Karaoke is a lot of fun, but it can be intimidating if you're shy, nervous, or doing it for the first time. It's not about being a great singer and showing off, it's about having a good time. The best way to get started is by choosing easy karaoke songs to take the edge off. What you choose to sing is ultimately up to you. Still, we recommend carefully selecting songs that are easy to sing, your audience will enjoy, and you won't have to focus too much on getting them right.
Tips for Beginners: How to Pick the Right Song
If you're nervous about getting up and singing karaoke, our first suggestion is to consider going to some of the best karaoke bars, especially those with private booths or rooms where you can sing with your friends. However, if you're still nervous about singing, we have some additional tips to help you choose the right song for karaoke.
Pick Familiar Songs You Love
By choosing a song you know and love, you'll learn the lyrics and can focus on singing them well rather than remembering them or reading them from a screen. Songs you enjoy will make your performance more natural and engaging. The more familiar the track, the more relaxed you'll likely feel.
plays on Spotify since 2014.
Keep It Simple
We recommend picking easy karaoke songs with a steady melody and a short repetitive chorus. Don't look for tracks that require a wide vocal range or an outstanding voice. Pick something simple that'll keep the audience happy.
An easy karaoke song usually has a simple melody, repetitive lyrics, and a steady rhythm that doesn’t demand a huge vocal range. These tracks let you focus on having fun rather than worrying about hitting every note. For shy singers, it’s often better to go with familiar songs where the crowd will happily join in.
Let the Crowd Help
If you pick popular karaoke songs that work well as sing-alongs, the crowd will do most of the work for you and definitely carry you through the chorus. Let the room join in. Karaoke is supposed to be fun, not about being perfect.
Perform with Friends
Get by with a little help from your friends. A problem shared is a problem halved. Sing as a group or in a duet, especially if you know someone who'll make your performance more playful.
by 2032.
Don't Aim for Perfect Vocals
It's unlikely that you'll hit every note. Bring energy, fun, and a chance for the crowd to join in. Enjoy the moment, and it'll be over before you know it. Most popular songs are only around 3 minutes anyway.
Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond (1969)
Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline" is a staple for parties, weddings, sports, and karaoke. The sing-along hook has made it an absolute crowd-pleaser, especially in the top karaoke bars in Dublin. It's one of the most requested karaoke songs because it's "so good".
When you pick songs with famous choruses, the audience will often sing louder than you. Classics like “Sweet Caroline” or “Wonderwall” turn into group performances where you’re just leading the fun. That shared energy takes the pressure off and makes the experience less intimidating.
Wonderwall – Oasis (1995)
Oasis's biggest hit and the defining anthem of Britpop in the 90s, "Wonderwall" is instantly recognisable. Everybody seems to know the lyrics, and if you give it some Gallagher swagger, you'll get the crowd on board. By the chorus, the crowd will likely be louder than you, even if you've got the microphone.
Dancing Queen – ABBA (1976)
A hit that topped charts around the world. While there are plenty of top ABBA songs that make great karaoke choices, this one stands out with its upbeat disco vibe and joyful lyrics. The track is a guaranteed mood-lifter and one of those karaoke songs that can get shy singers going. Give it a go.
Let It Be – The Beatles (1970)
One of the songs from the final days of The Beatles, this is one of the world's most famous ballads. Built around simple piano chords and a hopeful message, it's a timeless classic. Its slow tempo makes it gentle and forgiving.
I’m Yours – Jason Mraz (2008)
This pop-reggae crossover hit from the late 2000s has a mellow melody and easygoing lyrics. It's a nice, relaxed choice for karaoke. Beginners can ease into singing without overexertion.
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (1967)
A great Motown duet. It was first recorded in the late 60s, but its inclusion on countless soundtracks made it a perennial crowd-pleaser. It's a great song if you're going to sing it as part of a duet, perhaps with a more confident partner or practise it at home with your own karaoke machine.
Shake It Off – Taylor Swift (2014)
"Shake It Off" marked Taylor Swift's complete transition from country music to pop music. This playful anthem about having fun is great for karaoke. Its bouncy rhythm is more about the performance than the singing.
Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen (2011)
One of the most viral pop songs of its time, this is a great sing-along hit. The hook and catchy melody made it an earworm. For karaoke, this is a fun, short, and instantly familiar option for younger audiences.
If you’re nervous about performing in front of strangers, private karaoke rooms (like those in Dublin or London KTV bars) are a great way to start. You only sing in front of your friends, which feels safer and more supportive. Once you gain confidence, you can try open mic-style karaoke nights in pubs or bars.
At the end of the day, karaoke is supposed to be fun. It's not a talent competition; it's about energy, sharing a song, and having a good laugh. Whether you choose a ballad, a pop anthem, or something else, it's a few minutes of fun.
| Song | Artist | Year | Genre | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweet Caroline | Neil Diamond | 1969 | Soft rock / pop | Easy | Group sing-alongs, shy beginners |
| Wonderwall | Oasis | 1995 | Britpop | Easy | Beginners, laid-back performance |
| Dancing Queen | ABBA | 1976 | Disco / pop | Easy | Women, groups, upbeat energy |
| Let It Be | The Beatles | 1970 | Pop rock / ballad | Easy | First-timers, calm singers |
| I’m Yours | Jason Mraz | 2008 | Pop / reggae-pop | Easy | Beginners, relaxed fun |
| Ain’t No Mountain High Enough | Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell | 1967 | Motown / soul | Easy | Duets, friends, couples |
| Shake It Off | Taylor Swift | 2014 | Pop | Easy | Girls’ nights, fun performances |
| Call Me Maybe | Carly Rae Jepsen | 2011 | Pop | Easy | Shy singers, modern crowd |
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
