21 Best 80s Karaoke Songs

If you’re looking for the best 80s karaoke songs to belt out during your next night on the town – or at someone’s house or the local pub – then this list is for you! Covered here are 21 of the top 80s karaoke songs, from solo artists and bands that were big during the decade.

Do you fancy taking to the mike to sing a rock song, a chart topper or something originally recorded by one of the era’s biggest acts? No problem, there’s something here for everyone. From 80s karaoke songs by female artists, to tracks from the big hair bands that were so popular back then.

Here’s my take on which hit songs of the 80s to belt out during your next karaoke night.

21 of the best 80s karaoke songs

I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston

Unless everyone’s past caring by this point, you could do with a good, strong voice to pull this one off. But one of the most popular 80s karaoke songs is also good to sing together, like a choir in chorus. if you want to get them off their feet (and feel the heat), this is the one.

Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns ‘n’ Roses

One of the top karaoke hits of all time, let alone the 80s. Can you measure up to Axl Rose’s high notes? The beauty of taking to the mike is that it doesn’t really matter, as your voice will soon be drwoned out by everyone joining in.

Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey

This one sure does belong high on any list of the best karaoke songs from the 1980s. It’s the one I joined in with at the end of a hen night a few years back, when we’d all sunk a few colourful cocktails. A karaoke bar classic. Just hold on to that feeling, yeah?

Simply the Best – Tina Turner

If you want to feel like you’re better than all the rest, give this one a go. Long legs, high heels, a miniskirt and a strut are optional, but you’ll soon have everyone hanging on every word you sing if you do go for it.

Another One Bites the Dust – Queen

You might need the lyrics for this one – and to keep up. It’s fairly fast-paced, and a great one for those who like to play air guitar. Or dance like a demented chicken. One of the top karaoke hits from an iconic British band.

Total Eclipse of the Heart – Bonnie Tyler

Turn around… every now and then you want to belt out a real ballad. Fluffed up, carefully coiffed hair and a gravelly voice are optional. If you want to find karaoke classic songs to let everyone know that you’re falling apart, this has to be up there. As do you.

Billie Jean – Michael Jackson

Who doesn’t know the words to Billie Jean (well I know I do). This was one of MJ’s biggest hits, so get those vocal chords ready. Moonwalk moves, white gloves and tipping your hat are optional. It’s one of the really good karaoke songs that everyone will recognise instantly.

Livin’ On A Prayer – Bon Jovi

If you identify with Tommy and Gina’s predicament, then you need to let it all out with Livin’ On a Prayer. Even if you only get halfway there when trying to imitate Jon Bon Jovi, it’s sure to get your audience singing along with the chorus.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper

If you’re starting out on a fun-filled night, then there’s surely no better floor-filler than this. It’s ideal for Queening it up at any time of the day in fact. The fortunate ones may remember this one well. It’s one of the best 80s karaoke songs by a female artist, ever.

I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) – Aretha Franklin & George Michael

If it’s 80s karaoke duets you’re after, then you cannot beat this one. It’s upbeat, it’s catchy and it’s made for two. Few people may know this, but the track was co-written by Simon Climie of the 80s duo Climie Fisher. They had a big hit with Love Changes Everything in 1988.

I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts

Put another penny in the jukebox – it’s time to party with Joan Jett. Or your best impression of her, at any rate. Who can argue with such a sentiment as I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll? Exactly. It might even inspire someone to dance with you…

Never Gonna Give You Up – Rick Astley

Even those from the generations after X will know this one. Even if only for the mock-up political posters urging you to vote for Rick Astley. Who will never give you up, run around, let you down, desert you and so on. One of the top 80s karaoke songs by a male artist in a suit, surely.

Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves

The band responsible for the UK’s 1997 Eurovision win (with Love Shine a Light) also brought us this upbeat ditty. Female karaoke songs of the 80s don’t come any better than this. Guaranteed to make you feel like the future is filled with sunny skies – and as if you’re on cloud nine.

Take On Me – A-Ha

This was the track that took the Norwegian band over the Atlantic – and it was all down to the video. An animated classic which sees Morten Harket singing to a monochrome cartoon girl. It was ground-breaking at the time, believe me! A great one to sing to someone you want to take you home, if you’re feeling brave…

Ghostbusters – Ray Parker Junior

Ghostbusters is great fun to sing on karaoke. Everyone can join in when you ask – ‘who you gonna call?’ – and of course turn up the volume when repeating ‘Ghostbusters’! An iconic 80s movie and signature song.

Material Girl – Madonna

No 80s karaoke collection would be complete without Madge’s Material Girl. Or at least one of her hits. This is my top pick because it’s upbeat, a cinch to sing and everyone knows it. The concept also makes it a fun one to act out on stage.

I Just Called To Say I Love You – Stevie Wonder

If you want to sing a love song to someone special, then you can’t beat this. 80s karaoke songs by male artists don’t come any more heartfelt. It was Stevie Wonder’s biggest hit ever and an absolute 80s classic.

I Want To Know What Love Is – Foreigner

Who hasn’t had heartache and pain in their lives? Foreigner know all about that, and this is one of the best 80s ballads ever to boot. Add this to your karaoke songs of the 80s list. The gospel choir is optional.

Eye of the Tiger – Survivor

Any fan of the Rocky films starring Sylvester Stallone won’t be able to resist this one. Can you, like his alter ego, deliver a performance to remember in just a few minutes? No 80s karaoke songs list would be complete without this.

Alone – Heart

If there’s someone you’d like to get alone, then your next karaoke night might be time to tell them. OK, so if they or you aren’t single or they’re a sociopath then maybe tread carefully. But there’s no harm in belting it out in front of everyone unless you mention who you’re secretly singing it to. Mum’s the word.

Love Shack – B52s

Even if you’ve never had any intention of heading down the Atlanta highway, this tune deserves giving it all you’ve got when it’s your turn to take to the mike. Just make sure you have plenty of pennies for the jukebox 😉

80s karaoke songs – FAQs

What’s the easiest karaoke song to sing?

Just because your vocal chords aren’t up to much doesn’t mean you need to miss out on the fun of a karaoke session! Pick something without any really high or low notes, and/or something everyone can sing along to. Such as Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’.

What’s a good song to sing if you can’t sing?

You can never go wrong with Sweet Caroline. I’ve heard it on nights out in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in a cricket club in South Australia and at just about any sporting or celebratory event you can think of. If all else fails, the crowd joining in will no doubt drown you out in no time!

How can I impress at karaoke?

We’re not all born singers. Learn some breathing techniques – and practice singing in the shower – if you really want to stretch those vocal chords. Choosing a song you know well can also boost your confidence. Above all, look like you’re enjoying it and everyone will have fun.

Which 80s karaoke songs will make your playlist?

There are so many great 80s karaoke songs to pick from. Thankfully, there’s something for every kind of singer from the 80s, whether you want to belt out a ballad, encourage audience participation or pretend you’re Madonna.

Karaoke is all about letting loose and having fun. Who cares if you’re a little out of tune? Just strut your stuff and it’ll be fine!

Marcy x

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