Last Updated on September 6, 2024
Karaoke is an excellent way to bring family and friends together as you cherish the good times.
For love birds, karaoke is a classic date night idea that has maintained its appeal throughout the years. Indeed, there’s no more romantic way to propose to your love interest than while belting out your favorite song. It’s even better if you can’t seem to remember the lyrics, or if your vocal cords are simply terrible.
And for budding musicians, karaoke offers a legitimate opportunity to practice live performing and showcase their vocal skills. The platform is instrumental in helping aspiring musicians overcome various social anxiety issues like stage freight.
Whatever your reason for performing at a live karaoke is, one thing’s for sure – you’ll need a fairly easy song to get you started. And if you’re performing before a sizable audience, you want them to join along. So, it’s recommended to also choose a popular song.
We’ve prepared a curated list of the 40 best songs to try your hand at live karaoke. Read on for the best karaoke songs to line up for your next social get-together.
1. ‘I Will Survive’ by Gloria Gaynor
‘I Will Survive’ is not only one of Gloria Gaynor’s most popular songs. It’s also perfect for a karaoke event. A few seconds into this song and your entire squad will be jostling to join along.
2. ‘Wannabe’ by The Spice Girls
Unlike Gloria Gaynor’s ‘I Will Survive’ that pretty much comes alive when your squad sings along, ‘Wannabe’ by the Spice Girls is best-rendered solo.
3. ‘We Didn’t Start The Fire’ by Billy Joel
Despite its highly complicated lyrics, ‘We Didn’t Start The Fire’ is one of the most serenading karaoke songs.
4. ‘Sympathy For The Devil’ by The Rolling Stones
If you’re looking for befitting rock and roll music to play at your next karaoke party, your search ends with this classic hit by The Rolling Stones.
5. ‘Jolene’ by Dolly Parton
‘Jolene,’ originally done by Dolly Parton, has spawned numerous versions and remixes. Pick up any version and run away with it.
6. ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen is a classic, short tune that’s sure to bring back the good, old memories. Be warned that the song gets rather fast during its 2h 13m playtime. Luckily, you can always throw the mic to the crowd and have them sing along.
7. ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ by Elton John and Kiki Dee
This karaoke song is perfect if you’re looking to do a duet. It works even better if you perform it with a partner of the opposite sex, preferably your better half.
8. ‘Time of Your Life’ by Green Day
Here’s the best Green Day song if you’re looking to whip the crowd into a frenzy.
9. ‘Heard It Through The Grapevine’ by Marvin Gaye
If you didn’t hear it through the grapevine, then it probably never happened. And if you didn’t perform this sensational hit by Marvin Gaye on your last karaoke party, then you probably had no party at all.
10. ‘I Love Rock ‘N Roll’ by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
A special dedication to rock and roll lovers.
11. ‘Dancing In the Dark’ by Bruce Springsteen
This is one of the only few karaoke songs that linger on hours after the actual performance stops.
12. ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ by Cyndi Lauper
As the title aptly suggests, this is the right karaoke song to perform if you’re out having a good time with the girls. Still, you can have your fellas tag along and ask them to them back you up.
13. ‘Time After Time’ by Cindy Lauper
‘Time After Time’ is another classic karaoke song by Cindy Lauper that made this top 40 list, and understandably so. The breathtaking instrumentals that precede the vocals in this song will surely blow everyone away and have them join you on stage.
14. ‘Killing In The Name Of’ by Rage Against The Machine
Are you looking to release your pent-up emotions? This is the perfect karaoke song to go for.
15. ‘My Own Worst Enemy’ by Pink
Indeed, you’re your own worst enemy if you allow pent-up rage to consume you. Why not get it off your chest by performing this karaoke song?
16. ‘My Heart Will Go On’ by Celine Dion
We don’t really need to introduce this classic hit by Celine Dion. Except to recommend it for your next social party.
17. ‘It’s All Coming Back to Me Now’ by Celine Dion
Here’s another popular hit by Celine Dion to perform at a karaoke. As soon as you introduce the first chorus, trust the crowd to jump in and sing along.
18. ‘Rehab’ by Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse was an undisputed music legend. ‘One of her most popular hits, ‘Rehab,’ has featured frequently in numerous karaoke nights.
19. ‘Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)’ by Beyoncé
You might never live up to Queen B’s incredible vocal talents. But singing this song at your next karaoke party is a perfect way to charge up the crowd.
20. ‘I Wanna Be Sedated’ by ‘The Ramones
A 70s hit that still features prominently among top karaoke songs. You can spice things up by getting yourself a pipe (a vaporizer would do).
21. ‘Whip It’ by Devo
Admittedly, the title to this song is a bit misleading. The song hardly whips up any emotions. Apart, of course, from emotions of bliss and felicity.
22. ‘Hey Jude’ by The Beatles
No definitive list of top karaoke songs should miss a piece or two by the legendary rock band, The Beatles. What makes ‘Hey Jude’ our top pick from the rock band is the song’s ability to inspire a somber mood. It’s the perfect rendition to while away a sad evening, such as the mourning of a close family or friend.
23. ‘One Sweet Day’ by Mariah Carey
‘Hey Jude’ by The Beatles may only contain melancholic undertones. But ‘One Sweet Day’ by Mariah Carey is a special tribute to the departed. Consider dedicating this karaoke song to a grieving relative, friend, or coworker.
24. ‘Kiss From A Rose’ by Seal
‘Kiss From A Rose’ is one of the most iconic love songs of all time. A carefully delivered rendition will sweep your significant other right off their feet.
25. ‘Hit Me Baby One More Time’ by Britney Spears
Killer dance moves, glamorous hairstyles, and a jovial mood…these are key ingredients you require to render this karaoke song.
26. ‘I Want You Back’ by The Jackson Five
Stunning hairdos aren’t necessarily required here. But you’ll do well to incorporate some choreographed dance.
27. ‘Don’t You Want Me?’ by The Human League
Another sexy tune to belt out on your next social get-together. Be sure to gyrate your hips a bit or get a partner who can.
28. ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ by Mariah Carey
Although this song is a staple hit in karaoke performances around Christmastime, you can perform it during any party or occasion.
29. ‘Piano Man’ by Billy Joel
Don’t even think for a second that you’ll require piano skills to pull this song off. ‘Piano Man’ is one of the easiest karaoke songs to perform on any occasion.
30. ‘Good As Hell’ by Lizzo
Sheer confidence and a positive attitude are required to sing this karaoke song. Otherwise, how else would you portray hell as a great place?
31. ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
Most Journey songs are suitable for karaoke. However, ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ is among the easiest to perform.
32. ‘Dancing Queen’ by ABBA
There are tons of ABBA songs that you can sing at karaoke. But ‘Dancing Queen’ is definitely top of the list.
33. ‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis
‘Wonderwall’ by Oasis is another great sing-along karaoke song on this list that you might want to try your hands (or voice) at.
34. ‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond
‘Sweet Caroline’ is a street anthem. You’ve probably heard it in basketball games, school pep rallies, concerts, and certainly karaoke parties.
35. ‘It’s Raining Men’ by The Weather Girls
Besides its highly suggestive title, another great thing to love about this song is its simplistic nature. Much of the song consists in talking, so it’s remarkably easy to master.
36. ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’ by Bobby McFerrin
This is an incredibly uplifting song to perform at karaoke. If well-rendered, the crowd will surely forget their worries, albeit momentarily.
37. ‘A Love so Beautiful’ by Michael Bolton
Michael Bolton’s ‘A Love So Beautiful’ is a romantic love song that’s sure to catch the attention of your partner or crush.
38. ‘I Want It That Way’ by Backstreet Boys
It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve heard this song before. You simply can’t get enough of it. You better let the crowd join along because they will anyway.
39. ‘Africa’ by Toto
‘Africa’ is another classic hit that’s sure to liven up a boring karaoke party.
40. ‘La Isla Bonita’ by Madonna
We just couldn’t’ sum up our list of the top karaoke songs without throwing in this smash hit by the iconic Madonna.
Conclusion
The best thing about these karaoke songs is that they’re generally easy to sing. But whichever song you pick, don’t try to outperform the artist as that may be counterproductive. Just do your best, engaging the audience where necessary.
