· Tara Price · Trending
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Karaoke Songs and Album Tracks of All Time
There’s something uniquely captivating about karaoke. It’s a universal language that brings people together, breaking barriers and creating unforgettable memories. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a shy beginner, there’s a certain thrill to picking up the microphone and belting out your favourite tunes. But with millions of songs out there, how do you choose the best ones for your karaoke night?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best karaoke songs and album tracks of all time, spanning various genres and decades. From pop anthems that get the crowd singing along to soulful ballads that tug at the heartstrings, we’ve got you covered.
So, whether you’re planning a karaoke party, looking for new songs to add to your playlist, or simply curious about the most popular karaoke tracks, keep reading. This article is your one-stop shop for all things karaoke!
Classic Rock Karaoke Songs
When it comes to karaoke, you can never go wrong with classic rock. These songs have stood the test of time, and they’re guaranteed to get everyone in the room singing along. Here are some of the best karaoke songs from the world of classic rock:
“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen – No list of karaoke songs would be complete without this epic Queen track. With its dramatic shifts in tone and style, “Bohemian Rhapsody” is a true test of your karaoke skills. But don’t worry if you can’t hit all the high notes—it’s all about the performance!
“Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi – This 80s anthem is a karaoke staple. Its catchy chorus and uplifting message make it a crowd-pleaser every time.
“Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses – If you’re looking to showcase your vocal range, this Guns N’ Roses hit is the perfect choice. Plus, who can resist that iconic guitar riff?
Pop Karaoke Songs
Pop music is all about catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, which makes it perfect for karaoke. Here are some of the best pop karaoke songs to get your audience on their feet:
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston – This upbeat track is one of the best karaoke songs for showing off your vocal chops. Plus, it’s guaranteed to get everyone dancing!
“Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish – If you’re looking for something a bit more modern, this Billie Eilish hit is a great choice. Its unique melody and rhythm make it a fun challenge for any karaoke enthusiast.
“Wannabe” by Spice Girls – This 90s pop classic is a karaoke favourite. Its catchy chorus and empowering message make it a hit at any karaoke party.
Soul and R&B Karaoke Songs
Soul and R&B songs are perfect for those moments when you want to show off your vocal prowess. Here are some of the best karaoke songs from this genre:
“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston – This powerful ballad is one of the most challenging karaoke songs out there. But if you can pull it off, it’s sure to be a showstopper.
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – This uplifting duet is perfect for karaoke pairs. Its message of love and perseverance is sure to resonate with your audience.
“Respect” by Aretha Franklin – This soul classic is a karaoke staple. Its powerful vocals and empowering message make it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Country Karaoke Songs
Country music, with its heartfelt lyrics and memorable melodies, makes for some great karaoke performances. Here are some of the best country karaoke songs that are sure to be a hit:
“Jolene” by Dolly Parton – This classic country song is a karaoke favourite. Its simple melody and emotive lyrics make it a great choice for any performer.
“Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks – This country anthem is perfect for a group sing-along. Its catchy chorus and relatable lyrics are sure to get everyone involved.
“Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood – This modern country hit is a great choice for a powerful karaoke performance. Its strong vocals and empowering message make it a crowd-pleaser.
Hip-Hop Karaoke Songs
Hip-hop might not be the first genre you think of when it comes to karaoke, but it offers some great choices. Here are some of the best hip-hop karaoke songs to get the crowd going:
“Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z feat. Alicia Keys – This modern classic is a great choice for a duet. Its catchy chorus and powerful verses make it a memorable karaoke performance.
“Lose Yourself” by Eminem – This rap anthem is a great choice for showcasing your flow. Its intense lyrics and driving beat make it a standout karaoke song.
“Hey Ya!” by OutKast – This upbeat track is perfect for getting the crowd involved. Its catchy chorus and fun lyrics make it a great choice for a group performance.
Best Karaoke Album Songs
While singles often get the spotlight in karaoke, there are plenty of album tracks that make for great performances. Here are some of the best karaoke songs that might not be singles but are still worth a sing:
“Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen – This track from Queen’s ‘Jazz’ album is a karaoke classic. Its upbeat tempo and positive message make it a crowd-pleaser.
“She’s Always a Woman” by Billy Joel – This song from ‘The Stranger’ album is a great choice for a more intimate karaoke performance. Its beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics are sure to impress.
“Golden Slumbers” by The Beatles – This track from the ‘Abbey Road’ album is a beautiful choice for karaoke. Its simple melody and emotive lyrics make it a standout performance.
Disco Karaoke Songs
Disco music, with its infectious beats and catchy melodies, is perfect for getting the party started. Here are some of the best disco karaoke songs that will have everyone dancing:
“Dancing Queen” by ABBA – This disco classic is a karaoke favourite. Its uplifting lyrics and catchy melody make it a great choice for any performer.
“Stayin’ Alive” by Bee Gees – This iconic track is sure to get everyone on their feet. Its memorable chorus and danceable beat make it a karaoke staple.
“Le Freak” by Chic – This funky track is perfect for a high-energy karaoke performance. Its infectious rhythm and fun lyrics are sure to impress.
Reggae Karaoke Songs
Reggae music, with its relaxed rhythms and positive vibes, makes for some great karaoke performances. Here are some of the best reggae karaoke songs that are sure to be a hit:
“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley – This reggae classic is a karaoke favourite. Its simple melody and positive message make it a great choice for any performer.
“Red Red Wine” by UB40 – This reggae-pop hit is perfect for a relaxed karaoke performance. Its catchy chorus and laid-back vibe make it a crowd-pleaser.
“It Wasn’t Me” by Shaggy – This modern reggae track is a fun choice for karaoke. Its playful lyrics and catchy melody are sure to get everyone singing along.
Best Karaoke Songs by Decade
Music trends may come and go, but great songs are timeless. Let’s take a journey through the decades and discover some of the best karaoke songs from each era:
1960s:
“I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles – This 60s classic is a karaoke staple. Its simple melody and memorable lyrics make it a great choice for any performer.
“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones – This rock anthem is perfect for a high-energy karaoke performance. Its iconic riff and rebellious lyrics are sure to impress.
1970s:
“Hotel California” by The Eagles – This 70s classic is a karaoke favourite. Its haunting melody and evocative lyrics make it a standout performance.
“Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey – This rock anthem is perfect for a powerful karaoke performance. Its uplifting message and memorable chorus make it a crowd-pleaser.
1980s:
“Like a Prayer” by Madonna – This 80s pop hit is a great choice for karaoke. Its catchy chorus and danceable beat are sure to get everyone on their feet.
“Every Breath You Take” by The Police – This 80s classic is a karaoke staple. Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics make it a standout performance.
1990s:
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana – This 90s grunge anthem is a karaoke classic. Its powerful chorus and rebellious spirit make it a great choice for any performer.
“My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion – This power ballad from the ‘Titanic’ soundtrack is perfect for a dramatic karaoke performance. Its soaring vocals and emotive lyrics are sure to impress.
2000s:
“Mr. Brightside” by The Killers – This 2000s indie rock hit is a karaoke favourite. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics make it a crowd-pleaser.
“Halo” by Beyoncé – This modern R&B classic is a great choice for showcasing your vocal skills. Its powerful chorus and uplifting message are sure to resonate with your audience.
2010s:
“Rolling in the Deep” by Adele – This 2010s hit is perfect for a powerful karaoke performance. Its soulful vocals and emotive lyrics make it a standout song.
“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars – This modern funk hit is a great choice for a high-energy karaoke performance. Its catchy chorus and danceable beat are sure to get everyone on their feet.
Best Karaoke Duets
Karaoke isn’t just a solo activity. Singing a duet can be a fun way to share the stage and create a memorable performance. Here are some of the best karaoke songs for duets:
“Summer Nights” from ‘Grease’ – This classic musical number is a karaoke favourite. Its catchy melody and playful lyrics make it a great choice for any duo.
“A Whole New World” from ‘Aladdin’ – This Disney classic is perfect for a magical karaoke performance. Its beautiful melody and romantic lyrics are sure to impress.
“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John and Kiki Dee – This 70s hit is a great choice for a fun karaoke duet. Its catchy chorus and upbeat vibe are sure to get everyone singing along.
Best Karaoke Songs for Groups
Karaoke is a social activity, and there’s nothing like a group performance to get everyone involved. Here are some of the best karaoke songs for groups:
“We Are the World” by USA for Africa – This charity single features a host of famous voices, making it a great choice for a group karaoke performance. Its uplifting message and memorable melody are sure to resonate with your audience.
“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen – This epic rock opera is perfect for a group performance. Its dramatic shifts in tone and style make it a standout karaoke song.
“Wannabe” by Spice Girls – This 90s pop hit is a great choice for a fun group performance. Its catchy chorus and empowering message are sure to get everyone singing along.
Choosing the Perfect Karaoke Song
Choosing the right karaoke song can make or break your performance. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect choice:
Know Your Range – Choose a song that fits your vocal range. Trying to hit notes that are too high or too low can strain your voice and make your performance less enjoyable.
Consider the Audience – Think about who will be listening to your performance. Choose a song that they’re likely to know and enjoy.
Practise Makes Perfect – If you’re nervous about performing, practise the song beforehand. This can help you feel more confident and make your performance smoother.
Karaoke Equipment: What You Need to Get Started
If you’re planning to host a karaoke party at home, you’ll need some basic equipment. Here’s what you need to get started:
Karaoke Machine – This is the heart of your karaoke setup. It plays the music and displays the lyrics on a screen.
Microphones – You’ll need at least one microphone for singing. If you plan to do duets or group performances, consider getting additional microphones.
Speakers – While many karaoke machines come with built-in speakers, you might want to invest in external speakers for better sound quality.
Song Library – Most karaoke machines come with a selection of songs, but you can also buy additional song packs or use a streaming service to access a wider range of music.
In conclusion, karaoke is a fun and social activity that’s perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a night in. With the right songs and equipment, you can create unforgettable karaoke experiences. So, whether you’re a seasoned performer or a karaoke newbie, we hope this guide has given you some inspiration and helped you discover the best karaoke songs for your next performance. Happy singing!