The 35 Best Karaoke Songs Of All Time – Duets & Solos

Prepare For Your Next Night Out With The Rocks Off Guide To The Best Karaoke Songs.

No matter where you are in the world, Karaoke remains one of the most popular activities for people in bars, at weddings, and in some places, dedicated karaoke bars.

With the world of music at your fingertips, it’s hard to know which songs to choose when you grab the mic, so we’ve scoured the bars, gatecrashed weddings, and surveyed the team here at Rocks Off to bring you the ultimate list of the best karaoke songs to get the room singing at your next karaoke night.

From classic rock anthems, to pop hits that will stretch your vocal range, we’ve got you covered. So without further ado, and in no particular order, here is our guide to the absolute best karaoke songs of all time.

All The Songs You Need For Your Next Karaoke Night

1. Abba – “Dancing Queen”

We’re starting off with the disco classic “Dancing Queen” by Swedish group ABBA. This one is guaranteed to get the crowd singing along.

• Album: Arrival
• Year: 1976
• Billboard Hot 100: No.1

2. Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper -“Shallow”

You’ll want a partner in crime to help with this one. It’s a bit more contemporary but you can’t ignore the harmonious duets in this track from the popular film, “A Star Is Born.” Find someone you have some chemistry with and let it show.

• Album: A Star Is Born (Soundtrack)
• Year: 2018
• Billboard Hot 100: No. 5

3. Dolly Parton – “Jolene”

Who doesn’t love Dolly Parton? With an extensive catalog of hits, it’s hard to go past the classic “Jolene”. With passionate lyrics, and a theme that many can relate to, this song ticks all the boxes for a karaoke night.

• Album: Jolene
• Year: 1973
• Billboard Hot 100: No. 1 (Country Songs)

4. Billy Joel – “Uptown Girl”

You could pick pretty much any Billy Joel song and be guaranteed a karaoke hit. But for us, it has to be “Uptown Girl”. The perfect amount of cheese and a pace that isn’t difficult to keep up with. You’ll have the crowd joining in on the chorus in no time, even if they only know the Backstreet Boys version.

• Album: An Innocent Man
• Year: 1983
• Billboard Hot 100: No. 3

5. Elton John and Kiki Dee- “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”

Probably the most popular karaoke duet of all time, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” by Elton John and Kiki Dee is a sure-fire hit. Best of all, it features a relatively narrow vocal range, so it won’t tax your amateur singing abilities. Throw on your best purple sunglasses and channel your inner Elton.

• Album: Released as a single
• Year: 1976
• Billboard Hot 100: No.2

6. Whitney Houston – “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)”

Whitney Houston is another artist whose songs seem to be made just for Karaoke. In our opinion, her 80’s smash hit, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” never fails to get the audience out of their seats and onto the dancefloor.

• Album: Whitney
• Year: 1987
• Billboard Hot 100: No.1

7. David Bowie and Queen- “Under Pressure”

Featuring two of the musical world’s greatest acts, “Under Pressure” differs from most duets as both parts are sung by men. Freddy Mercury’s incredible voice mixes perfectly with the unique vocals of David Bowie and produces something special. Just don’t get confused by the bass line and start singing “Ice, Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice.

• Album: Hot Space
• Year: 1982
• Billboard Hot 100: No.29

8. Elvis Presley – “Suspicious Minds”

It’s not a Karaoke night without someone singing Elvis. “Suspicious Minds” is a song that is best sung loudly, which makes it perfect for the late-night Karaoke Bar. Despite it being a cover we think it’s some of the King’s best work.

• Album: Released as a single.
• Year: 1969
• Billboard Hot 100: No.1

9. Amy Winehouse – “Rehab”

A Karaoke song from the modern era, “Rehab” by Amy Winehouse launches straight into the chorus with no delay. Don’t worry about trying to match her unique voice, just sing it with some passion and the crowd will love it.

• Album: Back To Black
• Year: 2006
• Billboard Hot 100: No.23

10. Neil Diamond – “Sweet Caroline”

“Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond features on so many Spotify playlists that it’s actually banned from playing in the Rocks Off office. That doesn’t mean it’s not one of the better Karaoke songs though. Mainly because it’s just so fun to perform.

• Album: Released as a single
• Year: 1969
• Billboard Hot 100: No.4

11. The Beatles – “Hey Jude”

It was a coin toss to decide between “Hey Jude” and “Come Together” by the legendary Beatles. Even though it’s on the slow side when it comes to karaoke songs, we’re yet to encounter a crowd that doesn’t like belting out “Na, na, na, na-na-na, na, Na-na-na, na, hey Jude”.

• Album: Released as a single
• Year: 1968
• Billboard Hot 100: No.1

12. Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder – “Ebony and Ivory”

When two of the biggest stars in music come together to create a song, there is no chance it wouldn’t be a winner. Grab your best karaoke pal, sit side by side on the piano, and sing your heart out!

• Album: Tug Of War
• Year: 1982
• Billboard Hot 100: No.1

13. Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody”

You couldn’t have a list of the best karaoke songs without the classic “Bohemian Rhapsody” from Queen. No one can sing like Freddy Mercury, though that doesn’t mean you can’t have a ball trying. One of the more fun songs to sing as it blends between pop, rock, and opera. Good luck with the high notes!

• Album: A Night At The Opera
• Year: 1975
• Billboard Hot 100: No.9

14. The B52s – “Love Shack”

Another crowd-pleaser that’s rollicking fun to sing, “Love Shack” doesn’t need you to have the best singing voice, and is guaranteed to get crowd engagement. Even though we picked this one, you could probably go with “Rock Lobster” and do just as well.

• Album: Cosmic Thing
• Year: 1989
• Billboard Hot 100: No.3

15. Bruce Springsteen – “Born To Run”

An American anthem that is a sure-fire hit, “Born To Run” will is as fun to sing now as it was when it was released almost 50 years ago. The first charting hit for The Boss, we can thank this song for kickstarting Springsteen’s career and giving us hits such as “Born In The USA” and “Dancing In The Dark”.

• Album: Born To Run
• Year: 1975
• Billboard Hot 100: No.3

16. Lynyrd Skynyrd – “Sweet Home Alabama”

Hailing from Florida, and singing about Alabama, Lynyrd Skynyrd hit it out of the ballpark with “Sweet Home Alabama. From the opening guitar riff, the crowd will know they are in for a treat. Give the middle finger to Neil Young and belt it out like you’re on stage with them at the Oakland Coliseum.

• Album: Second Helping
• Year: 1974
• Billboard Hot 100: No.8

17. Billy Joel – “Piano Man”

We couldn’t resist another Billy Joel song. “Piano Man” is welcome in any karaoke bar around the world. You don’t need to be a good singer, and having a piano is optional. From the moment you open, you’ll have the bar echoing back at you. It’s 5 o’clock on a Saturday somewhere in the world right?

• Album: Piano Man
• Year: 1973
• Billboard Hot 100: No.25

18. The Bee Gees – “Stayin’ Alive”

While it never set the charts on fire, it’s still an iconic song that everyone knows (most of) the lyrics to. Good luck hitting Barry Gibb’s ridiculous high notes with this one. Best performed with a group of friends, even if you fail, you’ll have fun doing it.

• Album: Saturday Night Fever (Motion Picture Soundtrack)
• Year: 1977
• Billboard Hot 100: No.62

19. Gloria Gaynor – “I Will Survive”

If you’ve ever had a bad breakup, you’ll relate to this song from Gloria Gaynor. Another hit that doesn’t require a lot of talent to perform well, and you’ll get bonus points for nailing the dance moves. Find strength in challenges and put your soul into it.

• Album: Love Tracks
• Year: 1978
• Billboard Hot 100: No.1

20. Marvin Gaye – “Sexual Healing”

Turn up the sultry knob with this one. Considered to be one of the sexiest songs ever recorded “Sexual Healing” is Marvin Gaye’s most popular, and most successful song. You may not have his voice, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying this staple of late-night playlists.

• Album: Midnight Love
• Year: 1982
• Billboard Hot 100: No.60

21. Frank Sinatra – “Come Fly With Me”

This classic from crooner Frank Sinatra will please the older crowd. His smooth voice, and easy to sing along with melody, ensure “Come Fly With Me” earns its place on the list of best karaoke songs.

• Album: Come Fly With Me
• Year: 1978
• Billboard Hot 100: n/a

22. Diana Ross – “I’m Coming Out”

Another Disco Diva who is often mentioned in the same breath as Gloria Gaynor, Diana Ross provides this soundtrack to the 80s. Originally written by Nile Rodgers who got the inspiration after seeing several drag queens dressed as Diana Ross in a club.

• Album: Diana
• Year: 1980
• Billboard Hot 100: No.5

23. Beastie Boys – “(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)”

A Hip Hop track that is easy to sing with no complicated pronunciation, “Fight For Your Right” is a fun-filled middle finger to authority. Our advice? Take some friends up on stage with you. It’s better sung (or shouted) in a group.

• Album: Licensed To Ill
• Year: 1986
• Billboard Hot 100: No.7

24. Journey – “Don’t Stop Believin”

Who could leave Journey off their list of best karaoke songs? It’s a certified classic that people have been singing along to since its release in 1981. Sometimes you just feel like a small-town girl, living in a lonely world.

• Album: Escape
• Year: 1981
• Billboard Hot 100: No.9

25. Devo – “Whip It”

A lighthearted track that everybody loves, and knows the chorus to, “Whip It” by Devo is a new-wave, synth-pop icon. Take your red plastic hats, find a whip, and have some fun with it.

• Album: Freedom Of Choice
• Year: 1980
• Billboard Hot 100: No.14

26. Cyndi Lauper – “Girls Just Want To Have Fun

This one is for the ladies. A list of the best karaoke songs wouldn’t be complete without this tune from Cyndi Lauper. Girls just want to have fun, and karaoke is meant to be fun. So don’t take yourself too seriously, grab the mic and enjoy yourself.

• Album: She’s So Unusual
• Year: 1983
• Billboard Hot 100: No.2

27. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell – “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”

Another classic duet, featuring the smooth sounds of Marvin Gaye, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” is a love song for the ages. It has persevered through the generations and is hands down one of the best songs for a couple to sing, it’s another one that the audience will join in on.

• Album: Released as a single
• Year: 1967
• Billboard Hot 100: No.19

28. Wham – “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”

A real crowd-pleaser anywhere it gets played. George Michael is in peak energy mode here and it shows. It’s unashamedly cheesy but all the better for it. So go on, don’t leave me hanging on like a yoyo.

• Album: Released as a single
• Year: 1984
• Billboard Hot 100: No.1

29. Guns ‘N’ Roses – “Sweet Child Of Mine”

Oh boy, if we had a dollar for the number of times we have broken our vocal cords while struggling to hit Axl Rose‘s falsetto screech in this song. This song was the only number one hit in America for Guns N Roses and it’s still as popular as ever.

• Album: Appetite For Destruction
• Year: 1988
• Billboard Hot 100: No.1

30. Toto – “Africa”

You can sing this song without knowing what it means, and that’s a good thing, we’re not sure anybody knows what they’re talking about in this one. Thankfully no one seems to care and will join you for the chorus every time.

• Album: Toto IV
• Year: 1982
• Billboard Hot 100: No.1

31. Tears For Fears – “Everbody Wants To Rule The World”

Who doesn’t want to rule the world? While we would love to, we’ll settle for ruling the karaoke bar. This easy to sing number from Tears For Fears is perfect for just that. Slow and melodic, it doesn’t take any great talent to perform at least half-decently. Mullets are optional.

• Album: Songs From The Big Chair
• Year: 1985
• Billboard Hot 100. No.1

32. The Rolling Stones – “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”

Starting off with what could be the three most famous notes in rock and roll, Keith Richards sets the stage for the song that gave the Stones their first US number one hit. Legend has it that Richards came up with the riff while asleep in a Florida motel, it was recorded and released within a month, and the rest is rock and roll history.

• Album: Out Of Our Heads
• Year: 1965
• Billboard Hot 100: No.1

33. The Weather Girls – “It’s Raining Men”

Another one for the ladies (or the men who lean that way). “It’s Raining Men” is definitely a party starter. A classic club anthem that still gets people on their feet. This list wouldn’t be complete without it.

• Album: Success
• Year: 1983
• Billboard Hot 100: No.1 (Dance/Club)

34. Joan Jett – “I Love Rock n Roll”

There are not many ways to describe this one other than iconic. It’s been a staple on jukeboxes and in karaoke bars since it was released, and its popularity hasn’t waned. Sing it by yourself, or sing it with a friend. Just sing it loud.

• Album: Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
• Year: 1981
• Billboard Hot 100: No.2

35. Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers – “Islands In The Stream”

Finishing off with a karaoke duet classic, “Islands In The Stream” was actually written by the Bee Gees. It’s a safe bet that you can’t go wrong with, guaranteed everybody will be joining in on the chorus with you. Get a friend, channel your inner Dolly and Kenny and line dance your way across the stage.

• Album: Eyes That See In The Dark
• Year: 1983
• Billboard Hot 100: No.1

There you have it, the 35 best karaoke songs of all time. According to us. Any of these hits will be sure to put a smile on your face and get the audience involved. And that’s what karaoke is about, having fun. So make sure you don’t take yourself too seriously and just have fun.

Let us know if you think we’ve missed any.

Articles You Might Like

• Musicians Of The 80s You Must Know.
• Our Pick Of The Best 70’s Songs
• Classic Rock Albums – Chosen By Musicians