Easy Songs vs. Hard Songs: Why Both Matter, and Neither is “Better”

Here’s something that might surprise you: easy songs are a good choice for your vocal development. And also? Hard songs are a good choice too. So what’s the difference, and why does it matter?

The Technical Trap We All Fall Into

People often think that they need to be pushing their vocal technique ALL. THE. TIME.

And, hey, I get it. It’s fun to learn new technical skills. There’s something incredibly satisfying about nailing that high note you’ve been working on for weeks, or finally getting that run to sound smooth and effortless.

But here’s the thing – the technical skills are only part of the equation.

What Really Matters in Singing

If you have the best, most technically perfect voice in the world, good on ya. But if you can’t make me feel something? Well, I don’t really give a shit.

Sure, technical prowess is impressive. I can appreciate a perfectly executed run or a flawlessly belted out high note. But at the end of the day, that’s just technical. The power to move people? That’s art.

Think about it – some of the most beloved singers in history weren’t technical powerhouses.

No one would accuse Bob Dylan of being a technically good singer, but he can make you feel like your heart is breaking.

Johnny Cash’s voice was gravelly and limited in range, but when he sang “Hurt,” it felt like he was sharing his soul with you. (I have a list of cover songs that are better than the original—this is high on that list. I mean, I love Nine Inch Nails, but sorry, Trent. This one goes to Johnny.)

So Which Should You Choose?

How do I know which to sing – easy or hard? Honestly? Practice both.

The Magic of “Easy” Songs

When you choose a song that’s easy for your voice, it means you aren’t constantly wondering if you’re going to nail the hard part.

You’re not white-knuckling your way through that bridge, praying your voice doesn’t crack on the money note.

Instead, you actually have the brain space to practice the artistry. To tell the story. Connect with your listeners. You can get into the emotion of the song because you’re not worried about whether your technique will hold up.

You can focus on:

• Storytelling: What story are you telling with this song? How does each verse build the narrative?

• Emotional connection: What does this song mean to you? How can you share that feeling with your audience?

• Musical phrasing and emotional arc: Where do you breathe? Where do you add subtle dynamics? How do you shape each phrase?

• Performance presence: How do you move? Where do you look? How do you connect with people in the room?

These are the skills that separate good singers from great ones. And you can only develop them when you’re not constantly stressed about hitting the money notes.

The Value of "Challenge" Songs

But that doesn’t mean you should only sing easy songs unless that’s your jam.

I LOVE story songs that are conversational and if that’s what you love to sing there’s absolutely value in that. However, if you’re looking to expand your technical ability then the hard songs push you to grow. They force you to develop new techniques, expand your range, and build vocal strength and flexibility.

When you’re working on challenging material, you’re:

• Building technical skill and vocal stamina

• Expanding your range and capabilities

• Learning to problem-solve when things get difficult (this is where the real magic happens—when we screw up and get messy!)

• Developing confidence in your voice

So What’s the Balance?

The key is knowing when to use each type of song.

Use challenging songs in your practice to build your skills.

Use easier songs when you’re performing, especially when you’re still developing as an artist.

And remember – “easy” doesn’t mean boring or simple.

Some of the most beautiful, moving songs ever written are technically straightforward.

“Hallelujah” isn’t hard to sing, but it’s nearly impossible to sing well because it requires so much emotional depth and subtlety. (Some may argue that the “easy” songs can be more challenging because we lay ourselves bare when we sing them. I would be inclined to agree.)

Your job as a singer isn’t just to show people how high you can sing or how many runs you can fit into a phrase. Those things are tools to help you express yourself.

Your job is to move people, to make them feel something, to tell stories that matter.

Practice both the technique and the artistry.

But if you had to choose just one? Choose the one that makes people stop in their tracks and really listen.

Because that’s what singing is really about: connection.