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

A cappella that highlights beautiful harmonies.

Do you have any favorite a cappella groups or songs?

Overseas, there are various groups like Pentatonix at the forefront, as well as Home Free and VoicePlay.

In Japan, there are The Gospellers and Little Glee Monster, who have collaborated with Pentatonix.

One of the charms of a cappella is enjoying that perfectly synchronized, almost telepathic breathing and timing!

A cappella that can move you or lift your spirits.

I’ll be introducing some outstanding a cappella masterpieces from both Japan and abroad!

A cappella masterpieces: Recommended songs with standout beautiful harmonies [Western & Japanese] (11–20)

JUST SINGVoicePlay

JUST SING | VoicePlay A Cappella
JUST SINGVoicePlay

A song released in 2020 by VoicePlay, an a cappella group from Florida, USA.

The rock-solid bass rhythm feels wonderfully satisfying.

The music video features guest appearances that highlight their connections with others, including Tony, who has since left the group; Tim Foust from Home Free, who also appeared on the audition show The Sing-Off; and Jeff Thacher from Rockapella, a legend of vocal percussion.

Released in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, this number gave strength to many people.

It’s truly moving! It’s a fantastic track that conveys the allure of the human voice and the joy of singing.

GreensleevesThe King’s Singers

Formed in 1968 by students of the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford in the UK, The King’s Singers are still active today.

The song is one you’ve probably heard somewhere: the traditional English folk tune “Greensleeves.” Despite being a male ensemble, the high notes in the chorus are remarkably beautiful.

Their singing is a true pleasure to listen to.

What’s truly remarkable is that their voices not only haven’t changed over time, but have gained depth, becoming even more wonderful and moving.

Personally, I love groups like this.

Kiss the GirlDCappella

DCappella – Kiss the Girl (Home Performance)
Kiss the GirlDCappella

Formed through auditions as Disney’s first a cappella group, DCappella performs a variety of covers of Disney songs.

Their Home Performance version of “Kiss the Girl” from The Little Mermaid was released on YouTube in 2021.

Its mild, catchy sound is addictively appealing.

Orlando Dixon, who sings baritone, has a soft, very sweet voice that wraps you in a happy feeling as you listen!

Little Bit of ThisDuwende

Duwendé – Little Bit of This (Official Music Video)
Little Bit of ThisDuwende

A track released in 2020 by Duwende, the six-member a cappella group from New York, also known for their Michael Jackson covers.

It’s a smooth, R&B-based mood that feels great.

With a steady beat and no instruments—just voices—creating this groove, it’s astounding.

Purely feel-good vibes.

It seems perfect for listening to while taking a walk on a calm, sunny day.

Centered on the theme of “a little,” it’s a heartwarming song that feels like a small, shared kindness.

Den Signade DagKraja

Kraja – Den signade dag (live 2013)
Den Signade DagKraja

It’s included on Isen Sjunger: Songs of Nordic Winter and Christmas, the album released in 2017 by Kraja, a Swedish female a cappella group formed in 2002.

The music evokes Nordic scenery and carries a subtly mystical atmosphere.

Their graceful, beautiful harmonies nestle close together with perfect synchronicity, drawing you deeper into the world of each song and bringing a sense of peace.

Although the album centers on winter, it has a warmth that makes it perfect for a relaxing holiday listen.

HallelujahRAG FAIR

This is a song by the Japanese a cappella group RAG FAIR.

They debuted in 2001 and have a vibe that’s somewhat similar to Johnny’s idols.

Still, it’s solid a cappella with vocal percussion, and the harmonies are beautiful.

It’s a track from when they were still six members.

They’ve resumed activities as a five-member group and are still active, so I’m looking forward to seeing them evolve even further.

A cappella masterpieces: recommended songs that highlight beautiful harmony [Western and Japanese] (21–30)

aca-DISNEYVoicePlay

aca-DISNEY | VoicePlay and Disney On Broadway
aca-DISNEYVoicePlay

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.