The 100 Greatest Karaoke Songs of All Time: Staff List

Stephanie Beatriz, Mauro Castillo, Rhenzy Feliz, Adassa, Diane Guerrero, Stephanie Beatriz & Encanto Cast, "We Don't Talk About Bruno" (2021)

Type: Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: With this many different characters to wrangle, you better get the whole crowd – preferably sprinkled with Disney Adults or parents who have heard the song countless times – to sing along. You might even need to take the mic out into the audience to gather eager volunteers for that Les Miz-worthy finale of stacked vocal parts.

That One Part: Thanks to TikTok, everyone will be waiting for Camilo’s cautionary (and vivid) line “7-foot frame, RATS along his back” to fully tap into the song’s spooky side. – KATIE ATKINSON

Björk, "It's Oh So Quiet" (1995)

Type: Anything Goes

Ideal Circumstances: Early-ish in the evening, when your room is starting to let its guard down and your voice isn’t yet at risk of being totally blown out.

Necessary Accessories: If you happened to bring an umbrella and you aren’t overly superstitious, a little recreation of the video’s Gene Kelly-er moments goes a long way. (A mic stand could probably also do in a pinch, as long as you’re careful about where you’re swinging it.) — ANDREW UNTERBERGER

The Experts Say: “Doesn’t get sung enough, in my opinion. But it’s one of the ones that I feel like when somebody comes in and they’re like, ‘I want to do that,’ and then they do it properly, it goes off really well. And the crowd usually feels it.” — KJ Danny, former karaoke operator of Melody Bar in Westchester, Calif., and The Shack in Playa del Rey, Calif.

Heart, "Alone" (1987)

Category: Solo showcase

Ideal circumstances: Mid-early evening, when the crowd needs a break from fast barnburners and can properly appreciate every ounce of Voice Acting (and vocal fireworks) this late-’80s power ballad requires.

Money Note: Really, it’s humbling to try to sing anything Ann Wilson casually belts out, but the “Ohhhhhh!” after the mid-song instrumental interlude, and the final, stratospheric “A-lone!“s at the very end aren’t for the faint of heart. — REBECCA MILZOFF

Zac Brown Band, "Chicken Fried" (2008)

Type: Crowd-Pleaser

Ideal Circumstances: The perfect country jam for when you and the gang are already a few beers deep and are okay with getting more sentimental than you’ll like to admit the next day — but hey, no shame in showing your best friends some love and gratitude at the karaoke bar.

Necessary Accessories: It’s not a pre-requisite but you’ll have more fun if you wear a flannel and some Wrangler jeans, or maybe even some red, white and blue. Get into it! — KRISTIN ROBINSON

Warren G feat. Nate Dogg, "Regulate" (1994)

Type: Superstar Duet

Ideal Circumstances: Into the a.m. hours, maybe after someone has just done a big ballad or real show-stopper, allowing you and your very special LBC sidekick to sneak in stealthily with this most nocturnal G-funk classic.

But Watch Out For… The song’s classic third verse (“I’m tweaking into a whole new era…”) gets heartbreakingly cut out of a lot of karaoke versions of “Regulate,” so you or your partner may have to be ready to provide your own a cappella “The rhythm is the bass and the bass is the treble!” croons. — A.U.

The Experts Say: “Great song, gets a little played out. Sometimes you don’t hear it for months at a time, and then all of a sudden, somebody wants to sing that two or three times a night. And you’re like, ‘No, somebody’s singing that already. Let’s do something different.’ Especially in Southern California.” — KJ Danny

Enya, "Orinoco Flow" (1988)

Type: Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: In the mid-to-late portion of an extended karaoke session, with a group of friends that’s unabashedly adoring of the new age crossover classic, ready to join your journey from Bissau to Palau in the shade of Avalon with nary an inhibition in sight.

That One Part: “Sail away, sail away, sail away!” obviously. Even if your crew doesn’t know the verses of “Orinoco Flow” or understand how to navigate the knuckleball-paced bridge, everyone knows the refrain, and will (hopefully) start bellowing in unison by song’s end. — JASON LIPSHUTZ

Mario, "Let Me Love You" (2004)

Type: Solo Showcase

Ideal Circumstances: About a quarter of the way through the night — preferably, for a more intimate party — before karaoke inevitably devolves into a raucous combination of drunken singing and shouting. (Bonus points if the singer is gutsy enough to dedicate this love song to someone in the crowd.)

But Watch Out For… The ad-libs on the last two choruses! Make sure your falsetto is well-oiled before you hit that “Hey, Hey-aye-ayeeeeee” — this is a solo showcase, after all. – KYLE DENIS

Tim Curry ('Rocky Horror Picture Show'), "Sweet Transvestite" (1973)

Type: Solo Showcase / Anything Goes 

Ideal Circumstances: Before the room is at capacity or after people have started to head out: You’re gonna need room to move. 

Necessary Accessories: Your hips. This is not a composition you sing, it’s a number you perform. To even come close to Tim Curry’s androgynous sensuality as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, you cannot do this one sitting down. Hell, you shouldn’t even be standing – you better be prowling around the room, making full use of your pelvis, hips and lips as you seduce the room to the dark-meets-theater-dork side. — JOE LYNCH

The Experts Say: “One time somebody was singing “Sweet Transvestite” [at my bar] and they ripped their pants off and they were wearing a silver thong.” — Joe Zara, GM of Hula Hula, Seattle

Kesha, "Tik Tok" (2009)

Type: Crowd-Pleaser

Ideal Circumstances: A rowdy bachelorette party tryna get a little bit tipsy couldn’t hurt, but anyone who was at least 10 in 2009 will know some of the sassy words to Kesha’s boozy breakthrough single and can help make it pop.

That One Part: You’ll make the night of the karaoke-goer who has the good fortune of entering the room just as the track drops out and you sing “Now the party don’t start till I walk in.”

Necessary Accessories: For bonus points, try to scam a bottle of Jack as a prop for that infamously unhygienic toothbrushing lyric. – K.A.

Grupo Firme, "Ya Supérame" (2021)

Type: Group Sing-Along 

Ideal Circumstances: This is your go-to end-of-the-night karaoke song — once it comes on, it typically means two things: you’ve had one too many shots, and you’re ready to end the night with a bang. 

That One Part: It’s hard to pick that one liner that really gets everyone in their feelings because this song is karaoke gold from start to finish. But we’ll go with the chorus: “Yaaaa supeeerame porque yo ya te olvidé, ando tan feliz sin ti, deberías hacerlo tu también, esta historia se borró y no pienso escribirla otra vez.” Because who doesn’t take the opportunity to remind the exes that we’re over them? — GRISELDA FLORES

The Experts Say: “Grupo Firme is very popular right now, and obviously, everyone will sing along to this song — because who hasn’t had their hearts broken in the past? Everything about this song makes it perfect for the occasion, especially if you’re out with a group of friends drinking.” — Maricela Olivas, Karaoke animator at El Güacalito Restaurant, Miami

Montell Jordan, "This Is How We Do It" (1995)

Type: Crowd-Pleaser

Ideal Circumstances: In a large party of ‘90s-loving attendees, but crucially, “This Is How We Do It” requires a charismatic person on the mic — someone who packs swagger into those vocal runs, nimbly handles the rap breakdown, and knows the difference between an OG mack and a wannabe player.

Necessary Accessories: One thing to remember if selecting “This Is How We Do It” at karaoke: you cannot stay still during the performance. Jump around, two-step, shimmy a little, wave your arms to encourage audience participation — whatever movement fits your approach! But show the room that this is how YOU do it. — JASON LIPSHUTZ

Temple of the Dog, "Hunger Strike" (1991)

Type: Superstar Duet

Ideal Circumstances: You don’t need an entirely Gen X crowd to sell a performance of this grunge power ballad to end all grunge power ballads — it helps — but you do at least need a Chris Cornell to your Eddie Vedder, with the song entrenched enough in their DNA to be able to belt lyrics like “I don’t mind stealing bread from the mouths of decadents” with their heart unmistakably on their flannel sleeve.

Money Note: Let’s just say if you don’t hear some tummies rumbling by song’s end, you’re probably doing something wrong. — A.U.

50 Cent, "In Da Club" (2003)

Type: Crowd-Pleaser

Ideal Circumstances: Play this one early in the night to give a little sneak peek of the energy levels to come later. It’s got the oomph to get the crowd going and into the activity, but it’s not your showstopper of the evening.

But Watch Out For…: Crowd engagement as the song progresses. Nailing the intro should be no trouble at all — driving home the “and you know we don’t give a f–k, it’s not your birthday!” is absolutely crucial, though — but after those first 15 seconds, you’ll have to pull out a trick or two to make sure you don’t lose them if they become less familiar with the lyrics. — JOSH GLICKSMAN

Bruce Springsteen, "Dancing in the Dark" (1984)

Type: Crowd-Pleaser

Ideal Circumstances: When the evening is just starting to hit its stride, a little Born in the U.S.A.-era Bruce will take any room from a seven to an eight — maybe even a nine by the time everyone inevitably launches into their Courtney Cox dance.

Backup Option: In the pantheon of party-starting mid-’80s “Dancing” karaoke anthems, Lionel Richie’s “Dancing on the Ceiling” is just behind The Boss’ classic. Spinning room optional. — A.U.

Lisa Loeb, "Stay (I Missed You)" (1994)

Type: Crowd-Pleaser

Ideal Circumstances: Why wallow in heartbreak alone when you can have a singing support group? This coffeehouse classic could seem like a total downer, but once you start pacing and belting through the pain, you’ll find your fellow ‘90s kids to musically commiserate with and maybe stop missing your ex quite so much.

Backup Option: For an equally lovelorn (and frantic) ‘90s pop-rock hit, try Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn.” – K.A.

The Experts Say: “Will usually get the bar singing. Doesn’t matter the age of the patrons in the bar because everybody seems to know that song and will always want to assist.” — KJ Danny

George Michael, "Freedom '90" (1990)

Type: Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: In a room full of your favorite supermodels closest friends, the kind who won’t object to (safely) all gathering around one or two mics to go full Braveheart with every cathartic “FREEEDOM!” exhortation.

But Watch Out For… The song being a lot longer than you remember — nearly six and a half minutes, with multiple pre-choruses and bridges that you better be prepared for. It’s all worth it though, especially if you remember that crucial pause in the final repetition of “Sometimes the clothes….. DO NOT MAKE THE MAAAAAN!!!” – A.U.

Usher, "Nice & Slow" (1997)

Type: Solo showcase

Ideal Circumstances: Immediately after the first big audience sing-along, when you’re ready to dial back the wattage a little to avoid early burnout — but don’t want to kill the vibe completely.

That One Part: “They call me U-S…H-E-R…R-A…Y-M…O-N-D….” The truly bold karaoker can even try to substitute their own spelled-out name in its stead — but they better have worked out the character count ahead of time to make sure it can at least come close to fitting the space.  — A.U.

The Human League, "Don't You Want Me" (1981)

Type: Superstar Duet

Ideal Circumstances: When the group sing-alongs are going strong and you don’t want to throw off that energy, but still want a number that lets you and a pal take center stage. 

That One Part: Is it even a question? It’s the histrionic chorus, where everyone in the room joins in to wail, “Don’t you want me, baby / Don’t you want me OHHHHHHHHHH!” Even the uninitiated will Dare to join in by the second time it comes around. — J. Lynch

The Experts Say: “That is one that definitely gets the older crowd going — with sporadic Millennials jumping in, I would say.” — KJ Danny

Jodi Benson ('The Little Mermaid'), "Part of Your World" (1989)

Type: Solo Showcase

Ideal Circumstances: When you’ve been sitting in the back and letting everyone else hog the whole time — but it’s getting late, and the queue is filling up, and dammit, you promised yourself you wouldn’t go another karaoke night without getting up there and getting the spotlight moment you’ve been practicing in your bedroom since you were five.

Money Note: Plenty to go around, but the first is still the signature: “You want thingamabobs? I got twenty/ But who cares… no big deal… I WANT MOOOOOOOOOOORE!” (Hold it! Keep holding it!) — A.U.

David Allan Coe, "You Never Even Called Me By My Name" (1975)

TYPE: Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: A superb song to have in your back pocket for those late-evening moments — particularly in Nashville — when the crowd is primed for a beer can-raising, drunken sing-along.

That One Part: Sure, karaokers love the song’s humorous self-aggrandizement as “the perfect country and western song,” but it’s a particular quartet of lines that have become a favorite among karaoke crowds, as they succinctly convey a tale of a drunken man headed to pick up his mother the day she’s released from prison. The story builds to a moment of bad luck and lyrics perfect for a slurred-word sing-along: “Before I could get to the station in my pickup truck/ She got run over by a d–ned old train!” — JESSICA NICHOLSON

Sonny & Cher, "I Got You Babe" (1965)

Type: Superstar Duet 

Ideal Circumstances: This song has universal appeal, so it would be ideal for a room with a wide age range, from people who remember it from the 1960s to younger fans who discovered it through the 1993 comedy Groundhog Day. 

But Watch Out For… Hopefully the lyric police will never come after Sonny’s line, “Then put your little hand in mine…” It may sound a little sexist today but remember, this song came out in 1965. Let’s give the line a pass so this heartfelt “love conquers all” ballad can go on charming audiences forever. — PAUL GREIN

Estelle feat. Kanye West, "American Boy" (2008)

Type: Superstar Duet / Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: An all-purpose tune, you can turn to “American Boy” at any point in the night, and it will certainly bring the fun. Sure, if you’ve got some smooth R&B pipes, this song could be used as a real showcase, but it works just as well screamed into the mic a few vodka sodas deep. No one’s judging, we’re just here to sing along to lines like “I just met this 5 foot 7 guy who’s just my type.” (BTW – If you can find a 5’7” dude to take the Kanye role, that’s the cherry on top).

The One Part: “La, la, la, la, la, di, da.” Who doesn’t love a sing-song melody with no actual words? It’s an ideal hook for the whole party to join in. — K.R.

Fall Out Boy, "Sugar, We're Goin' Down" (2005)

Type: Anything Goes

Ideal Circumstances: This was a top 10 Hot 100 hit, so you don’t need an audience of exclusively grown-up emo kids to get some crowd participation — but it wouldn’t hurt to have a few former Hot Topic shoppers in your midst.

But Watch Out For…: “Sugar” is equal parts solo showcase and group sing-along because the lyrics are such a mouthful – especially that wordy chorus – so whoever’s behind the mic better have Patrick Stump’s cadence and syntax down pat to make this a No. 1 with a bullet. – K.A.

Taylor Swift, "You Belong With Me" (2008)

Type: Crowd-Pleaser

Ideal Circumstances: Whether it’s early on in the night or several rounds of drinks have already gone by, this track is one you whip out when it comes time to draw like-minded Swifties out of the woodwork and onto the dance floor. By the time the first verse is complete, a huddle of young Millenials and old Gen Zers will have formed, shouting the lyrics at one another and jumping up and down with shared nostalgia.

That One Part: “Can’t you see that I’m the one who understands you?” The kinetic energy of the song resets to peak levels every time the karaoker comes back to the chorus’ first line. — HANNAH DAILEY

The Experts Say: “‘You Belong With Me,’ that never fails to get a response from the crowd. The ‘Can’t you seeeee,’ people really love that one.” — Darran Mosley, KJ of Misfit Toy Karaoke, Bloomington, Ind.

Liza Minnelli ('Cabaret'), "Maybe This Time" (1972)

Type: Solo Showcase 

Ideal Circumstances: Late night, when the dilettantes have gone home and you’re left with a pared down but mighty (and probably soused) crew who are ready for a camped-up torch song.

Money Note: You’re never gonna match the vocal punch of Liza with a Z, but when you belt out that climactic final “maaaaybeeee this time, I’ll wiiiiiiiin,” you certainly won’t feel like a loser. — J. Lynch

Lauryn Hill, "Ex-Factor" (1998)

Type: Solo Showcase

Ideal Circumstances: For this song to reach its full, emotionally driven potential, it will require a room full of ’90s R&B diehards, the kind who know unrequited love good and well, and can chime in during the choruses and outro.

Money Note: “Tell me WHO I HAVE to BE-E-E” — that falsetto will get you. Make sure you’re warmed up and well-equipped. — NEENA ROUHANI

One Direction, "What Makes You Beautiful" (2011)

Type: Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: First or second song of the night, honestly. Few songs have demonstrated their worth as room ice-breakers over the last decade as ably as “What Makes You Beautiful,” a song 90% of karaokers worth their salt will know at least the chorus of, and the other 10% can learn quickly enough to still be singing along by the final refrain.

Backup Option: And if even “What Makes You Beautiful” is still too complicated to get everyone involved, there’s always The Wanted’s contemporaneous “Glad You Came,” which has about 40 lyrics total and multiple dance breaks to get each and every back up off the wall. — A.U.

The Experts Say: “The first notes always evoke “Summer Nights” for me. So like, I hear it and immediately I go, “Oh wow, all right, we’re gonna do some Grease,” and then it turns into One Direction. I’m a little bummed because I’m like, ‘I’d rather hear Grease right now.'” — KJ Danny

Pat Benatar, "We Belong" (1984)

Type: Solo Showcase / Superstar Duet 

Ideal Circumstances: When there’s a lull in the middle of the night, it’s time for you and your harmonizing buddy to get up there and gently bring the crowd back with this slow-burning epic that will have people engaging with the chorus by round two. Lighters up! 

That One Part: “Weee belong!” sing the strangely cherubic voices that appear on the third round of the chorus. If you’ve got some sopranos in the crowd, tap them in to bring this one home. — CHRISTINE WERTHMAN

Lady A, "Need You Now" (2007)

Type: Superstar Duet

Ideal Circumstances: Well, if you can time it out to play at a quarter after 1:00, that’d certainly be the home run version — but really, at any hour when it’s late enough for decisions that would otherwise seem regrettable to suddenly feel inevitable, this timeless drunk-dial duet will go down smooth.

Necessary Accessories: Hope you remembered to bring your air piano for that classic four-note intro and outro riff. — A.U.

The Experts Say: “Need You Now” is a fun one that gets the crowd going. Even though somebody may not know it, they might hear the tune and kind of get into it, and then all of a sudden they’re reading the words along and singing and loving it.” — KJ Danny

Fountains of Wayne, "Stacy's Mom" (2003)

Type: Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: Wait for that post-ballad lull to hit the room, and then whip out this classic gem — the opening guitar strum alone will bring the energy up almost immediately. You’ll know you’ve won the room over if they give you those iconic four claps to open up your solo.

That One Part: While the burst of pure, chaotic energy of the chorus is the stuff of karaoke legend, any karaoker worth their salt is going to know how to milk the audience with the post-chorus chant of “Stacy’s mom has got it going on.” If you’ve just gone all-in on the chorus and need a moment to catch your breath, turn that mic out to the audience and let them do the work for you; they will happily oblige. — STEPHEN DAW 

Boyz II Men, "End of the Road" (1992)

Type: Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: Your room may or may not let you get away with playing this most closer-y of R&B slow songs in any other slot by the final one, but probably not worth the risk — if you and your three matchingly ensembled friends save this one for last, you just know it’ll be best.

That One Part: For all the vocal pyrotechnics on display, when it comes to Boyz II Men, the fans are always gonna be waiting on that bass-registered mid-song monologue — so you and your buds better square away who gets to be Mike this time before you even start. — A.U.

Biz Markie, "Just a Friend" (1989)

Type: Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: In the wee hours of a karaoke jamboree, when everyone’s voice is feeling hoarse and eyes are starting to droop… but warbling along with the “Just a Friend” hook is so easy and enjoyable that it acts as a late-night rallying cry.

But Watch Out For… The verses! Most people can sing along with Biz Markie’s indelible hook, but make sure the person on the microphone can do more during the bars in between than just grunt along until the chorus returns, and can actually name-check “Agnes, Agatha, Germaine, and Jack” with ease. — J. Lipshutz

The Outfield, "Your Love" (1986)

Type: Crowd-Pleaser

Ideal Circumstance: If you ever can’t resist trying to get a more experimental karaoke selection over — maybe one not many in the crowd or room already know or care about — queue this can’t-miss ’80s gem as your follow-up; you’ll have them back in your pocket well before Josie gets back from her vacation.

Backup Option: As far as uber-’80s pop-rock gems that are the right combination of dated and timeless and that everyone knows and no one dislikes — with some absolutely immaculate harmonies, natch — you’ll never go wrong with Tommy Tutone’s “867-5309/Jenny” either. — A.U.

Blink-182, "All the Small Things" (1999)

Type: Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: Its communal nature affords it flexibility, but make sure to play it during the back half of the evening. Whether it’s a ploy to rekindle dwindling audience engagement or the drunken, head-banging sing-along with 3-5 songs left on the setlist — our suggestion — don’t burn this one too early.

Necessary Accessories: Bring out every air instrument in the arsenal. Friend, for the next three minutes, you are Tom DeLonge on the guitar; you are Travis Barker on the drums; you are Mark Hoppus on the bass (slap the bass!). Really get into it. — JOSH GLICKSMAN

Vicente Fernández, "El Rey" (1974)

Type: Group Sing-Along / Anything Goes 

Ideal Circumstances: If the music video is any indication, where Vicente Fernandez is performing this track inside a cantina, “El Rey” was made to be played after wee hours and a couple of drinks. Complete strangers hugging and swaying side-to-side while chanting it? Totally normal!

That One Part: There’s no doubt that everyone waits to sing the chorus at top of their lungs: “With money or no money/ I always do what I want/ And my word is the law/ I don’t have a throne or a queen, not anyone who understands me/but I continue being a king.” — JESSICA ROIZ

The Experts Say: “This one is the ultimate Latin karaoke song. This song will never fail in a Latin karaoke establishment.” — Maricela Olivas

Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton, "Islands in the Stream" (1983)

Type: Superstar Duet

Ideal Circumstances: Another great song to take the evening down a notch without clearing the room, “Islands” is the rare country duet that works in pretty much any crowd or context — just ask Michael and Jim.

But Watch Out For… That chorus getting a little repetitive by the end of the song. In fact, depending on your crowd, it might not be the worst idea to switch it out for the “Ghetto Superstar” hook instead as you repeat to fade. — A.U.

Miley Cyrus, "Party in the U.S.A." (2009)

Type: Crowd-Pleaser 

Ideal Circumstances: This is a great warm-up song because the lyrics speak to the truest virtues of karaoke – the way that familiar songs can loosen us up and make us feel at home. 

That One Part: “It’s definitely not a Nashville party.” Everybody can relate to feeling out of place, like the singer here did on her first visit to L.A. – P.G. 

The Experts Say: “The lyrics are very easy and breathable… You could kind of sing-say those lyrics and take a second to breathe and then sing-say the next line. So, it’s not intimidating, in a sense.” — Mike Cortes, co-operator of Baby Grand, New York

Billy Joel, "Piano Man" (1973)

Type: Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: Obviously a winner at 9:00 on a Saturday while the regular crowd shuffles in, but “Piano Man” probably works even better towards the very end of the night, when everyone has just enough energy and voice left to belt out one more big chorus.

Necessary Accessories: It may be named for Joel’s ivory-tickling, but it’s that wheezing harmonica that gives the song its real musical signature — couldn’t hurt to bring your own, real or imaginary. — A.U.

*NSYNC, "Bye Bye Bye" (2000)

Type: Crowd-Pleaser  

Ideal Circumstances: When you notice that there’s a bachelorette party in the vicinity. They tend to love a boy band classic and always bring the energy to inspire your best karaoke performance. 

Necessary Accessories: Time to pull out your best moves inspired by the puppet-like choreography in the “Bye Bye Bye” music video. We want to see you on that stage doing the boy band’s iconic stomp and wave dance move as you bid that lover adieu in the chorus. — RANIA ANIFTOS

Robin Williams ('Aladdin'), "Friend Like Me" (1992)

Type: Crowd-Pleaser

Ideal Circumstances: You’ll want some ‘80s babies in the room to appreciate this one, but if you can bring half the charisma and commitment of Robin Williams’ Genie to your performance (apologies to Will Smith), this song will work its magic.

Backup Option: If you’re performing for a younger crowd, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s “You’re Welcome” from Moana might be the better motor-mouthed choice. – K.A.

Beyoncé, "Love on Top" (2011)

Type: Solo Showcase / Crowd-Pleaser

Ideal Circumstances: Towards the end of the night once everyone has had more than a few drinks in them. This will start off as a solo showcase, but quickly become a crowd-pleaser once that first “baby, it’s you!” comes in.

That One Part: The series of key changes at the end, duh! It’s not a “Love on Top” karaoke session if you’re not continuing to add extra key changes even once the song is over. — K.D.

The Experts Say: “That’s five key changes. That’s five. Key. Changes. And so if I’m hearing struggling on the first part, I’m like ‘Oh, god — It’s gonna be really rough when it hits the key changes.’ ‘Love on Top’ gets murdered a lot.” — Darran Mosley, KJ of Misfit Toy Karaoke, Bloomington, Ind.

Sheryl Crow, "If It Makes You Happy" (1996)

Type: Solo Showcase / Crowd-Pleaser 

Ideal Circumstances: Have you just spent hours screaming along to other people’s songs? Perfect! Try this one out later in the night when your voice is nice and scuffed up; it’ll sound more authentic for it.

Money Note: To make this work, you’ve got to attack the “makes” every time they come around on the “If it makes you happy” chorus, so dig in and growl it out. — CHRISTINE WERTHMAN

Fugees, "Killing Me Softly" (1996)

Type: Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: This song has no confines. It will go over well in a crowded bar or private room, with a young crowd or an old crowd (thanks to Roberta Flack’s Hot 100-topping 1973 rendition) – you name it. You can’t miss. If you’re on the fence, sing this!

Money Note: It’s not just one note, but if you can nail every run in Lauryn Hill’s wordless bridge (all those “whoa”s and “la-la”s), you’re officially a karaoke legend. – K.A.

Adele, "Rolling in the Deep" (2010)

Type: Solo Showcase

Ideal Circumstances: When you want to show off your vocal abilities, but also want to have the crowd sing loud and proud along with you – basically, whenever you want to feel like Adele performing in front of a stadium-sized concert crowd for just three minutes and 48 seconds.

Money Note: Every time you sing “We could’ve had it alllllll.” Be careful, though: you don’t want to max out your vocal power too quickly by giving it all you got on the first one. Adele performs this chorus five times, and truly impressive bar stage singers will know to save their best belt for last. — H.D.

Idina Menzel & Fredi Walker ('Rent'), "Take Me or Leave Me" (1996)

Category: Superstar Duet

Ideal Circumstances: Any time, so long as you’re among your theater nerd besties who will appreciate every perfectly harmonized moment but believe heartily in audience participation (a.k.a. screaming or “Yassss!!”ing possibly every other word).

Necessary Accessories: Sassy choreography is a must, and a chair (for sitting on while giving disapproving looks) or table (for jumping, crawling and gyrating on) doesn’t hurt. Basically: use Aaron Tveit and Gavin Creel’s iconic 2006 Miscast performance as your guide. — R.M.

The Experts Say: “The best female duet song I love to do with people is ‘Take Me or Leave Me’ from Rent. That one is a killer.” — Kiki Park, owner of Kiki Karaoke in Los Angeles

Madonna, "Like a Prayer" (1989)

Type: Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: At the beginning of a karaoke night, maybe a couple songs in — “Like a Prayer” is an instant energy-booster that requires audience participation and encourages clapping along, so while it can be deployed as a night-capper, the real ‘heads know it gets the party started even better.

Necessary Accessories: Backup singers. A song that includes the springboard line “Let the choir sing!” simply isn’t that much fun to perform totally solo; select this Madonna classic within a group of people that knows what to do with it to avoid lackluster emotion. — J. Lipshutz

System of a Down, "Chop Suey!" (2001)

Type: Anything Goes 

Ideal Circumstances: A shockingly good karaoke song for the self-proclaimed non-singers in the room. Better than a speak-sing track, “Chop Suey!” is a dynamic exercise in barking, screaming and bringing the drama. Drop this one whenever the room needs to “WAKE UP.” 

But Watch Out For… Serj Tankian can actually sing, so if you’re trying to go for a spot-on replication, especially during his crooning parts, you may get tripped up. But regardless of your natural abilities, if you commit, this could be the highlight of the night.  — C.W.

Eminem, "Lose Yourself" (2002)

Type: Solo showcase

Ideal Circumstances: Straight after a stellar duet or group effort when the momentum is starting to boil, preferably toward the end of the evening. This could be your best standalone spotlight all evening (your one shot, one opportunity, etc.) — don’t waste it unless you have a full room ready to lose themselves in the music.

Backup Option: Try “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” by Kanye West. What’s lost in mom’s spaghetti is gained in more jewelry, more Louis V, and you’ll get to thump your chest all the same. (Eminem’s “‘Till I Collapse” also works, but you’ll have to find a partner to play your Nate Dogg and you may struggle to maintain the audience to the same degree.) — J.G.

Jimmy Buffett, "Margaritaville" (1977)

Type: Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: You’re definitely risking some eye-rolls breaking this escapist anthem too early/sober in the evening, so best to wait until everyone is a little too punchy for judgment — or until you’re in a crowd where karaoke snobbiness is no risk in the first place.

That One Part: You won’t see it on the screen, since it’s not actually part of the song, but if you’re in the crowd for the “Searching for my lost shaker of salt” chorus line, you know what you gotta do: “SALT! SALT! SALT!” — A.U.

The Experts Say: “No. No. It’s hard, because it’s a fun song that always gets the crowd into it, but that’s one of those songs where I used to hear it every single time that I did a karaoke show, and it’s like, “All right, that’s enough of that. I don’t need anymore.” Anybody who’s ever worked in, like, the service industry, island-type bars like Dukes or even Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, where they play that like every hour on the hour, will tell you that they’re at the end of their rope with that song.” — KJ Danny

Frank Sinatra, "My Way" (1969)

Type: Solo Showcase (heck, the song isn’t called “Our Way”)

Ideal Circumstances: Closing time at your favorite karaoke joint, in the wee small hours of the morning, when you tell the bartender to set em up, Joe, because the end is near and we all face the final curtain.

That One Part: A singer must match the no-holds-barred gusto of Sinatra’s original, amid soaring orchestration, and declare (in a rhyme scheme for the ages): “For what is a man/ What has he got?/ If not himself / Then he has naught.” The final test comes with the crescendo of self affirmation: “The record shows/ I took the blows/ And did it my way!” — THOM DUFFY

Missy Elliott, "Work It" (2002)

Type: Crowd-Pleaser 

Ideal Circumstances: Best deployed early in the evening (song three or four) as a way of ramping up the energy and teeing up the big sing-alongs. Once you put your thing down, flip it and reverse it, you’re ready to go all night. 

Backup Option: If you’re feeling friskier and riskier, Missy’s much faster “Gossip Folks” puts your flow to the test -– and really affords a showcase spitting moment for whoever takes on Ludacris’ rapid-fire guest verse. — J. Lynch

The Experts Say: “That’s one when it is done really well and you have somebody, a female, who’s up there that knows the song like backwards and forwards — she will get the crowd going. And then you’re like, ‘OK, that’s it for the evening. Thank you guys for coming to karaoke. Even though we just started, she killed it. We’re done.'” — KJ Danny

The Righteous Brothers, "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" (1964)

Type: Superstar Duet

Ideal Circumstances: When you and your very reluctant wingman are attempting to pick up a fetching but skeptical naval aviation instructor? Might be a bit too much of a cliché to go over on those bases at this point, but nearly 60 years after its initial release, this golden oldie still goes over damn well in most other rooms.

That One Part: Hope you and your partner saved some oxygen for the climactic “BABY!” “BABY!” “BABY!” “BABY!” bridge call-and-response. — A.U.

Destiny's Child, "Say My Name" (1999)

Type: Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: This song is a strong start for a ’90s-driven karaoke night. Regardless of the audience’s genre preference, this quintessential DC4 record will have everyone singing the chorus at the top of their lungs.

But Watch Out For… The pre-chorus, where Destiny’s Child shows off their rapping chops — going a mile a minute from “I know you say that I am assuming things,” a line that will throw off even the most experienced karaoke-goer. — N.R.

Luis Miguel, "Ahora te puedes marchar" (1987)

Type: Anything Goes

Ideal Circumstances: You’re hanging out with your buddies at a barbecue and suddenly, a blast from the past. You can’t contain yourself and suddenly you all adopt that LuisMi superstar, ultra-confident alter-ego. 

That One Part: You start singing one of the hooks: “Alejate de mí, no hay nada más que hablar.” And then your best friend jumps on to finish: “Contigo yo perdí, ya tengo con quien ganar…” – G.F.

The Experts Say: “Any Luis Miguel song is bound to get great feedback from the crowd. Luis Miguel is Luis Miguel. But this specific song is a fan favorite because it’s upbeat.” — Maricela Olivas

TLC, "No Scrubs" (1999)

Type: Anything Goes 

Ideal Circumstances: Honestly, with that one group of girls who are celebrating a bachelorette, a birthday — or even better, a divorce party. Nothing screams female anthem like “No, I don’t want no scrub/ A scrub is a guy that can’t get no love from me.” 

Backup Option: Just as popular (and empowering) at karaokes are TLC’s “Waterfalls” and “Unpretty,” two songs that you’ll most likely see best friends performing together. — J.R.

John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John, "You're the One That I Want" (1978)

Type: Superstar Duet 

Ideal Circumstances: This would work anytime. Because Grease airs on cable almost as often as Friends reruns, everybody knows every note of this song. No one will ever equal John and Olivia’s “electrifyin’” version, but feel free to take a stab at it anyway. 

That One Part: For the male part: “I got chills – they’re multiplyin’.” For the female: Two lines – one spoken (“Tell me about it, stud) and one sung (“Feel your way” – though good luck trying to match the sensuousness Olivia brought to the latter line.) – P.G. 

The Experts Say: “[Grease] just gets everybody going. Everybody knows all the words. They can act like a fool. I think it’s just me, but I can’t stand that movie; I don’t know if karaoke has anything to do with it.” — Liz Lewis, bartender and former karaoke operator at The Shack, Playa Del Rey, Calif.

Evanescence feat. Paul McCoy, "Bring Me to Life" (2003)

Type: Anything Goes

Ideal Circumstances: The hardest part about performing this Evanescence classic for karaoke is the timing: Crowd participation for the various “wake me up”s and “save me”s is vital, so you need to make sure the room is already energized. If they responded well to prior pop-punk, emo and nu-metal efforts, that’s your green light; if the reactions were middling, maybe save this one for another night. 

But Watch Out For… The bridge and third verse. Everyone knows the chorus and the first couple of verses, but people forget that Paul McCoy gets a proper rap-singing spotlight in the back half of the song. Either have a friend on standby ready to jump in, or go full camp and switch back and forth yourself — but make sure you’re prepared. — S.D.

Spice Girls, "Wannabe" (1996)

Type: Group Sing-Along 

Ideal Circumstances: Definitely after the drinks have been flowing for a while. This group sing-along always has the best energy when words begin to slur.  

But Watch Out For… Scary and Ginger Spice’s third verse. That “Slam your body down and wind it all around” harmony sneaks up on you when you’re in your groove, and those lyrics are harder than expected. But, hey, if you’re singing in the aforementioned ideal circumstances, you won’t care. — R.A.

The Experts Say: “I think most people love that song. It doesn’t matter the age. It’s one of those the energy is up there. And it’s repetitive, so everybody knows the words.” — KJ Danny

Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" (1967)

Type: Superstar Duet 

Ideal Circumstances: Feeling cute? Grab your co-pilot and enjoy this breezy, two-minute-and-30-second iconic duet that offers a sweet way to get things moving early in the night. 

Necessary Accessories: Can’t dance? No problem. Get your arms moving during the “high,” “low” and “wide” moments on the chorus and embrace the easiest choreography imaginable. — C.W.

Dolly Parton, "Jolene" (1973)

Type: Anything Goes

Ideal Circumstances: Here’s the beauty of “Jolene”: It’s a song that can be anything you want it to be. “Jolene” could be the vehicle for a stunning solo showcase, a melodramatic duet moment, or just a general sing-along — because, after all, who can resist that hook? It’s a low maintenance opener to test the waters, but it’s also a track that will play well once the night winds down and people have released their inhibitions.

That One Part: Sing it with us: “Jolene…. Jolene…. JOLENE…. JO-LENE!!” — K.D.

Toto, "Africa" (1982)

Type: Crowd-Pleaser

Ideal Circumstances: Is it ever a bad time or place to bless the rains down in Africa? Hell, Weezer had their biggest pop hit of the last decade with a cover of “Africa” that was essentially a glorified karaoke runthrough; if that could make it to top 40 radio in 2018, you’re probably fine queuing it wherever and whenever.

But Watch Out For… The topographical lesson in the second verse, which packs in a couple more syllables than you’re likely expecting: “I know that I must do what’s right/ As sure as Kiliminjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti.” — A.U.

The Experts Say: “One of those songs that gets the whole bar singing. I always recommend when people want to sing that, don’t do it too early in the evening. Please give everybody a chance to drink, because then it’ll be more fun.” — KJ Danny

Nancy Sinatra, "These Boots Were Made For Walkin'" (1966)

Type: Crowd-Pleaser 

Ideal Circumstances: Early in the evening, before you get too drunk to get the lyrics right. They’re a little tricky: “You keep lying when you ought to be truthin’” and “You keep samin’ when you ought to be changin’.” 

Necessary Accessories: It would certainly help to be rocking a pair of vinyl boots, as Nancy did on her early album covers.  – P.G. 

Paramore, "Misery Business" (2007)

Type: Solo Showcase

Ideal Circumstances: Look, if you’re ambitious enough to choose this one, you better have done some vocal warm-ups in advance. This is no time for games or drunken revelry — belting to anything Hayley Williams has touched, including this song, is a serious matter. And please for the love of god (and for the sake of everyone’s eardrums), don’t just scream into the mic.

But Watch Out For…: The sheer stamina required to make it to the end of this one will get even the best singers — and apart from a few short lines in the second verse, the band offers no respite to recuperate. Remember what your middle school choir teacher taught you: breathe from your diaphragm. — K.R.

Lee Wilkof & Ellen Greene ('Little Shop of Horrors'), "Suddenly, Seymour" (1982)

Type: Superstar Duet

Ideal Circumstances: Unless it’s a theater kid or drag queen crowd, you hold this one until the end, when everyone is at least buzzed enough for a detour to the Gay White Way.

That One Part: After the soft, tentative tones of the tune’s first half get an injection of adrenaline, Seymour and Audrey (the flesh-and-blood Audrey, not the carnivorous plant one) blend their voices together and extol the virtues of “sweet understanding” right before a climactic smooch on this Alan Menken classic. — J. Lynch

The Experts Say: “There’s a guy that comes into The Shack who loves to sing ‘Suddenly Seymour’ with me. That one is just epic. That song’s so emotional too. And then you get to do like the New Yawk accent like Audrey. It’s so fun.” — Kiki Park

Elvis Presley, "Suspicious Minds" (1969)

Type: Solo Showcase

Ideal Circumstances: Really, if you’re not using Baz Luhrmann’s hit biopic as an excuse to break out The King’s heart-rending final Hot 100 No. 1 at every karaoke night this year, you’re missing a golden opportunity — pretty rare for an artist who’s been dead for 45 years to once again be at the forefront of pop culture.

But Watch Out For… The song’s famous fake ending, of course — no telling how any given karaoke place will handle it, so you gotta keep your throat on a swivel and be prepared for all possibilities. — A.U.

The Experts Say: “Actually it’s kind of coming to a weird full circle — I remember people singing a lot of ’50s and ’60s when I first started. And so Elvis is back [this year], because of the movie. So a lot of people are singing Elvis now.” — KJ Shane, karaoke host at Backstage Bar in Culver City, Calif.

Def Leppard, "Pour Some Sugar on Me" (1987)

Type: Crowd-Pleaser

Ideal Circumstances: When the evening needs a pick-me-up, this is your go-to. The karaoke equivalent of the seventh-inning stretch, it rallies the crowd for a rousing continuation of the evening — especially one that may head into extra innings.

Backup Option: While you’re sure to hear it at any strip club, “Sugar” may not be an option at every karaoke bar. If not, go for the more challenging but equally satisfying “Photograph,” since passionately screaming “I gotta have you” at the top of your lungs like you’re Joe Elliott circa 1983 is both impressive and cathartic. — MELINDA NEWMAN

Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg, "Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang" (1992)

Type: Superstar Duet

Ideal Circumstances: This G-funk standard-bearer is such an obvious warm-weather West Coast staple that it may actually be best to go counter-intuitive with it at karaoke: Save it for the coldest time of the year in the most rural or suburban part of the country, and use it to turn the bar into a 75-degree cruise through Long Beach.

Backup Option: If you can’t necessarily rely on there being a willing Snoop to your Dre at hand, give the Doctor’s similarly timeless solo cut “Let Me Ride” a spin instead — and watch as the whole room piles into the back of your ’64. — A.U.

Lady Gaga, "Bad Romance" (2009)

Type: Anything Goes 

Ideal Circumstances: After a few ballads or unfamiliar songs, to bring the room back to a happier place.

Money Note: If you’re going to choose “Bad Romance” as your karaoke song, you know you’ve got to nail that “Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah” part. — R.A.

Journey, "Don't Stop Believin'" (1981)

Type: Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: When the past hour or more of songs have been exclusively released in the 21st century, and it’s about time someone injected the night with something a little more classic, “Don’t Stop Believin'” is the perfect choice. It’s full of 1980s rock n’ roll magic — but won’t alienate anyone from singing along either, because just about everyone alive knows every single word.

That One Part: “Hidin’, somewhere in the niiiiiiight.” The whole song leads to this one, glorious note in the second chorus. As the singer, you either rise to the occasion or get buried by Neal Schon’s guitar avalanche. — H.D.

The Experts Say: “The greatest karaoke song of all-time would probably have to be ‘Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey — because even when someone’s bad, everyone loves it… it’s one of those songs, it’s iconic and gets the blood going. So you’re happy when you hear it.” — KJ Shane

“It’s almost synonymous with karaoke.” — Joe Zara

Whitney Houston, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)" (1987)

Type: Solo Showcase

Ideal Circumstances: The beauty of “I Wanna Dance” is its universally beloved status. You can be in the middle of a ballad streak, coming off of a rocky performance, or even be the first one up to the mic for the evening — everyone will know this classic, and they’ll gladly get into the groove almost immediately. 

Money Note: It’s Whitney; every note pays dividends. But there’s something special about that last belt of “my lonely heart caaaallllls” right before the key change into the last chorus that — if you can hit it just right — will give the whole room a good set of the chills. — S.D.

The Experts Say: “I sang it last night… male or female, the floor is poppin’ with that one.” — Kiki Park, owner of Kiki Karaoke in Los Angeles

The Killers, "Mr. Brightside" (2004)

Type: Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: The room should be as packed as possible for this one because “Brightside” requires an enthusiastic, near-manic group shout/sing-along that optionally includes jumping along to the beat.

Necessary Accessories: Listen, Billboard doesn’t condone smoking, but it wouldn’t hurt to have something to take a drag from. – K.A.

The Experts Say: “[There was a song] that was like, ‘I gotta take this off my list because someone’s gonna sing it before me.’ Same with The Killers. Everyone sings The Killers, so I was like, ‘I can’t sing The Killers anymore, because it’s not gonna be like a treat [for anyone].'” — Mike Cortes

ABBA, "Dancing Queen" (1976)

Type: Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: Somewhere among the final five songs of the night. “Dancing Queen” was built to end nights on the highest note possible! But seriously, is there an un-ideal circumstance for ABBA?

That One Part: The whole damn thing, but if we must be specific about it: the second half of the chorus (“You can dance / You can jive / Having the time of your life…”). — K.D.

The Experts Say: “‘Dancing Queen’ is really big right now. All of ABBA is huge right now. It’s just kind of funny to see how a song can become popular again. Like, Mamma Mia made ABBA popular for the kids that are older, they grew up on Mamma Mia – they’re in bars now.” — Darran Mosley

Rick Springfield, "Jessie's Girl" (1981)

Type: Crowd-Pleaser

Ideal Circumstances: At any karaoke night where, for whatever reason, there’s already some weird and potentially exciting kind of tension in the air — all the better to capitalize on with this delectably seething classic of unrequited ’80s lust.

Necessary Accessories: If you’ve got a guitar and some disposable glass objects on hand, it’s always — well, almost always — a good idea to recreate the climactic mirror-shattering scene from the song’s perfectly early-MTV-era music video. — A.U.

Idina Menzel ('Frozen'), "Let It Go" (2013)

Type: Solo Showcase

Ideal Circumstances: With a passionate, wholly committed person on the mic, who (correctly) believes that the Frozen anthem is one of the best Disney songs in existence, might be open to some theatrical gesticulation, and isn’t afraid to be one with the wind and sky.

Money Note: The grand finale — “Here I staaand, in the light of daaaaay / Let the storm rage ONNNNN! / The cold never bothered me anyway” — is some epic loud-to-quiet stuff. Unlock your inner Broadway and go for it with gusto! — J. Lipshutz

Neil Diamond, "Sweet Caroline" (1969)

Type: Crowd-Pleaser

Ideal Circumstances: Weddings, birthday parties, bar mitzvah celebrations — and any home game by the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, where the song has become a longstanding anthem. (Memorably, Diamond himself sang the song at the park in 2013 for the team’s first game after the Boston Marathon bombing, and again this past June in a rare post-retirement performance).

That One Part: The singer must lead the crowd in the appropriate gestures of hands reaching skyward as she or he declares: “reaching out, touching me, touching you!” Then with the declaration that “good times never seemed so good,” the crowd is of course obliged to shout back: “So good!  So good! So good!” — T.D.

The Experts Say: “I think some people hate the song ‘Sweet Caroline’ — but if they forget that they hate it for one second, they’re singing it. You can’t make it through ‘Sweet Caroline’ from start to finish without singing it at least once. The bum bum bum, you just can’t, it’s ridiculous. That song never fails.” — Joe Zara

“The crowd [always] insists on saying, “So good, so good, so good!” It’s not part of the song, and I’m the one up here! If I were to sing ‘Sweet Caroline,’ I would be like, ‘Shut up. Don’t add to this.'” — Joey Park, co-operator of Baby Grand, New York

Cher, "If I Could Turn Back Time" (1989)

Type: Solo Showcase

Ideal Circumstances: When you’re still not quite ready for your biggest number of the night, but it’s deep enough into the evening that you’re ready to let the rest of the crowd and room know that you mean business. (Or at least ready to slip into your fishnet body stocking and leather jacket.)

But Watch Out For… The truly devilish karaoke prank “Turn Back Time” pulls of changing key mid-final chorus — a twist that can throw off your entire night if you’re not ready for it, but will make you look ever the seasoned vet if you can nail it without any muss. — A.U.

No Doubt, "Don't Speak" (1995)

Type: Solo Showcase / Crowd-Pleaser 

Ideal Circumstances: Considering how it’s a very slow-paced track, it’s best to perform this pop-rock power ballad earlier in the night, before the drinks settle in, and before the wave of uptempo songs begins. 

Money Note: This entire song was made to belt out with an open heart and potent vocals, but if there’s one line that will make you shine on stage, it’s definitely everything that follows after: “As we die both you and I/ With my head in my hands, I sit and cry.” — J.R.

Britney Spears, "...Baby One More Time" (1998)

Type: Group Sing-Along 

Ideal Circumstances: This song hits well at any point in the outing. So, whenever you’re feeling like adding some ‘90s flavor to karaoke night, go ahead and channel your inner pop princess. 

Backup Option: “…Baby One More Time” is a karaoke go-to, so if you find that it’s been done already that night or you want to switch it up, try “Toxic.” It’s just as fun to sing and isn’t too overdone, without sacrificing the homage to Britney. — R.A.

Selena, "Amor Prohibido" (1994)

Type: Solo Showcase

Ideal Circumstances: How many of us didn’t sing this anthem alone in our rooms pretending to be as perfect as Selena hitting all the high notes? If you’re singing it in front of someone else, it’s probably at home during a girls night in while sipping on some wine.

That One Part: It may start off as a one-person show — but when this line comes on, everyone will be singing it at the top of their lungs: “Amor prohibido murmuran por las calles porque somos de distintas so-ci-e-da-des.” — G.F.

The Experts Say: “Who doesn’t love Selena? I get tons of requests for Selena. They might not all be “Amor Prohibido,” but people will request songs such as “Como La Flor” and “Si Una Vez.” People really love Selena’s music.” — Maricela Olivas

The Weather Girls, "It's Raining Men" (1982)

Type: Crowd-Pleaser

Ideal Circumstances: Are things getting a little too serious? Has your karaoke room gotten a bit too subdued thanks to some sappy love songs or sad pieces of confessional songwriting? Consider this your “in case of emergency” vibe-adjuster to bring your room back to life. 

Necessary Accessories: If you’ve got some props on hand, this is your song. Umbrellas; yellow raincoats; that one supernaturally hot guy friend you brought to the bar who has a proclivity for taking his shirt off after shot number three; all of these will only make “It’s Raining Men” that much more fun for the whole crowd. — S.D.

The B-52's, "Love Shack" (1989)

Type: Anything Goes

Ideal Circumstances: Definitely a peak-hour song — maybe not too late, since Kate Pierson’s belting and Fred Schneider’s ad libbing require both energy and concentration to pull off properly, but too dynamic to waste too early, either.

Money Note: For your Fred and your Kate respectively, back to back: “Your WHAT????” “TIIIIIIIIIIN ROOF!…. rusted.” Save the questions about what the hell it actually means for the Pop-Up Video. — A.U.

4 Non Blondes, "What's Up"

Type: Solo Showcase / Crowd-Pleaser 

Ideal Circumstances: When the night is winding down and everyone is feeling loose, that is the prime time for you to throw your arms around your compatriots and succumb to the gently swaying rhythm of Linda Perry’s early ’90s alt-rock classic, while reaching for those “Hey-ey-ey-ey-ey”’s.  

But Watch Out For… Those very same “Hey-ey-ey-ey-ey”’s that brought you so high could also bring you down if you don’t sneak in a nice big breath before you launch. Come prepared. — C.W.

The Experts Say: “‘What’s Up’ by 4 Non Blondes is still a mainstay. I hear it almost every day.” — Jason Adkins, karaoke host at Lipstick Lounge in Nashville

“‘What’s Up?’ by 4 Non Blondes never fails to get a good response from the crowd. That ‘Hey yeah yeah yeah yeah,’ there’s never a moment where that’s not going to make people sing.” — Darran Mosley

Carly Rae Jepsen, "Call Me Maybe" (2011)

Type: Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: A warm-up, a peak hit, an evening closer… there’s really no bad time for “Call Me Maybe” at karaoke. The only inadvisable way to do it would be solo: The song’s energy is too infectious and communal to really be contained to any one performer.

Backup Option: There’s only one “Call Me Maybe,” obviously — but if you can locate Carly Rae’s underrated follow-up “This Kiss” in your songbook, it’d be a great curveball pick for folks who’ve likely forgotten about what a gem that one is too. — A.U.

The Experts Say: “One of my favorite karaoke songs is ‘Call Me Maybe,’ because it’s so simple, it’s so poppy, and that ‘Where ya think you’re goin’, baby?’ — it’s a call to action. “Where do you think you’re going, baby?…” You could do that song at the beginning of the night or at any point in the night, but you could get the crowd going if it’s a party of three or a party of 50. And it doesn’t matter who you are — guy, girl or anything in between or any ethnicity — you’re allowing yourself to be silly. You’re giving yourself permission.” — Joey Park, Baby Grand, New York

Bon Jovi, "Livin' on a Prayer" (1986)

Type: Crowd-Pleaser

Ideal Circumstances: Unless you’re trying to get real literal with the “we’re halfway there” point from the chorus, pull this one out when you’re trying to dial up the juice for one last stretch for the evening.

Money Note: It’s no secret: the back half of the chorus’ woah-ohhh! is basically make-or-break for this one, and it’s in no short supply. If you’ve got the range, hit it; if not, maybe opt for a different showstopper. — J.G.

The Experts Say: “If it’s crowded and you’re singing ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’ or ‘Livin’ on a Prayer,’ those big chorus songs, they never fail… but you can’t sing those unless you can really sing. ‘Livin on a Prayer’ is pretty high.” — Joe Zara

Aretha Franklin, "Respect" (1967)

Type: Superstar Duet (No one voice can do justice to the Queen of Soul. Plus, the call-and-response style lyric lends itself to two singers).

Ideal Circumstances: When the guys in the room have gotten a little bit too full of themselves and need to be put in their place. When the women in the room have had just enough of them.

That One Part: While the two singers can trade off key lyrics (”What you want?/ Baby, I got it!/ What you need?/ Do you know I got it?”) the crowd really should join in for those backup singer moments (”Sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me”) and the syllabic set up for that killer chorus (”Re, re, re, respect!”) — T.D.

Céline Dion, "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" (1996)

Category: Solo Showcase / Crowd-Pleaser

Ideal circumstances: Late night, when the crowd needs a jolt of energy only power piano chords and Celine drama can provide — but is also drunk enough to join in loudly for “there were nights of endless plea-zhaah” and softly as your backup chorus at the song’s end.

But Watch Out For… Those classic Jim Steinman dramatic tempo changes between verses. And remember: there’s just one place where you say “baby, baby, baby” a full three times! Restrain yourself! — R.M.

Cyndi Lauper, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" (1983)

Type: Group Sing-Along 

Ideal Circumstances: When the night is winding down for most of the room (midnight karaoke warriors not included), this is a perfect blast of joyous exuberance to keep the energy level up as people start to trickle out. 

Necessary Accessories: If you don’t have any scrunchies or leg warmers on hand, you better bust out your best air marimba during the bubbly synthesizer solo before the third verse. — J. Lynch

Carrie Underwood, "Before He Cheats" (2005)

Type: Crowd-Pleaser 

Ideal Circumstances: The night is at its peak level of chaos. Drinks are flowing. At least one girl is visibly crying in the back. Perhaps a bar fight ensued mere minutes ago and everyone’s still a little weirded out by it. Enter: “Before He Cheats,” the great unifier. Underwood’s anthem of scorned ex-girlfriend rage can instantly make strangers into friends, convert the most unsuspecting city slicker into a proud country bootstrapper and salvage any night on the rocks.

Necessary Accessories: One foot ferociously stomping to the beat throughout the song’s duration. The more hair flips, the better. — H.D.

The Experts Say: “‘Before He Cheats’ is the number one song in karaoke by far. It’s not even close… that song came out around the time I started doing karaoke and it’s been pretty much holding strong. Any song that mentions karaoke in the karaoke song gets a little bit of a nod… It’s in a particular register, it is a song sung by a woman but if you’re a guy with decent range, then it can be sung by both sexes, and that’s always funny. It’s an equal-opportunity song.” — Darran Mosley

Kelly Clarkson, "Since U Been Gone" (2004)

Type: Solo Showcase / Crowd-Pleaser

Ideal Circumstances: This is a rare song that doubles as not only a superb vehicle for any talented, ceiling-scraping vocalist, but also a pop-rock hybrid with a timeless message certain to get any scorned lovers pumping their fists. Wait until there is a full house that’s appreciative of above-average vocals and an angst-fueled melody.

Money Note: It’s that piercing high note on the final “again” at the end of the bridge that seals this song’s power, as Clarkson pours anger, defiance and frustration into the lyric, “Shut your mouth, I just can’t take it/ Again and again and again and AGAIN.” — J.N.

Elton John & Kiki Dee, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" (1976)

Type: Superstar Duet

Ideal Circumstances: Early. It’s a great song to kick off karaoke night with: Shy singers don’t have to take the stage alone, and everyone else will warm up by singing along and soon be ready to take the stage themselves. Perfect karaoke ice breaker.

That One Part: The chorus: You and your partner each get to sing “Woo hoo/ Nobody knows it” solo and then harmonize on the next line. What more do you want in a duet? — M.N.

Brandy & Monica, "The Boy Is Mine" (1998)

Type: Superstar Duet 

Ideal Circumstances: Amateurs beware: This is AP karaoke territory. At nearly five minutes long, a large part of this song is dedicated to riffs and runs, which are not for the faint of heart. But if you and your competition are up to the challenge and ready to bring the attitude, this R&B smash will destroy any crowd. 

Necessary Accessories: “The Boy Is Mine” demands talk-to-the-hand gestures, room pacing — and for the love, please bring your side-eye. — C.W.

The Experts Say: “Can I be real? A lot of people want to sing that and they’ll see me sitting there and they’re like, ‘Oh my God, will you be Monica?’ And I really only love performing the song if the other person really knows it. There’s a lot of words in the song. You know, people love to hear that song and they really get into it. But if you don’t quite catch up with all the notes and the nuances — and Brandy and Monica are real singers… It’s not as crowd-pleasing as you would think if you don’t hit it.” — Kiki Park

Bonnie Tyler, "Total Eclipse of the Heart" (1983)

Type: Anything Goes

Ideal Circumstances: The very last song of the night, full of shambolic swaying, group hugs between friends, slurred dedications to loved ones and shout-along declarations during the song’s various movements. If your karaoke night ends with “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” it’s been a good night.

But Watch Out For… Are you singing the nearly seven-minute album version, or the four-and-a-half minute single version? If you’re only familiar with the single version of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and the performance is unexpectedly going on for an extra two-and-a-half minutes, you may be in trouble. Be prepared, bright eyes. — J. Lipshutz

The Experts Say: I love when people sing this song because I can sing the backups on it, and some people are pretty surprised. They’re like, ‘Oh, I didn’t know if someone was gonna do the [sings] “turn around.”’ I definitely plug that in there for them. And then you of course have the Dan Band version [from Old School], which a lot of guys will do when they get up to sing: [Sings] ‘I f—ing need you toni-ight!’ It’s always an end-of-the-night song. Never a starter.” — Kiki Park

Garth Brooks, "Friends in Low Places" (1990)

Type: Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: Definitely an end-of-the-night closer, some time before last call but after everyone has gotten their buzz on and is feeling good and rowdy.

That One Part: Really, the only people who should be allowed to “sing” “Friends in Low Places” are the ones familiar with the third verse — which is not part of the radio version, but beloved by anyone who’s seen Brooks live — where the protagonist goes from slightly apologetic to having one final message for his “sweet little lady,” meant to be sung with maximum brio by everyone in the karaoke bar together. — M.N.

The Experts Say: “Always a crowd-pleaser… There’s something about [Garth Brooks’ music] that I feel no matter who you are, you can relate to it. No matter your situation… And I think that’s one of those bar songs that if somebody wants to sing it, everybody starts singing along. It doesn’t matter. Age, gender — none of that matters.” — KJ Danny

Nicki Minaj, "Super Bass" (2010)

Type: Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: This should come in the middle of your karaoke set, when the singers are warmed up and ready to belt. Within one second of that electric guitar riff, everyone will know exactly what time it is, busting into the iconic first verse sung word-for-word at millennial bars across the world for over a decade.

That One Part: “See I need you in my life for me to sta-ay…” After breathless rapping for nearly two and a half minutes, the Barbz will be ready to break out some impressive melodies. Get ready for the volume to peak on one of the most iconic bridges of the early ’10s. — N.R.

The Experts Say: “I love that song. It was one of her biggest hits when she first came out, and also a little bit of rap is impressive in a karaoke room. So yeah, it’s a fun dance one. You can’t go wrong with fun dance.” — Kiki Park

Alanis Morissette, "You Oughta Know" (1995)

Type: Solo Showcase / Crowd-Pleaser / Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: Did your dirtbag boyfriend dump you? Cheat on you? Do you wrong in any way, shape or form? Congratulations, you are qualified to sing “You Oughta Know” tonight. Grab your best friends and hit the nearest karaoke bar, take a shot (or two, or three), and get up on that stage — because the healing power of Alanis Morissette will cleanse you.

Backup Option: If for some bizarre reason, the bar doesn’t have “You Oughta Know,” don’t stress, you’ve got options. If you’re a member of Gen Z, try Olivia Rodrigo’s “good 4 u.” Millennials, what about “Better Than Revenge” by Taylor Swift? — K.R.

The Experts Say: “They’re universal themes, right? F–k my ex, that sociopathic, narcissistic a–hole. We all share that.” — Joey Park

Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper, "Shallow" (2018)

Type: Superstar Duet

Ideal Circumstances: As some karaoke hotspots avoid ballads later in the evening, place this slow-burn, romance-fueled duet earlier in a set as a breather before rowdy, wall-to-wall sing-alongs.

Backup Option: “Shallow” borrows heavily from country music’s lengthy canon of male-female collaborations, with earthy storytelling and a space for a rich female vocal. Country artists Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood released their own superb rendition of “Shallow,” but several of their own duets — such as “Where Your Road Leads” and “In Another’s Eyes” — share the same pragmatic sense of showmanship, dynamic vocal melodies, and just the right hint of drama. — J.N.

The Experts Say: “Oh my God, it’s the worst, but people love it. I just think it’s a downer. Like, pick a song for the crowd so the crowd gets into it. And any time that song comes on, people go outside.” — Liz Lewis

“The Bradley Cooper part is really easy. The Lady Gaga part is really difficult. If you don’t have a Gaga in that pair, it’s kind of disappointing as well. What sucks is that Bradley Cooper starts that song, and you’re like, ‘OK, let’s hope the Gaga can carry it.’ And then she doesn’t, and you’re just like, ‘Ah, dammit.'” — Joey Park

“[The most common duet song] used to always be Grease. Either ‘You’re the One That I Want” or ‘Summer Nights.’ Now it’s ‘Shallow.'” – KJ Shane

Queen, "Bohemian Rhapsody" (1975)

Type: Anything Goes

Ideal Circumstances: Simply put, there will never be a better final private room karaoke song. You get everything you could possibly want in one song: Big solo vocal moments, call-and-response sing-alongs, a breakdown section for stomping around (and of course, headbanging), and an epic climax that gives way to a mournful finish. You even get to end the night with a gong, for crying out loud.

Backup Option: In pretty much any other band’s catalog, the stop-start mania of “Don’t Stop Me Now” would be the obvious karaoke go-to — and it still deservedly gets plenty of play, even as Queen’s silver-medalist. — A.U.

The Experts Say: “A lot of times we get a bunch of people that sing it. Some people really go crazy, it gets rocking at the end. It can hit really big on a weekend — the whole place could be singing it.” — Joe Zara

“Is [the greatest karaoke song of all-time] ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’? It basically has to be a song that you know all the words to – and you don’t have to sing it great – but also the crowd knows. It’s all about reading the room. If people want a successful karaoke experience – you know, you don’t want everyone to leave and go on a cigarette break, so it has to be a good song. I would say, yeah, probably ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.'” — Liz Lewis

“[The greatest karaoke song] is ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ I wanted to think of a song that has lasting power. I don’t know if they’ll be singing ‘Love Story’ 20 years from now, but ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is 40 years old and it’s still sung.” — Darran Mosley

Gloria Gaynor, "I Will Survive" (1979)

Type: Solo Showcase / Group Sing-Along 

Ideal Circumstances: This is a peak sing-along song, one that the whole audience will join in on. Best line: “I’m not that chained-up little person still in love with you.” That’s telling him.  

Backup option: Jean Knight’s sassy 1971 smash “Mr. Big Stuff” has a similar storyline – someone who has finally had enough of being treated like a doormat is schooling her ex on the right way to treat a woman. – P.G. 

The Experts Say: “That’s a big go-to for my people who want to do epic songs. It’s a very inspirational song. So yeah, you’ve got a woman song, an inspirational song — those are all huge go-to’s for karaoke.” — Kiki Park

“Gloria Gaynor or Cake? Because they’re the same song, but they’re two different vibes. Don’t get me wrong: I love the song. I think Gloria did a fantastic job, obviously. And it’s always a crowd-pleaser. But whenever a guy says, ‘Do you have the Cake version?’ I always get even more pumped, because it’s a bit of a different vibe. And it always surprises people. They’re like, ‘Wait, I know this song!’ But then they’re like, ‘But that’s not the one I know.'” — KJ Danny

Backstreet Boys, "I Want It That Way" (1999)

Type: Group Sing-Along

Ideal Circumstances: It’s towards the end of the night. The crowd is nice and toasted from an evening of scream-singing the lyrics to their favorite pop tunes. You and your friends are looking at each other and starting to close out your bar tabs. Suddenly, one of you looks up and says, “Hey, let’s do one more before we go.” You huddle up as a group, debate what will work with everyone — and inevitably, you’ll land on this all-time great. 

Money Note: Your group is going to have the crowd eating out of the palm of your hands almost instantly with the B-Boys. But if you really want to get them cheering, pick the strongest singer in your group to be Nick, and give them that fateful, pre-key change, “Don’t wanna hear you saayyyyy!” The audience may just forget to keep singing along, they’ll be cheering so hard. — S.D.

The Experts Say: “‘I Want It That Way’ is like the ultimate karaoke song to me for a number of reasons… It immediately breaks down the barrier of anyone in the bar taking themselves seriously. It’s like, ‘Oh cool, now we can all kinda relax together. You’re up there being silly, and I can be silly too.’ And then it implements this call-and-response lyric… You have the audience participating with you, and it gives them an opportunity to jump in and share how much they love the song as well.

You ask anyone between the age of 10 and 40, almost anyone in the world is going to know all the lyrics to that song. It just works. It hits all the points. It’s got that degree of guilty pleasure, it’s epic toward the end where you hit that big belting note. By that point, everyone is in on the song, so you’re never hitting that note alone.” — Mike Cortes

Shania Twain, "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" (1998)

Type: Crowd-Pleaser

Ideal Circumstances: You don’t need to be in Nashville to perform this country classic. It’s a crossover smash in every sense of the word – country-to-pop crossover, young-to-old crossover and, as Harry Styles proved at Coachella, it isn’t just reserved for the ladies either. (Honestly, it might be even more fun to see a guy tackle it.) So break out your men’s shirts and short skirts and let it all hang out — because, after all, the best thing about doing karaoke is the prerogative to have a little fun.

That One Part: The crowd will know exactly what kind of party they’re in for the minute they hear those first three words: “Let’s go, girls.” – K.A.

The Experts Say: “That’s always a girl-empowerment song that gets the room going. And the best is when a drunk guy sings that song. It’s just the best entertainment.” — Kiki Park

“There’s what I call the “cool-guy copout,” which is where a guy’s too cool, but his ego tells him, “I need to at least sing something.” So, he’ll choose a song ironically, like ‘Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” But the ends sort of justify the means because at the end of that song, everybody’s with him. They’re like, “All right, we get it. You’ve destroyed your ego to a degree, as best as you can, despite doing it in more of a cop-out way.” — Joey Park

“I think it’s a great song. I think that people, in particular girls, love to sing that song. But it doesn’t get enough play, and I’m just like, why? When somebody does sing it, I’m always like, ‘I can’t wait to hear that.'” — KJ Danny