Breath control and phrasing are two of the most essential skills for any singer. I’ve spent countless hours on vocal exercises, but what’s helped me the most over the years has been singing full songs that challenge and refine these skills in real-time. Some pieces demand long, sustained lines; others require quick, rhythmic changes in airflow. The right songs don’t just test your technique, they train you to manage your breath efficiently while making intentional musical choices.
As I developed my vocal skills, I discovered that certain songs naturally build stamina, control, and awareness. These songs often demand more than just hitting the right notes. They require a steady and conscious breath stream, precise timing, and musical phrasing that feels expressive rather than mechanical. That’s what led me to create a personal collection of songs to improve breath control and phrasing.
Here, I’m sharing the songs that have had the biggest impact on me and my students when it comes to developing these areas of technique. They come from a range of genres and styles but share a few key qualities: long phrases, dynamic contrast, and the need for intentional breath planning. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned vocalist, these songs can be powerful tools in your practice.
What Makes a Song Good for Breath and Phrasing Practice
When I look for songs to improve breath control and phrasing, I usually focus on a few traits:
- Sustained phrases that require breath support from start to finish.
- Natural rests or breaks that teach strategic breath placement.
- Dynamic shifts that push me to manage air pressure and volume with precision.
- Emotional storytelling, which keeps phrasing from becoming robotic.
I also look for songs that highlight my weaknesses. If I struggle to get through a line without gasping for air or notice that my phrasing feels flat, that’s a sign the song is giving me valuable feedback.
Now let’s dive into specific pieces that have helped me most.
“Someone Like You” – Adele
This song demands controlled, legato phrasing and subtle breath work. The verses are emotionally restrained, but the chorus requires both volume and sustained lines. What I love about this song is how it balances quiet intensity with emotional release.
To sing this well, I have to pace my breathing carefully. If I waste too much air in the first few bars, I won’t have the support I need for the end of the phrase. That makes it a perfect song for learning how to budget breath over longer phrases without breaking the emotional arc.
“The Prayer” – Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli
This duet is packed with long lines, high notes, and moments of dynamic contrast. Whether I’m singing it solo or with a partner, it forces me to think about every breath. Each phrase builds upon the last, and the melodic structure doesn’t always give you easy places to breathe.
What’s more, the emotional phrasing needs to feel seamless. It’s not enough to hit the notes, you have to connect them. That’s why this is one of my favorite songs to improve breath control and phrasing. It turns technical practice into musical artistry.
“Gravity” – Sara Bareilles
This piece is subtle but demanding. The phrasing is conversational at times, but the lines stretch unexpectedly, requiring me to stay grounded in my breath support. It’s easy to get swept up in the emotion and lose control of airflow, which is exactly why it’s such a valuable training song.
When I work on “Gravity,” I focus on releasing tension in my throat and ribs while engaging my diaphragm to manage the slow, controlled delivery. It’s a lesson in stillness and strength, one that pays off in many other vocal situations.
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” – Simon & Garfunkel
This classic has become one of my go-to songs for practicing both breath and phrasing. The opening lines are soft and intimate, but as the song progresses, the phrases become longer and the dynamics expand dramatically.
To do it justice, I have to plan each breath like a pianist plans a crescendo. If I don’t pace myself, I’ll run out of breath before the emotional payoff. That kind of control doesn’t come naturally, it’s something I’ve built by singing this song over and over again with intention.
“I Have Nothing” – Whitney Houston
This song is an Olympic-level workout for breath control. The powerful belts and high notes are challenging enough, but what really makes it useful is how few built-in rests there are. The phrases run long and demand absolute precision in breath timing.
Singing this piece taught me how to use small, efficient breaths in between larger phrases. It also showed me how important it is to stay physically relaxed even when singing at full power. I don’t recommend jumping into this one without some preparation, but once you’re ready, it’s an incredible song to improve breath control and phrasing.
“Make You Feel My Love” – Bob Dylan (Adele version recommended)
This ballad’s slow tempo and lyrical phrasing create an ideal space to work on vocal delivery. The melody seems simple on the surface, but it actually offers a lot of room for expressive breathing and nuance.
I use this song to focus on subtle dynamics and how breath supports tone color. It also helps me practice staggered breathing, sneaking in quick, invisible breaths that keep the line flowing without disrupting the emotion.
“She Used to Be Mine” – Sara Bareilles
Every time I sing this song, I’m reminded how delicate phrasing can be. The lyrics are deeply personal, and the melody often stretches just past where I expect it to. That makes it a great challenge, especially when it comes to supporting long notes without collapsing into tension.
This song taught me how to shape a phrase with breath, not just sustain it. I learned to plan my inhalations in places that complement the story, not just where they’re technically convenient.
“Ave Maria” – Bach/Gounod
Though often sung in a classical context, this piece is amazing for all singers who want to build breath stamina. The phrasing is long and lyrical, often stretching across multiple bars without rest.
What I love about using this piece as a training tool is that it’s meditative. It forces me to be fully present with my breath and body. I pay close attention to how the air moves through each note, and that awareness has carried over into many other genres.
“Chandelier” – Sia
This high-energy song is deceptively complex. The chorus in particular demands huge breath support to sustain the long, high belts without strain. It’s not just about hitting the notes, it’s about controlling the airflow behind them.
Practicing this piece helped me develop both strength and restraint. I learned that powering through with sheer volume isn’t enough; I had to refine my technique to deliver the intensity while keeping my tone supported and open.
“Let It Go” – Idina Menzel
This showstopper has made its way into many singers’ repertoires for a reason. It challenges both phrasing and breath control, especially during the chorus where the notes climb and stretch. The emotional build also forces me to think carefully about how I use my air to support growing dynamics.
When I first started working on this piece, I had to break it down line by line and map out my breath plan. Over time, I developed the ability to sing it straight through while maintaining tone and focus, a skill that’s helped me with countless other songs.
Using These Songs in Practice
Here’s how I approach these songs when using them as tools to improve breath and phrasing:
- Mark your breaths. I write down breath points in the sheet music or lyrics so I know where to inhale without breaking the line.
- Use a metronome. Slowing the tempo can help you feel each phrase more deeply and improve control.
- Record yourself. This helps me hear where I’m running out of air or rushing a phrase.
- Practice with variation. I sometimes sing the song on a single vowel (like “oo” or “ah”) to isolate the airflow and reduce distractions.
- Use phrases as exercises. I take challenging lines out of context and repeat them like warm-ups until they feel effortless.
All of these strategies are rooted in real songs, which makes them much more engaging than technical drills alone.
Final Thoughts
If you want to grow as a singer, working on songs to improve breath control and phrasing is one of the most productive paths you can take. These are the songs that have pushed me, shaped me, and ultimately made me a better, more expressive vocalist. They’ve taught me how to sing with intention, manage my energy, and connect emotionally without losing technical control.
Breath and phrasing are what turn notes into music. When you gain mastery over them, your singing stops being about survival and starts being about storytelling. And the best part? Every time you return to these songs, you’ll find new layers to explore, refine, and enjoy.
