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The 100 Best Karaoke Songs of All Time

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The Best Karaoke Songs Of All Time

A go-to list of the best karaoke songs is a must-have for any karaoke night.

Whether you want to impress the audience with your heavenly high notes on a solo song, or you’re just looking for a fun duet with your friends, we’ve got just the karaoke songs for you.

You really can’t go wrong with these crowd-pleasers no matter what you choose!

 

Table of Contents

The Best Karaoke Songs of All Time

We’ve hand-picked the best karaoke songs that are sure to wow the crowd at your next karaoke session.

Here’s our playlist of the 100 best karaoke songs of all time:

 

100. Beauty And The Beast – Céline Dion & Peabo Bryson

Break out this show tune, and you’ll captivate every Disney fan’s heart!

The timeless song is from the famous musical and film, showcasing that inner beauty triumphs over outer beauty.

“Beauty And The Beast” earned a Golden Globe Award in 1991 for Best Original Song.

 

99. Man! I Feel Like A Woman – Shania Twain

Girls Night Out isn’t complete without one of your gal pals singing this at karaoke.

The country-pop song focuses on woman empowerment and that it’s fun and exhilarating to be a woman.

In 2000, Shania took home a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for the song.

 

98. If I Ain’t Got You – Alicia Keys

This Alicia Keys hit is great for female singers with an impressive vocal range.

The smooth R&B tune speaks about how material things aren’t the important things in life.

It spent 20 weeks in the top ten Billboard Hot 100, one of the longest remaining singles in 2004.

 

97. Genie In A Bottle – Christina Aguilera

This is one of the easier songs to sing by Christina Aguilera, making it perfect for karaoke.

This pop song discusses a girl’s sexual frustration, pointing out that her guy needs the right touch.

According to VH1, “Genie In a Bottle” was one of the 100 greatest songs in the 90s.

 

96. Always Be My Baby – Mariah Carey

“Always Be My Baby” is more for advanced female singers who can hit high notes and runs.

The pop/R&B hit is about a Mariah Carey getting dumped but how she believes he’ll come back.

It was the most-played song on radio in 1996 and debuted at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

 

95. Don’t Go Breaking My Heart – Elton John & Kiki Dee

This 70s duet is easy to sing, making it great for beginners.

The lyrics feature a man asking a woman not to break his heart, while the woman promises she won’t hurt him.

The tune went #1 in the UK and Iceland and charted in multiple other countries.

 

94. Hit Me Baby One More Time – Britney Spears

Just about anyone can sing this Britney Spears song.

This pop jam features a girl who broke up with her boyfriend and wants him back.

The song went on to achieve #1 in over 20 countries and was the best-selling single in the UK in 1999.

 

93. Use Somebody – Kings Of Leon

This alternative rock song is easy to sing for males or females.

The lyrics describe a man longing to be with someone who fulfills him emotionally but can’t seem to get her attention.

“Use Somebody” won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year and Best Rock Song in 2010.

 

92. Because Of You – Kelly Clarkson

Make sure you warm up for this one because you’ll need it to hit those high notes.

“Because of You” is an emotional song about Clarkson’s broken relationship with her father and her parents’ divorce.

The pop song was the seventh best-selling pop song of the 2000s.

 

91. Wrecking Ball – Miley Cyrus

If you’re willing to put your belting to the test, try out “Wrecking Ball” at your next karaoke shindig.

This powerful pop song from 2013 talks about the damage caused to a romantic relationship.

It charted in multiple countries, reaching the top ten in Spain, the UK, Canada, and more.

 

90. All-Star – Smash Mouth

Most people know this super fun and easy song from the movie Shrek.

The uplifting song encourages listeners to chase their dreams and be themselves no matter what the haters say.

It soared to the top of the Billboard Adult Top 40 and Mainstream Top 40.

 

89. Good Time – Owl City & Carly Rae Jepsen

This dance-pop hit from 2012 is one of the best karaoke duets, where both people want to have a “good time.”

“Good Time” is all about having fun with your friends, and it hit #1 in Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, and the top ten in 12 more countries.

 

88. Every Breath You Take – The Police

This classic karaoke song is also one of the best prom songs of all time.

Although many think it’s a love song, it’s actually talking about a jealous, obsessive ex.

This new wave tune from 1983 won a Grammy for Song of the Year.

 

87. Love Song – Sara Bareilles

Your audience will immediately know this song once the keys start playing.

In reality, the song was inspired out of frustration after Bareilles’ songs kept getting rejected from her label.

Sara Bareilles’ debut single peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #4 on the UK and Australian charts.

 

86. Always On My Mind – Elvis Presley

This country love song is an excellent option if you want something slow and sweet.

This song shares the story of a man who didn’t show appreciation to his woman but who always thought of her.

It hit #16 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1972.

 

85. Beautiful Girls – Sean Kingston

This signature song from R&B artist Sean Kingston is a fun, upbeat karaoke song for the fellas!

The song talks about young love and the heartbreak Kingston experienced after his girlfriend broke up with him.

In 2007, “Beautiful Girls” was the 15th biggest-selling song in the UK.

 

84. I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing – Aerosmith

Singing this Aerosmith power ballad will probably get a few lighters up in the air.

The hard rock song from 1998 talks about how the narrator wants to spend as much time with his woman as possible.

It debuted at the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and went #1 in several countries worldwide.

 

83. Boulevard Of Broken Dreams – Green Day

Although this song from 2004 seems like a downer, a Green Day song is always sure to pump up the crowd.

The rock song speaks of a lonely life filled with unmet expectations of the American Dream.

It’s highly successful, winning a Grammy for Record of the Year, and was the ninth highest-selling single of 2000-2009.

 

82. She Will Be Loved – Maroon 5

If you’ve got a good falsetto, this is the tune for you (Adam Levine rocks his head voice).

“She Will Be Loved,” tells of a man’s frustration of not being able to love the woman he wants.

The song hit#1 on the Mainstream Top 40 and Adult Top 40 charts.

 

81. Despacito – Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee

If you or a friend speaks Spanish, you should try this fun duet!

This one’s on the spicy side and talks about a man’s desire to dance and please a woman.

The Latin pop duet made history, becoming the longest-running #1 single on the Hot Latin Songs chart.

 

80. Pumped Up Kicks – Foster The People

“Pumped Up Kicks” is a super catchy indie-pop song that’s easy to sing.

The lyrics come from the perspective of an isolated, mentally-ill youth with homicidal intentions.

The song was the sixth best-selling song in 2011, selling over 3.84 million copies.

 

79. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston

This is undoubtedly the hardest song to sing on this list, with its dramatic key change before the last chorus.

The song was written by Dolly Parton about her professional partner, Porter Wagoner, who helped her become a star.

“I Will Always Love You” is the best-selling single by a female artist of all time.

 

78. Love Story – Taylor Swift

If you’re a die-hard Taylor Swift fan and a soprano, you should consider singing this song!

This catchy country-pop tune was released in 2008 and is based on Shakespeare’s story of Romeo and Juliet.

“Love Story” became the first country song to chart high on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40.

 

77. Let Her Go – Passenger

This one’s great for a post-breakup karaoke night with your friends (because it’s a little sad).

The folk-rock ballad talks about a man’s regrets ending a romantic relationship.

“Passenger” earned the British Academy’s Ivor Novello Award for Most Performed Work in 2014.

 

76. I’m Yours – Jason Mraz

If you’re searching for something fun, upbeat, and happy, “I’m Yours” is the perfect pick!

The song speaks of embracing the moment and committing to love.

This reggae, folk-pop hit broke the record for the longest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100, with 76 straight charting weeks.

 

75. Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol

Get nostalgic with this famous alternative rock song from 2006.

The tune expresses the male narrator’s love for a woman, describing how he’d be fine doing anything as long as he’s with her.

“Chasing Cars” became the UK’s most played song within the 21st century.

 

74. Stand By Me – Ben E. King

“Stand By Me” will surely get the whole place belting it out with you.

The 1961 R&B/soul hit talks about how the narrator can withstand the trials in this world as long as their loved one stands by them.

After its release, “Stand By Me” charted #1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.

 

73. What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong

Slow things down and share a smile with this classic Louis Armstrong song.

Its lyrics tell about the beautiful things in this world, encouraging the listener to focus on these things rather than the bad.

The jazz-pop song made it into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.

 

72. Shallow – Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper

You’ll impress spectators if you sing this 2018 song from the movie, A Star is Born, starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga.

The song features questions from both characters that focus on finding depth in life.

The pop power ballad received a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song in 2019.

 

71. I Love Rock’ n’ Roll – Joan Jett

If you’re a female rocker with angst, we recommend singing this hit by Joan Jett.

This anthem flips the script, featuring a girl aggressively pursuing a guy at a bar and taking him home.

After this cover version was released in 1981, it became the #3 best song on Billboard Magazines Top Hot 100 Songs of 1982.

 

70. Teenage Dirtbag – Wheatus

If you’re a guy who can mimic Brendan Brown’s pop-punk voice, then this is the song for you.

It was inspired by a teen homicide in 1984 and takes a shot at people who think all AC/DC fans are “devil worshippers.”

“Teenage Dirtbag” was the second best-selling single in 2000.

 

69. Valerie – Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse

If you like indie pop or blues-rock, you should consider singing this one at your next karaoke session.

The song talks about missing a girl named Valerie, who was a girl the original songwriter dated.

Although “Valerie” was originally by the Zutons, this cover version peaked at #2 on the UK charts in 2007.

 

68. Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen

“Don’t Stop Me Now” is a great karaoke option, whether you’re a soloist or you want some help.

The highly energetic pop-rock anthem focuses on the exhilaration of having a good time in life.

The song became one of the band’s most popular songs, reaching #9 on UK charts.

 

67. The Scientist – Coldplay

Make sure you’ve got a solid falsetto before trying this one in front of a crowd!

This beautiful piano ballad from 2002 describes a man’s worry about losing the woman he adores.

Rolling Stone ranked the song number #54 on the 100 Best Songs of the Decade in 2009.

 

66. Torn – Natalie Imbruglia

If you’re a female singer with a limited vocal range, “Torn” is a perfect pick for your karaoke debut.

The pop-rock song from 1997 explains the “torn” feeling after breaking up with a guy she thought was perfect.

In 1998, it earned Single of the Year at the ARIA Music Awards.

 

65. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers

This one’s perfect for a guys’ night out at the karaoke bar!

This 1988 alternative rock hit is all about being committed to a woman and spending a life with her.

It charted #8 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart and #25 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.

 

64. (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes

Grab your honey and perform this karaoke duet from the film, Dirty Dancing.

The love ballad describes (from male and female perspectives) how each person feels about being with the other.

“The Time of My Life” went on to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1987.

 

63. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a grunge/alternative rock song that’ll rock your audience for sure.

Kurt Cobain explained that the lyrics are a “call to arms,” begging the teen population to wake up from their apathy.

The song hit #80 on the Recording Industry Association of America’s (RIAA) Songs of the Century list.

 

62. Hey There Delilah – Plain White T’s

This classic folk-pop song from 2006 is suitable for male singers looking for an easy karaoke song.

“Hey There Delilah” talks about a long-distance romantic relationship in which the male narrator professes his love to a girl.

The song charted #1 in multiple countries, including Canada, Germany, and the U.S.

 

61. Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” is a well-known country hit from 1971, perfect for beginners singing karaoke.

It’s dedicated to the beauty of West Virginia, although none of the songwriters had actually been there.

The song went on to hit #1 on the Record World Pop Singles Chart and #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

 

60. Billie Jean – Michael Jackson

This list could not be complete without a song from the King of Pop himself!

“Billie Jean” is based on a real-life situation in which a mentally ill woman accused Jackson of fathering her child.

The song won a Grammy for Best Male Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song in 1984.

 

59. Good As Hell – Lizzo

“Good As Hell” is one of the most recent releases on our list, featuring a fun, soul-pop vibe.

It focuses on uplifting listeners as it encourages them to love themselves.

Although the song was released in 2016, it rose to fame in 2019, peaking in the top 10 in multiple countries.

 

58. Umbrella – Rihanna ft. Jay-Z

This classic pop/hip-hop jam is one of the best karaoke duets ever and easily a top karaoke song to sing.

Throughout the lyrics, Rihanna is comforting her love interest, telling him that she’ll be there for him during both good times and bad.

“Umbrella” won a Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2008.

 

57. Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees

Looking for a disco groove to get the audience dancing? Why not try this 70s hit?

Although the dance song seems carefree, it’s actually about surviving in New York City and “dancing” the problems away.

The Bee Gees song earned the #9 spot on AFI’s 100 Years…100 Songs survey.

 

56. Someone Like You – Adele

If you’re a lady with a strong, soulful voice, you’re bound to get a standing ovation for “Someone Like You.”

The song speaks of moving on after a broken relationship and believing you’ll find someone new.

It became the fourth best-selling single of the 21st century, selling over 17 million copies.

 

55. All The Small Things – Blink-182

All the 90s kids will know this song and love you for singing it!

The pop-punk hit talks about how the little things in life sometimes make the biggest difference.

It went #1 on the Billboard’s Modern Rock Tracks chart in the U.S. and #2 in the UK.

 

54. Party In The U.S.A. – Miley Cyrus

“Party In The U.S.A.” is a great song to sing at karaoke and is one of the best sweet 16 songs of all time.

The catchy pop tune describes Cyrus’s experience moving from Nashville, TN to Hollywood, CA, to pursue her career.

Soon after its release, “Party In The U.S.A.” became the best-selling digital single in the U.S. in 2009.

 

53. Everybody Wants To Rule The World – Tears For Fears

If you’re looking to ride the new wave and impress your audience, give this song a shot!

Its lyrics discuss the human desire for power and control, which corrupts our character.

The song charted at #2 in multiple countries, #1 in Canada, and made the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

 

52. Hey Ya! – Outkast

You’ve been living under a rock if you haven’t heard this funky bop by Outkast.

The song talks about dancing and has a hidden storyline of a troubling romance involving two unhappy people.

“Hey Ya!” won a Grammy for Best Urban/Alternative Performance at the 46th annual awards.

 

51. A Little Respect – Erasure

This one’s for all you synth-pop enthusiasts out there who need a breakout karaoke tune!

Throughout the lyrics, the narrator begs their lover to be compassionate and respectful towards them.

Upon its release in 1988, the song made the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.

 

50. Say My Name – Destiny’s Child

Grab your gal pals and jam to one of the best R&B/pop karaoke songs of all time!

The female character suspects her boyfriend is with another woman, so she asks him to say something sweet.

“Say My Name” won a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group in 2000.

 

49. Pour Some Sugar On Me – Def Leppard

If you want to rock out on stage, you should sing this Def Leppard anthem.

This rock song uses lots of metaphors to describe sexual activities.

After releasing in 1987, the song hit #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #18 on the UK charts.

 

48. Jessie’s Girl – Rick Springfield

This one’s perfect for a guy who wants to showcase his tenor pipes at the karaoke bar.

The power-pop song is about a young man who has feelings for his best friend’s girlfriend.

“Jessie’s Girl” won a Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.

 

47. Islands In The Stream – Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers

Grab your significant other for this exceptional country karaoke duet from 1983!

“Islands In The Stream,” tells of all the joys of spending your life with the person you love.

Since its release, it’s earned over 2.5 million digital sales in the U.S. alone, plus #1 spots on international charts.

 

46. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go – Wham!

The 1984 dance-pop song was inspired by an accidental note, where Michael wrote “up” twice, and his bandmate replied with “go” twice.

VH1 ranked it as one of the 100 Greatest Songs of the 80s at #28, and, in our opinion, “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” is also one of the best songs to wake up to.

 

45. (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party) – Beastie Boys

This is one of the best songs for karaoke bars because it talks about partying.

Interestingly enough, the 80s song started as a complete joke making fun of rock songs.

It eventually secured a spot on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.

 

44. Ice Ice Baby – Vanilla Ice

This Vanilla Ice hit from 1990 is an excellent choice if you like pop-rap.

Based on the bassline of “Under Pressure” by Queen, “Ice Ice Baby” talks about partying and driving down Beachfront Avenue in Miami.

It earned 29th place on VH1’s list of 100 Greatest Songs of the 90s.

 

43. Old Town Road – Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus

“Old Town Road” is one of the best TikTok songs and country rap karaoke songs of this generation.

Its lyrics comment on the cowboy lifestyle of drinking and womanizing and how the narrator wants to run from that life.

The song remained on the Billboard Hot 100 for a record-breaking 19 weeks straight.

 

42. These Boots Are Made For Walkin’ – Nancy Sinatra

This legendary folk-rock song from 1965 is good to have in your back pocket on karaoke night!

The song talks about a girl warning her boyfriend not to keep pushing her around.

It quickly charted after its release, hitting #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart.

 

41. Say It Ain’t So – Weezer

All the alternative rock fans in the crowd will love this karaoke song!

“Say It Ain’t So” is an anthem that explores frontman, Rivers Cuomo’s struggle with his parent’s divorce due to alcoholism.

The song earned the #72 spot on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time.

 

40. Faith – George Michael

“Faith” is one of those karaoke songs that gets stuck in your head, so it’ll be perfect for your next performance!

The 1987 pop-rock song talks about turning down an attractive yet disloyal partner.

“Faith” was the top single in the U.S. during 1988 and is often considered an all-time classic.

 

39. Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen

“Call Me Maybe” is one of the modern karaoke classics, featuring an insanely catchy beat and melody.

The lyrics describe a girl’s interest in a particular guy and her bold request of asking him to call her.

The dance-pop song is the seventh best-selling digital single of all time.

 

38. The Best – Tina Turner

This pop-rock jam is one of the most challenging karaoke songs on this list, but it’s doable.

“The Best” was originally by Bonnie Tyler. Its lyrics are pretty saucy and basically talk about being in love with someone.

It became an international hit, charting within the top 5 in multiple countries.

 

37. Killing Me Softly With His Song – The Fugees

This folk-turned-hip-hop tune is a great karaoke song for a relaxing performance.

In the song, the original recording artist, Lori Lieberman, describes her relation to Don McLean’s music after a concert.

The song won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals in 1997.

 

36. Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – Eurythmics

“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” is an easy synth-pop song just about any female can sing.

Its lyrics encourage listeners to always shoot for the stars regardless of their circumstances.

The tune quickly soared to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the UK Singles Chart in its year of release.

 

35. Bye Bye Bye – NSYNC

You can never go wrong with an American boy band song like this.

The pop tune centers around a male character wanting to break up with his girlfriend after losing patience with her.

After its release in 2000, the song quickly made the top 10 in multiple countries.

 

34. Sympathy For The Devil – The Rolling Stones

Since its release in 1968, this song has become known as one of the greatest karaoke songs ever.

Although many have branded the band as “devil worshippers,” the true meaning is that the devil is real and active.

The rock song is ranked 106th on Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest songs of all time.

 

33. Dancing In The Dark – Bruce Springsteen

This dance-rock song by Bruce Springsteen is, without question, one of the best karaoke songs to date.

Although it may seem romantic, it’s actually about Springsteen’s desire to “hustle” and write a hit song under significant pressure.

The tune earned worldwide success, charting within the top 10 in over seven countries.

 

32. Don’t You Want Me? – The Human League

This legendary synth-pop hit from 1981 is an excellent choice for your next karaoke session.

The song features a disagreement between two people where one person is bitter about helping the other succeed.

It became the biggest selling single in the UK during 1981, selling over 1.5 million copies.

 

31. Hey Jude – The Beatles

“Hey Jude” is a soft and easy pop-rock tune, perfect for those with a limited vocal range.

It was written about a young boy whose parents were getting divorced.

“Hey Jude” made it into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s list of 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll.

 

30. Jolene – Dolly Parton

“Jolene” is one of Dolly’s best songs of all time and has been a country hit since 1973.

The song talks about how an attractive, red-headed woman began flirting with Dolly’s husband.

The memorable tune is ranked number #217 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs.

 

29. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye

If you’re looking for one of the best karaoke duets with some soul, this one’s for you!

This song encourages listeners not to let anything stop them from reaching their goals in life.

It went on to secure the #3 spot on the R&B Charts and was featured in Remember the Titans.

 

28. Losing My Religion – R.E.M.

Get ready to jam with this alternative rock song featuring a famous mandolin riff intro.

The lyrics have nothing to do with religion but are an expression of love to someone special.

“Losing My Religion” won a Grammy in 1992 for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals.

 

27. Livin’ On A Prayer – Bon Jovi

This glam metal jam from 1986 will test your belting range, but it’ll definitely be a hit with the crowd.

The song focuses on the idea of living by faith and prayer to make it through life.

It went straight to #1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and the Billboard Hot 100.

 

26. Rehab – Amy Winehouse

This soulful Amy Winehouse tune will instantly make people sing along with you.

It talks about Winehouse’s own refusal to go to rehab for her alcohol addiction.

“Rehab” won 3 Grammy Awards in 2008 for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

 

25. My Way – Frank Sinatra

“My Way” is a nostalgic song that talks about being satisfied with how you’ve lived your life.

The tune was originally by French songwriters in 1967 but was rewritten for Sinatra in 1969.

It went on to reach #27 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Easy Listening chart.

 

24. Like A Virgin – Madonna

Be the life of the party at the karaoke bar with this 1984 tune from Madonna!

This controversial song talks about the feelings of romance and newness after meeting a new love interest.

“Like a Virgin” made #1 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and was a global success.

 

23. It’s Raining Men – The Weather Girls

Another great song for the karaoke bar is a disco jam from 1982, “It’s Raining Men.”

The song objectifies men and was originally written for the gay community, although it’s sung from the female perspective.

The Weather Girls made VH1’s list of the Greatest Songs of the 1980s with this hit.

 

22. Hotel California – The Eagles

If you love rock ‘n roll, you’ll love this Eagles song from 1977.

“Hotel California” talks about the glamour and appeal of the music industry but also how there’s evil lurking beneath the surface.

The song went certified gold only three months after its release and sold over a million copies.

 

21. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor

This popular disco song, by Gloria Gaynor, will have the whole room singing, with its catchy melody and beat.

The lyrics describe a woman’s recovery from a breakup and how she finds the strength to move on.

“I Will Survive” topped the U.S. charts, as well as charts in the UK and Ireland.

 

20. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey

If you’re searching for the best party songs, “Don’t Stop Believin'” is a great choice.

Throughout the song, the lyrics discuss different people’s hard times while telling them never to stop believing in their dreams.

This rock anthem became the top-selling digital download of the entire 20th century.

 

19. Africa – Toto

Toto’s “Africa” is a good song for higher vocal ranges.

The soft rock ‘n roll song from 1982 tells the story of a man who must choose between the continent of Africa and settling down with a woman.

“Africa” claimed the #1 spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in its year of release.

 

18. Purple Rain – Prince & The Revolution

This power ballad is perfect for the karaoke bar with its rock, R&B, and gospel sound.

The song talks about being with the person you love at the world’s end.

“Purple Rain” secured the #18 spot on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

 

17. Mr. Brightside – The Killers

A true karaoke classic, “Mr. Brightside” is sure to get the crowd pumped for your performance.

It describes a male character watching his girl cheat on him while trying to remain optimistic.

The song also ranks among the UK’s top 15 most downloaded rock songs.

 

16. Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses

If you’re looking for a hard rock karaoke song, then this is the one for you.

“Sweet Child O’ Mine” came out in 1988, expressing Axl Rose’s admiration for his then-love interest, Erin Everly.

The song even made it onto Guitar World’s 100 Greatest Guitar Solos at #37.

 

15. Love Shack – The B-52’s

This hit from 1989 tops the list of easy songs to sing, making it one of the best songs for your karaoke session.

“Love Shack,” tells the story of a popular club where everyone goes to be free, dance, and have fun.

The Rolling Stone even named “Love Shack” the best single of 1989.

 

14. Uptown Girl – Billy Joel

“Uptown Girl” also makes the list of best karaoke songs, thanks to its fun pop-rock beat and catchy melody.

The 1983 Billy Joel song features a working-class man trying to impress a wealthy woman.

It became the 19th biggest-selling single of the 80s in the UK, selling well over 1.05 million copies.

 

13. Since U Been Gone – Kelly Clarkson

You’ll most definitely be crowned karaoke royalty if you successfully sing the high notes in this pop-rock song!

This classic anthem discusses a girl’s relief after ending a toxic relationship.

Following its release in 2004, “Since U Been Gone” won Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards.

 

12. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd

“Sweet Home Alabama” is the perfect karaoke song for country lovers, featuring the famous guitar riff intro.

The 1974 song was written in response to a couple of Neil Young songs targeting racism as a joke.

It is Lynyrd Skynyrd’s highest-charting single, earning the #8 spot on the U.S. charts.

 

11. I Want It That Way – Backstreet Boys

“I Want It That Way” is a classic pop ballad that every 90s kid will know by heart.

The song features a male perspective discussing that he doesn’t want his girlfriend to break up with him.

After releasing in 1999, the Backstreet Boys song hit #1 in over 25 countries.

 

10. Dancing Queen – Abba

If you’re looking for one of the best happy songs of all time, look no further than this 1976 hit.

The lyrics talk about going to a disco, but instead of finding a lover, the girl falls in love with dancing.

“Dancing Queen” topped charts around the world in over 12 countries.

 

9. Wannabe – Spice Girls

This smash hit by the Spice Girls ranks among the best summer songs and is the perfect song for a karaoke duet.

This 1996 jam concentrates on putting female friends above a relationship.

It became the biggest-selling single by a British female group in 2012, selling over 1.38 million copies.

 

8. Can’t Get You Out Of My Head – Kylie Minogue

“Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” is an excellent song choice for those with limited vocal ranges.

The dance-pop song from 2001 focuses on an obsession with a particular love interest, featuring a funky techno beat.

It’s Minogue’s best-selling single of all time, selling over 5 million copies worldwide.

 

7. Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond

“Sweet Caroline” may be the best song for audience participation above all others.

It was released in 1969 as a love song about Diamond’s wife, Marsha. However, he ended up with “Caroline” when he needed a more rhymable name.

“Sweet Caroline” regularly plays at various sporting events across the world, including Boston Red Sox games.

 

6. Angels – Robbie Williams

This song by Robbie Williams is also one of the best emotional karaoke songs from 1997.

“Angels” is based on a version written by Irish singer-songwriter Ray Heffernan. It talks about how angels offer love and affection throughout the singer’s life.

The hit song became the 34th best-selling single of the decade and cemented Williams’s success.

 

5. Wonderwall – Oasis

Another great karaoke song is “Wonderwall” by Oasis, a Britpop jam released in 1995.

Lead singer Noel Gallagher said the song is about “an imaginary friend who’s gonna come and save you from yourself.”

“Wonderwall” became the first song from the 90s to break one billion Spotify streams in 2020.

 

4. I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston

This legendary Whitney Houston dance-pop song from 1987 will definitely make you wanna dance!

The female in the song wants to find somebody to love instead of just going out to another party.

“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” won a Grammy Award in 1988 for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

 

3. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper

“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” is the perfect 80s karaoke song for a girls’ night out!

The pop song tells the story of a girl who’s sick of rules, wanting to let loose.

It hit #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and topped charts worldwide.

 

2. Summer Nights – Olivia Newton-John

This 1978 hit from Grease also makes our list of the best karaoke duets, featuring a love affair between Danny and Sandy.

Sandy gushes about their summer romance, while Danny describes his experience much more crudely.

“Summer Nights” also earned the #70 spot on the American Film Institute’s 100 Years…100 Songs list.

 

1. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen

“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen is a rock ‘n’ roll anthem famous for its lack of refraining chorus.

The outlandish song was released in 1975, and many believe it was lead singer Freddie Mercury’s “coming out” song.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” earned the title of the UK’s third best-selling single of all time.

 

Summary

There you have it! The best karaoke songs of all time. (In our opinion)

It’s important to be prepared to take the stage with a great song, whether you’re dueting or flying solo.

We hope our list of karaoke songs has given you some ideas for your next karaoke night!

What’s the best karaoke song of all time, in your opinion? Leave a comment below.

Emily is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and ukulelist who has graced the stage at countless venues across the Midwest and Southern U.S. Throughout her career, she’s opened for artists including Eric Paslay, Stars Go Dim, Love & The Outcome, and Sierra Hull. She writes relatable, original music in various genres, from country and folk to cinematic pop, hoping to inspire and uplift her listeners. Outside of music, Emily enjoys hiking with her husband and playing with her comical cat, Olive.