The 80s was a decade full of iconic fashion, memorable movies, and, most importantly, incredible music.
And what better way to relive those groovy years than through karaoke?
Get ready to take a trip down memory lane with the best 80s karaoke songs that will have you belting out the lyrics and dancing like it’s 80s again.
1. Pour Some Sugar On Me – Def Leppard
“Pour Some Sugar On Me” by Def Leppard is undoubtedly one of the best 80s karaoke songs.
This iconic track from their 1987 album Hysteria is a must-sing for any rock and roll fans.
Its catchy chorus and gritty guitar riffs make it impossible to resist singing along and tapping your feet.
From its opening drum beat to its explosive guitar solo, “Pour Some Sugar On Me” captures the energy and spirit of the 80s perfectly.
2. I Wanna Dance With Somebody – Whitney Houston
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston is truly the ultimate 80s karaoke song.
From its upbeat tempo to its infectious chorus, this iconic track never fails to get people up and dancing.
The lyrics are all about letting go of inhibitions and finding someone to dance the night away with – a message that still resonates with audiences today.
3. Love Shack – B52s
“Oh, love shack, baby love shack.” The iconic lyrics of the B52s’ hit song “Love Shack” transport us back to the fun and carefree days of the 1980s.
This infectious tune is not only a staple at every karaoke night, but it has also solidified its spot as one of the best 80s karaoke songs.
From its catchy beat to the playful vocals of Fred Schneider and Kate Pierson, “Love Shack” never fails to get everyone up on their feet and singing along.
4. Hit Me With Your Best Shot – Pat Benatar
“Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar is undeniably one of the best 80s karaoke songs that will have everyone singing and dancing along.
From its catchy guitar riff to Benatar’s powerful vocals, this song never fails to get the crowd going.
Its empowering lyrics about standing strong and facing challenges head-on make it a perfect anthem for any karaoke night.
5. Running up that Hill – Kate Bush
“Running up that Hill” by Kate Bush is undeniably one of the best 80s karaoke songs that never fails to get the crowd singing and swaying along.
Released in 1985, this iconic song has become a timeless classic and is still popular today.
The hauntingly beautiful vocals of Kate Bush, combined with the catchy melody and thought-provoking lyrics, make it a favorite among karaoke enthusiasts
6. It Must Have Been Love – Roxette
“It Must Have Been Love” by Swedish pop duo Roxette is undoubtedly one of the best karaoke songs from the 80s.
Released in 1987, this power ballad has captivated audiences for decades with its emotional lyrics and catchy chorus.
The song gained even more popularity when it was featured in the iconic movie “Pretty Woman”.
7. Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and beloved songs of the 80s.
It’s a timeless hit that still captures people’s hearts with its infectious beat and powerful lyrics. As soon as the opening bass line starts, you can’t help but sing along and groove to the catchy tune.
8. Girls Just Want To Have Fun – Cydni Lauper
“Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper is undoubtedly one of the greatest 80s karaoke songs of all time.
It’s a fun and upbeat anthem that celebrates female empowerment and the simple joy of having a good time with your friends.
The catchy chorus and infectious melodies make it impossible not to sing along, making it a staple in any karaoke session.
9. Don’t Stop Believing – Journey
“Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey is undoubtedly one of the greatest 80s karaoke songs that never fails to get people singing along and feeling nostalgic.
This upbeat anthem has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved classic, thanks to its catchy chorus and inspiring lyrics.
It’s a song that reminds us to keep believing in our dreams, no matter how tough life gets.
10. What’s Love Got To Do With It – Tina Turner
“What’s Love Got To Do With It” is not only a classic 80s hit but also one of the greatest karaoke songs of all time.
The song, performed by the legendary Tina Turner, speaks to the complexities and uncertainties of love.
The catchy chorus and powerful vocals make it impossible to resist singing along, especially after a few drinks with friends.
But beyond its infectious beat and sing-along factor, the lyrics themselves hold a deeper meaning.
It reflects on how love can be both exhilarating and painful at the same time and poses the question of whether or not it’s really necessary in our lives.
11. Faith – George Michael
“Faith” by George Michael is an absolute gem of a song from the 80s that has been a staple in every karaoke night.
With its catchy beat, iconic guitar riff, and powerful vocals, it’s impossible not to sing along and feel the energy of this timeless classic.
But what makes “Faith” stand out even more is the message behind it – the importance of having faith in oneself and standing strong against any challenges that life may bring.
12. Walking on Sunshine – Katrina and the Waves
“Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves is undoubtedly one of the greatest 80s Karaoke songs of all time.
From its infectious beat to its uplifting lyrics, this song never fails to get people on their feet and singing along.
The band’s lead singer, Katrina Leskanich, perfectly captures the feeling of pure bliss and joy in her powerful vocals, making it impossible not to sing along with her.
The upbeat melody, combined with the catchy chorus, make it a crowd favorite at any karaoke night.
This song has stood the test of time and continues to be a timeless classic that brings people together with its feel-good vibes.
13. I Love Rock & Roll – Joan Jett & The Blackheart
“I Love Rock & Roll” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts is the ultimate 80s karaoke song that makes you want to get up and dance every time it comes on.
From the iconic guitar riff to the catchy chorus, this song is an anthem for all rock lovers. Joan Jett’s powerful vocals and rebellious spirit shine through in every line, making it impossible not to sing along.
14. The Power of Love – Huey Lewis and The News
“The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis and The News is an iconic 80s karaoke song that never fails to get the crowd singing and dancing along.
This upbeat tune, with its catchy chorus and infectious guitar riffs, has stood the test of time and continues to be a fan favorite.
But beyond its undeniably catchy melody, the lyrics of this song convey a powerful message about the transformative power of love.
It speaks about how love can give us strength, make us feel unstoppable, and bring out the best in us.
15. I Think We’re Alone Now – Tiffany
“I Think We’re Alone Now” is a quintessential 80s karaoke song, made famous by the talented singer Tiffany.
This upbeat and energetic track captures the essence of the decade with its catchy pop beat and powerful vocals.
It’s impossible to not sing along as Tiffany belts out the iconic chorus, making it a go-to choice for any karaoke night.
16. Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
“Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi is undoubtedly one of the greatest 80s karaoke songs.
Released in 1986, this rock anthem quickly became a hit and continues to be an all-time favorite among fans of the genre.
It tells the story of a young couple, Tommy and Gina, struggling to make ends meet but refusing to give up on their dreams.
The powerful lyrics, catchy chorus, and energetic guitar riffs make it impossible for anyone not to sing along when this song comes on.
17. Sweet Child of Mine – Guns & Roses
“Sweet Child of Mine” by Guns & Roses is a timeless classic and a must-sing song at any 80s karaoke night.
From its opening guitar riff to Axl Rose’s signature vocals, this song captures the era’s essence with its rock and roll energy and emotional lyrics.
It has an unforgettable chorus that will have everyone singing along, making it the perfect crowd-pleaser.
18. What’s Love Got To Do With It – Tina Turner
“What’s Love Got To Do With It” by Tina Turner is not only a great 80s karaoke song, but it also holds special meaning and significance for both the artist and her fans.
Released in 1984, this upbeat and catchy hit became Tina’s first solo number-one in the United States.
But beyond its commercial success, the song spoke to the struggles and triumphs of love in both personal relationships and society as a whole.
19. Don’t Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin
“Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin is a fun and uplifting song that took the 80s music scene by storm with its catchy lyrics and upbeat tune.
The song encourages listeners to let go of their worries and instead focus on being happy. It reminds us that worrying doesn’t solve anything, but being happy can bring positivity into our lives.
FAQs
Why do 80s songs sound so good?
The 80s brought us some of the most iconic songs in music history. From catchy pop tunes to soulful ballads, there is no denying the timeless appeal of 80s music.
But what makes these songs sound so good even after all these years?
One reason could be the use of synthesizers that became increasingly popular in the 80s.
These electronic instruments added a distinct and futuristic sound to the music, giving it a unique and captivating quality.
Furthermore, many 80s songs also had simple yet powerful melodies that were easy to sing along to and get stuck in your head. The vocals were often full of emotion, conveying relatable lyrics that resonated with listeners.
Another factor could be the production techniques used during this decade, which involved layering different sounds and adding various effects, resulting in a dynamic and complex sound ahead of its time.
Why are 80s songs so popular?
One of the main reasons why 80s songs continue to be so popular is the sense of nostalgia they evoke.
Many people who grew up during that era have fond memories associated with these songs, whether it’s dancing at a school dance or singing along to the radio in their room.
Moreover, 80s music has a distinctive sound that is instantly recognizable and has influenced many genres that came after it.
The use of synthesizers, catchy melodies, and energetic beats defined this decade’s music and still appeals to listeners today.
Additionally, the 80s was a time of cultural upheaval and change, reflected in the lyrics of many popular songs from this era. People resonate with the themes of love, rebellion, and self-expression portrayed in these songs even decades later.
Why 80s is the best decade?
The 80s is often considered the best decade by many because it was a time of great cultural, technological, and economic change.
The music scene exploded with iconic hits from pop icons like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince, while rock legends like Queen and U2 dominated the charts.
It was also a decade of indulgence, where fashion was bold and vibrant with shoulder pads, big hair, and neon colors.
The film industry saw the rise of blockbuster movies like Star Wars, E.T., and Back to the Future which became instant classics.
Technological advancements were also at their peak with the introduction of personal computers and video games that revolutionized entertainment.
Moreover, 80s culture promoted individuality and self-expression through music, fashion, and art.
It was a time when people were unafraid to be themselves, leading to an explosion of creativity in all aspects of life.
Why are 80s songs cheesy?
If you ask someone about 80s songs, the first thing that comes to their mind might be the word “cheesy.”
But why is that so? Let’s take a trip back in time to the era of leg warmers and big hair to understand this phenomenon. In the 1980s, flashy and over-the-top was considered cool.
This is reflected not only in fashion but also in music. The music industry was dominated by synthesizers and electronic sounds, which gave rise to catchy, upbeat melodies that were easy to dance to.
Add to that the lyrics that were often cheesy love ballads or about living your best life with a carefree attitude.
Were the 70s or 80s better for music?
Choosing between the iconic decades of the 70s and 80s is difficult. Both eras brought us some of the greatest and most influential musicians ever.
The 70s was known for experimenting with genres such as disco, rock, and funk, producing timeless classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen and “Hotel California” by Eagles.
It was also a time of social change, with artists using their music to express their views on political and cultural issues.
On the other hand, the 80s saw the rise of pop music, with artists like Michael Jackson and Madonna dominating the charts.
The decade also witnessed the birth of hip-hop, paving the way for future rap legends.
Conclusion
We hope this list of the best 80s karaoke songs has brought back some fantastic memories and inspired you to pick your favorite karaoke spot.
The 80s was a decade filled with catchy tunes, iconic artists, and memorable lyrics that are still loved and sung today.
Whether you’re looking for a classic power ballad or an upbeat dance track, there’s something for everyone on this list.
So gather your friends, grab the mic, and let loose as you sing out to these timeless tracks from the 80s!
