101 Best Karaoke Songs Ever

“A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton

Song Year: 2002

We had “500 Miles,” and now it’s time to double it and create the equally amazing karaoke song “A Thousand Miles.”

We have no idea what makes songs about traveling numerous miles so appealing, but we’re all here for it. Just as long as they’re fun to sing, they can release as many as they want.

“Africa” by Toto

Song Year: 1982

Sing it alone, or sing it in a group; it matters not, for “Africa” is a versatile karaoke tune with a bit of oomph to it. You can try to forget about it, but once it comes on, the nostalgia will come flowing back like the rains in Africa.

“Closing Time” by Semisonic

Song Year: 1998

The most fitting time to bring out this classic British rock track is – you guessed it – at the end of the night when you’re ready to wrap things up. Cmon, it’s literally perfect for that!

When “Closing Time” comes on, get ready to wrap your arms around each other’s shoulders and start drunkenly swaying back and forth during slovenly singing along. This is the ONLY way to do this song.

“Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey

Song Year: 1981

The only exception to not ending off the night with “Closing Time” is by ending it with “Don’t Stop Believing.” 

In all seriousness, Journey’s all-time classic is an excellent karaoke sing-along and makes for a great time regardless of singing ability. After all, there’s nothing more inspiring than getting together with your companions for an all-out, shameless re-singing of this timeless song.

“Life Is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts

Song Year: 2006

People will say they don’t like country music but then proceed to blow their chops out when this banger starts playing on the speakers.

Well, who could blame them? It’s not really fair, considering that the track is so fun to do on a karaoke night, that it’s not a contest of “IF we’ll sing it,” but rather “WHEN we’ll sing it.”

“You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift

Song Year: 2008

Honestly, pretty much all of Taylor Swift’s songs are karaoke worthy, but as we said before, there can only be one. And that one is “You Belong With Me,” no questions asked.

For real, though, this song BELONGS on your karaoke playlist, and if you say otherwise, then that’s alright. We’ll just write a breakup song about you.

“Mr. Brightside” by The Killers

Song Year: 2004

The song’s lyrics are kind of bittersweet, but the energy is high, and the singability is nigh from perfection.

There’s a quote about this song, and it’s that “nobody takes the time to learn the lyrics to this song. They are born with them already ingrained in their head.”

It’s probably a case of genetic learning or something like that.

“What’s Up” by 4 Non-Blondes

Song Year: 1993

The ’90s was a time of countless one-hit wonders, one of the best being “What’s Up” by 4 Non-Blondes.

In this song, there’s 0% nudity, subjective themes, cursing, or violence, and a 100% composition of “HEYS” and “YEAHS” echoing throughout the room like there’s no tomorrow.

You can try to reach the high energy levels of the original singer, but your efforts will likely be futile.

“Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen

Song Year: 2012

Funnily enough, the phantom of this song is still going strong a whole decade later. You may have loved it in its prime or despised it as much as “Gangnam Style” for oversaturating the music industry, but there’s one undeniable truth: this song was, and will continue to be, a top-tier karaoke song.

People may “ugh” and sigh when they see “Call Me Maybe” in the queue, but it’s those folks who sing the loudest when it actually comes on.

“Sugar We’re Goin’ Down Swinging” by Fall Out Boy

Song Year: 2005

New Fall Out Boy is great, but nothing can compare to the old sound of the band that defined its genre and kept rock going strong into the 2000s.

As for the karaoke-ability of “Sugar We’re Goin’ Down Swinging,” it gets an astounding 10/10.

The energy? Unparalleled. Lyrics? Bloody brilliant. Guitars? BANGING. Trust us: you’ll want to include this rock anthem at your next karaoke gathering.

“Take On Me” by A-ha

Song Year: 1985

“Take On Me” might have been perceived as a catchy pop song that was a huge commercial success and nothing more. However, its acoustic version performed by the band in 2017 opened many people’s eyes to how deep the lyrics actually are.

The best thing is that you can choose between the youthful and playful original or the more somber, mature version that reflects on life and invites introspection.

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

Song Year: 1967

“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” is the perfect song to duet if you’ve got a buddy or lover willing to indulge you. Even if you don’t have anyone to back you up, you can still tackle this track by yourself; though, it’s admittedly way better with a friend.

“Dancing Queen” by ABBA

Song Year: 1976

Whether you’re a fan of the OG release or rallied behind the popular musical that featured a variety of ABBA songs, Mamma Mia!, “Dancing Queen,” is an absolute pleasure to take the floor over with.

Not only is it satisfying to sing, but it always seems to make everyone feel good for a while after.