Compilation of 20 English songs to improve vocabulary

In this article, PREP will guide you in how to learn English songs to improve vocabulary and refer to the top English songs suitable for each proficiency level. Let's save and apply them to effective English learning!

I. Why should you learn English songs to improve vocabulary?

Numerous studies have shown that music is an incredibly effective factor in learning a second language. Learning English songs to improve vocabulary helps improve your vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation skills. Let's delve deeper into the benefits of learning vocabulary through English songs!

1. Expressing and using language close to real-life situations

English songs often utilize vocabulary and phrases that are characteristic and familiar to everyday language, employing useful and common expressions. Since the primary audience for these songs is native speakers, English songs predominantly use essential, fundamental language and everyday communication.

Therefore, to learn English songs to improve vocabulary provides you with a natural, understandable, and easily memorable approach to the English language, especially with a high practical application.

2. Combining natural listening and pronunciation practice

English vocabulary learning songs also contribute to improving your pronunciation skills. Listening to songs sung by native English speakers helps you become familiar with their intonation and pronunciation, thereby developing a natural reflex for pronunciation, leading to better speaking abilities, accurate pronunciation, and good intonation when learning to speak English.

While listening to songs, try to both listen and sing along, applying the "immerse yourself in English" method to passively and subconsciously absorb English effectively.

3. Learning anytime, anywhere, actively and passively

English vocabulary learning songs provide you with a flexible learning environment where you can study anytime, anywhere, both actively and passively. For example, you can listen to English songs while taking a shower, working, resting, sleeping, or even while traveling.

You can dedicate passive listening time anywhere, anytime. However, it is recommended to spend about 30 minutes to 1 hour each day actively focusing on listening and learning vocabulary through song lyrics.

4. Combining entertainment and learning, avoiding boredom 

Listening to music is a form of entertainment that provides relaxation for you. Therefore, learning English songs to improve vocabulary helps you avoid boredom and fatigue. You can chill to the rhythm of the music while gently learning vocabulary and pronunciation. This is an effective learning method that is encouraged to be applied.

English vocabulary learning songs will provide you with additional knowledge of grammar, intonation, and pronunciation. Therefore, don't overlook this learning method!

II. Compilation of the best English vocabulary learning songs 

Below, PREP has compiled the best English vocabulary learning songs with diverse themes for you to save and listen to!

1. Basic Level

Here is a compilation of the best English vocabulary learning songs for basic learners that you should take note of:

1.1. Monster

The song "Monster" is performed by Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber and belongs to the popular pop ballad genre. "Monster" is included in the list of English songs for vocabulary learning that also helps you learn pronunciation effectively.

Here are some important vocabulary words in the song that you can take note of to study more thoroughly!

1.2. Lemon tree

"Lemon Tree" is a well-known song by the band Fool's Garden, with a cheerful melody and simple lyrics. Therefore, "Lemon Tree" is one of the great English vocabulary learning songs that you shouldn't miss.

Here are some important vocabulary words in the song:

1.3. Happy new year 

"Happy New Year" is a classic and popular song that is often listened to during the Lunar New Year. It is one of the effective English vocabulary learning songs for beginners.

Here are some vocabulary words from the song "Happy New Year" that you should remember:

1.4. At my worst 

"At My Worst" by the singer My Sweet has a gentle and emotional melody and is one of the great English songs for vocabulary learning. Here are some important vocabulary words that you should remember. 

Additionally, you can also take note of other unfamiliar vocabulary words while listening to the song.

1.5. My love 

"My Love" by Westlife is one of the timeless English songs for vocabulary learning that many young people love. It is suitable for those who want to learn vocabulary related to daily life and the theme of love.

Here are some prominent vocabulary words:

1.6. Beautiful in white 

"Beautiful in White" is a quite famous love song. It is also one of the English songs that many people use for vocabulary learning. Let's take a look at some important vocabulary in this song below:

2. Intermediate Level

Here are some English songs for vocabulary learning at the intermediate level:

2.1. Unstoppable 

"Unstoppable" is a pop-electronic song with a powerful and energetic melody. The song gives you a strong spirit and encourages perseverance and relentless effort. With its authentic rhythm, it is not only a great song for learning English vocabulary but also an effective resource for pronunciation practice. Here are some useful vocabulary words that you should take note of:

2.2. The winner Takes it all

"The Winner Takes It All" is a love-themed song written by songwriters Ulvaeus and Andersson. It is one of the effective English songs for vocabulary learning at the intermediate level. Here are some important vocabulary words that you should take note of:

2.3. Speak now

"Speak Now" is one of the English songs for vocabulary learning that can also help you improve your grammar and pronunciation at a new level. Here are some useful vocabulary words in the song that you should remember:

2.4. Wake me up

One of the great English songs for vocabulary learning that cannot be missed is "Wake Me Up." The song will help you learn some useful and common vocabulary words. Here are the most basic vocabulary words that you should grasp:

2.5. Always

"Always" is also included in the list of effective English songs for vocabulary learning. "Always" has various structures and useful vocabulary words that you can learn and apply in daily communication. Here are some important vocabulary words in the song "Always" that you should note down:

3. Advanced Level  

Here are some English songs for vocabulary learning at the advanced level:

3.1. Clarity

"Clarity" is one of the English songs for vocabulary learning at an advanced level that you should take note of. The sentence structures and expressions in this song will provide you with many useful word usage tips. Here are some important vocabulary words in the song:

3.2. Price Tag

"Price Tag" is one of the top 10 English songs for vocabulary learning. The song contains useful and easily applicable vocabulary words. Here are some vocabulary words you should learn:

3.3. Symphony

"Symphony" by Zara Larsson is a popular song among young people. It is not only an effective English song for vocabulary learning but also a great song for entertainment. Let's take a look at some important vocabulary words in the song:

3.4. Believer

"Believer" is also an effective English song for vocabulary learning that you should remember. Here are some notable vocabulary words in the song "Believer":

These are some English songs for vocabulary learning, ranging from basic to advanced levels. Additionally, any song can be used as effective learning material if you approach it correctly. It's recommended to choose songs that match your preferred style and genre of music.

III. How to effectively learn English songs to improve vocabulary

English vocabulary learning through song lyrics is an extremely useful learning resource. To effectively learn English songs to improve vocabulary, apply the following tips:

1. Choose songs that suit your ability 

English vocabulary learning songs should align with your proficiency level. Select English songs with vocabulary and themes that match your current English level to maximize effectiveness. For example, if you are a beginner in English and have a basic level, choose songs with familiar themes related to friendship, love, etc., to make comprehension easier.

2. Start by listening to the lyrics and look up unfamiliar words

When listening to English vocabulary learning songs, listen to them with the accompanying lyrics or subtitles. At the same time, immediately look up the meanings of unfamiliar words while listening to understand how those words are used in the context of the song. Listening and looking up words simultaneously will help you fully grasp the content of the song and effectively learn and remember vocabulary.

3. Sing along with the lyrics 

When listening to English vocabulary learning songs, don't overlook the melody because learning through singing will make you feel comfortable, provide gentle entertainment, and reduce stress. Singing along with the lyrics is also an effective method for improving pronunciation, similar to the Shadowing technique in speaking. Try practicing regularly, and you will find that you naturally and easily remember vocabulary, as well as improve your listening and English pronunciation skills.

4. Learn effective and scientific note-taking techniques for vocabulary

Note-taking skills are crucial when approaching English vocabulary learning songs. Writing down the lyrics will significantly enhance your memorization. One effective way to take notes and learn vocabulary is to use mind maps or the Cornell Note-Taking method. 

5. Learn basic vocabulary with PREP 

Vocabulary courses at PREP, ranging from basic to advanced levels, will help you accumulate an extensive vocabulary bank along with effective learning methods. Below are some vocabulary courses at PREP that you can consider for learning in conjunction with effective English vocabulary learning songs:

This article provides effective tips to learn English songs to improve vocabulary shared by PREP. To build the best vocabulary foundation, refer to the vocabulary courses offered by PREP!