The Most Popular A Cappella Group, Ranked

Choose the group you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 22, 2024 06:45
In a bustling city filled with the vibrant sounds of street musicians and bustling cafes, the distinct harmonies of an A Cappella group capture the attention of passersby. This pure vocal magic, with no instruments but voices blending into melodious chords, highlights why such groups hold a special place in the hearts of many. Having a place to see which ones rise to the top helps fans navigate the rich landscape of talent. Ranking these groups allows fans and newcomers alike to engage actively with the art of A Cappella. By casting votes, you contribute to elevating your favorite groups and discovering new ones that might resonate with your musical taste. Not only does this interaction shape the outcome, but it also connects a community of like-minded enthusiasts.

What Is the Most Popular a Cappella Group?

  1. 1
    49
    votes
    Pentatonix is arguably the most popular a cappella group in the world. They have won multiple Grammy Awards and have over 18 million subscribers on YouTube. They are known for their incredible harmonies and creative arrangements.
    Pentatonix is a world-renowned A Cappella group that gained fame through their unique vocal arrangements and innovative cover songs. The group consists of five members who utilize only their voices to create harmonies, melodies, and rhythm. They have captivated audiences worldwide with their exceptional vocal talent and captivating live performances.
    • Formation Year: 2011
    • Number of Members: 5
    • Vocal Range: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass
    • Genre: Pop, A Cappella, Contemporary
    • Debut Album: PTX, Vols. 1 & 2 (2014)
  2. 2
    21
    votes

    Straight No Chaser

    Dan Ponce
    Straight No Chaser is a popular a cappella group that has been around since 1996. They are known for their unique blend of pop and classic rock music. They have released several albums and have been featured on various television shows.
    Straight No Chaser is an American A Cappella group known for their harmonious singing and innovative arrangements of popular songs. The group originated as a college singing group at Indiana University in 1996 before gaining global recognition through viral videos on YouTube. With their unique blend of humor and tight vocal harmonies, Straight No Chaser has become one of the most popular A Cappella acts in the world.
    • Year Founded: 1996
    • Origin: Indiana University, USA
    • Genre: A Cappella
    • Popular Songs: The 12 Days of Christmas, All About That Bass, Can't Feel My Face
    • Albums Released: 11
  3. 3
    34
    votes
    The King's Singers are a British a cappella group that has been around since the 1960s. They are known for their impeccable harmonies and their ability to perform a wide range of music genres.
    The King's Singers is a renowned and highly acclaimed British A Cappella vocal ensemble. They are known for their exceptional harmonies, versatility, and captivating performances. With a vast repertoire spanning various genres and styles, The King's Singers have captivated audiences worldwide for over 50 years.
    • Formation Year: 1968
    • Number of Members: 6
    • Vocal Range: 2 sopranos, 1 countertenor, 2 tenors, 1 bass
    • Awards: Two Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, and a place in the Gramophone Hall of Fame
    • Recordings: Over 150 albums
    The King's Singers in other rankings
  4. 4
    16
    votes

    The Swingle Singers

    Ward Swingle
    The Swingle Singers are a French a cappella group that was formed in the 1960s. They are known for their innovative use of vocal techniques and their ability to perform complex arrangements.
    The Swingle Singers is a renowned A Cappella group known for their innovative style and arrangements. They have achieved great success and popularity over the years.
    • Formation: Founded in 1962
    • Members: Typically a group of eight
    • Vocal Range: Soprano, alto, tenor, and bass
    • Repertoire: Covers of classical, jazz, and pop music
    • Scat Singing: Well-known for its use of scat singing techniques
  5. 5
    23
    votes
    Rockapella is an American a cappella group that was formed in the 1980s. They are known for their unique blend of rock and pop music and their energetic live performances.
    Rockapella is an American A Cappella group known for their innovative blend of rock and pop music with rich harmonies. Formed in 1986, Rockapella rose to fame through their performances on the television show 'Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?'. They have since established themselves as one of the most popular A Cappella groups, captivating audiences worldwide with their dynamic vocal arrangements and energetic live performances.
    • Formation Year: 1986
    • Genre: A Cappella
    • Music Style: Rock and Pop
    • Claim to Fame: Performances on 'Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?'
    • Vocal Arrangements: Dynamic and innovative
  6. 6
    10
    votes

    Take 6

    Claude McKnight
    Take 6 is an American a cappella group that was formed in the 1980s. They are known for their gospel-inspired music and their incredible vocal harmonies.
    Take 6 is a Grammy-winning a cappella group known for their intricate harmonies, vocal acrobatics, and genre-crossing sound. They were formed in 1980 by Claude McKnight and his brother Mark McKnight, along with four other talented singers. Take 6 has achieved great success in the music industry and has become one of the most influential a cappella groups of all time.
    • Formation Year: 1980
    • Genre: A cappella
    • Number of Members: 6
    • Grammy Awards: 10
    • Albums Released: 22
  7. 7
    11
    votes
    Naturally 7
    Olaf Kosinsky · CC BY-SA 3.0 de
    Naturally 7 is an American a cappella group that was formed in the 1990s. They are known for their ability to mimic the sound of musical instruments with their voices.
  8. 8
    0
    votes
    The Real Group
    joergens.mi · CC BY-SA 3.0

    The Real Group

    Emma Nilsdotter
    The Real Group is a Swedish a cappella group that has been around since the 1980s. They are known for their jazz-inspired music and their intricate vocal arrangements.
    The Real Group is a renowned A Cappella group known for their innovative and captivating performances.
    • Formation Year: 1984
    • Country of Origin: Sweden
    • Genre: A Cappella
    • Number of Members: 5
    • Vocal Range: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass
  9. 9
    5
    votes
    The House Jacks
    Pax Ahimsa Gethen · CC BY-SA 4.0

    The House Jacks

    Deke Sharon
    The House Jacks are an American a cappella group that was formed in the 1990s. They are known for their high-energy performances and their ability to blend various music genres.
    The House Jacks is a renowned A Cappella group known for their innovative vocal performances and captivating stage presence. They have gained widespread popularity for their unique blend of pop, rock, and R&B music genres, showcased through their harmonious a cappella arrangements. The House Jacks' music is characterized by intricate vocal beats, harmonies, and impressive vocal percussion, creating a full-sounding experience without the use of any instruments. Their performances often feature a balance of energetic and soulful moments, creating an engaging and memorable experience for their audiences.
    • Genre: A Cappella
    • Music Style: Pop, Rock, R&B
    • Vocal Techniques: Beatboxing, Harmonies, Vocal Percussion
    • Performances: Energetic, Soulful
    • Instruments: None (A Cappella)
  10. 10
    13
    votes
    Home Free is an American a cappella group that was formed in the 2000s. They are known for their country-inspired music and their impressive vocal harmonies.
    Home Free is an American A Cappella group known for their unique blend of country music and tight harmonies. They gained national recognition when they won the fourth season of the TV show 'The Sing-Off' in 2013. Since then, they have released multiple albums and have toured extensively, captivating audiences with their impressive vocal skills and engaging performances.
    • Formation Year: 2000
    • Genre: Country
    • Vocal Type: A Cappella
    • Number of Members: 5
    • Winners of 'The Sing-Off': Season 4 (2013)

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Ranking factors for popular group

  1. Musical Talent
    The group should have excellent vocal skills, versatility, and the ability to create a unique and enjoyable sound without the use of instruments.
  2. Arrangement Quality
    The arrangements should be complex, innovative, and showcase the group's musical abilities. The group should also cover a range of genres and styles that demonstrate their adaptability and creativity.
  3. Harmony and Blend
    The group's voices should blend well together, and they should demonstrate a high level of proficiency in creating tight harmonies and intricate vocal textures.
  4. Stage Presence and Charisma
    A popular a cappella group should have strong stage presence, with entertaining and engaging performances that keep the audience captivated.
  5. Choreography and Visual Appeal
    Some a cappella groups incorporate choreography into their performances, adding an extra layer of visual appeal and entertainment value.
  6. Popularity and Fan Base
    Social media presence, album sales, and live performance attendance should all be taken into account when measuring a group's popularity. A larger fan base is often indicative of a more successful and well-liked group.
  7. Awards and Accolades
    Winning or being nominated for awards, such as the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards or the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella, can be a strong indicator of a group's talent and success.
  8. Longevity and Consistency
    A group that has been around for a long time and maintains consistent quality and popularity is likely to be ranked higher than a newer group that has not yet proven its staying power.
  9. Collaborations and Appearances
    Collaborating with well-known artists or making guest appearances in popular media (such as TV shows, movies, or commercials) can increase a group's visibility and popularity.
  10. Innovation and Originality
    Groups that bring something new and unique to the a cappella scene, whether it's through their arrangements, performance style, or overall concept, are more likely to stand out and gain popularity.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular A Cappella group. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or group is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2582 views
  • 168 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each group once every 24 hours. The rank of each group is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular a cappella group

A cappella music has been around for centuries, with roots in religious and folk music. However, it wasn't until the last few decades that a cappella groups began to gain mainstream popularity. Today, there are countless a cappella groups around the world, each with their own unique style and sound. From college groups like the iconic Yale Whiffenpoofs to professional groups like Pentatonix, a cappella has become a beloved genre of music for many. But with so many talented groups out there, which one is truly the most popular? That's where StrawPoll comes in. We've gathered data from thousands of polls and rankings to determine the answer to this very question. So, without further ado, let's explore the most popular a cappella groups of all time.

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