There's so many music apps floating around in iTunes we could probably compile a top 100 list of apps, but we decided ten was enough. So if you're not satisfied with the MP3s on your iPhone and you want more music in your life, then this is the list for you. The apps included span across the entire range of musical apps, from music discovery and music creation to music streaming. (click on an app’s picture to visit its website)
At number ten is an app which proves that the iPhone, with the correct application can become a serious music creation tool. The Bloom app allows you to create music and melodies by simply touching and tapping on the colorful screen which combines artwork and composition. Features include 9 different mood settings, random mood shuffle, shake to clear and more. But what makes the device a must have for music fans, is that it was created by Brian Eno; music legend and Ambient pioneer. If it's good enough for him, it's good enough for us. (Price: $3.99)
It wasn't long for pianos to start springing up on the iPhone. They are a classic instrument and well suited to the touch-screen. One of the best on the market is Amazing Piano free. This virtual piano has a teaching program, record and playback capability and 16 bit quality sounds. Great for piano practice on the go or something to play around on when bored either way, as the name says, it's free so there’s nothing to lose.
8. iSample
At number 8. The app is a powerful recorder and looper and in the right hands with a bit of creativity could be a fantastic tool. The app allows users to record a sound with the iPhone's built in mic. So you can sing, play an instrument, whatever you want and it saves onto a 'pad' and then you can play it and loop it when required. Thus with many pads of sounds you can create some interesting loop based music. It's not perfect, but with the cost of setting up a professional vocal looper (i.e. using something like the boss loop station and a good quality microphone) makes the $9.99 price tag seem tiny.
7. Ourstage
Like Last FM this app helps you discover new music. OurStage radio recommends you songs that you might like which you can then rate therfore allowing it to learn what you really do like if it gets it wrong. Bung in a genre you're interested in, then boom a list of new bands that you can find before your friends. An app for the cool indie kids or hardcore music fans alike.
6. MixMeister scratch
Here's a fun one: the MixMeister scratch app. A free DJ scratching app to let you 'scratch' on the move; select a scratch from the collection of included vinyl sounds and there you have it. What makes there app great is that you can grab a song from your music collection and scratch over it which is great fun.
5. Tunewiki
Is a cracker of an app. It is the first media player to combine music, videos, community and lyrics. Play your music while lyrics appear on screen, synced with the audio. Find music videos on YouTube by artist and song. Listen to thousands of streaming internet radio stations with synced lyrics. Get translations of your favorite songs to multiple languages contributed by your peers. Contribute to the community by adding and syncing lyrics to songs that are missing from the database and follow the top songs and artists in different regions. Basically it’s a combination of popular music apps rolled into one app.
It's been around for a while now and most people know about it. But it's still easily one of the best cross platform apps on iPhone/BB/Android. In case you don't know what shazam is. If there's a song that's on and you A) can't remember what it is and it's driving you mad, B) want to cheat at a music quiz or C) have never heard the song before and like it: then pop Shazam on, hold your phone to the music and shazam tells you what the song is called who it's by and when it was released. Midomi ultra takes musical identification to the next level, but with a $4.99 to show for it compared to Shazams nothing.
Up next. A great app for those who love a spontaneous jam or a good campfire sing-song. The app is basically a percussion set, in your pocket or as is the title; a pocket shaker. Choose from Conga, Rattle, Shaker, Tambourine, Cowbell, Bass Drum and many more and shake away. A genuinely useful little tool for musicians and if someone asks what instrument you play and you reply your iPhone, surely that makes you cool. Plus it's another freebie .
2. ClearTune
ClearTune is a multi-instrument tuner. There are a lot of these on the app store this is one that seems to pick up the best reviews. Features include a “note wheel” interface to tune any instrument using the built-in iPhone microphone. Not too expensive for $3.99 but it’s worth shopping around. No matter what tuner you opt for, if you're a musician the tuning apps are some of the best examples of iPhones being a useful tool.
1. Slacker, Pandora, Spotify, AOL, Last FM.
Just pick one, they've all got their pros and cons. Music streamers and radios are great for music on the go, playlists and discovering new music. It's always nice to have a set of songs you can crack out when you need them especially if your internet's playing up. It is an iPhone after all so you may as well have another smartphone if you don't make use of the iPod but then, apps like these are always handy when you want something new or if your friends are pestering you to put on a song you don't have in your library. Plus it skips the itunes fuss. Slacker, AOl and Pandora are only in the US at the moment so it's either Spotify premium or Last FM for us Brits.
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One thought on “iPhone Apps: Top 10 Music Apps for the iPhone 4”
Hey Jonny,
Wondered if you fancided making it a top 11 :-) Fireplayer which has just gone live on the itunes store is a great music mixing app which lets users share their creations on Facebook. Good fun with people saying it’s addictive and the app itself is free. Loads of content being added for in app purchase. Tunes from 80’s classics to HedKandi to mix and share.
Cheers