vibe.

It’s a 2013 track by a young group formed in 2011, and it feels very modern and distinctly American.

I imagine they’re hugely popular with young people around the world.

What’s amazing about Pentatonix is their beats—you can’t help but wonder, “Are they really producing all of this with just human voices?” Their mixed-gender vocals are another hallmark.

The vocal range within a single song is wide, making it hard to imitate, and the level of quality that only Pentatonix can achieve is truly impressive.

The Lion Sleeps TonightThe Nylons

The Nylons – The Lion Sleeps Tonight (Official Music Video)

This is a signature song by The Nylons, a Canadian a cappella group formed in 1978.

It’s a cover of the classic “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” which is also used in The Lion King, but their arrangement is incredible.

The performance feels almost like a Shiki Theatre Company musical.

It’s hard to believe it’s just four people singing.

Absolutely breathtaking.

Over The RainbowVOX ONE

Over The Rainbow (Vox One)

This is Vox One, a mixed a cappella group from the United States.

The alto is Yumiko Matsuoka from Japan, and she formed the group with her colleagues at Berklee College of Music.

The song is the classic “Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz.

They’re a powerhouse ensemble led by people who teach at their alma mater.

Their vocal ability is remarkable, and it reminds me again how amazing humans are to be able to express a piece like this without using instruments.

Commonly UniqueThe Real Group

The Real Group Commonly Unique Sample

This is a song by the renowned Swedish a cappella group The Real Group.

In fact, some of you may have heard it as background music.

After all, this track won a Swedish Grammy.

With mixed male and female voices, a jazzy vibe, and a very cool sound, they’re outstanding—excellent singing, harmonies, and rhythm.

Their repertoire ranges from ballad-like pieces to fun, upbeat tunes.

Once you listen to them, you’ll quickly get hooked.