Learning a language through music? Now that’s the fun way to do it. If you’ve tried apps like Lirica or Yabla, you already know how powerful lyrics can be for building vocabulary and training your ear. But what else is out there? Turns out, there are more apps that use music and listening to boost language skills — and some are hidden gems!
TL;DR – Tune In and Learn!
Music is a magic tool for language learning. Many apps beyond the usual suspects like Yabla and Lirica turn songs into lessons. We’ve collected 5 lesser-known gems that music lovers and polyglots alike enjoy. They use real songs, subtitles, and clever quizzes to train your ear and brain.
1. Tandem Music Rooms
Not your usual language exchange app. Tandem lets you chat with native speakers, but it recently launched a feature-perfect for audiophiles: Music Rooms.
This feature works by letting users create playlists in the target language, often shared by conversation partners. As you listen, Tandem overlays lyrics — often synced — and offers translation tools for tricky words.
- Pros: Talk about the songs with real people after listening!
- Unique feature: Native-speaker curated playlists based on local favorites.
- Best for: Learners who love social learning and lyrics side-by-side.
2. LyricsTraining
LyricsTraining is quietly beloved by learners who want to test their ability to catch every word in fast-paced songs.
The app plays music videos with built-in karaoke subtitles. You fill in missing words as the song plays. It’s like a musical cloze test and incredibly addictive.
You can sort by language and difficulty, and yes — there are leaderboards, so you can compete with friends!
- Pros: Huge library from pop to indie, across many languages.
- Standout: Fast-paced listening with real-time fill-in-the-blank challenges.
- Best for: Improving your listening reflexes and spelling on the fly.
3. Earworms MBT (Musical Brain Trainer)
This one’s totally unique. It doesn’t stream pop songs or chart-topping hits. Instead, it creates catchy songs built around useful phrases and grammar patterns.
You get music engineered to repeat the language in such a way that it sticks in your head. Earworms takes advantage of rhythm, melody, and memory science.
The app offers several levels for popular languages like Spanish, French, German, and Italian.
- Pros: Scientifically-backed melodies designed for memory.
- Sounds like: A blend between language drill and a chill lo-fi beat.
- Best for: Beginners who want essential phrases locked in fast.
4. LingoClip (Formerly LyricsTap)
Another karaoke-with-a-twist app! LingoClip takes music videos and creates interactive challenges as you listen.
Choose between writing in the missing word, tapping the right word, or singing along. Songs are rated by difficulty, and you can pick bilingual modes too.
- Pros: Visually fun, with songs from many countries.
- Bonus: Play offline and use multiple-choice mode for easier practice.
- Best for: People who want language games set to music.
5. Beelinguapp’s Music Narrator
This one’s for serious learners who still want a good beat. Beelinguapp is known for side-by-side stories and news articles in two languages. But did you know it also has a music section?
In Music Narrator mode, songs play while the app shows lyrics in two languages side-by-side. You can tap words to learn their meaning as you listen.
It also tracks your listening streak like a game, keeping you motivated over the long haul.
- Pros: Dual-language view builds deeper vocabulary comprehension.
- Ideal for: Intermediate+ learners who want to grow their word bank methodically.
- Cool detail: Integrated dictionary support and voice narration.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of These Music-Based Apps
Even the best tools need smart usage to help you learn deeply. Here are a few quick tips to get the most from these apps:
- Repeat your favorite song several times. Each listen uncovers new words and sounds previously missed.
- Sing (or hum) along. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, repeating rhythms helps lock in the language.
- Build a playlist just for learning. Mix tempos, artists, and topics to get diverse vocab exposure.
- Switch on bilingual subtitles. This helps you associate meaning while still training your ear.
Why Music Works So Well for Language Learning
Music helps us remember. Rhythm, rhyme, and melody make language stick. That’s why kids learn ABCs through song!
When you hear the same sentence in a catchy tune, you’ll start repeating it in your head without effort. You memorize phrases with the ups and downs of music — no flashcards required.
Plus, many songs are written in daily language. Listening gives you a feel for accents, culture, and conversation — all wrapped into one catchy tune.
Final Thoughts: Put Your Headphones On!
If you’re bored of textbooks and tired of grammar drills, try these music-powered apps. They’re like classrooms wrapped in fun, delivered through your favorite songs.
These five options aren’t mainstream, but they’re proving to be surprisingly powerful tools for language lovers — especially those who learn best by listening.
So go ahead. Pick an app, hit play, and let the music teach you.
Your next karaoke night might even double as your language practice session!
 That Music-Loving Learners Use to Train Ear and Vocabulary With Songs){kind=link}