If there’s nothing more wonderful in the world than a night full of karaoke singers bopping along to the music of Britney Spears, then a night full of karaoke with questionable vocalists singing classic rock must definitely come in at a close second. Let’s face it, we, as a race of people that naturally want to be in the spotlight (i.e. the people that can’t wait for karaoke night at the local bar), just can’t help ourselves when it comes to wanting to get up in a room full of people to sing off key on purpose. The good news is, people, that you’re not alone in your urgent need to belt out your favorite 1980s hair band anthem! You have a room packed with people that want to do the very same thing. Hence, karaoke night was born. Yet this list isn’t about one of the many Britney hits or that favorite 80s song that makes you want to break out the spandex. This list is for the classic rockers in all of us, a top 10 list of classic rock karaoke songs that we love to sing along with even if we don’t know the words! I mean, come on, karaoke or not, you’re up there to let loose and go wild, not read the words on the screen! After three beers and a few shots, who can read anyway?
1. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly
Okay, even if you did have a bit too much to drink and can’t read the words, this is one song that you can slur and mumble all you like because, in all honesty, it’s hard enough to sing the words to the song and understand it sober! Nevertheless, when we hear the first chords of all that psychedelic goodness, there isn’t a one of us that doesn’t feel the urge to wear flowers in our hair, dance erratically with the wind, and name our first child moonbeam. In a time when peace and love were hardcore, this is one gem that sums up a lot about a very confusing period of time.
2. Rock and Roll All Nite by KISS
From peasant skirts and Aquarius to the decade that gave birth to glam rock and punk, this is another classic rock favorite that has everyone on their feet, singing at the top of their lungs. No one knows why we were so fascinated by a group of men wearing face paint — they were manly men, of course, so we can’t say they wore make-up — but we were in awe of them from the moment we saw that infamous tongue. The song, perhaps, is one of the most recognizable songs in American rock. It’s every college student’s anthem and, maybe, even the anthem of your grandmother. You don’t know what your grandmother does on bingo night, really. I secretly think that she goes out with her friends, cruising the neighborhood, and listening to this very song! Let’s just hope she doesn’t take make-up tips from them. Oops, I mean….face paint.
3. Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd
I don’t know if this song is the only thing that made Alabama popular, but darned if I can think of anything else! Whether you’re from Alabama, New York, or Texas, there’s something about this particular song that gets your head nodding up and down, a grin forming, and your heel tapping like mad! Whether you’re a fan of the south or not, everyone might make an exception and visit Alabama if they had the chance. Thank you, Lynyrd Skynyrd, for putting the ‘BAM’ in Alabama.
4. Ballroom Blitz by Sweet
It’s the kind of fun that makes you want to throw chairs around and cackle while you’re throwing them! That’s how this song could be described. There’s something chaotic about this particular song that makes it appealing. There’s a story being told, but there isn’t one. There’s a consistency to the lyrics, but no one really understands what’s being said or what it all means. It’s merely one of those tunes that drives itself into you and makes itself at home. Don’t lie! You know you have this song ready to play in your car and you know very well that you turn it up full blast for every neighboring car to hear as they drive by! It’s alright….we all do too….just, you know, maybe don’t tell anyone.
5. We are the Champions by Queen
Now, what is it about this song and about this band that makes everyone want to play professional sports or rock out in their car to Bohemian Rhapsody with a group of friends? Not even Wayne and Garth could resist the temptation of Freddie Mercury. Out of all the awesome songs that were recorded by Queen, this one will get anyone who’s anyone to his or her feet and swaying arm in arm in no time. Everyone wants to be a winner and every winner needs a song. I can’t think of a better one than this. Can you? If you think you can name a better one, I issue a challenge. I must warn you though, I’ll “keep on fighting to the end”.
6. Helter Skelter by The Beatles
Thanks to one horrific act of violence, this song sometimes gets a bad rap. The truth of the matter is, horrific people and actions aside, Helter Skelter is one of the more surprising Beatles songs. When most people think of The Beatles, they think of them on Ed Sullivan with their shaggy hair, jumpy songs, and charismatic dispositions. As they grew as artists, they donned different hair, their songs began to hold a message, and they were still charismatic just in a different way. Helter Skelter is born of chaos and confusion, but in that chaos and confusion comes peace and understanding. “Do you, don’t you want me to love you?” I think everyone can find a bit of themselves in this song. Oh, by the way, DO you, DON’T you want me to love you? Seriously, get back to me on that one.
7. Hound Dog by Elvis Presley
What made Elvis so sexy? Was it his voice? That slight lip curl? The swinging of his hips? Or was it one song about rejection that has everyone singing “well, you ain’t never caught a rabbit and you ain’t no friend of mine?” It’s the last option. Definitely the last option! Get ready for this karaoke gem. There isn’t anything funnier than a buzzed bar patron doing a bad imitation of an Elvis impersonator! The previous songs listed don’t quite have the pleasure of having easily imitated dancing styles. As far as karaoke goes, the songs on this list don’t easily inspire anyone to completely change the sound of their voice and try so desperately hard to call on the spirit of the King of Rock and Roll. With this entry, all bar-goers get the distinct pleasure of not just a karaoke song, but an entire performance as if the King were in the room with them. Well…..close enough anyway!
8. Joy to the World by Three Dog Night
Jeremiah was a bullfrog…..and I don’t think I need to say anything more than that!
9. Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
It’s partly embarrassing to admit that you like Journey. Even I, coolness personified, am a tad bit reluctant to let anyone know that, if I were to go to a bar hosting karaoke night next Friday, this would probably be the song I choose to sing. Why? Inspirational. This songs has inspiration and determination bursting out from every note. Oh, and it sort of helps that, when I’m singing it, I often hope to have a voice as pretty as Steve Perry’s.
10. Old Time Rock N Roll by Bob Seger
This is a great song and it was featured in a great movie. However, if you’re in a bar and you hear the first bars of this song, get out of there because you might be seeing someone in their underwear that you don’t want to see in that sort of attire. Why we love it? We all “love that old time rock and roll”. That’s why!
There you have it, readers, a great collection of songs that are just ten amongst many more classic rock songs that you’re bound to hear on your next night out. Perhaps this list has even given you an idea for the next time you dare to be bold and bare your soul through song on karaoke night! Good luck to you, karaoke crooners!
