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30 Underrated Karaoke Songs That Always Surprise the Crowd

Hidden Karaoke Gems That Surprise Every Crowd
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30 Underrated Karaoke Songs That Always Surprise the Crowd

You know what’s boring? Hearing “Don’t Stop Believin'” for the 47th time this month. We get it. Journey’s great. But there’s a whole universe of songs sitting in those karaoke books that nobody bothers with anymore.

These aren’t obscure indie tracks that’ll clear the room. They’re songs everyone knows or at least, everyone knew until they forgot about them. The kind of tracks where someone hears the intro and goes “oh shit, I haven’t heard this in years.”

That’s the sweet spot. Too obscure and you’re performing to silence. Too obvious and you’re just another person massacring “Bohemian Rhapsody”. But nail something unexpected that people actually remember? That’s when karaoke gets interesting.

1. “Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia (1997)

Everyone knows this song. Nobody performs it. The verses sit in that conversational range where you can actually emote without straining, then the chorus lets you open up without attempting Mariah Carey acrobatics. Plus, there’s something universally relatable about being “cold and ashamed, lying naked on the floor.”

2. “Steal My Sunshine” by Len (1999)

Peak summer 1999 captured in one brilliant one-hit wonder. The verses are basically just talking rhythmically, so if you can’t sing, you’re sorted.

Then that chorus hits and suddenly everyone’s transported back to whatever ridiculous thing they were doing in the late 90s.

3. “Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus (2000)

Half-arsing this doesn’t work. You need to fully inhabit that awkward, pining energy. Most of it’s spoken more than sung, but the attitude matters.

When you hit “I’m just a teenage dirtbag, baby,” the entire room remembers being 15 and terrible at talking to people they fancied.

4. “Your Love” by The Outfield (1986)

That opening bassline announces something good’s coming. Everyone’s heard it a thousand times but can’t remember the last time someone actually performed it.

It’s from that category of 80s songs that sound vaguely familiar until the chorus hits and you realise you know every word.

5. “I Don’t Want To Be” by Gavin DeGraw (2004)

The One Tree Hill theme. DeGraw’s raspy delivery gives it character, and the build from verse to chorus is satisfying to perform. It’s got substance without being overwrought, which is rarer than you’d think.

6. “Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind (1997)

Don’t let the rapid-fire verses intimidate you. Everyone just wants to sing along to those “doo doo doo” bits anyway.

The contrast between the sunny melody and the darker lyrics about crystal meth adds layers if you care about that sort of thing, but honestly, it’s just fun.

7. “Silver Springs” by Fleetwood Mac (1976/1997)

Overshadowed by “Dreams” and “Go Your Own Way”, but arguably better than both. Builds with quiet intensity before Stevie Nicks explodes into pure emotional catharsis. The climactic vocals give you a proper chance to let loose without looking unhinged.

8. “Any Way You Want It” by Journey (1980)

Give “Don’t Stop Believin'” a bloody rest and try this instead. Same band, equally brilliant, far less overplayed. The energy stays high throughout and the chorus practically demands participation.

9. “Slide” by Goo Goo Dolls (1998)

Smooth and criminally underperformed. The vocal range sits comfortably for most singers, and that chorus hooks people immediately. It’s the kind of song that makes everyone think “oh yeah, I forgot about this one.”

10. “Stacy’s Mom” by Fountains of Wayne (2003)

Cheeky power-pop that everyone secretly loves even if they’d never admit it. The storytelling keeps audiences engaged, and those four claps at the intro? Absolutely essential. Commit to the joke and watch the room enjoy themselves.

11. “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover” by Sophie B. Hawkins (1992)

Sultry early-90s brilliance that lets you explore your sensual side without attempting whistle notes. The verses groove beautifully. If you’re tired of ballads but want something with emotional weight, this delivers.

12. “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd (2015)

The Weeknd’s strangely absent from karaoke despite his massive catalogue. This track’s got that retro Michael Jackson vibe that makes it accessible, and the chorus is designed for singalongs. It bridges R&B credibility and pop accessibility perfectly.

13. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” by Deep Blue Something (1995)

Laid-back enough that you won’t embarrass yourself, but that “what about Breakfast at Tiffany’s?” hook does all the heavy lifting. People hear it, remember it existed, and appreciate that you’ve dug it out of the 90s alternative rock vault.

14. “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes (1993)

That massive “What’s going on?” chorus demands serious vocal commitment, bordering on near-screaming. But that’s precisely what makes it brilliant. Everyone knows it from the first “Twenty-five years and my life is still,” and the raw emotion makes audiences feel something real. Not for the faint of heart, but absolutely worth it if you can pull it off.

15. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver (1971)

Gets everyone singing by the first chorus. You don’t need powerful vocals, just genuine emotion. The communal singalong aspect makes it perfect for ending a night on a warm note. Also works if you’re absolutely hammered, which is a bonus.

16. “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World (2001)

This emo-pop anthem somehow gets forgotten despite being supremely singable. The uplifting message and that massive chorus make it work. People who grew up in the early 2000s will absolutely lose it when they recognise those opening chords.

17. “Green Light” by Lorde (2017)

Whilst everyone expects “Royals”, this track’s driving energy and emotional release make it the superior choice. Starts restrained before unleashing during that cathartic chorus. It’s modern, it’s fresh, and it surprises people.

18. “Dancing On My Own” by Robyn (2010)

Heartbreak on the dancefloor captured perfectly. The verses sit in a conversational range, whilst the chorus explodes with emotion. It’s the rare sad song that still makes people want to move. Everyone connects with the vulnerability and the scenario.

19. “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd (2020)

Massive but somehow doesn’t get performed enough. That retro 80s production and infectious melody make it work. The vocal range remains accessible, and the energy level guarantees participation.

20. “Seasons of Love” from Rent (1996)

Musical theatre can intimidate, but everyone knows this one. The structure allows for group participation, and the message resonates. When you start with “Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes,” the room recognises something special.

21. “I’ll Make a Man Out of You” from Mulan (1998)

Disney songs always surprise and delight. This one’s got that masculine energy that makes it fun for any gender to perform. The marching rhythm keeps things moving, and audiences adore the nostalgia. Everyone wants to be as swift as a coursing river.

22. “Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Knight & the Pips (1973)

Works beautifully for groups or soloists. The Gladys role demands presence, whilst the Pips provide backing vocals that your mates can handle. It’s sophisticated, it’s unexpected, and it brings the house down when performed with commitment.

23. “Grace Kelly” by MIKA (2007)

Theatrical, cheeky, and vocally demanding. MIKA’s breakout hit lets singers explore different vocal styles. The rapid-fire lyrics and key changes make it a showstopper. Audiences love watching someone commit fully to its camp brilliance.

24. “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen (2012)

Yes, it was massive. But nobody sings it anymore, which makes it perfect for revival. That hook turns any session into an instant party. It’s impossible to feel self-conscious when everyone’s shouting “Hey, I just met you, and this is crazy.”

25. “Ocean Avenue” by Yellowcard (2003)

Pop-punk with a violin. Brings genuine energy without requiring screaming vocals. The melody’s straightforward enough for karaoke success, and the nostalgic factor for anyone who grew up in the early 2000s guarantees engagement.

26. “Barely Breathing” by Duncan Sheik (1996)

This 90s alternative ballad sneaks up on people. The verses sit in a comfortable range, letting singers establish their presence before building to that emotionally charged chorus. Perfect balance of being recognisable without being overplayed.

27. “Love Song” by Sara Bareilles (2007)

Meta track about not writing a love song that became ironically beloved. Bareilles’ sass translates perfectly to karaoke, and the melody sits in a range that suits most voices. The moment you hit “I’m not gonna write you a love song,” the room’s yours.

28. “Birdhouse in Your Soul” by They Might Be Giants (1990)

Quirky, catchy, completely unexpected. This alternative pop gem confuses people initially, then wins them over with its bizarre charm. It’s the kind of choice that makes people remember your performance long after the night ends.

29. “Run Away With Me” by Carly Rae Jepsen (2015)

Jepsen’s criminally underrated follow-up to “Call Me Maybe”. That soaring saxophone intro announces something special, and the euphoric chorus delivers. It’s pure pop perfection that most people have never heard, making it a genuine surprise.

30. “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus (1992)

Cheesy? Absolutely. Fun? Undeniably. This country line-dancing anthem brings pure joy. The simple melody and repetitive lyrics make it impossible to mess up, and audiences love the throwback factor. Plus, you can attempt some country dance moves if you’re feeling brave.

The secret to these songs is confidence. They work because they surprise people, but surprise alone won’t save a half-hearted performance. Own your choice. If you’re singing “Teenage Dirtbag”, embrace that angst. If you’re tackling “Dancing On My Own”, let the vulnerability show.

These tracks also work because they’re genuinely good. They’re not obscure for obscurity’s sake. They’re quality songs that deserve more attention.

When you perform them well, you’re not just entertaining the crowd-you’re reminding them why they loved these tracks in the first place.

Next time you’re flipping through that enormous karaoke book, skip past the obvious choices. Find one of these.

Watch as recognition dawns on people’s faces. Feel the room’s energy shift as they realise you’ve just reminded them of a song they’d forgotten they loved.

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