Greatest Karaoke Songs Ever

This year at SXSW, Happy Cog is running a karaoke competition. Of course I had to throw my hat in the ring. You can learn more about the contest (and vote for me of course) here. As I tried to figure out what song I would enter with, I realized I have never made the karaoke mix I had always intended to. And so, PopTen audience, you are being blessed with it now.

There are a few important criteria to consider before picking a karaoke song. Common sense has Rule #1 being the song should be something up-tempo, though I would argue hard for a few exceptions, such as Open Arms by Journey or Meatloaf’s I Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That). These two are okay because of Rule #2: it should be something sing-a-long-able. Obscure songs by popular bands are still obscure, it should be something everyone wants to sing. Like Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror, or Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer. Rule #3: Just because it’s been sung karaoke-style in a movie, doesn’t mean it was made for actual karaoke. The scene in My Best Friend’s Wedding when they sing Say A Little Prayer was rather annoying; and Tiny Dancer (though great in Almost Famous) is much too long, and the fun parts are only a fraction of the song.

And though I wouldn’t say it’s an actual rule, it’s always awesome if the song can be completely mangled in a drunken state. For example, when I last visited Seattle we went to The Boxcar, for public, on stage for the world to see drunken karaoke, and some random drunk guy inserted “Let’s fuck some whores” into Eddie Money’s Take Me Home Tonight. Ben singing “We built this city, this fucking city, on cock and blow” was also a highlight.

Note that great karaoke songs often overlap with great jukebox songs. But that is a mix for a later date. For now, click through to see my list of 20 karaoke favorites, along with a link to stream them. Let me know in the comments which ones I left out!

Stream the following songs here.

All Out of Love – Air Supply
Really, any Air Supply song will do.

At This Moment – Billy Vera and the Beaters
I never remember the name of this song when I actually want to sing it at karaoke.

Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler
Yeah, okay, it’s pretty long for a karaoke song. But I don’t think I’ve ever been out for karaoke when this wasn’t chosen.

More Than A Feeling – Boston

Died In Your Arms Tonight – Cutting Crew

Hungry Like a Wolf – Duran Duran
Toss up with Ordinary World, but this is more of a crowd-pleaser.

Don’t Go Breakin My Heart – Elton John and Kiki Dee
Always need a few good duets.

More Than Words – Extreme

I Wanna Know What Love Is – Foreigner
Try listening to the chorus without singing along. I dare you.

Open Arms – Journey
This is what I picked for my SXSW song.

Easy (Like Sunday Morning) – Lionel Richie

Stay – Lisa Loeb
My friend Elizabeth always picks this one.

All I Need Is A Miracle – Mike and the Mechanics
Sam once played this on repeat in his office for what seemed like days after karaoke.

To Be With You – Mr. Big
In high school we had these exchange students from London, and one of them was so super excited to buy a Mr. Big cd. Now whenever I hear this song I think of London.

I Got A Man – Positive K
An unconventional duet.

Keep On Loving You – REO Speedwagon

Baby Got Back – Sir Mix-a-Lot
At least one song that recalls sixth grade should make it in here.

We Built This City – Starship
See above.

Head Over Heals – Tears for Fears

You Were Always On My Mind – Willie Nelson
It’s a good one for towards the end of the night.