Let’s face it — the internet has ruined some really good songs. Don’t EVEN get me started (need I remind you I am a GenX vocal coach?)
Between TikTok trends, endless lip-syncs, and overly breathy Gen Z “sad girl” covers complete with mood lighting, it’s hard to remember what singing sounds like when it’s… real.
That’s why I made this playlist — TikTok-Proof Songs.
These are songs that haven’t been overused, AI-filtered, or algorithmically out of control (yet!) They’re emotional, melodic,and great for singers who still want to feel something when they open they sing, like in the good ol’ days!
If you’re tired of every chorus being five words and two notes and repeated a million times — this one’s for you.
🎧 Why I Call Them “TikTok-Proof”
Because these songs:
- Still make you listen, not scroll.
- Are good for phrasing and emotion.
- Aren’t all living in the same whispery head-voice trend (yeah, we’re done with that!)
- Sound like humans with talent, not influencers.
This isn’t anti-TikTok (really!) — it’s just a reminder that real voices still matter, and always will.
đź’ż The TikTok-Proof Playlist (Now on Spotify)
Here’s your starter pack for reintroducing yourself to actual singing 👇 I’ve included current songs as well as a few throwbacks for fun, ’cause I am all about the variety (and to be fair, Tik Tok DID introduce you youngins to Frank Sinatra)
🎧 “Lost on You” – LP
A masterclass in emotional belting, while keeping it under control. Great for mix voice ! I LOVE this one!
Mic Drop Moment: You can’t fake raw tone — LP doesn’t even try. It is what it is.
🎧 “Put Your Records On” – Corinne Bailey Rae
Pure sunshine and flow. This is how you teach phrasing without even realizing it.
Mic Drop Moment: Relax your jaw. Smile. Let go! You’re welcome.
🎧 “Unwritten” – Natasha Bedingfield
Joyful, motivational, and the perfect crash course in singing with energy and connection.
Mic Drop Moment: If you can keep the bounce in this chorus without shouting — you’re doing support right!
🎧 “Back to Black” – Amy Winehouse
Unfiltered emotion meets old-school musicianship…and old soul style.
Mic Drop Moment: Grit is not strain — this song teaches the difference. I miss Amy.
🎧 “I Honestly Love You” – Olivia Newton-John
The wildcard grandma song that still gives goosebumps.
No irony, no filters. Just honesty and heart. I love me some AM gold!
Mic Drop Moment: You can’t fake sincerity — and this song proves it. Let ONJ show you how a ballad is done.
🎧 “I Still Believe” – Mariah Carey
Before every pop singer tried to out-run each other, Mariah was just Mariah-ing.
This ballad is mix and emotion in perfect balance, am I right? (by the way, Phil Collins has a hilarious way of describing singers that use too many vocal runs: too much “embroidery”!)
Mic Drop Moment: Hold one phrase like this and you’ll understand what control really means! And even Mariah knows vocal runs don’t make the song.
🎧 “Right Here Waiting” – Richard Marx
The Chicago king of sincere middle of the road pop ballads himself.
No gimmicks, no filters, just clear tone and a heartfelt story.
Mic Drop Moment: Restraint is technique — and Richard mastered it. The mullet too. Can’t forget about that.
🎧 “Human” – Rag’n’Bone Man
Big, gritty, grounded. Real. The opposite of auto-tuned, over produced fluff.
Mic Drop Moment: Your larynx can chill — the emotion’s doing all the work.
🎧 “Dreams” – The Cranberries
Floaty, haunting, and breathy in a good way.
Dolores O’Riordan’s tone is a study in individuality, she was like no other!
Mic Drop Moment: Breathiness with purpose. There’s a difference. It depends on the story and mood.
🎧 “The Great Pretender” – The Platters
Because sometimes you need to remind the internet what real singing sounds like.
Tony Williams doesn’t sing this — he bleeds it.
Old-school vibrato, perfect blend, and a melody that hasn’t aged a day.
Mic Drop Moment: Half the internet is pretending to sing with emotion — Tony Williams actually did.
🪩 Why This Matters
When you sing something real — not viral — you remember why you love it. YOU chose it. It means something to YOU.
And as a coach, I see this all the time: once singers stop chasing the sound of the week, their own sound gets louder and stronger and more …THEM!
So go listen. Sing a little too loud in your car.
And remember: your voice doesn’t need a filter — it just needs a good song.
✨ Want More?
Check out my other playlists, follow me on Spotify!
If you are connecting with one of the songs above and want help making it feel amazing, book a lesson with me. Let’s make this YOURS!