In an era where music is just a tap away, the convenience of identifying songs has become a necessity for many. Whether it’s a catchy tune from a commercial or the latest hit blaring from a neighbor’s speakers, the desire to know the name of that elusive song is universal. For those seeking swift and precise identification, Shazam stands out as a leading option.
Shazam: A Legacy of Innovation
Launched in the United Kingdom in 2002, Shazam began its journey as a service where users would call a number, hold their phone to a song for 30 seconds, and receive a text with the song title for a small fee. Fast forward to 2018, when Apple acquired Shazam, and the app has since evolved significantly. Despite being an Apple product, it remains accessible to Android users, showcasing Apple’s commitment to inclusivity. Shazam seamlessly integrates with various music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon Music, all while maintaining a free-to-use model.
However, Shazam does have its limitations. It struggles with identifying earworms—those catchy tunes stuck in your head that you can’t quite place. For that, users may need to turn to its primary competitor.
SoundHound: The Earworm Expert
SoundHound has emerged as Shazam’s closest rival, boasting around 100 million users according to the Google Play Store. Much like Shazam, it features a user-friendly interface with a prominent button for song identification. SoundHound excels in recognizing songs within seconds and provides detailed track information and lyrics. Users can create playlists or share links, and while it allows for full song playback through Spotify or YouTube, it also offers a 30-second preview within the app.
What sets SoundHound apart is its ability to identify songs that users hum or sing. While this feature may not be foolproof—especially for those who might not hit the right notes—it does provide a unique avenue for discovering those elusive earworms. Unfortunately, the 30-second preview feature can be hit or miss, which may leave some users wanting more.
It’s worth noting that SoundHound’s free version includes ads, which can detract from its minimalist aesthetic. However, for those seeking an ad-free experience, SoundHound Infinity is available for .99, although the benefits seem limited to the removal of ads.
Exploring Other Options: Musixmatch and Google
For users who find Shazam and SoundHound not quite to their liking, alternatives abound in the Google Play Store. Musixmatch stands out as a music publisher and lyrics catalog that also identifies songs. While it may take slightly longer to recognize obscure tracks compared to its competitors, its accuracy remains commendable. Musixmatch focuses heavily on lyrics, directing users to a dedicated page post-identification.
One of its standout features is the ability to create “lyrics cards,” allowing users to transform song lyrics into visually appealing motivational posters. Additionally, Musixmatch offers a translation feature for select songs, enhancing its utility for multilingual users. However, like Shazam, it requires the actual song for identification and cannot decipher hummed or sung renditions.
Lastly, for those with Google on their devices, there’s no need to download a separate app. The Google app includes a musical note icon that enables quick song identification. This feature is notably fast and accurate, even capable of recognizing hummed or sung versions. However, users may find Google’s feedback on their singing a bit too candid, as it provides a percentage match for their performance against the original track.
