51 Best Karaoke Songs For Baritones

“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.