The Most Underrated Karaoke Songs That Deserve More Love
Hidden Karaoke Gems for Your Next Performance
Find rousing underappreciated karaoke choices that yield the same emotional rewards as more well-known favorites. Giant’s “I’ll See You in My Dreams” gives both power and melodrama in a setting that is immediately vocal, just right for any singer no matter how good.
Soul and International Selections
The Chi-Lites’ “Have You Seen Her” is classic soul, natural emotion that never slips into vocal histrionics. On a similar note, the Japanese ‘city pop’ of Mariya Takeuchi’s “Plastic Love” offers breezy English lyrics supported by elegant melodies.
Country Favorites and Crowd-Pleasers
In the country category, David Allan Coe’s “You Never Even Called Me By My Name” is a perfect roarer. This traditional country narrative song is just right for getting maximum audience participation and creating an instant bond between the singer and the listeners.
Alternative Song Choices for Every Style
These unsung karaoke pieces offer novel possibilities beyond tour-weary classics. Whether you’re looking for:
- Powerful ballads
- Emotional storytelling
- Soulful soundscapes
- Foreign-language classics
- Authentic country anthems
These forgotten anthems will elevate your performance and surprise fellow karaoke lovers with their unique charm.
Hidden 80s Power Ballads
Underrated Karaoke Classics
Power ballads from the 1980s remain karaoke staples, but several splendid tracks deserve more recognition.
Night Ranger’s “Sister Christian” and Whitesnake’s “Is This Love” deliver powerful emotional messages, rivaling their more famous counterparts. They may be overlooked, but they pack just as much impact.
Lesser-Known Vocal Masterpieces
Survivor’s “I Can’t Hold Back” and REO Speedwagon’s “Keep the Fire Burnin'” exemplify the soaring melodies and dramatic builds of classic 80s power ballads.
Accessible Vocal Range Options
If songs like Journey’s “Send Her My Love” and Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is” are too challenging, consider these alternatives:
- Giant – “I’ll See You in My Dreams”
- Bad English – “When I See You Smile”
These songs maintain the theatrical intensity of 80s anthems while being easier to sing.
Top Overlooked Power Ballads
- Night Ranger – “Sister Christian”
- Whitesnake – “Is This Love”
- Survivor – “I Can’t Hold Back”
- REO Speedwagon – “Keep the Fire Burnin'”
- Journey – “Send Her My Love”
- Foreigner – “I Want to Know What Love Is”
- Giant – “I’ll See You in My Dreams”
- Bad English – “When I See You Smile”
Soul and Motown Surprises
Hidden Gems of Soul and Motown
Beyond mainstream classics like “My Girl” or “Respect,” lesser-known gems from The Spinners, The Stylistics, and The Chi-Lites make for incredible karaoke performances.
Top Soul Songs for Karaoke Success
- The Spinners – “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love” – A tuneful melody that suits intermediate singers.
- The Stylistics – “You Make Me Feel Brand New” – A duet-friendly song with exquisite harmonies.
Uptempo Soul Selections
- Eddie Floyd – “Knock on Wood” – A high-energy Stax Records hit.
- Betty Wright – “Clean Up Woman” – A catchy, groovy alternative to Diana Ross standards.
Advanced Soul Performances
- The Chi-Lites – “Have You Seen Her” – A soulful ballad perfect for singers who excel at storytelling.
Indie Rock Hidden Gems
Indie Anthems for Karaoke Triumph
Indie rock offers plenty of mid-tempo crowd-pleasers that balance familiarity with freshness.
- The Decemberists – “Karaoke Performance“
- Modest Mouse – “Float On”
Indie Rock Newbie Selections
Great for beginners due to their simple vocal delivery and catchy hooks:
- Bright Eyes – “First Day of My Life”
- The New Pornographers – “Letter from an Occupant”
- Belle & Sebastian – “The Boy With the Arab Strap”
Advanced Indie Tracks That Stand Out
For seasoned singers looking to impress:
- The Shins – “New Slang”
- Arcade Fire – “Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)”
Recommended Indie Karaoke Selections
- The Decemberists – “The Crane Wife 3”
- Modest Mouse – “Float On”
- Bright Eyes – “First Day of My Life”
- The New Pornographers – “Letter from an Occupant”
- Belle & Sebastian – “The Boy With the Arab Strap”
- The Shins – “New Slang”
- Arcade Fire – “Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)”
Unheard Country Classics from the Singalong Era
Classic Country Karaoke Favorites
These underrated country songs deserve more recognition:
- Jerry Reed – “East Bound and Down” – A fast-paced trucker anthem.
- John Anderson – “Swingin'” – A playful, quirky hit that’s easy to sing.
Latin Pop Treasures
Latin pop brings high-energy, danceable karaoke options:
- Juanes – “La Camisa Negra”
- Shakira – “Ojos Así”
Even non-Spanish speakers can enjoy the rhythmic flow of these classics.
Asian Pop Sensations
J-pop and K-pop selections for those looking to explore:
- L’Arc-en-Ciel – “호치민 술집“
- SMAP – “Sekai ga Hitotsu ni Narumade”
- BigBang – “Haru Haru”
European Popular Songs
Timeless European karaoke hits include:
- Domenico Modugno – “Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu (Volare)” – A lively Italian classic.
- Édith Piaf – “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien” – A dramatic French ballad.
These international songs bring a refreshing twist to any karaoke night.