The key to karaoke is picking the right song. You want something with familiar lyrics, a big chorus, and the energy to get people going. If you're looking for good songs, these are the best karaoke songs for any karaoke night. They're not all easy, though, so choose wisely because there's nothing worse than ruining somebody's favourite song.
ABBA — “Dancing Queen”
ABBA's "Dancing Queen" is a disco anthem. Since 1976, it has been filling dancefloors, and this is easily one of the best karaoke songs for women. Still, there's nothing wrong with anyone else giving it a try.
- Familiar lyrics that most people know.
- A catchy chorus that the crowd can join in on.
- A fun vibe that works for parties and nights out.
- Placement: after the intro, before the first song (“Dancing Queen”).
Pop vocals, a soaring chorus, and easy-to-follow lyrics. Almost everyone in the crowd will know this one, making it perfect for a wedding, party, or a night out at the bar. A classic hit and the ideal way to get people singing together.
Backstreet Boys — “I Want It That Way”
A pop anthem, this one easily makes the shortlist for good karaoke songs. Everyone in the room is likely familiar with the lyrics. A great chorus that makes it an excellent choice for a group or a duet. A popular track from the boyband era can turn any karaoke night into a full-on sing-along. You can do this with heartfelt vocals or just a playful performance. Add your own spin on it.
Bon Jovi — “Livin’ on a Prayer”
This is only the third song on our alphabetical list, so we're not even halfway there. Bon Jovi's rock anthem "Livin' on a Prayer" is one of the best karaoke songs for men to sing. This '80s classic has a powerful chorus that the whole crowd can belt out. It's full of driving guitars, big vocals, and an excellent key change (for those who like that kind of thing). A great chance to show off your performance skills and get people on their feet and singing along.
Ed Sheeran — “Galway Girl”
A blend of pop with Irish folk, this is one of the best karaoke songs if you're looking to do something really popular without diving into the Irish trad repertoire, which are probably better for folk bars than Dublin's karaoke bars. A catchy chorus makes this a fun choice for a karaoke night without being too complicated.
Best karaoke songs for women: “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”, “Valerie”.
Best karaoke songs for men: “Livin’ on a Prayer”, “Wonderwall”, “Brown Eyed Girl”.
Great duets: “Shallow”, “Dancing Queen”.
Hozier — “Take Me to Church”
Hozier's breakthrough hit “Take Me to Church” is a powerful karaoke song. If you want to impress the audience with your vocals, this is a good choice. It's not the easiest track to do at karaoke, but it's a good one to show off a vocal range.
Journey — “Don’t Stop Believin’”
There aren't many songs that have the timeless appeal of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'". This is easily one of the most popular anthems in the world and an excellent choice for a karaoke night. From the iconic piano intro to the uplifting lyrics, this track is sure to get the crowd moving. The build into the chorus makes it a good karaoke song for an emotional performance.
Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper — “Shallow”
This is a great karaoke song for a duet. “Shallow” from A Star is Born is a modern classic. Strong vocals for male and female voices make this an excellent choice for two good singers.
Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse — “Valerie”
This is a great karaoke song that works well on almost any occasion, from a casual party to a karaoke night. It's fun to sing, mid-tempo, and can be performed without powerhouse vocals.
Neil Diamond — “Sweet Caroline”
This all-time classic is one of the most popular choices. This is a crowd-pleaser at weddings, pubs, or parties and would even make a good karaoke song for beginners. Simple lyrics, an easy melody, and a lot of nostalgia. People who don't usually sing may even join in. The track can fill a room with smiles and fun.
Oasis — “Wonderwall”
Oasis's "Wonderwall" is one of the defining songs of 90s Britpop. A simple guitar-driven melody makes it one of the easiest tracks to sing. With instantly recognisable lyrics, everyone will be singing along by the time the chorus kicks in. Typically, you'll find the crowd louder than the person doing karaoke for this one. Still, it's better towards the end of an evening than the beginning.
streams globally.
The Cranberries — “Zombie”
As one of Ireland's most iconic rock songs, "Zombie" is a powerful anthem, characterised by its raw lyrics and haunting melody. The unforgettable chorus is an opportunity for the crowd to join in. It's a track that deeply resonates on a karaoke night. It's not the easiest to sing, but it's a perfect choice for singers whose performance skills are up to the task.
The Killers — “Mr. Brightside”
This song is an enduring hit. Although it never reached its peak on the charts, it has remained one of the most popular songs of all time for a long time. Another track where the audience takes over the performance.
weeks on the Irish Top 100 chart.
Toto — “Africa”
Another karaoke song that can bring a crowd together. A recognisable opening riff and a great chorus. Quirky and memorable lyrics, paired with a good tempo that makes it easy to sing along. This is one of the most fun and nostalgic tracks of its time.
Van Morrison — “Brown Eyed Girl”
One of the most beloved songs of its time, "Brown Eyed Girl" is a timeless pick for a karaoke night whether you're in a karaoke bar or using your own karaoke machine at home. It has an upbeat rhythm, playful lyrics, and a lovely chorus. It's a good karaoke song to get the crowd going and is often heard at weddings, pubs, and parties. Seasoned singers love to give this one a go, and few will have as many people smiling.
- Don’t pick a song that’s out of your vocal range.
- Remember: karaoke is about fun, not perfection.
- Engage the audience. Let them sing along on the big chorus.
Whitney Houston — “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”
Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" is an excellent song with infectious '80s pop energy. Everyone in the room will want to sing along with the chorus, and it can take a karaoke night into a party.
It's also a great one to dance along to, but the vocals can be challenging. As long as you have a decent voice, the energy of a performance should carry you over the line. It's a popular choice if you want to bring some energy and excitement to the evening.
| Song | Artist | Year | Genre | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dancing Queen | ABBA | 1976 | Disco / Pop | Women, groups, parties |
| I Want It That Way | Backstreet Boys | 1999 | Pop | Groups, duets, nostalgia |
| Livin’ on a Prayer | Bon Jovi | 1986 | Rock | Men, confident singers |
| Galway Girl | Ed Sheeran | 2017 | Folk-Pop | Irish nights, casual fun |
| Take Me to Church | Hozier | 2013 | Indie / Alt-Soul | Strong vocalists, drama |
| Don’t Stop Believin’ | Journey | 1981 | Rock | Big crowd sing-along |
| Shallow | Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper | 2018 | Pop Rock / Ballad | Duets, emotional impact |
| Valerie | Mark Ronson ft. Amy Winehouse | 2007 | Soul / Pop | Women, casual nights |
| Sweet Caroline | Neil Diamond | 1969 | Soft Rock / Pop | Beginners, group chorus |
| Wonderwall | Oasis | 1995 | Britpop | Men, beginners, crowds |
| Zombie | The Cranberries | 1994 | Alternative Rock | Confident singers, power |
| Mr. Brightside | The Killers | 2003 | Alternative Rock / Synth | Party crowds, endurance |
| Africa | Toto | 1982 | Soft Rock | Nostalgia, fun groups |
| Brown Eyed Girl | Van Morrison | 1967 | Soft Rock / Pop Rock | Weddings, Irish pubs |
| I Wanna Dance with Somebody | Whitney Houston | 1987 | Dance-Pop | Women, dance parties |
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