51 Best Karaoke Songs For Baritones

From the impossible lows of skilled bass singers to the screeching high of tenors, some things are just too hard for the average vocalist to pull off. And the most predominant male voice is baritone, a voice type that sits comfortably in between bass and tenor.

While that doesn’t make you “average,” it does mean you’ve got to pick your battles when it comes to choosing songs for karaoke.

In this guide, we look at the best karaoke songs for baritones.

“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley

Song Year: 1961

Okay, so we can’t see Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” lighting up the room on karaoke night. But is it a great song? Yes. Do listening audiences love Elvis? Yes. And can a baritone take this song on? Absolutely!

I suppose there’s always room for a few ballads at karaoke, and if you want to break up a string of upbeat rockers, this must just be the ticket. Maybe it will make the ladies swoon too.

“Kryptonite” by 3 Doors Down

Song Year: 2000

Early 2000s alt-rock was littered with tunes like 3 Doors Down’s “Kryptonite.” But if you were to pick just one song to represent the era, there’s a pretty good chance you’d land on this (mostly) three-chord wonder.

This song, which is sometimes mistakenly called “Superman,” is a crowd pleaser, and it should go over even with a drunken crowd. If you really wanted to ham it up, you could don a Superman costume while performing this number.

“Breakfast At Tiffany’s” by Deep Blue Something

Song Year: 1995

I feel like I bring this song up a lot and I don’t mean to harp on it. But for a baritone, Deep Blue Something’s “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” should prove very manageable. And for anyone who hasn’t even thought of giving this song a go, you may have found another tune to add to your repertoire!

For whatever reason, people always love this song, so it’s hard to go wrong here.

“Smooth” by Sanata ft. Rob Thomas

Song Year: 1999

I would have assumed Rob Thomas’ skillful vocals beyond reproach as a baritone. But I was proven wrong. While you might not be able to pull it off at his smooth level of mastery, the range is not too crazy.

Santana’s “Smooth” is Latin invasion at its finest, and it could even be argued that it came out at the height of his fame (though the same could probably be said of Rob Thomas, not that his status as an important musical figure is in question).

“3AM” by Matchbox Twenty

Song Year: 1996

The opening chords to Matchbox Twenty's “3AM” alone should send the karaoke crowd into a frenzy (though if it doesn’t, it could be that you’re singing to a very young crowd). It’s not the most upbeat song in the world, and it was very “vanilla” for the 90s, but this song is the prototype many other bands based their music on.

I am not saying it is the easiest song in the world to sing, but I have found it’s possible to adapt it to your needs.

“Brown Eye Girl” by Van Morrison

Song Year: 1967

Here’s another tune that’s sure to cause a stir from the opening notes. Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl” is one of the most recognizable tunes from his prolific 43-album catalog, and the point could be argued that it has among the most memorable guitar hooks of all time.

Morrison had some pipes on him, though nowadays he grunts and mumbles his way through songs, a style you could probably emulate, worst case scenario. Hey, the man is in his late 70s, after all.

“Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen

Song Year: 1984

Bruce Springsteen has more than a few hits to his name, but “Born in the U.S.A.” is clearly one of his most iconic.

I remember loving this synth-driven song as a kid for its catchy instrumentation but had no idea what it was about (and probably didn’t care)! Apparently, it is one of the most misunderstood songs in history, so that says a lot. But examine the verses closely, and you shall find. This song is about the Vietnam War.

“Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles

Song Year: 1969

Many Beatles songs, appropriately, fall into a comfortable range for baritones. Now, I could make some comment about “Here Comes The Sun” being important, or iconic, or legendary, but let’s face it – that accounts for most of The Beatles catalog! Their influence isn’t a topic for debate.

If the mood in the room needs a little lifting, give this cheery, sunny number a go.

“Ring Of Fire” by Johnny Cash

Song Year: 1963

Johnny Cash’s low, gravelly baritone might present a little challenge, depending on your range. But it’s hard to imagine a better song to bring the house down than with “Ring of Fire,” a song that was probably about marriage (hint: ring) and how it can transform a person.

For rowdy bar crowds, it’s honestly the perfect fit.

“My Way” by Frank Sinatra

Song Year: 1969

We don’t encourage any karaoke goers select certain songs without reading the room, but if it seems like a change of pace is in order, or if it’s “jazz” night at the bar, then Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” would be an appropriate selection.

Then again, “My Way” is very much an anthem for individualism that has been at the core of American culture for decades. So, don’t be surprised if the crowd starts singing along.

“All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles

Song Year: 1967

Here’s another Beatles selection that a baritone should find manageable – “All You Need Is Love.” It’s impossible to calculate the sheer number of songs or artists this song has ultimately influenced, especially the vocal and horns call and response this tune is known for.

The only thing you really need to sing this song competently is love (not really, but I thought I’d put that out there…).

“Hey Ya!” by Outkast

Song Year: 2003

One song that’s sure to raise the roof on the karaoke bar is Outkast’s minor key party anthem “Hey Ya!” You probably won’t even have to do most of the singing, as the crowd takes over.

While I think Outkast’s dancing to the song (in the music video) is over the top, he sells it. You’d better bring the same level of enthusiasm to the song if you plan to perform it at karaoke night.

“All For You” by Sister Hazel

Song Year: 1994

Barenaked Ladies. Blues Traveler. Sister Hazel. In the 90s, these and other bands seemed to share a lot in common in terms of their overall sound. This Sister Hazel hit, in fact, is sometimes mistaken for being a Barenaked Ladies song!

“All For You,” though, has a great chord progression and killer melody. People love this song, and it’s sure to set the tone at karaoke night too. I’m not promising you won’t have to utilize your falsetto to sing some of the higher notes, but most of the song should be manageable.

“Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond

Song Year: 1969

When it comes to famous vocal / horns call and response songs, the argument could be made that Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” is right up there with The Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love.” The song features a slow build, but man, watch the crowd go wild in the chorus!

In this case, it doesn’t really matter what or who Caroline is! Belt it out and have fun.

“Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf

Song Year: 1969

When it comes to karaoke night, you simply can’t do without a few rockers, and Steppenwolf’s late 60s highway motorcycle anthem “Born to Be Wild” certainly fits the bill!

Emulating Canadian guitarist and songwriter John Kay’s gravelly voice may prove a challenge, but if you bring your own flare to the tune, it should not go over like a lead balloon.

“Lean On Me” by Bill Withers

Song Year: 1972

Bill Withers’ “Lean On Me” may not be the singalong to end all singalongs, but let’s be real – it comes mighty close.

This early 70s soul number is considered one of the greatest songs of all time, and for good reason. Other artists never tire of covering it, radio stations never tire of giving it a spin, and audiences never tire of hearing it, even if it’s at karaoke night. It’s one of those.

“Yesterday” by The Beatles

Song Year: 1965

One of the most covered songs of all time, “Yesterday” was written by Paul McCartney, who apparently composed the melody in the dreams.

He honestly thought the song had already been written and was originally concerned he might have ripped someone off! History may have turned out very differently if McCartney hadn’t gone ahead and recorded it with the band after no one else had claimed it.

It’s a relatively mellow tune, to be fair, but baritones should be able to take it on.

“Viva La Vida” by Coldplay

Song Year: 2008

You could probably take your pick of Coldplay songs (if you’re mindful of vocalist Chris Martin’s falsetto), if you’re into them. Many Coldplay fans cite “Viva La Vida” as one of their favorites, but that’s probably the case with “Yellow” too.

I find the music video funny, because you can see the band dancing to a song that fundamentally does not rock, although that’s true of most if not all Coldplay songs. Hey, their enthusiasm still won over adoring fans, so it doesn’t matter much what I think.

“Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol

Song Year: 2006

Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars” was a big deal in the mid-2000s, when everyone in love affirmed, too, that they also wanted their partners to stop chasing cars, chill, and lay down with them, even if just for a moment.

While the song rocks about as much as Coldplay does, it might be okay as a karaoke mood changer?

“What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong

Song Year: 1967

As a show closer, there are few songs as apt as Louis Armstrong’s “What A Wonderful World.” Having gone on a roller-coaster ride of waking up when September ends and never leaving Hotel California, “What A Wonderful World” is the song that reminds us that, in the end, the world is a beautiful, wonderful place.

“Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus

Song Year: 2000

Okay, so large chunks of Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag” are very doable for baritones. But there is the wicked high falsetto trickery of singer Brendan B. Brown (or BBB to fans) in the bridge, so you might want to watch out for that. You could ask a female friend to cover it if you want.

While this song reflects Brown’s honest angsty, lonesome feelings on school and life in general, most of us remember it as a fun ode to Iron Maiden and being a 90s loser (which is very different from being a “loser” today, really – do the kids even use that word anymore?).

“It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi

Song Year: 2000

Bon Jovi songs often have the appearances of being very difficult to sing. And probably one of the reasons for that is because they emerged out of the glam metal scene of the 80s, with big hair, big guitars, and big vocals.

Not to say that “It’s My Life” will present no challenge whatsoever to the average baritone, but on the balance, it’s probably not as hard as you might think. As with any song, though, it’s well worth practicing before you attempt to bust it out on karaoke night.

“It’s My Life” echoes the sentiments of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” and is an all-out anthem.

“Piano Man” by Billy Joel

Song Year: 1973

Sing us a song, man.

When you’re all out of ideas, turn to Billy Joel’s “Piano Man.” It will please the crowd mightily.

“Hurt” by Johnny Cash

Song Year: 2002

Originally by Nine Inch Nails, Johnny Cash made “Hurt” his own, to the point where the song reached a much wider audience than it might have otherwise. Kind of like Jimi Hendrix’ re-imagining of Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower.”

“Hurt” is a little depressing, and it can hardly be called a karaoke “banger,” but at least it’s not too hard to sing. Cash himself never had a huge range, but at this point in his career his voice was seemingly becoming a little more limited too.

“(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” by Bryan Adams

Song Year: 1981

Bryan Adams songs can present a bit of a challenge for a baritone, but the power balladry of “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” is much tamer than his usual antics. So, if you typically struggle with songs like “Summer of ’69” or “Run to You,” this one might prove a little easier.

Too bad it’s not a rocker, but hey, it is Bryan Adams.

“Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton

Song Year: 1977

Some people don’t really think of Clapton as a good singer. We’re not sure where that opinion comes from. He may have started out as a rocker in Cream, but since then he’s aged like a fine wine, continually refining his musicianship, not just as a guitarist, but also as a vocalist. You can tell the man takes it all very seriously.

“Wonderful Tonight” is one of his slower tunes, and you can certainly get away with singing it softly, so at least in that sense it’s well suited to a baritone. Just don’t expect the song to bring the house down.

“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli

Song Year: 1967

Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” may be remembered best as a romantic ballad, but in its own way, it kind of rocks too. Those big horns in the chorus, specifically, push the song to new dimensions.

This song is sometimes forgotten among the many late 60s tunes that set a precedent for things to come (hard to believe Jimi Hendrix came out with his first album the same year), but “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is legitimately good.

“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen

Song Year: 1984

Leonard Cohen will probably always be remembered more for his abilities as a songwriter than anything else. Many of songs followed a template. But there is something to be said for formula, especially when you turn to the example of a band like AC/DC. When you write to a formula, inevitably, some songs stand out over others.

“Hallelujah” is one of Cohen’s towering accomplishments and believe me when I say it still permeates open mics and karaoke bars today. The cover versions are a little tired by now, but you can’t go wrong here.

“The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis and the News

Song Year: 1985

Now here’s a rocker that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser at karaoke night. Huey Lewis and the News’ “The Power of Love” was the theme song of one of the best all-time movies, Back to the Future, and it’s a pop rock masterpiece besides.

The fact that a baritone can sing it? Well, that’s just a bonus.

“You’ll Be In My Heart” by Phil Collins

Song Year: 1999

You’ve got to be a little careful with Phil Collins songs as a baritone, because he is considered one of the best male vocalists of all time, with a near three and a half octave range. The melody to “You’ll Be In My Heart,” though, is in a very manageable range.

“Kiss From A Rose” by Seal

Song Year: 1994

The chord progression to Seal’s “Kiss From A Rose” kind of plays tricks on you, because it sounds a little exotic. To achieve this effect, they’ve basically replaced a minor chord with a major chord. In music theory, that’s called modal interchange.

Technical details aside, Seal apparently didn’t care for the song all that much. But people love it. What a crazy world it would be if the song ended up on the chopping block.

“Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers

Song Year: 1971

Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” isn’t going to get the party going, but it should still be received well at karaoke night. Most people can relate to being estranged from a loved one or not feeling like themselves when they’re missing that special someone.

“Your Song” by Elton John

Song Year: 1970

Many Elton John songs are far from being the easiest to sing, but “Your Song” just so happens to sit comfortably in a range that baritones should be able to handle.

I feel like I’m repeating myself here in that as with several other songs in this guide “Your Song” is not a party rocking anthem, but it still stands as one of the greatest ballads of all time.

“Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster The People

Song Year: 2011

Forster The People’s “Pumped Up Kicks” is deceptive in that it sounds like an otherwise ordinary catchy, happy pop song, but the lyrics are primarily about fleeing from violence.

As a karaoke tune, though, it has the potential to get the crowd going.

“You’re Beautiful” by James Blunt

Song Year: 2004

If you’re in a sappy, romantic mood, and don’t mind risking a few eyerolls and cringes, there’s no law against going up to sing James Blunt’s “You’re Beautiful” to your girlfriend on karaoke night. Besides, it’s very singable for a baritone.

“Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman

Song Year: 1988

Everyone feels like getting away from it all every now and again. And Tracy Chapman’s late 80s folky escapism of “Fast Car” captures this feeling well. Musically, it feels like it was foreshadowing things to come in 90s pop music.

While it’s not a barnburner, the song is well loved, and is sure to win over the karaoke going crowd.

“Something Just Like This” by The Chainsmokers & Coldplay

Song Year: 2017

Okay, this one might stretch you a bit. Not even Coldplay singer Chris Martin can pull it off without wavering or straining a bit, though, so if he can get away with it… you probably can too. It would be advisable to have a certain level of command over your falsetto, mind you.

As for the music, it’s quite brilliant, so far as pop / electronic music goes. The song is full of emotive hooks that grip you and won’t let go.

“Sweet Baby James” by James Taylor

Song Year: 1970

“Sweet Baby James” shows off legendary songwriter James Taylor’s ability to write memorable hooks. Short and sweet, the song is relatively easy to sing.

“The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel

Song Year: 1965

“The Sound of Silence” is easily Simon & Garfunkel’s most recognizable. While the song opens on a somber note, it gradually picks up as it progresses. This would be a fun one to tackle with a friend and sing it as a duet.

“Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Song Year: 1974

You don’t need to be in Alabama to appreciate the classic sounds of “Sweet Home Alabama,” one of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s most recognizable.

“Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” by Bob Dylan

Song Year: 1963

Let’s face it. When it comes to Bob Dylan songs, you can get away with a lot. Dylan certainly did. Known best for his ability to write amazing songs, Dylan would eventually come to be known better for mumbling his way through his brilliantly written lyrics on stage.

“Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” is quite possibly his most heart wrenching, but it’s got both lyrical and musical hooks that stick with you.

“Mr. Jones” by Counting Crows

Song Year: 1993

Imagine yourself sitting alone at the bar, with nothing but an alcoholic beverage to keep you company, and you’ve captured the essence of the Counting Crows’ “Mr. Jones.” That’s exactly what makes this early 90s alternative folk-rock number perfect for karaoke night.

“Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds

Song Year: 1985

Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” is certainly a product of its time, but it still holds up as a great song today. The vocals are also in a very comfortable range.

“All To Myself” by Marianas Trench

Song Year: 2018

Marianas Trench vocalist Josh Ramsay isn’t the easiest to emulate, but if you’d like to challenge yourself with an energetic pop punk rocker, you should try your hand at “All To Myself.” Make sure you’ve got some command over your falsetto, though, or you might struggle with the chorus.

“Save Tonight” by Eagle-Eye Cherry

Song Year: 1998

This four-chord wonder struck a chord with a listening audience in the late 90s. No surprise, it had a template to follow!

It may seem like an easy song to sing, and in many ways, it is. Just don’t run out of breath, because this song is very vocal heavy, and some notes might be a little higher than you think they are.

“Rock And Roll All Nite” by KISS

Song Year: 1975

KISS’ “Rock And Roll All Nite” was the ultimate party rock anthem of the mid-70s, and in many ways, it was foreshadowing things to come in the late 70s and all through the 80s.

If Gene Simmons can sing it, you can sing it. But this is also one of those songs where you can be about as sloppy as you want to be. It’s all about the gang vocals.

“Work It Out” by Def Leppard

Song Year: 1996

Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott has a vocal style that’s not easily copied, but occasionally he sings songs where the melody isn’t all over the map.

“Work It Out” may be a little off the beaten path in Def Leppard’s catalog, but it is a great song, and the melody is singable even as a baritone.

“Get To You” by Dan Reed Network

Song Year: 1988

Dan Reed Network never quite broke it into mainstream, but they came very close. Writing lyrics was never their strong suit, but making adrenaline pumping energetic funk metal was their forte, and “Get To You” showcases everything that made the band a force to reckon with.

Reed’s nasally, throaty vocal style is well within reach for a baritone (although I can’t promise no falsetto), which might be an exciting proposition for anyone looking to rock the party.

“Steppin’ Out” by Joe Jackson

Song Year: 1982

This early 80s hit hints at a very different era, one that was more innocent and fun. The lyrics are primarily about having a night out, but they are at a genius level compared to today’s pop music.

There are some slightly higher notes in Joe Jackson’s “Steppin’ Out,” and there are some big intervallic jumps in the melody too, so if you aren’t comfortable with that, you might want to give this one a skip. With practice, though, you can probably learn to sing it.

“Shine” by Collective Soul

Song Year: 1993

If you’re trying to find a song with a little more of a rocking edge to it, I would recommend this, Collective Soul’s “Shine,” or possibly some of their other tunes like “Gel” or “Where The River Flows.”

“Shine” is what propelled the band (or, at the time singer-songwriter Ed Roland’s solo project) into the mainstream, and quickly became emblematic of the band’s musical style. The pre-chorus “Yeah” calls are sure to be a hit at karaoke.

“Closing Time” by Semisonic

Song Year: 1998

I don’t know if it’s possible to sing Semisonic’s “Closing Time” unironically anymore, but it’s still a very popular karaoke / open mic / cover band tune.

Just don’t underestimate the range. You will probably find yourself tending towards your falsetto in the chorus, so this one isn’t quite as easy as it may seem. Still a good challenge though.

Karaoke Songs For Baritones, Final Thoughts

We hope you found plenty of new songs to try at karaoke night. If you want to give a killer performance, though, you’re going to have to do what the pros do – practice, practice, practice! At the end of the day, though, it’s all about having fun, so get out there and have a blast!