Top 10 Songs That Are Impossible Not to Sing Along To

Smash Mouth
Maybe it’s because of “Shrek” or maybe the song is just that good, but the second those opening chords start, we are jamming out, baby! The meme resurgence of this song did a great deal for its popularity but, ironic or not, the numbers don’t lie. It was one of America’s most streamed rock numbers from 2017 to 2021, which means if you didn’t learn the lyrics the first time around, you definitely know them now. If you get a certain generation of people on a road trip together, you can bet this song will be scream-sung at some point.

Rascal Flatts
Yet another excellent road trip song, “Life Is a Highway” always manages to inspire a specific kind of mood. Whether you’re in need of a pick-me-up, or you’re planning for a journey ahead, the lyrics are great for humming or singing along. What, are you going to argue with Lightning McQueen? Yeah, we didn’t think so. The song was originally written and released by Tom Cochrane in 1991, when it reached number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Rascal Flatts covered the song expressly for the “Cars” movie and that version hit the Billboard chart once again, that time at number 7. The lyrics aren’t too complicated and it’s got a killer chorus so it’s perfect for singing along.

Carly Rae Jepsen
This single became such a hit, a lot of us grew to hate it eventually. Luckily, over a decade later, we can enjoy it in peace again. “Call Me Maybe” is one hell of an earworm, and it has a pretty repetitive chorus so there’s not a lot to remember in terms of mindlessly singing when it comes on in the car. When it comes on elsewhere is more of a problem. You might hear it every so often in a public setting, and then you have the fun challenge of trying to sing it under your breath. The worst part of course, is that it’ll be stuck in your head for at least the next week.

Rick Springfield
Just the title was probably enough to have you hearing the chorus in your head. Well, fret not, we’re going to play it here too. Everyone loves a classic and “Jessie’s Girl” is one of the most famous. You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t know the lyrics by heart and even harder-pressed to find someone who doesn’t at least know the chorus. It was the number 5 song of the year when it came out and it’s been used in a few iconic movies over the years, namely: “Boogie Nights”, “13 Going on 30” and 2016’s “Suicide Squad”. If “Stacy’s Mom” had an older sibling, it would be “Jessie’s Girl”.

Journey
Tag yourself: are you “small town girl” or “city boy”? It might be a bit of a cheesy quote at this point, but the inspiration that comes with listening to this title is very real. That might be because much of the song is buildup, with the chorus only coming in until near the very end. This is a rather unique structure, but it makes the hook even more rewarding by the time we get there. Who doesn’t love to belt out a power ballad, after all? Incidentally, if you’re a fan of “The Sopranos”, this song will be doubly meaningful to you.

Kenny Loggins
Rarely does a song made exclusively for a movie do so well, but we’re sure “Footloose” would’ve been a banger no matter what. This one is a double threat, seeing as it’s impossible to resist singing and dancing to it. With an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song and a cemented spot in the National Recording Registry, it’s safe to say “Footloose” has left its mark on the music industry and on pop culture as a whole. Regardless of where you’re hearing this song, chances are you won’t be the only one singing.

Neil Diamond
Few songs are as unifying as this one. The ba-ba-bas we all love so much don’t even exist lyrically in the song; they’re purely musical – but that’s not going to stop us! Chanting them collectively is the best part of singing along, after all. It’s a karaoke classic for that very reason. It’s also just a feel-good song, with a warm melody and soulful lyrics. Even, if for some ludicrous reason, you didn’t feel like chiming in, you’d be powerless to stop yourself by the third time the chorus comes around. “Sweet Caroline” just defies all will – we don’t make the rules.

Gloria Gaynor
Here’s a life hack: if you’re going through a breakup, belt this one out in the shower. It’s a great way to release anger and it’s oh-so cathartic. Beyond that, it’s just a fantastic thread from the disco era. It peaked at the number one spot on UK and Irish charts, and spent three weeks atop the US Billboard Hot 100, so you’d really have no excuse not to know the lyrics. It’s also another number that’s been preserved in the National Recording Registry and it’s also number 35 on Billboard’s list of Top 500 Pop Songs. If you won’t take it from us, take it from Billboard!

Bee Gees
This is one of those popular tunes where you’re not always super sure what’s being said, but you sing it with your whole chest. At number 32 on Billboard’s Best Pop Songs ranking, its cultural impact is undeniable. If you’ve ever heard that tale about the song being used to teach CPR in order to get the right number of chest compressions, that’s actually true! “Stayin’ Alive” has 103 beats per minute and, with the standard calling for 100-120, it’s great to keep it in mind if ever you find yourself in a situation where you need to provide the emergency procedure. With the title of the song, it shouldn’t be too difficult to remember.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Oldie But a Goldie

A Summer Anthem for Four Decades Now - How Do You Resist Singing Along?!

Listening to This Song Is Definitely Thrilling!

It’s Impossible to Pick Just One of Her Hits, but This Might Just Be the Earworm to End All Earworms

The Ultimate Party Piece

Bon Jovi
Not many of us can hit the notes in this ‘80s anthem, but that never stops us from trying. There’s something so moving about the arrangement coupled with Bon Jovi’s gritty and spirited vocals. In fact, according to ShortList, it has “one of the greatest key changes in music history” which is no small praise. With over a billion views on YouTube, the music video encapsulates everything there is to love about glam metal, including the outfits, that insane ‘80s hair, and undeniable rockstar status. Every time we hear this classic, it’s like a surge of adrenaline we just have to commit to.