Late-Night Karaoke Picks

I’ve found that late-night karaoke does well with less known songs like The Outfield’s “Your Love” and Modern English’s “I Melt With You” – great for keeping the fun up without using the same old hits. For cool grooves, Lake Street Dive’s “Good Kisser” brings a new R&B touch, while Nathaniel Rateliff’s “S.O.B.” adds real soul. The best picks are easy but not known too much, like Night Ranger’s “Sister Christian” or Deep Blue Something’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” – songs that tell a story and are easy to sing. These picks keep things new and grow your song list’s cool factor past the common ones.
Hidden Gems From the 80s
The 80s had many karaoke gems, but apart from “Sweet Dreams” and “Take On Me” are less-known hits. I’ve found that songs like Alphaville’s “Forever Young” and Murray Head’s “One Night in Bangkok” are just right for new singers and still hold that 80s feel. 호치민에서 안전하게 놀기 위한 방법
I really say go for The Outfield’s “Your Love” because its verses and big chorus won’t wear out your voice. Also, Modern English’s “I Melt With You” is a smooth song that’s great for keeping the beat after some drinks.
If you want some drama, try Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero” – it’s easier than “Total Eclipse of the Heart” but just as deep.
Don’t miss out on songs like Scandal’s “The Warrior” or The Motels’ “Only the Lonely,” which have clear words and catchy hooks without hard singing. These tracks keep the fun new wave vibe while still being easy for all singers.
Soulful Indie Showstoppers
More than usual indie hits, today’s artists have made soulful songs perfect for karaoke. I’ve found that The Lumineers’ “Ho Hey” has a simple tune that gets everyone singing along, and its plain style lets your voice stand out. First Aid Kit’s “Emmylou” hits a sweet spot between folk and soul, with harmonies you can do on your own.
Lake Street Dive’s “Good Kisser” adds a new spin to classic R&B, with a chorus that shows off your voice. I’ve found that Lord Huron’s “The Night We Met” makes karaoke night special, with its deep tune and touching words.
For a more upbeat choice, try The Head and the Heart’s “Lost in My Mind” – its call-and-response setup is great in groups.
Don’t skip Nathaniel Rateliff’s “S.O.B.” – it’s a strong song that fills the room with energy. These tracks are great because they mix indie styles with soul, giving both a skill test and deep feel that connects with the crowd.
Crowd-Pleasing Power Ballads
Moving from indie soul to pure strong feelings, power ballads are the heart of karaoke for showing deep vocal passion. While everyone knows “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” there are less known power ballads that will make you the star of the night.
Start with Meat Loaf’s “Objects in the Rear View Mirror” – it’s less scary than “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” but just as deep. Night Ranger’s “Sister Christian” offers that perfect mid-80s rise that builds up drama.
For something newer, The Darkness’s “Love Is Only a Feeling” mixes classic power ballad style with modern sounds.
Don’t miss Styx’s “Show Me the Way” or Dokken’s “Alone Again” – both have easy ranges and big choruses that even new singers can nail. If you’re feeling bold, try White Lion’s “When the Children Cry” – it’s hard but pays off with real moments with the crowd. These songs work because they mix known ballad styles with new twists that keep people listening.
Forgotten One-Hit Wonders

In terms of karaoke, forgotten one-hit wonders hit just right between known and new. I’ve found that songs like “Come On Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners or “Walking in Memphis” by Marc Cohn have choruses most can remember, even if they haven’t heard them in a while. These songs are easier to sing than power ballads, making them good for normal singers.
Try “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” by Deep Blue Something or “Life is a Highway” by Tom Cochrane – they tell clear stories that help you connect with the words.
I’ve seen that people really like 80s and 90s one-hit wonders because they bring back old times without being played too much like big hits.
When picking forgotten hits, aim for songs with simple tunes and clear words. Choices like “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers or “Sex and Candy” by Marcy Playground work well because their vocal ranges are easy for most casual singers.
Vocal Range Challengers
While most karaoke fans stick to comfy ranges, some tricky English songs give big rewards for keen singers. I’ve watched many try Kate Bush’s “Wuthering Heights” with its four-octave range, only to see its hard high notes and quick drops.
Prince’s “Kiss” offers another vocal test – it’s not about hitting very high notes, but keeping a light voice through the song while getting the beat right. I’ve found that getting good at moving between chest and head voice is key for this funky hit.
Minnie Riperton’s “Loving You” is another top challenger, with her high whistle notes that reach an F6. What makes this song hard isn’t just the high note – it’s the need for control through the tune and moving smoothly between voice types.
I always say to practice the verse changes before going for those high parts. These songs are not just hard; they are lessons in singing that push your range to its max.
Off-Beat Party Favorites
Beyond the well-loved hits like “Sweet Caroline” and “Don’t Stop Believin’,” there are some less known English songs that always get the karaoke crowd going.
I’ve seen that “Come On Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners gets folks dancing with its Irish-style beat and catchy chorus, while “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell has a synth-pop sound that’s easy to sing.
For the most crowd fun, go for “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina & The Waves – its fast beat and simple melody are perfect for group singing.
The B-52’s “Love Shack” stays not used enough even though its call-and-response style naturally pulls in the crowd.
I’ve noticed that “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston, while known, is often not picked over “I Will Always Love You,” yet it’s better for karaoke parties.
Also, “Walking in Memphis” by Marc Cohn gives a story that helps singers keep on track while bringing deep feelings. These songs work because they mix easy tunes with special sounds that stand out in a karaoke set. When Using Karaoke Systems
Rock Anthems Worth Reviving
Rock anthems often end up as guitar-heavy covers at karaoke, but several classic ballads and big rock songs need new love.
I’ve noticed that “Carry On Wayward Son” by Kansas is passed for simpler songs, yet its wide vocal range and big setup are perfect for good singers who can handle its bits.
Journey’s “Separate Ways” gives more singing chances than their much-played “Don’t Stop Believin'” while having the same deep feel.
The song’s lead-up builds up a tension that lets go in a rewarding way, making it great for karaoke feel.
I’m pulled to Foreigner’s “Juke Box Hero,” which tells a strong story while giving many high points.
Its story type helps singers connect with the crowd, even if they can’t match Lou Gramm’s first voice. “Since You Been Gone” by Rainbow stays too little used in karaoke lists.
While Russ Ballard wrote it, Graham Bonnet’s take gives a simple plan for singers, with a verse-chorus form that still brings real rock coolness.
The song’s even beat and clear tune line make it a sure pick for any rock fan.