What Should Be Your First Karaoke Song (Plus a Story About Overcoming Stage Fright and the Common Fear of Failure
- Jacki Knight
- 24 minutes ago
- 16 min read
There are three types of people in the world; those that would never dare to pick up the mic, those who would pick it up without a second thought, and then those who daydream about garnering the courage to go center stage. One thing stopping the daydreamers is simply anxiety; those nagging voices that tell them they will never be good enough to even get the chance to be heard. The beauty of karaoke lies in its ability to convert the self-deprecating daydreamers into fun-seeking singers.
For most of my life I was a daydreamer. Before living on the coast, the most I’ve ever done in front of people was sing the “Star Spangled Banner” (incorrectly, might I add), play a karaoke game with my childhood friend at her house (to which one of the drunken friends of our mothers praised my rendition of “Start All Over” by Miley Cyrus… I didn’t take that too seriously), and listed the names of countries in a school play (once again, incorrectly, according to those who mocked my emphasis on the “I” in Italy). No one knew I constantly dreamed of singing in front of people with no remorse. Singing is a form of stimulation that can keep me regulated, but it also became a useful tool in teaching myself annunciation and proper breathing for more than just music. It became my secret shower hobby that I was careful not to do when anyone was home. I was afraid that I would be judged immediately for my lack of professional skill.
I had moved away from my parents quite a few times in my 20’s with one major move when I was 27 years old. I never had a drivers license, so when I was faced with a massive layoff and had to find a quick way to secure a job that would pay enough I felt forced to move away from my hometown. I convinced my best friend at the time to live with me, which admittedly was not the brightest move. I was constantly ridiculed for the things I did; which mainly involved my food intake and weight issues, but sometimes would include musical ability. Once again, I was a shower singer with an auditory audience of my neighbors.
Halfway through my first year in this new area, I developed a pars defect (a stress fracture in the lower part of the spine) and was pushed to resign from the job I had moved to the area for. It was the universe’s way of saying that I did not belong there, even if at the time it felt like I was cursed to suffer. Only a couple of months after my official departure from my old job I was hired to work in a store on Essex St. in Salem, MA. A seasonal position turned into a permanent position, and I found myself in Salem more often than not. If you are unfamiliar with Salem past the Haunted Happenings season you are truly missing out on what the city has to offer. Not only are there multiple events around the city all year long, but the music scene is somewhat of a hidden gem. If you like punk or metal, you will enjoy the local shows. Drag performances are huge here too.
One thing that may get swept under the rug, however, are the karaoke and open mic nights. Various bars and cafes will hold these weekly events for both regulars and tourists to either show off their skills or simply have fun. My first time at a weekly karaoke event was at an Irish bar called O’Neill’s. It’s within walking distance from the shop I worked in and on the same street as three other locations with their own karaoke and open mic events. The friend who invited me is a professionally trained vocalist, and it became very clear that night he kept up with it after all the years we’ve known each other. We talked about a few bands we mutually liked, which resulted in him performing songs from Black Sabbath and Candlemass. Despite his initial interest in Bowie impersonation, he proved he could not only sing well in his own voice, but also potentially mimic other metal vocalists. He probably wouldn’t believe this if he ever read this article, but he really did sound like Eddie Marcolin that night.
Now, the big question is, did I end up singing that night? Well, sorry to disappoint, but I did not. However, if my life were a musical, we’d probably be on the part where “Into the Unknown” starts playing. Not knowing how it will go is the scariest part of trying anything for the first time, but especially in front of others. However, a piece of advice I had been given, long before this part of my life started, played on repeat in my mind, “If you feel fear, you’re doing the right thing.”
The next time we went to that same bar, I finally decided to put in for “Kaunaz Dagaz” by Brothers of Metal. Oh boy. I could have gone with literally anything else and I decided on viking metal. It felt quite embarrassing, especially because no one really knows that kind of music. My friend tried reassuring me that it was fine, but I felt so off about it. It was like the other times I tried to fight stage fright and just do it. I tried to shake it off as a one-off thing I’ll do in my life and proceeded to become an audience member for the rest of the night. When I eventually went into the bathroom, the bartender walked in while I washed my hands and she commented on my performance. I was humble about it at first, believing she was just being nice, but she insisted on it. It then dawned on me that she has probably seen countless people go up there and completely trash the track they chose. She did not need to reassure me if she wasn’t telling the truth. When I came back out, I had secured a new hobby.
During the time I’ve gone out to karaoke with my friends, I have found that I work best with anything originally performed by Stevie Nicks or that requires scream vocals, but it took a bit of trial and error to find my vibe. I also found that even if you aren’t nailing a song, you can still get a crowd going with the right song choice. With that said, let’s discuss what songs would be the best starters so you don’t have to go through the struggle I did my first time. Here’s a list that is both clean and harsh vocal friendly:
If you are into radio hits (past or present):
Early 2000’s Britney Spears
Look. We all know this song. We’ve memed about it, sung it in our cars, made it our ringtones (“Guys, SHUT UP, I’m trying to record my ringtone!”), tried to learn the choreography of the music video, and even made Britney’s iconic red suit into countless Halloween costumes. When you bring this song up, someone is going to get hyped over it.
True, hardcore Britney fans adore this song. We felt that desperation for happiness in this song, and now we know why. She tried telling us.
This track is especially good if you are feeling confident in your ability to produce smooth notes and want something a little slower.
Get into your hot girl era with one of the most famous Britney Spears hits. You’ll feel like a champ singing it and your audience will cheer you on. Just don’t do anything extreme, especially while drunk… This is the only warning I’m giving you.
N*SYNC’s most popular song is one that will surely be enjoyed by those who were born before ‘95 or are major fans of the Deadpool & Wolverine movie.
This is an especially good choice if you want to go up with your friends! Get that girl/boy/nonbinary band going!
"Pink Pony Club" by Chappell Roan
I really hope I don’t have to explain why this is such a bar karaoke hit. A song about moving away to go perform at a club? Iconic.
You do not have to take the song and your vocal quality seriously. If anyone asks, just tell them, “Oh, Mama, I’m just having fun.”
Make it queer – that’s what the song aims for. This is a good bop to show some pride!
First of all, no, you do not have to say you feel like P Diddy. Even Kesha doesn’t do that anymore, so follow her lead.
Bonus points: You really follow her lead and your alteration to the lyric is, “Wake up in the morning like FUCK P DIDDY!” We thank you for your service, Kesha.
If you were a teen or young adult in the 2010s, you know exactly what’s up with this song. This is the party song that hits all the right notes.
All you need to do is be a baddie up there. Break out!
If you are into emo anthems:
"I Write Sins Not Tragedies" by Panic! At the Disco
Even if you aren’t into alternative hits, if you are old enough then you probably know this song.
And if you didn’t grow up during the era of A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, there’s a chance you still stumbled across this song somehow.
While Panic! At the Disco utilizes fine vocal practices, their style of music is still easier to sing to than a lot of other artists. You’ll have moments that will save your vocal power for longer notes, and there will never be a note that is too high to reach.
If you have a lot of millennials in your audience, they will hype you up and sing along.
This is another millennial era song that managed to garner enough attention to make it to the radio. It is still widely popular to this day with millennials and those who are into emo culture.
I performed this song drunk and still managed to get applause from the entire bar. You do not need to be good to get positive feedback, you just need to perform with total confidence and less care than a CareBear fired from its day job.
If you played this on Guitar Hero: World Tour, then congratulations, you already have practice with the song!
"Welcome to the Black Parade" by My Chemical Romance
This is THE emo anthem, and I will die on that hill.
If your crowd is primarily emo, it will truly be a bonding moment for all of you.
You do not need fine vocals for this song. It is supposed to be yelled like a teen in a TV drama telling their mom why they didn’t say anything about their life and its happenings.
There’s something uplifting about the line, “We’ll carry on!”
If you are into pop punk:
"Dial Tones X" by As It Is ft. Lucas Woodland (Holding Absence)
This ten year anniversary song is as catchy as its original counterpart, if not even more so.
You’ll look pretty slick saying, “It hurts to know that I’m why your bed’s half empty.”
When someone actually knows the band and starts talking to you, you get the chance to say, “Who the fuck is Patty Walters?” Trust me, they’ll get it.
"Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing (REBORN)" by Set It Off
This is another ten year anniversary song that somehow took the initial anger and made it even angrier, working in favor of a more polished pop punk sound, and in fact I would even argue it leans towards metalcore.
You have the creative liberty to not do any scream bits, but if you feel confident enough to try it out, then go for it!
If you have a grudge against someone, this is a great way to let it out. Really, telling an unidentified figure it’s a, and I quote, “huge piece of shit,” is quite relieving.
"Bad Girls Club" by Falling In Reverse
Disregard if you hate Ronnie Radke.
This song is fun and doesn’t have to be taken so seriously.
I would be concerned if you did not start the song with, “THIS IS THE HARDEST SONG YOU WILL EVER HEAR.”
Pop oriented crowds may not know the song, but they may get with the vibe anyways.
Throw in some stage flair to really set the tone.
If you are into rock:
Welcome to dad rock. We all love it here.
You have the choice of making your voice gritty or fine. Either way, it will work.
This song is very recognizable and easy to sing along to. In fact, you’ll probably have some rock lovers singing along with you.
"If Looks Could Kill" by Heart
This classic 80’s rock song is a jam anyone at any age can appreciate, and yet it usually gets swept under the rug by other rock hits. If you end up having a Heart fan in the crowd, they will be thrilled to have someone go up with this song in mind.
Women in particular will absolutely love your feminine power as you sing about how you won’t let a man hurt you ever again.
Bonus points if you sing this during National Women’s Month.
If Heart is not heavy enough for you, see if the DJ has the Primal Fear version in their arsenal.
If not, and you intend on returning another night, see if your DJ can hook you up with that version for a small fee. Our usual DJ in Salem happily takes these requests, which goes into a database for other karaoke events around the area.
I suggest listening to this version of the song as well. It is a fantastic cover!
Most readers will say, “DUH!” Some readers will roll their eyes. Don’t judge me for pointing out the obvious.
This is one of the most iconic rock songs that has become a timeless masterpiece. No matter if you were old enough to see Freddy Mercury perform live or somehow stumbled upon your parents’ old CD in your younger years, there’s a large chance you know and love this song.
If you have a group of friends with you, invite them to join you! You can absolutely do this solo, but it could be a great bonding moment with the people you love.
If you are into metal:
Scene Queen is one of those metal artists that break old school stereotypes. If you like the idea of completely breaking out of your shell and not caring what anyone (especially men) has to say, then this song is the way to go.
If anyone asks, or insists Scene Queen isn’t metal, you can tell them, 1.) She is the pioneer of Bimbocore, which is a subgenre of metalcore, and 2.) You don’t talk to elitists.
You will probably get intrigued women questioning you about the song and artist. Hana chose Pink Panther once and a mom and daughter duo told them to do it again. What a wonderful moment.
Reciting raunchy lyrics can be a liberating experience, especially when no one is expecting it.
"Diamonds Aren’t Forever" by Bring Me The Horizon
If you are a screamer, this song lets you do ALL of those techniques you’ve been practicing in the shower. Can you apologize to your shampoo bottle now? It’s traumatized by what it has witnessed.
If your crowd is mainly metalheads, you may get some headbangers. Just make sure a mosh pit doesn’t form.
You’ll probably feel like a god of war afterwards, and you’ll have some worshippers offering their praise.
This is a certified headbanger. You’ll be headbanging, the crowd will be headbanging, maybe even the DJ will headbang. It’s the vibe.
Hate the government? Cool. This song, and band, is for you.
The point of System Of A Down’s music is not to bring you aesthetically pleasing content, but real messages driven by anger and frustration. You don’t have to fine tune your vocals to drive the point home, just make sure you don’t drink and drive.
If you are into ballads:
"My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion
Titanic fans will melt over this one. If only the iceberg melted before the ship got to it…
This song is a timeless classic. If you know you got it in you, hit them hard in the feelings with this one.
You can put your whole soul into this song. It’s okay, let it out.
A hopeless romantic may sing along. Take it as a compliment!
"Careless Whisper" by George Michael
Beautiful, timeless, a true classic for when your feet have got no rhythm.
Older karaoke fans are bound to appreciate the choice of an artist that probably doesn’t get much love nowadays.
Every time I hear this song, I think of Ray Narvaez Jr. cry-singing in his car to this song right after George Michael died. If for no other reason, do it for me and my memory of a gamer being a total memester.
"Silver Spring" by Fleetwood Mac
Did a man hurt you? Make sure he knows it.
You will feel the divine feminine energy come out as you sing about heartbreak in the midst of a beautiful life.
This technically could be added to the later “chronically online” list due to the Piano Man/Silver Springs sound many people on TikTok have been using, but I feel like this deserves more respect than being reduced to a simple trend.
"Simple and Clean" by Hikaru Utada
Gaming fans will adore this choice. Kingdom Hearts and Hikaru have a chokehold on the millennials in particular.
Those who don’t know the song won’t be able to pick it apart. They can just sit there and enjoy the show.
If your significant other is there, sing it to them for added effect.
Singing it in fluent Japanese will make it even more impressive.
If you are looking to duet:
"(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life" by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
80’s movie fans will love seeing a couple go up to the mic with this song. It’s romantic, but also fun and energetic.
If you are an older couple and/or have been married for a little bit, then singing this together will be a heartfelt moment that both you and the audience will enjoy.
"THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND" by Bad Omens
While this is not a song normally sung in duet form, it can still be a powerful performance with the right chemistry.
This song breaks the mold for duets in terms of romance. It shows you’re not here to warm any hearts, but to spice things up.
"Second & Sebring" by Of Mice & Men
I know from experience this is a good choice if you’re going up with someone else, especially if one of you is more comfortable doing screams and one is more comfortable doing cleans.
The clean vocalist gets to have the first moment in the limelight, providing a proper build up for the harsh vocalist.
There’s an opportunity for both vocalists to harmonize at the end in a way that is satisfying.
"King For A Day" by Pierce the Veil ft. Kellin Quinn
If both vocalists can scream, this song is a great way to showcase both of their skills. Regardless, it is a fun song to sing with a friend.
A good duo for this song would be a vocalist with a higher range (mezzo-soprano to soprano or baritone to tenor) for Kellin Quinn, and a vocalist with a lower range (alto to mezzo-soprano or bass to baritone) for Vic Fuentes. It sets apart each person while providing a way for them to come together in harmony.
"Suffocate" by Knocked Loose ft. Poppy
This will knock some socks off, no pun intended.
This is a great song that can be done by either couples or friends that love doing screams.
I have personal experience with doing the Bryan Garris parts while Hana absolutely nails the Poppy parts. We managed to do this as the finale one karaoke night and it’s still one of the best karaoke moments I’ve ever had.
If you like musicals:
You knew this was coming. Embrace it.
Do you think you’ll blow it? Until you try, you’ll never know.
Yes, I did just make that reference.
Grab your bestie and have an Elphaba and Glinda moment like the magical girlies you are.
You’re a man or identify as nonbinary? Okay. Magical bros or humans.
Let’s be honest – songs from musicals are hard to perform. You have to go into this either with the idea that you are just having fun or you’re upstaging Cynthia Erivo. Go anywhere in-between and you’ll have anxiety. Just do it and you’ll be fine.
No matter if you hit the notes just right or not, you’ll probably still have a good time and have others sing along with you.
People either love or hate to hear this song. More often than not, it’s love.
Those who choose to love the song will cry. I have yet to understand why.
Remember to allocate who will sing what if you don’t choose to sing it solo; the two solos are done by Joanne and Collins.
The song is relatively short in comparison to most popular broadway hits, so it works as a starter to see if you vibe with singing musicals.
If you have a group to do this with, Non-Stop can create a fun and creative atmosphere.
You will need the following characters: Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, Angelica Schuyler, Eliza Hamilton, and President Washington. There are also minor characters in a small section, but they can easily be done by someone with a larger role if needed.
One person can do more than one role if you don’t have enough people. My suggestion is have the person singing as Burr also sing as Washington. It would be difficult for Angelica and Eliza to be the same person because they have a section sung together.
If microphones are limited, you can plan to pass the available microphones to those who are up or sharing when giving dialogue (for example, Hamilton talking to Burr about his idea for a new constitution).
If you are chronically online:
"Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley
This is an absolute classic of the late 80’s that older generations will love.
Someone in the crowd is gonna scream that everyone got rick rolled. Isn’t that such a satisfying thought?
There’s a piano version if you want to make it more of a ballad.
Do you want to turn heads? Are you looking for a free drink? This is the song for you.
This song is guaranteed to make you feel like a sex queen.
A chronic TikTok scroller is going to vibe with it.
APT. is one of those fun party songs that sets a light and carefree tone for the night. No worries, just have fun!
If you are nervous to go up alone, this song is perfect for bringing up a friend.
Try looking up the game it’s based off of and the inspiration for the song. It might make a good conversation piece afterwards!
If you are a gremlin:
This should be the anthem of autistic people, but I will explain my reasoning elsewhere.
Bonginator is a great band to choose for practicing those scream vocals. Am I biased? Possibly. Just trust me on this.
This song has an insane breakdown and overall is a banger.
You will either get so many confused looks, or you will have the crowd going. Again, just make sure there’s no mosh pit.
If the crowd really gets into it, make sure they join you in screaming, “SHORT! ASS! BUS!” at the end of the song.
"Chased Through A Cave By A Shitting Frog" by Frog Mallet
Yes, I just put two Massachusetts based bands on the list. Get over it.
Make them question their sanity.
More importantly, spread the gospel of frog metal with a properly named song.
You get to make frog noises sound metal. What’s more metal than that?
If you choose this one, you are a certified nerd.
Will anyone know what you are saying? Maybe not. Will it still sound epic? Probably.
This song is super energetic and will probably get you dancing.
If you have equally nerdy friends, have them scream, “HOOTSFORCE” with you.
Remember, no matter if you choose a song from one of these lists or not, the most important part about participating in karaoke is to have fun. It’s not a competition, it is an activity for all to enjoy. There should be no reason to stop you from doing something that you love, especially when artistic talent of any kind is always subjective to the audience perceiving it. Something that sounds good to one person might not sound so good to someone else; so do what you want to do and make music the way you perceive it to be good.
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