For music lovers, the pandemic era brought a quiet that was deafening. While missing live concerts was keenly felt, the temporary closure of karaoke venues struck a chord just as deeply. Concerts connect us with our favorite artists, but karaoke? Karaoke is where we truly bond with our favorite Karaoke Songs. Whether you’re belting into a microphone on a sparsely populated stage or packed in a room with friends, karaoke offers a unique opportunity for pop music enthusiasts: to not just listen to tunes, but to step inside them and become part of the music. Add a quirky, low-budget music video playing on the screen, a round of drinks, and maybe a tambourine, and an ordinary weeknight can transform into a musically transcendent experience.
Now that karaoke is making a strong comeback, it’s time to celebrate this art form that has gifted us countless moments of pure joy (and the occasional hangover). We present to you a guide to the greatest karaoke songs of all time – a curated collection of tried-and-true classics commonly found in karaoke songbooks, guaranteed to ignite any room. (If they don’t, perhaps blame the venue, not the song!). This list is built upon years of firsthand experience and insights from karaoke experts nationwide – the jockeys, bartenders, and venue owners who have truly heard it all.
But what exactly makes a karaoke song truly great? There’s no single formula. One person’s sing-along anthem might be another’s cue for a bathroom break. A skilled performer can make even an unexpected choice electrifying, while a lackluster performance can sink a seemingly foolproof pick. Interestingly, some of the biggest pop icons don’t always translate into karaoke gold. This guide features a mix of one-hit wonders and top 40 gems, but you won’t find tracks from universally acclaimed artists like The Beatles, Prince, Mariah Carey, or Michael Jackson. Why? Some artists’ vocal styles are too iconic or challenging to imitate. Others simply lack that one signature karaoke song that rises above the rest. And sometimes, with only so many slots available, we opted to highlight artists like 4 Non Blondes and Biz Markie, whose karaoke legacies are cemented by a single, unforgettable song.
As you explore this guide, certain patterns will emerge. The best karaoke songs are often familiar, accessible, and simple yet not predictable. They evoke a sense of nostalgia, connecting us to specific moments and places, without being trapped in the past. Crucially, they sound fantastic even at high volumes and with less-than-perfect pitch, and they are all-inclusive, practically begging everyone to join in the fun. So, without further ado, dive into our selections for essential karaoke songs – and don’t be shy about grabbing that spare mic. Extra voices are always welcome for harmonies and backing vocals!
