If a song keeps ringing in your ears, now there is a solution. Software available for mobile phones and computers can help analyze a song's melody and identify a list of possible songs. You can also effectively search for songs on the web and narrow down the selection of songs to choose from. Don't let yourself be curious. Read the specific instructions to find a song you don't recognize.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Using Phone
Step 1. Use Shazam or MusicID
This is a popular application that analyzes sounds and recognizes songs from a database of recordings. If you have Shazam on your phone and hear a song you can't recognize, activate the app and approach the audio source to wait for the result.
- Shazam works on iPhone, Blackberry, Android and most other mobile devices. Also works on iPad and iPod touch. MusicID is low-cost for iPhones and can also be used on other devices.
- This app usually doesn't work well on music shows. If a band is playing another singer's song and you can't use your device properly, you'll need to find another way to identify the song.
Step 2. Record the song with the phone
Even if you can only record a short clip of a song you like, you can upload it to AudioTag so the app can look it up in its database when you're on your computer.
At least you have a recorded song that you can play for your friends or music lovers, and see if they recognize the song
Step 3. Hum
You can hum that melody to SoundHound which is available for free. This app will analyze the melody you are singing and provide a list of possibilities. On computers, Midomi serves the same function.
- These two apps are usually much more effective for contemporary songs. For older song titles, this app tends to be more difficult to recognize and you'll have to use other methods.
- NameMyTune and WatZatSong are also shared options that work essentially the same way. On this website, you can upload a clip (or you're singing and describing the song) and someone else will help give you options.
Step 4. Play the song on the virtual keyboard
If you know a little about melodies and have a basic knowledge of keyboards, you can enter the melody into Musipedia or MelodyCatcher to look it up.
These sites tend to work better for classical instrumental music and other types of non-pop music, as these sites have a different kind of analytics database
Method 2 of 2: Searching for Songs Effectively
Step 1. Google the lyrics you remember in quotes
Type the lyrics you remember into Google, making sure to add quotes to the lyrics. This will limit the search to words. So even if you only remember the lyrics to "she said you would be mine," it's easier to find them if you add quotes.
Step 2. Look for the context of the song to help narrow the search
If you're looking for a song you heard during a TV show ending, do a quick search for "Sopranos ending song Episode Six, Season Five" or "Song in a Mazda commercial."
- If you think you almost know the title of the song, use iTunes. If you heard the song on a TV show or movie, try searching for the soundtrack in iTunes. If available, play a free sample of each track on the album by hovering your mouse over the track number and pressing the blue play button that appears.
- You can also try searching on YouTube as you narrow your search.
Step 3. Find the artist by displaying them
Explain whether the song was sung by a boy, girl or group, and any descriptions of the song that you remember. Remember if the song sounds familiar. Is the sound distinctive? Could it be someone you've heard of or liked? If you think the singer sounds very similar to an artist or band you've heard of, check out the band's website or fan site to see if they're releasing a new song, then listen.
Step 4. Listen to the DJ on the radio
If you hear the song on the radio, listen to it. The DJ may mention recently played songs. Call or visit the radio station's website to see if they have a list of songs playing that day.
