People spend their whole lives searching for their one true karaoke song— the one you know you can knock out of the park. It should be familiar, easy enough to sing, and guaranteed to get a reaction from your audience (or at the very least, no adverse reaction). Any quick search for good karaoke songs usually points you straight to “Sweet Caroline," “Don’t Stop Believing,” or “Sweet Home Alabama.” All classics; All totally acceptable choices. But if someone’s already claimed your go-to, you don’t want to be left desperately scrolling through Spotify trying to find something in your vocal range, short enough to avoid awkward silences, and most importantly, fun to sing. 

As freeing as it can be to release your inhibitions and perform, karaoke can also be nerve-wracking. You never know when a spontaneous karaoke night might arise, so it helps to have a couple of bangers in your back pocket. If being on stage makes you nervous but you still want to join in, opt for a crowd-pleaser or a duet; those will be the songs designed to get everyone singing along. Because let’s be honest: if you don’t perform at karaoke night, how can you ever expect to be taken seriously? 

Whether you’re in a booth or a bar, flying solo or performing with a friend, here are ten karaoke picks that’ll make you feel like a rockstar (for 3.5 to 4 minutes). 

“Teenage Dirtbag” - Wheatus 

Best done with a friend, this song is a certified crowd favorite. Wheatus’ 1999 hit is goofy, nostalgic, and instantly recognizable. Despite the high notes, the vocals are oddly easy to imitate. Lead singer Brendan B. Brown has said the song was inspired by the satanic stabbing of a kid in his childhood neighborhood. The murderer wore an AC/DC shirt, which led the small seaside community to vilify anyone who listened to the band. “Teenage Dirtbag” came out of that experience. It first gained traction overseas before becoming a beloved alt-anthem in the U.S. The highlight of any performance? That unhinged falsetto on “I’ve got two tickets to Iron Maiden baby…” 

"Pepper"- Butthole Surfers

This one breaks the four-minute rule, but it earns a rightful spot nonetheless. “Pepper” requires almost no singing—just spoken word verses over a hypnotic, low-slung groove. With its steady rhythm, laid-back pacing, and deadpan delivery, it's perfect for someone who wants to channel a little grunge-era weirdness and just vibe out rather than belt. 

“Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” - Cage the Elephant 

Cage the Elephant's lead singer Matt Shultz wrote this song after a conversation with a drug-dealing co-worker. It explores how people justify morally gray actions as survival. The vocal delivery sits somewhere between speaking and rapping, making it easy to follow. The verses are narrative-driven and repetitive enough to keep you grounded with no awkward instrumental gaps. It’s laid-back, catchy, and just gritty enough to add some cool factor. 

“Where is My Mind?” - Pixies 

Eerie, hypnotic, and instantly recognizable, “Where is My Mind?” is one of those songs that quiets the room in the best way. Its dreamy pacing and minimal vocals make it super accessible, even if you’re not a confident singer. The song carries an inherently nostalgic weight, thanks partly to its cult status from Fight Club, and the 'ooh's in the chorus which practically beg for a sing-along. It’s perfect for a late-night karaoke moment when you want something off-kilter but still deeply familiar. 

“What's up” - 4 Non Blondes 

While this powerful ballad might not be the easiest to sing, it is fun. Raw and full of emotion, it’s a guaranteed crowd sing-along—or at the very least, a swaying back-and-forth moment. If you’re looking for a true rockstar performance with some cathartic yelling built in, this one delivers. 

“Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit of...)” - Lou Bega 

Pure fun, from start to finish, “Mambo No. 5” is easy to sing, easy to groove to, and always draws out a few surprise super fans in the audience. Its main riff was sampled from Dámaso Pérez Prado’s 1949 Mambo instrumental of the same name, giving the song its timeless, brassy bounce. It’s the perfect mix of kitsch and crowd-pleasing charm.

“Piece of My Heart” - Big Brother and the Holding Company  

For when you want to bring the drama, Janis Joplin’s iconic version of “Piece of My Heart” is famous for a reason—it’s gritty, emotional, and packed with opportunities to go off. If the powerhouse vocals feel intimidating, bring some friends up with you to give your voice some confidence. Whether you channel Janis, or bring your own twist, the song’s dramatic shifts make it a go-big-or-go-home kind of track. 

“Islands in the Stream” - Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers 

Smooth, romantic, and undeniably catchy, “Islands in the Stream” is karaoke gold for duos who want to channel some vintage charm. The back-and-forth vocals make it feel like a true duet and give both singers a chance to shine as they trade verses and come together in harmony for the unforgettable chorus. Not to mention, the soft pop-country groove is easy to sing along to—even a few drinks in. Whether you’re going for sweet sincerity or full-on camp, this song delivers pure joy. 

“Jackson” - Johnny Cash and June Carter 

If you’ve got a willing partner and are looking to bring a little sass to karaoke night, Johnny and June Carter Cash’s “Jackson” is a perfect pick. With its cheeky lyrics and fun country twang, you can belt it out without taking yourself too seriously. The alternating lines and energetic pace keep things fun, and it's a great way to tap into some old-school outlaw energy— cowboy boots optional. 

"Down Under" - Men at Work 

This ’80s pop hit is fun, weird, and wildly danceable, with the song’s reggae beat and undeniably catchy flute melody making it impossible not to groove to. Though the band caught heat (and legal ramifications) for allegedly borrowing from a children’s folk tune, the song has remained a beloved cultural anthem, especially in Australia. It’s the perfect mix of catchy and quirky, and it’ll definitely earn you some “I forgot how much I love this song!” reactions. 

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Find all of the songs from this article in the playlist below: