The ukulele has seen an increased interest from novices as well as professionals alike thanks to its endearing sound and helpful tutorials on YouTube. It can be enjoyed by both beginners and experts.
Some popular songs work particularly well when played on the ukulele, making for enjoyable and easy learning experiences! Check out this list for some memorable ukulele tunes to keep in your repertoire!
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
This song from 1939’s film The Wizard of Oz has become a symbol of hope, particularly during challenging times. The lyrics by Yip Harburg – who hails from Russia and Lithuania; with melody by Harold Arlen who composed for Isidore Hochberg who was an influential cantor – has become an anthem of peace and beauty for millions across the world. The rainbow serves as an allegory for how hard life can be; our dreams or aspirations often stand between harsh reality and paradise. Yip Harburg wrote the lyrics while his family immigrated from Russia and Lithuania before joining Harold Arlen’s music.
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s version recorded on his ukulele in 1988 became a hit and is widely considered as the definitive rendition.
Ed Sheeran’s ukulele rendition of this hit has reached number 2 on the Billboard charts, thanks to its smooth acoustic sound and beautiful lyrics that work so well with this instrument! Plus, its simple G, D, and C chords with an easy UU UDU strumming pattern make this an excellent uke tune for beginners!
This catchy Beatles ballad can easily be learned on the ukulele and makes an enjoyable tune to play at parties or social gatherings – its melodic hook is especially catchy!
Jake Shimabukuro is a world-renowned ukulele player known for fusion music. His style encompasses genres as diverse as blues, rock, funk, jazz classical flamenco. One of the first artists to go viral on YouTube and tour worldwide selling out shows sold-out concerts!
Taimane Gardner is a gifted Hawaiian singer-ukulele player renowned for her innovative covers of Bob Marley and Stevie Wonder songs on YouTube, garnering millions of views online. In addition, she collaborates regularly with musicians as part of her performing ensemble as well as hosting open mic nights in Honolulu.
Ain’t She Sweet
Tin Pan Alley classic written in 1927 by Milton Ager (music) and Jack Yellen is a joyful, upbeat ode to admiration and infatuation. The lyrics capture this profound emotion through playful conversational tone lyrics with repeated queries “Ain’t she sweet?”. These rhetorical questions allow listeners to join the singer’s infatuation by inviting the listener into his lyrics using rhetorical questions.
The Beatles recorded Ain’t She Sweet during the Tony Sheridan sessions in Hamburg in 1961, though it would only be released three years later at the height of Beatlemania. Although they would never play it live again, this recording remains a key piece in their early recorded history and serves as a snapshot of their energetic live performances in Hamburg clubs.
Lennon and his bandmates’ interpretation of Sheridan’s original was more closely aligned to Gene Vincent’s hit 1956 version than to Sheridan’s own original work, making use of Vincent’s hit rendition as inspiration for their rock-and-roll version, designed to excite audiences at Hamburg clubs.
Although their version of Ain’t She Sweet wasn’t commercially successful, it would go on to appear on their Anthology compilation album in 1995. Furthermore, George played ukulele while Paul sang; this produced a more relaxed and intimate track which can be heard in Anthology 3.
Ain’t She Sweet is synonymous with the ukulele due to its prominence in a Looney Tunes episode from 1933 in which Dom DeLuise played two lines on a ukulele to calm Doglion. Additionally, this song has been recorded and performed by Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, Pearl Bailey and others as part of popular recordings as well as in films like The Wizard of Oz (1939) where Dorothy and Toto find themselves searching Oz in search of home.
Wonderwall
Wonderwall, written by Noel Gallagher from British rock band Oasis, became one of the most acclaimed ukulele songs ever released in October 1995 and appeared on their second album (What’s the Story?) Morning Glory?.
This song has become part of American popular culture, being listed among some reputable music publications as one of the greatest songs ever composed. Additionally, it has received multiple award nominations – even winning a BRIT Award in 1996!
Noel Gallagher wrote this lyrically beautiful and touching love ballad in 1995 and it speaks of an imagined lover lost forever. Its lyrics evocative and profound; its message timeless: it speaks to our human need for connection while attesting to love’s power.
Gallagher sings of his essential relationship with someone as being like “an anchor”, which can only mean they cannot live without each other. This song has moved many hearts across the world.
Wonderwall features an easy chord progression that’s ideal for learning on ukulele. Not only is the tune catchy and has a melancholy vibe that works perfectly on this instrument, it is in F# minor with an ideal tempo of 87 beats per minute!
Though popular, this song has also become somewhat overplayed and oversung; often heard at karaoke nights and amateur open mic events. Additionally, its meme status on the internet makes fun of how often its being performed; some joke that its being overdone and boring.
Noel Gallagher is an exceptionally gifted musician and songwriter, responsible for Oasis’ chart-topping hits. With an exquisite voice and melodic lyrics to match, Noel has left an indelible mark on music through his works of genius.
Noel Gallagher’s High Hopes
Noel Gallagher and the High Flying Birds’ first album may have faltered under its own ambitions, but its successor was more purposeful and cohesive. In a Little While is an inspiring track about hope, resilience, and finding truth in an uncertain world; an emotive and captivating track which resonates deeply with anyone feeling as though life is passing them by without giving anything concrete substance back in. It speaks directly to any listener feeling hopelessly disoriented trying to find something to hold them together and bring meaning back into their lives.
Noel Gallagher excels at writing songs like this that show his talent even when not operating on autopilot, as evidenced by this beautiful composition. Additionally, this track reminds us that Noel Gallagher flourishes best when working alongside another musician; such as Joy Rose’s haunting vocals on AKA Broken Arrow or Jim Hunt’s destabilising psychedelic squawk on country-esque If I Had a Gun; Gallagher shines when given someone to collaborate with and complement him!
Though listing all the musical references found on Who Built the Moon may be futile, it’s still fascinating to witness Gallagher’s development as a songwriter over time. His second foray with his High Flying Birds band has proven more mature than its predecessor Chasing Yesterday; guest vocalists and an expansive sound have helped it avoid repeating its debut’s missteps.
No doubt it doesn’t possess the swagger and songs more self-consciously’songwriting-y’ found on Oasis records, but no doubt this album is enjoyable and will hopefully take the High Flying Birds to new levels of success.
Noel Gallagher’s High Hopes proves he can not only create great rock music, but can also produce an enjoyable album without his less talented bandmates by his side. This powerful and poignant album speaks to anyone who has lost themselves but found their purpose back and should be considered by any Oasis fan.