Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pianist, having the right piano music book can significantly enhance your playing experience. Here’s a detailed review of the top 10 best piano music books popular songs, focusing on their content, pros and cons, and overall recommendations.
Key takeaways
1. “The Beatles Sheet Music Collection“
- Overview: Includes 100 popular Beatles songs arranged for piano, voice, and guitar.
2. “The Best Songs Ever” by Hal Leonard
- Overview: Features 70 all-time favorite songs from various genres, with easy-to-read arrangements, including lyrics and chords.
3. “First 50 Popular Songs You Should Play on the Piano” by Hal Leonard
- Overview: A beginner-friendly book with 50 popular songs in simple arrangements of modern hits.
4. “The Giant Book of Pop & Rock Sheet Music” by Alfred Music
- Overview: A vast collection of pop and rock hits with intermediate to advanced arrangements.
5. “100 of the Most Beautiful Piano Solos Ever” by Hal Leonard
- Overview: A compilation of 100 beautiful piano solos across genres with high-quality arrangements.
6. “Disney Songs for Easy Piano” by Hal Leonard
- Overview: Simplified Disney songs for younger players with easy arrangements and lyrics.
7. “Chart Hits of 2021-2022” by Hal Leonard
- Overview: Piano arrangements of recent chart-topping hits, including songs by Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran, and more.
8. “The Easy Disney Fake Book” by Hal Leonard
- Overview: Over 100 Disney songs in a simple fake book format, including melody, lyrics, and chords.
9. “Contemporary Disney: 50 Favorite Songs” by Hal Leonard
- Overview: A collection of 50 contemporary Disney songs arranged for piano, voice, and guitar.
10. “Pop Hits for Piano” by Hal Leonard
- Overview: Simplified piano arrangements of popular songs, including songs by Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, and Ed Sheeran.
Now let’s dive into the books in full!
1. “The Beatles Sheet Music Collection”
Overview
This collection includes 100 of The Beatles’ most beloved songs, arranged for piano, voice, and guitar. It’s perfect for fans who want to play classics like “Hey Jude,” “Let It Be,” and “Yesterday.”
Pros
- Wide range of popular songs.
- Suitable for various skill levels.
- Includes guitar chords and lyrics.
Cons
- Some arrangements might be challenging for beginners.
Recommendation
Highly recommended for Beatles fans and those looking to expand their repertoire with timeless classics.
2. “The Best Songs Ever” by Hal Leonard
Overview
A comprehensive book featuring 70 all-time favorites from different genres. This book covers classics like “Over the Rainbow,” “Let It Be,” and “Someone Like You.”
Pros
- Diverse song selection.
- Easy-to-read arrangements.
- Includes lyrics and chords.
Cons
- Some songs may be simplified.
Recommendation
Ideal for those who want a broad collection of popular songs across genres.
3. “First 50 Popular Songs You Should Play on the Piano” by Hal Leonard
Overview
Designed for beginners, this book includes easy-to-play arrangements of 50 popular songs such as “Let It Go,” “Clocks,” and “Uptown Funk.”
Pros
- Beginner-friendly.
- Simple arrangements.
- Wide variety of modern hits.
Cons
- Limited for advanced players.
Recommendation
Perfect for beginners looking to learn popular songs quickly.
4. “The Giant Book of Pop & Rock Sheet Music” by Alfred Music
Overview
This book features a vast collection of pop and rock hits, including songs by Adele, Bruno Mars, and Coldplay.
Pros
- Extensive song list.
- Intermediate to advanced arrangements.
- Includes contemporary hits.
Cons
- Not ideal for beginners.
Recommendation
Great for intermediate to advanced players seeking a comprehensive pop and rock collection.
5. “100 of the Most Beautiful Piano Solos Ever” by Hal Leonard
Overview
A diverse compilation of 100 beautiful piano solos spanning various genres, perfect for pianists looking for an extensive repertoire of beautiful music.
Pros
- Wide range of genres.
- Suitable for various skill levels.
- High-quality arrangements.
Cons
- Some pieces may be complex for beginners.
Recommendation
Excellent for those wanting a versatile and extensive collection of beautiful piano solos.
6. “Disney Songs for Easy Piano” by Hal Leonard
Overview
This book includes simplified arrangements of popular Disney songs, making it perfect for younger players and Disney enthusiasts.
Pros
- Easy arrangements.
- Includes lyrics.
- Kid-friendly selection.
Cons
- Simplified versions may not suit advanced players.
Recommendation
Perfect for young pianists and Disney fans who want to play their favorite songs.
7. “Chart Hits of 2021-2022” by Hal Leonard
Overview
This book contains piano arrangements of the biggest hits from recent years, including songs by Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran, and Olivia Rodrigo.
Pros
- Contemporary hits.
- Arrangements suitable for various skill levels.
- Includes lyrics and chords.
Cons
- Limited to recent songs.
Recommendation
Ideal for modern music lovers wanting to play current chart-toppers.
8. “The Easy Disney Fake Book” by Hal Leonard
Overview
Featuring over 100 Disney songs in simple arrangements, this fake book is perfect for beginners who want to play their favorite Disney tunes.
Pros
- Simple, easy-to-read arrangements.
- Large selection of songs.
- Includes melody, lyrics, and chords.
Cons
- Simplified versions may lack depth.
Recommendation
Great for beginners and Disney fans looking for an extensive collection of easy arrangements.
9. “Contemporary Disney: 50 Favorite Songs” by Hal Leonard
Overview
A collection of contemporary Disney songs arranged for piano, voice, and guitar, including hits from Frozen, Moana, and more.
Pros
- Includes modern Disney songs.
- Suitable for various skill levels.
- Comprehensive song list.
Cons
- Some arrangements may be challenging for beginners.
Recommendation
Highly recommended for Disney fans and those wanting to play contemporary Disney hits.
10. “Pop Hits for Piano” by Hal Leonard
Overview
This book features simplified piano arrangements of popular songs by artists like Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, and Ed Sheeran.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly.
- Popular modern songs.
- Includes lyrics and chords.
Cons
- Simplified arrangements may not suit advanced players.
Recommendation
Perfect for beginners and intermediate players looking to play popular modern hits.
Conclusion
Choosing the right piano music book can make a significant difference in your playing experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, these top 10 piano music books for popular songs offer a variety of options to suit your needs.
From classic hits to contemporary chart-toppers, these books provide an excellent way to enhance your repertoire and enjoy playing the piano.
A word from the author
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