Top 10 Karaoke Songs
#10 – Country: “Friends in Low Places” – in the style of Garth Brooks
Depending on where you’re karaoke-ing, country music could either be a huge hit or a huge fail. ‘Course, it always helps when the song is about drinking yourself stupid. This Garth Brooks tune is a karaoke favorite, so if you’re dying to get folks yelling “yee-haw,” it’s a solid choice. Get yer twang on, hit those low notes hard, and don’t worry: everyone’ll join in at the chorus.
#9 – Ballad: “Angels” – in the style of Robbie Williams
What’s one thing newbies always forget? Up-tempo is best at karaoke. If you insist on doing a ballad, make sure you’re not tone deaf or your fellow patrons will take a bathroom break. In all its midi-fied glory, “Angels” is a popular karaoke slow jam because a lotta people know it, it’s not too difficult and it lets you show off – if you’re into that sorta thing.
#8 – Easy: “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” – in the style of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
Why’s this song so easy? It’s not too high, not too low, it rocks and we defy you to find anyone who doesn’t know the chorus – which is perfect because they repeat it over and over and over. That classic guitar riff gets everyone going, and that scream lets you win the audience back if you’ve been singing off-key. It’s so easy, even Britney can do it.
#7 – Rap: “Ice Ice Baby” – in the style of Vanilla Ice
Rapping at karaoke is risky: unless you’ve memorized the lyrics, you could be in trouble once you get past the verse you actually know. However, you might make it through a novelty song like “Ice Ice Baby.” Plus, the nostalgia factor and catchy hook will have people bustin’ out the running man to take the pressure off. Alternate choice: “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-A-Lot.
#6 – Duet: “Summer Nights” – in the style of John Travolta & Olivia Newton John
Singing in front of a crowd is scary – no matter how inebriated they are – so it helps to have a buddy. Whether it’s the original, the megamix or the “adult” lyrics version, this song has the makings of a fun boy-girl duet. Sure, men may not know the words, but women almost certainly do. One duet we wouldn’t mind never hearing again: “Picture” by Sheryl Crow and Kid Rock.
#5 – Sing-along: “Don’t Stop Believin’” – in the style of Journey
Top 20 Best Karaoke Songs
Die-hard Journey fans or lovers of “Family Guy” have turned this into a karaoke staple. It’s often played multiple times a night because, from note one, it gets the crowd singing along – and that makes karaoke bartenders hate it. Even though most can’t do Steve Perry justice, it’s still worth a try – but don’t forget your rock frontman high kicks and air guitar.
#4 – Deadly: “My Way” – in the style of Frank Sinatra
Top 10 Songs Everyone Hates at Karaoke
What kind of category is deadly, you ask? Well, a handful of people in the Philippines have been killed for singing this song off-key at karaoke. If karaoke rage doesn’t deter you, this is a good pick – it is one of history’s most covered songs. Who sings it most? Old dudes. You know that creepy middle-aged guy who’s been eyeing the young girls will be belting this one out.
#3 – Long: “Bohemian Rhapsody” – in the style of Queen
Long songs are a killer at karaoke, and this one’s a doozy: there’s no chorus, harmony, lots of lyrics, plus oodles of tempo and style changes. However, it’s a crowd-pleaser. So, rock some killer air guitar to fill the instrumental breaks, and don’t hurt yourself when you get to that high note. Six-minutes-long or not, this song is just a blast to sing. Just ask Wayne and Garth.
#2 – Breakup: “I Will Survive” – in the style of Gloria Gaynor
From the first note to the last chorus repeat, this song screams karaoke. It could easily fall under other categories, like “disco,” “girl power” or “gay anthem,” but either way, it’s fun to sing as an eff-you to your ex. And, it leaves lotsa room for swagger and disco dance moves. Another good breakup song is Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know,” but you oughta be careful with it.
#1 – Rock: “Livin’ on a Prayer” – in the style of Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi’s signature track is the song you need to tap into your inner rock god. Tommy and Gina’s story is a timeless one that inspires karaoke-ers to go nuts and audiences to join in. However, it’s a marathon, not a sprint – if you can’t belt out the chorus at the top of your lungs, don’t even bother. Or, just let the crowd do it – Bon Jovi does. Do you agree with our list? What’s your go-to karaoke jam? For more great top 10s, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
