The 1980s. An era of big hair, bold fashion, and even bigger music. For karaoke enthusiasts, the 80s are a goldmine of anthems, power ballads, and infectious pop tunes guaranteed to get any crowd singing along. If you’re looking to dominate the karaoke stage and transport your audience back to this iconic decade, look no further. Here are some essential 80s Karaoke Songs that will make you the star of the night.
Survivor – ‘Eye of the Tiger’
Rocky Balboa intensely training, with 'Eye of the Tiger' as his anthem, embodying 80s motivational spirit for karaoke performances.
Unleash your inner fighter with Survivor’s ‘Eye of the Tiger’. This rock anthem, famously known from the movie Rocky III, is pure adrenaline. It’s not just a song; it’s a motivational powerhouse. The driving beat and instantly recognizable guitar riff make it impossible not to get pumped up. While you might not be facing Apollo Creed in the ring, belting out ‘Eye of the Tiger’ at karaoke will definitely make you feel like a champion. Embrace the challenge, rise to the occasion, and deliver a knockout performance that would make Rocky proud. This is a quintessential 80s karaoke experience.
Michael Jackson – ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’
Michael Jackson in 'The Way You Make Me Feel' music video, showcasing iconic 80s pop dance moves and style perfect for karaoke.
While ‘Billie Jean’ might be more groundbreaking, ‘The Way You Make Me Feel’ is pure, unadulterated Michael Jackson joy. From his iconic 1987 album Bad, this track is an explosion of feel-good energy. It’s a fantastic karaoke choice because of its infectious melody and singalong chorus. The verses offer a chance to show off your vocal agility, and while replicating Jacko’s ad-libs is a tall order, attempting them is part of the fun! This 80s pop gem is guaranteed to get everyone on their feet and dancing.
Heart – ‘Alone’
Ann Wilson of Heart passionately singing 'Alone', a classic 80s power ballad showcasing vocal range and emotional depth suitable for karaoke.
No 80s karaoke night is complete without a power ballad, and Heart’s ‘Alone’ is a prime example of the genre at its finest. This song perfectly encapsulates the 80s power ballad formula: dramatic verses building to an explosive, emotional chorus. Ann Wilson’s soaring vocals are legendary, and tackling ‘Alone’ is a great way to showcase your own vocal range. The sheer drama and epic feel of this song make it a karaoke standout, perfect for those moments when you want to belt out your emotions.
Phil Collins – ‘In The Air Tonight’
Phil Collins intensely performing 'In the Air Tonight', highlighting the song's dramatic drum break and moody 80s atmosphere ideal for karaoke.
Karaoke isn’t just about singing; it’s about performance, and ‘In The Air Tonight’ by Phil Collins offers a unique opportunity for air drummers to shine. This classic track is undeniably creepy and atmospheric, building suspensefully to that iconic drum break. While the vocals themselves aren’t overly challenging, the song’s impact lies in its mood and that explosive drum fill. Grab the mic, channel your inner Phil Collins, and don’t be afraid to unleash your best air drumming moves during the song’s climax. Bonus points for anyone who brings a gorilla suit! This is 80s karaoke with a dramatic twist.
Whitney Houston – ‘One Moment In Time’
Whitney Houston powerfully singing 'One Moment in Time', an inspirational 80s anthem embodying strength and aspiration perfect for karaoke.
To round off our 80s karaoke journey, we have to include one more Whitney Houston masterpiece. ‘One Moment In Time’, written for the 1988 Olympics, is pure inspirational gold. Whitney’s unparalleled voice elevates already powerful lyrics about striving for greatness to stratospheric levels. This song isn’t just for athletes; it resonates with anyone chasing a dream and pushing their limits. If you want to bring the house down with a vocal tour-de-force and leave your karaoke audience feeling inspired, ‘One Moment In Time’ is your ultimate 80s power ballad choice.
