You know when a song comes on and you get it stuck in your head, but you have no idea what it is? That used to happen to me a lot, it was frustrating. Luckily, nowadays we have a bunch of apps that solve this quickly. They're like detectives for the songs playing nearby. Some even show you the lyrics or tell you more about the artist. If you also experience this, check out this list of apps to identify songs that can save you.

Main Highlights

• Shazam: The classic app everyone knows, super fast at identifying songs. It shows the name, artist, and even the music video.
• SoundHound: Besides identifying songs, it lets you hum along to find them. You can create playlists and export them to other apps.
• Musixmatch: Focuses on lyrics, but also identifies songs. Shows lyrics in real time and you can save your favorites.
• Genius: For those who like to know everything about music. It shows the lyrics with annotations and extra information, sometimes from the artist themselves.
• Google Assistant: If you don't want to download anything, just ask! Use voice commands to find out what song is playing.

1. Shazam

Ah, Shazam! Who hasn't had a song stuck in their head after hearing it somewhere and not knowing the name? Well, Shazam is like the veteran of this sound identification game. It's super famous and, honestly, it works like a charm.

It's super easy to use: open the app, press that big button in the middle, and that's it. In seconds, it tells you what the song is, who's singing it, and even shows you a snippet of the music video. It's impressive how quickly it can pick up the sound and find the answer.

One cool thing is that it doesn't stop there. If you enjoy listening to the full song, Shazam connects with services like Spotify and Apple Music, so you can send it directly to your playlist. And for those who like to sing along (who doesn't?), it shows the lyrics in real time. All the songs you've identified are saved in a history, which is great for not losing any discoveries. It's a classic that continues to perform well.

Shazam is that friend who always knows the name of a song, no matter where you heard it. It's simple, fast, and gives you all the information you need to keep enjoying the music.

It also gives you some tips on new music based on what you've already enjoyed. If you have an iPhone or iPad, your discoveries can be synced with other Apple devices, which is very convenient for having your music identified anywhere. Access your saved music..

2. SoundHound

SoundHound isn't just another music recognition app; it has some unique features that really stand out. You know that moment when a melody gets stuck in your head and you can't remember the lyrics? Well, that's where an incredible function comes in: It's possible to identify songs just by humming or whistling them using the app.. If you don't remember the lyrics, that's okay!

Another cool thing is that every time you discover a track, SoundHound shows the lyrics in real time. And that's great for those who like to sing along, even with a questionable voice (like mine). In addition, the app allows you to create a playlist of the songs you find, which can then be sent directly to Spotify or Apple Music. In other words, besides discovering new songs, you can effortlessly create your playlist.

• Recognition by audio, humming or even whistling.
• Lyrics displayed in real time during the song.
• Exporting playlists to other services
• Simple sharing on social media

If you want to try it, just open the app and press the orange button. SoundHound. It runs on both Android and iOS, you don't even need a manual.

Here's a tip: if that mysterious song just won't leave your head, try singing it to SoundHound. Most of the time, it gets it right on the first try. It's all very practical for those who don't like complicated technology.

3. Musixmatch

Musixmatch is the perfect app for anyone who loves knowing the exact lyrics to the song that's playing. It's not just for identifying the current hit song – it has a huge database of lyrics in various languages, which is very helpful when you want to sing along or just understand a phrase that's stuck in your head.

• It recognizes music playing around you using your mobile phone's microphone.
• It displays the lyrics synchronized in real time, making it easier to follow that tricky chorus.
• It has Portuguese translations for many international songs.
• You can save and organize your favorite songs into personalized playlists.
• If you want, you can also create so-called LyricCards: these are images with snippets of lyrics to share on social media.

If you're the type who cares more about the lyrics than the song title, Musixmatch is practically a must-have on your phone.

Although recognition isn't always as rapid as with the major apps in the industry, the Musixmatch It makes up for it with features that make the experience much more fun and personalized. It also has a free and a paid version, in case you want everything offline and without ads. It's worth trying, especially if you love discovering the meaning of songs or sharing memorable excerpts online.

4. Genius

If you're the type who likes to know everything about the music you're listening to, Genius is the app for you. It goes beyond simply telling you who sings and what the song is called. When it identifies a song, the app takes you straight to a page full of details.

The great advantage of Genius is the annotations on the letters. You know that verse that got you thinking? There's probably an explanation there, given by other fans or even the artists themselves. It's like having a complete guide to understanding the context, the references, and the meaning behind the words.

Furthermore, Genius functions as a music information hub. You'll find news, exclusive videos, and lists of what's trending in the community. It's an app that truly immerses you in the world of music.

Main features:

• Identification of songs via microphone.
• Access to lyrics with detailed annotations.
• Information about the track's production.
• Extra content such as news and videos.

If you enjoy uncovering the stories behind songs and want to go beyond the basics, Genius is a tool worth exploring. It transforms listening into a richer and more informative experience.

5. Google Assistant

And last but not least, we have Google Assistant. You know that moment when you're driving, cooking, or have your hands full and a song comes on? Well, Google Assistant comes into play.

You don't need to pick up your phone, open an app, and press a button. Just say "OK Google, what song is this?" and that's it. The assistant will listen to what's playing and, most of the time, will tell you the song title and artist. It's super handy for times like these.

Sure, it doesn't have all the bells and whistles that dedicated apps offer, like synchronized letters or a super-detailed history. But for quick and uncomplicated identification, especially when you can't use your hands, it's a lifesaver.

Google Assistant proves that technology can be useful in unexpected ways, transforming your cell phone into a personal helper that solves small everyday problems with a simple voice command.

It integrates well with other Google services, so if you want, it can even help you find the song on a streaming service. It's a tool that's already there, on your phone, and it can get you out of musical trouble at any time.

So, what's it going to be?

Okay, now that you know there are a bunch of apps that can help you find that song that's stuck in your head, the choice is yours. Whether it's the classic Shazam, the clever Google Assistant, or some other app that shows you the full lyrics, the important thing is that the soundtrack of your life will never be a mystery again. So, the next time you hear something cool, just grab your phone and find out instantly. Easy, right?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which app is best for identifying songs?

Shazam is super popular and easy to use. But SoundHound is also great, and it even recognizes if you hum a little bit. Musixmatch is good if you want to see the lyrics along with the song, and Genius tells you everything about the music. Google Assistant can also help quickly!

Do I need to pay to use these apps?

Most of these apps are free! You can download and use the basic functions without spending anything. Some may have paid options for extra features, but to find out the name of a song, the free version is sufficient.

Do these apps work on any phone?

Yes, most of them are available for both Android and iPhone (iOS) phones. You can check your phone's app store to see which ones are available to you.

What happens after the app identifies the song?

Generally, the app displays the song title and artist. Many also offer lyrics, a link to listen to the full song on services like Spotify or YouTube, and album information.

Can I use these apps if the music is too low?

If the music is too low or too loud, it may be a little more difficult for the app to identify. It's best to try in a quieter place or when the music is louder to have a better chance of success.

Is there an app that recognizes music without needing the internet?

Most apps require an internet connection to retrieve music information from their databases. Some may have limited offline functionality for sound recognition, but for complete details, an internet connection is essential.