If you’re a woman with an extremely low voice, this collection of the country songs for low female voices is perfect for you. Having a low voice is very rare among women, so you can consider yourself lucky. Not only do you possess one of the greatest tones, but you can also capture the attention of both men and women. Even those who don’t typically enjoy female voices can’t help but be moved by the likes of Tanita Tikaram, Nina Simone, Annie Lennox, or Cher.
Contralto, the lowest female voice, ranges from F3 to F5, and sometimes even reaches G5. It is quite close to the tenor, the highest male voice, which adds to its appeal. Scientists have discovered that women tend to lower their voices when they want to be attractive to men since most women naturally have slightly higher voices, known as mezzo-soprano or soprano. Contraltos, on the other hand, possess a special dark and rich tone in their voices, with a distinct color and vocal quality. Once you hear a song sung by a contralto, it’s hard to imagine it in any other key.
It’s important not to confuse contralto with alto, another term used for the female voice in music. Alto refers to a voice in the chorus that represents a low female voice. However, within the chorus, the alto contributes a unique musical tone, often creating harmony in a song. When combined with sopranos, who provide high tones and melodies, contralto adds depth to the overall musical performance. In terms of solo singing, contralto represents a special talent and tone that only a few performers possess.
Given that contralto is an extremely rare voice type among singers, those who have this voice often become very popular quickly. This voice is ideal for performing jazz or blues music, but we can also find unique voices in country music. Some singers may have started as mezzo-sopranos but, as they’ve aged or smoked cigarettes, have transitioned to contralto. Miley Cyrus is said to have experienced this shift. The singer who once covered Dolly Parton’s popular song “Jolene” (a renowned soprano among country singers) now sings in a much lower range.
When compiling the list of country songs for low female voices, we considered songs originally sung by contraltos. Women with this voice have been highly popular in country music, resulting in a lengthy list. We relied on rankings of the most popular songs for female vocalists. It’s challenging to rank them based on popularity or singer’s vocal quality, so we arranged them alphabetically. We’re confident that you’ll enjoy their performances and the smooth, deep, and resonant quality of their voices following our list of the country songs for low female voices.
25. “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega” – Ashley McBryde
Released in 2017, this was Ashley’s first song and quickly became one of the best songs of the year, according to The New York Times. It tells the story of a man who meets a woman after his car breaks down and they almost end up getting married accidentally. Ashley collaborated with two other songwriters to create this unique song.
24. “Before He Cheats” – Carrie Underwood
As the title suggests, this song is about seeking revenge after a partner cheats. It was released in 2005 and can be found on Carrie’s album “Some Hearts.” While exploring this song, be sure to check out the accompanying music video.
23. “Coal Miner’s Daughter” – Loretta Lynn
This song has an interesting backstory. Loretta, who lived through the Great Depression and its aftermath, wrote this song that highlights the economic struggles faced by people, particularly those in underpaid jobs. It was released in 1970 and received numerous awards.
22. “Country Girl” – Rissi Palmer
Rissi Palmer is one of the first black women to achieve success in country music, so her songs were highly anticipated. “Country Girl,” written by five authors, received both critical acclaim and awards, earning a special place in the hearts of fans.
21. “Crazy” – Patsy Cline
A timeless classic among country songs, “Crazy” is sung by one of the most popular country singers, Patsy Cline. With her professional delivery, the song soared to the top of charts upon its release in 1970. It has since been covered by numerous artists and remains a popular choice for karaoke.
20. “Crowded Table” – The Highwomen
Released in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, this song addresses the need for a more inclusive and equal world. The song resonated with a wide audience, spending a considerable amount of time on the top charts.
19. “Fancy” – Reba McEntire
Another socially conscious song, “Fancy” by Reba McEntire delves into the poverty of childhood and emphasizes women’s empowerment and feminism. Despite the melancholic lyrics, the song carries a message of resilience and optimism.
18. “Goodbye Earl” – Dixie Chicks
Although “Goodbye Earl” discusses murder and domestic violence, it incorporates dark humor that lessens its offensive and pessimistic undertones. The song is supported by a great chorus and background vocals.
17. “Hands of Time” – Margo Price
Margo Price is a highly popular country singer known for the meaningful messages in her songs. “Hands of Time” portrays a woman longing to return to a happier past with her partner.
16. “Hold My Hand” – Brandy Clark
While the lyrics of this song may not be particularly unique, as they revolve around love and commitment, it showcases a new level of musical talent and beauty. Brandy’s smooth voice complements the captivating guitar solo.
15. “Judas” – Joy Oladokun
Hailing from Nashville, Joy Oladokun brings immense talent and expertise to her music. “Judas” combines country and soul elements, highlighting the story of a woman who grew up in rural Arizona. The song also features incredible instrumentals.
14. “Lesson In Leavin'” – Jo Dee Messina
Released in 1999, this song underwent several re-titles over the years, enhancing its harmony and instrument combination. Its catchy rhythm and music make it a popular choice for karaoke parties.
13. “Little Obsessed” – Valerie Ponzio
This song delves into the theme of love and complete commitment, but it carries a heavier tone compared to classic romantic pop songs. Released in 2021, it explores a woman’s journey of falling in love and navigating the challenges that come with it.
12. “My Church” – Maren Morris
After working as a songwriter in Nashville, Maren Morris decided to pursue a career as a singer in the same genre. Her debut album, released in 2016, included the hit song “My Church.” Contrary to the title, the song expresses the sense of peace Maren feels when singing alone in her car.
11. “Ode To Billie Joe” – Bobbie Gentry
This song served as the lead single for Bobbie Gentry’s debut album, propelling her to great success. With its first-person narrative, strong guitar, and subtle string instruments in the background, the song showcases Bobbie’s incredible voice.
10. “Redneck Woman” – Gretchen Wilson
Another debut single, released in 2004, “Redneck Woman” introduced Gretchen Wilson’s fresh, unique voice and compelling lyrics. The song gained popularity in English-speaking countries such as Australia, Ireland, and the UK.
9. “She’s In Love with The Boy” – Trisha Yearwood
Upon its release in March 1991, this song quickly topped country music charts in the US. Despite its somewhat soft lyrics, which focus on two teenagers defying their parents’ disapproval of their love, it gained widespread popularity.
8. “Sober and Skinny” – Brittney Spencer
Hailing from Baltimore, this young singer draws inspiration from the best performers of her time, such as Ray Charles and Miranda Lambert (whom we’ll cover shortly). “Sober and Skinny” is one of her biggest hits, and many anticipate even greater success in the coming years.
7. “Strawberry Wine” – Deana Carter
Deana Carter’s debut song, released in 1996, quickly gained popularity and continued its success in subsequent albums. While originally sung in a slightly higher key, it can be performed in a lower range as well, so we put it on our list of the country songs for low female voices.
6. “Suds in the Bucket” – Sara Evans
This song soared to the top of the best country songs list upon its release and remained there for an extended period. It tells the story of a girl who runs away to Las Vegas, leaving behind the mundane life of her childhood.
5. “The House That Built Me” – Miranda Lambert
As previously mentioned, Miranda Lambert is a highly popular modern country singer who has influenced many young artists. “The House That Built Me” depicts a woman returning to the house where she grew up, which she considers a place constructed her memories and love. The song combines impressive guitar work with a deep female voice.
4. “Tougher Than the Rest” – Emmylou Harris
Originally recorded by Bruce Springsteen, Emmylou Harris released her version of “Tougher Than the Rest” in 1990, three years after the original. She added her impressive low voice to the mix, accompanied by a blend of guitars and drums. The song explores the challenges faced by couples in relationships.