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.
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“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…).