The Top 10 Karaoke Songs of All Time To Rock The Mic

Karaoke is always a fun and lively way to spend time with friends and family. The right song choice can make you shine like a star. We have compiled the top 10 karaoke songs of all time to help you pick crowd-pleasing karaoke hits. These are go-to karaoke classics guaranteed to get everyone singing along. Our list includes the most popular top 10 karaoke songs of all time for both males and females. So grab that mic and get ready to rock out to these all-time karaoke greats.

Which Country is Karaoke Originating From?

Karaoke originated in Japan in the 1970s. It was invented by a Japanese musician named Daisuke Inoue who created a machine that allowed vocal tracks to be removed from songs so that others could sing along. The word karaoke comes from the Japanese words for empty and orchestra. Karaoke first became popular in Japan but soon spread around the world as a form of entertainment.

When Did Karaoke Become Most Popular and In Which Country?

Karaoke became most popular worldwide in the 1980s and 1990s. It started spreading beyond Japan in the '80s especially through Filipino and Korean communities. But karaoke did not gain mass mainstream popularity in Western countries until the 1990s. It was in this decade that it became a widespread cultural phenomenon and popular leisure activity in countries like the United States, Canada and the UK. The accessibility of home karaoke machines and karaoke bars for the public helped launch its popularity. Now karaoke is enjoyed globally as a fun interactive form of entertainment.

Top 10 Karaoke Songs For Male

Below is a table with top 10 Karaoke songs for males

1 - Bohemian Rhapsody (1975)

• Artist(s): Queen
• Album: A Night at the Opera
• Release Date: October 31, 1975
• Genre: Progressive rock
• Songwriter(s): Freddie Mercury

Queen's theatrical 6-minute 1975 masterpiece Bohemian Rhapsody encompasses everything from balladry to opera to hard rock. With its unpredictable composition and instantly recognizable lyrics, the operatic rock epic became Queen's signature song. Freddie Mercury's virtuosic vocals span a range of personalities, emotions, and vocal styles, taking listeners on a melodic journey. Known for its singalong Galileo sections, Bohemian Rhapsody remains one of the most ambitious and beloved karaoke classics.

2 - Bye Bye Bye (2000)

• Artist(s): NSYNC
• Album: No Strings Attached
• Release Date: March 21, 2000
• Genre: Pop
• Songwriter(s): Kristian Lundin, Jake Schulze, Andreas Carlsson

NSYNC smash hit Bye Bye Bye epitomized the boy band catchy dance-pop formula. The upbeat breakup anthem produced by the Swedish hitmaker team Cheiron Studios features bouncy rhythms, infectious vocal hooks and a highly energetic chorus. Its lyrics bid farewell to a doomed relationship but the cheerful and propulsive delivery gives Bye Bye Bye an anthemic party vibe. The song pop polish and syncopated choreo made it a hallmark of the early 2000s teen pop explosion.

3 - Angels (1997)

• Artist(s): Robbie Williams
• Album: Life Thru a Lens
• Release Date: December 8, 1997
• Genre: Pop rock
• Songwriter(s): Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers

British pop rock singer Robbie Williams soared to international fame with his sweeping 1997 power ballad Angels. The emotional piano-driven single tells the story of desperation and salvation. The majestic song builds to a cathartic climax as Williams belts the inspirational chorus asking angels to shield him. Angels became Robbie Williams' signature hit and one of the best selling singles in UK chart history. Its anthemic qualities make it a hugely popular worldwide karaoke choice.

4 - My Way (1969)

• Artist(s): Frank Sinatra
• Album: My Way
• Release Date: March 1969
• Genre: Traditional pop
• Songwriter(s): Paul Anka

Frank Sinatra put his inimitable stamp on the classic French song My Way with an iconic English version in 1969. Sinatra transforms the melancholy tune into a triumphant and orchestral showstopper with his powerful resonant baritone. His version dramatizes looking back proudly on a life lived independently with no regrets. Sinatra's masterful and swaggering delivery has made My Way his signature song and karaoke singers continue channeling Ol' Blue Eyes through its bold lyrics decades later.

5 - All of Me (2013)

• Artist(s): John Legend
• Album: Love in the Future
• Release Date: August 12, 2013
• Genre: Pop, soul
• Songwriter(s): John Legend, Toby Gad

John Legend emotional piano ballad All of Me was released in 2013 to widespread critical acclaim. The vulnerability on display is palpable as Legend professes total acceptance of his lover flaws included. Its breathy vocals swell over simple piano chords and earnestly convey the romantic devotion at the song's heart. The tender All of Me dominated charts and Grammy Awards for its poignant lyricism and passionate delivery by John Legend. It remains a popular modern karaoke selection and a crossover smash hit.

6 - Born to Be Wild (1968)

• Artist(s): Steppenwolf
• Album: Steppenwolf
• Release Date: January 1968
• Genre: Hard rock
• Songwriter(s): Mars Bonfire

Hard rock band Steppenwolf glorified counterculture rebellion in their 1968 biker anthem Born to Be Wild. The song's aggressively catchy riff and shout-along lyrics extolled freedom from societal norms. Born to Be Wild emerged as an enduring symbol of youthful defiance and adventure. That signature guitar line backing declarations of heavy metal thunder also made the song the first use of the term in rock music. An enduring karaoke favorite, its attitude-filled lyrics are irresistible.

Also Read: https://www.howtokaraoke.com/25-most-popular-karaoke-songs-of-all-time/

7 - Hey Jude (1968)

• Artist(s): The Beatles
• Album: Hey Jude
• Release Date: August 26, 1968
• Genre: Rock
• Songwriter(s): Paul McCartney

In 1968, Paul McCartneygifted the world one of the Beatles' most beloved hits with Hey Jude. He wrote the ballad to comfort John Lennon's son during his parents' divorce. The result was a sprawling yet intimate epic, carried by McCartney's heartfelt vocals and a singalong finale of repeating na na na nas. That long outro became a unifying live favorite, cementing its status as a timeless pop standard. Nearly 8 minutes long, Hey Jude showed the Beatles crafting a monumental work of pop artistry.

8 - Total Eclipse of the Heart (1983)

• Artist(s): Bonnie Tyler
• Album: Faster Than the Speed of Night
• Release Date: February 1983
• Genre: Pop rock
• Songwriter(s): Jim Steinman

Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler reached the peak of her success with the Jim Steinman-penned power ballad Total Eclipse of the Heart in 1983. Propelled by Tyler's husky, impassioned vocals, the sentimental hit single equates lost love to an astronomical phenomenon blotting out the sun. Its music video also became iconic for its gothic imagery of Tyler performing in a haunted school. A soaring karaoke staple, the song's melodramatic lyrics and larger-than-life delivery make it a triumphant, emotionally charged karaoke favorite.

9 - All Star (1999)

• Artist(s): Smash Mouth
• Album: Astro Lounge
• Release Date: June 15, 1999
• Genre: Pop rock
• Songwriter(s): Greg Camp

Infectiously catchy and irrepressibly fun, Smash Mouth's 1999 ska-punk hit All Star made waves well beyond its origins in the film Mystery Men. With its combination of zippy surf rock guitars, pop culture references, and an arena-ready shout-along chorus, All Star became an anthem of 90s spirit. Lyrically encouraging perseverance through self-affirmations, the quirky song resonated due to its earworm melody and positive message. It remains a foolproof selection guaranteed to get karaoke crowds singing and dancing along.

10 - Closing Time (1996)

• Artist(s): Semisonic
• Album: Feeling Strangely Fine
• Release Date: 1996
• Genre: Alternative rock
• Songwriter(s): Dan Wilson

In the 1990s, alternative rock band Semisonic scored a major chart hit with their mellow signature song Closing Time. Frontman Dan Wilson penned the folk-inflected tune as an ode to his newborn daughter and the anticipation of going home to family after a night out. The bittersweet lyrics evoke the comradery of friends saying farewell come bar time while yearning for home. Subtly profound yet catchy, Closing Time struck a chord through its blend of nostalgia, tenderness, and late night drinking camaraderie as the chorus insists every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.

Top10 Karaoke Songs For Female

Below is a table with top 10 Karaoke songs for females

1 - Someone Like You (2011)

• Artist(s): Adele
• Album: 21
• Release Date: January 24, 2011
• Genre: Pop
• Songwriter(s): Adele, Dan Wilson

British singer Adele showcased her powerhouse voice on her 2011 post-breakup ballad Someone Like You. It is written about a lost love and former friend. The stark piano ballad builds to a soaring emotionally resonant climax. Adele raw and melismatic vocals wrench every ounce of heartbreak from the lyrics. Someone Like You became Adele first Billboard #1 hit and dominated awards season winning Grammys for Best Pop Solo Performance and Song of the Year for its masterful vocal delivery and simple but gripping melody.

2 - Love Story (2008)

• Artist(s): Taylor Swift
• Album: Fearles
• Release Date: September 12, 2008
• Genre: Pop
• Songwriter(s): Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift chart-topping 2008 hit Love Story retells Romeo and Juliet as a fairytale romance with a happy ending. Her lyrical storytelling depicts forbidden love while the chorus pleas for romantic fate to not keep the couple apart. Love Story established Swift as a crossover sensation with pop hooks, soaring vocals and a princess imagery-filled music video. The song captured the innocence of young love and cemented her status as a gifted country pop songwriter able to connect with dreamy romantics everywhere.

3 - I Will Always Love You (1974)

• Artist(s): Dolly Parton
• Album: Jolene
• Release Date: 1974
• Genre: Country
• Songwriter(s): Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton wrote and recorded this epic ballad in 1973 as a farewell to her mentor Porter Wagoner upon leaving his band. Her intimate acoustic version features poetic lyrics and her effortless vocal control as she promises eternal love despite their parting. Whitney Houston later recorded her legendary cover for 1992's The Bodyguard film soundtrack. Parton original delicate rendition allows karaoke singers to shine with its gentle country elegance.

4 - I Will Survive (1978)

• Artist(s): Gloria Gaynor
• Album: Love Tracks
• Release Date: October 1978
• Genre: Disco
• Songwriter(s): Dino Fekaris, Freddie Perren

Gloria Gaynor defined the disco era with her resilient 1978 smash hit I Will Survive. The lyrics encapsulate independence and moving forward after heartbreak. Gaynor smooth yet soaring vocals skate across the infectiously danceable groove. The undying breakup anthem remains both Gloria Gaynor biggest hit as disco only #1 song to win the Grammy for Song of the Year and a fearless karaoke classic.

5 - Dancing Queen (1976)

• Artist(s): ABBA
• Album: Arrival
• Release Date: August 16, 1976
• Genre: Pop, disco
• Songwriter(s): Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Stig Anderson

Dancing Queen showcases ABBA effortless melodic brilliance as one of their most infectious feel-good hits. The Europop smash encapsulates the bliss of the disco era through its shimmering piano, bouncing bass and playful lyrics celebrating a dancing prowess honed at the disco every night. Agnetha Fältskog and Anni-Frid Lyngstad shared lead vocals convey youthful excitement. Its irresistible melody and themes of music as joy made Dancing Queen a staple of not just ABBA catalog but the disco canon and karaoke song books worldwide.

6 - Roar (2013)

• Artist(s): Katy Perry
• Album: Prism
• Release Date: August 10, 2013
• Genre: Pop
• Songwriter(s): Katy Perry, Bonnie McKee, Dr. Luke, Max Martin, Cirkut

Katy Perry unleashed her inner warrior princess with her empowering 2013 pop smash Roar. Roar drives home themes of resilience and self-sufficiency through an arena-ready chorus declaring I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter. Uptempo synth rhythms, junglesque percussion and lyrics visualizing Katy as the eye of a storm create an atmosphere of strength. The motivational message of perseverance and finding your true voice struck a chord worldwide. Roar became one of Perry's most successful singles ever.

7 - Before He Cheats (2005)

• Artist(s): Carrie Underwood
• Album: Some Hearts
• Release Date: August 19, 2005
• Genre: Country pop
• Songwriter(s): Chris Tompkins and Josh Kear

With themes of romantic betrayal and revenge, Carrie Underwood's feisty uptempo debut single Before He Cheats became her breakthrough hit in 2005. The scorned woman narrative describes vandalizing a cheating partner's car as retribution for his unfaithfulness. Underwood's powerful vocal delivery conveys the narrator's sass and attitude through lyrics like maybe next time he'll think before he cheats. Her performance helped solidify her status as a country-pop star. The song's underlying feminism and bold spirit struck a chord with Underwood's fanbase.

8 - Complicated (2002)

• Artist(s): Avril Lavigne
• Album: Let Go
• Release Date: May 14, 2002
• Genre: Pop punk
• Songwriter(s): Avril Lavigne, Lauren Christy

Avril Lavigne stormed onto the charts as an anti-pop punk rebel with her 2002 #1 smash Complicated. At just 17, the Canadian singer-songwriter captured youthful angst and confusion with lyrics like Why you have to go and make things so complicated? Beneath electric guitar riffs, Lavigne's raw vocals channeled emotions from her small town teenage experiences. She stood out for her authentic, skater girl persona in contrast to manufactured pop stars. Complicated earned Lavigne cred as a voice of the youth who related to her nonconformity.

9 - Mamma Mia (1975)

• Artist(s): ABBA
• Album: ABBA
• Release Date: 1975
• Genre: Pop disco
• Songwriter(s): Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Stig Anderson

As the spirited title track of ABBA's 1975 #1 album, Mamma Mia exemplifies their mastery of effervescent Europop. Set to bouncy piano, energetic rhythm guitar, and playful vocals, this sunny pop confection ruminates on a new romance leaving the narrator continually exclaiming
Mamma mia! Capturing the euphoria of new love, the song's breezy optimism and familiar chanting chorus made it a signature of ABBA's discography as well as karaoke song books across the world.

10 - Believe (1998)

• Artist(s): Cher
• Album: Believe
• Release Date: October 19, 1998
• Genre: Pop, dance
• Songwriter(s): Brian Higgins, Stuart McLennen, Paul Barry, Steven Torch, Matthew Gray, Timothy Powell

Dance-pop diva Cher had one of the biggest hits of her career when Believe topped charts worldwide in 1998-1999. The song's groundbreaking use of Auto-Tune vocals jump started the pitch correction trend, with producers distorting and manipulating Cher's voice into a robotic yet emotionally resonant effect. Thumping disco beats and synth textures surround Cher's multilayered vocals. Empowering lyrics about independence after heartbreak resonated with fans. Though divisive upon release, Believe is now regarded as a bold pop milestone that revitalized Cher's career.

The Final Verdict 

Our list of the top karaoke songs spans classic oldies, vintage rock anthems, pop hits and modern singalongs. These top 10 popular karaoke songs for both males and females are guaranteed to entertain. So grab the mic and belt out these iconic crowd-pleasers at your next karaoke night!

FAQs

What are the best karaoke duets?

Fun karaoke duets include Summer Nights from Grease, Don't Go Breaking My Heart by Elton John & Kiki Dee, Islands in the Stream by Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers and I Got You Babe by Sonny & Cher.

What are easy karaoke songs for beginners?

Some easy karaoke songs for beginners are Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond, Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations, Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison and Valerie by The Zutons. They have simple melodies and choruses everyone knows.

What songs get the crowd singing along?

Songs that get karaoke crowds singing along include Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody, Journey's Don't Stop Believin', Bon Jovi's Livin' on a Prayer, Carly Rae Jepsen's Call Me Maybe and Miley Cyrus' Party In The U.S.A. The group vocals make them super fun.

What are the best karaoke songs to impress?

Consider big vocal showcase songs like Rolling In The Deep by Adele, Somebody To Love by Queen, Chandelier by Sia, Whitney Houston's I Will Always Love You, and Lady Gaga's Shallow.

What makes a song good for karaoke?

Songs that make fantastic karaoke picks tend to have a singalong chorus, fun melodies, memorable lyrics and a vocal range/style the average person can mimic reasonably well. Uptempo danceable beats also help.