a cappella
what it is
A cappella (Italian for "From the chapel/choir") music is vocal music or singing without instrumental accompaniment, or a piece intended to be performed in this way. In modern usage, a cappella often refers to an all-vocal performance of any style, including barbershop, doo wop, and modern pop/rock. The term is also sometimes applied to vocal music that is accompanied only by drums or percussion.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 2 · the door
big names with a sharper edge
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make a cappella a playlist
turn these 27 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is a cappella?
A cappella (Italian for "From the chapel/choir") music is vocal music or singing without instrumental accompaniment, or a piece intended to be performed in this way. In modern usage, a cappella often refers to an all-vocal performance of any style, including barbershop, doo wop, and modern pop/rock. The term is also sometimes applied to vocal music that is accompanied only by drums or percussion.
What are good a cappella albums to start with?
Try Medúlla by Björk, Madra by Miranda Sex Garden, Simple Pleasures by Bobby McFerrin, and Madre by Arca.
Who are some women making a cappella?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/a-cappella/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making a cappella, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20