Karaoke, simply put is just plain fun! No matter if the person singing can’t carry a “tune in a bucket”. Half the fun is joining in on the sing along while the other half is being the main attraction or watching your friends try to achieve “karaoke stardom”. While there are countless songs to sing in everything from jazz to rock and rap, there are a few songs that standout and make karaoke enjoyable for everyone. Here is a Top Ten list of Country songs for karaoke that is sure to amuse and entertain.
Number 10 – Take this job and Shove it! – origianlly recorded by David Allen Coe, Johhny Paycheck covered it and rode it to #1 on Billboard’s country charts of 1978. With an easy to remember chorus of “Take this job and shove it!” you and your karaoke posse will join in with the anthem of factory workers everywhere.
Number 9 – Family Tradition – Hank Williams Jr – The mantra of the “New South” with added impromptu chorus sung by those in attendance after each question of “Hank why do you drink?” is sure to not disappoint. While trying to break from his father’s shadow this song landed Hank Jr. squarely in the face of Nashville and on the CMT’s list of all time Country songs at # 58.
Number 8 – I love this Bar – Toby Keith – The lead single from the 2003 album Shock’n Y’all it reached number one on the Billboard country charts. Karaoke wouldn’t be the same unless someone sang about loving the place their singing in.
Number 7 – Redneck Woman – Gretchen Wilson – Women want to sing country too and this signature song by Gretchen serves up a nice dish of “in-your-face” take that country. Released in 2004 from the multi-platinum album Here for the Party it reached #1 on Billboard Country charts while the video ranked #11 on CMT’s 100 Greatest Videos.
Number 6 – Ring of Fire – Popularized by the “Man in Black” Johnny Cash, was actually co-written by June Carter Cash and Merle Kilgore. Recorded in 1963, the song became the biggest hit of his career. It is also listed as the #4 on CMT’s Top 100 all-time Country Songs.
Number 5 – Stand by Your Man – Tammy Wynette – another song for the ladies to belt out their love for their man. Released in 1968 by Tammy Wynette, the song topped the country charts for three weeks and actually crossed over to the pop charts as well reaching as high as #19. 2003 “Stand by Your Man” was rated #1 on CMT’s 100 Greatest Songs in Country Music.
Number 4 – Devil went Down to GA – Charlie Daniels Band – Even if you don’t like country music you have probably heard this song and even know several of the chorus lines at least you know Johnny and the Devil battle it out with dueling fiddles. Written and performed by Charlie Daniels, the song was released in 1979, and was the band’s biggest hit reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is also the top selling single of all time with one of the 50 states in the title of the song.
Number 3 – Crazy – Patsy Cline – This ballad was composed by Willie Nelson in 1961 and although recorded by several artists, Patsy Cline version was the one that is most memorable reaching #2 on the country charts. Unlike other country songs, Patsy’s version landed on the Rolling Stone’s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time at #85. No Karaoke would be complete without this great song.
Number 2 – You Never even Call Me By my Name – David Allen Coe – This self proclaimed “Perfect Country and Western song” written by Steve Goodman and John Prine has been a favorite by country fans and is especially suited for just about every kind of singer since many of the lyrics are actually spoken in song. Although the song is one of the longer songs on the list, it still has the appeal and the fun factor when singing karaoke.
Number 1 – Friends in Low Places – Garth Brooks – No matter if you are a country music fan or not, chances are you have heard this song and have at one time in your life wanted to experience the lyrics of showing up at the country club and telling your ex off. Spending four weeks atop the Billboard country charts in 1990, this song will have you and all your friends singing together…even in low places.
