The 80s permeate every aspect of today’s society through style, iconic films, and the iconic lyrics that you sing your heart out to. This time period for music was booming and created a lasting impact. The voices of the 80s were powerhouses who offered a shoulder to cry on or a heart to break.
Iconic voices like Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, and Cyndi Lauper created music that is perfect for karaoke enthusiasts (even those who keep their karaoke concerts behind closed doors). Karaoke nights are filled with “Never Gonna Give You Up(s),” “Girls That Just Wanna Have Fun,” and even the occasional “Careless Whisper.”
There are plenty of tunes that will leave you more than prepared for your next karaoke outing whether that be with friends or solo. Here are 30 of the best 80s karaoke songs!
Top 30 Countdown: The Best of 80s Karaoke
1. Africa by Toto
This tune is perfect for any karaoke setting. The soft rock melody provides captivating bass lines and melodic synths that scream the 80s. Toto released this song in 1982 which was featured on their Toto IV album. This song is huge within a popular culture which has resulted in the tune backing some popular shows like “Stranger Things”.
Expert Tip: This song provides waves of nostalgia for those who heard it for the first time and for those who admire the popular decade.
2. Another One Bites the Dust by Queen
This popular English band transcends time and is still relevant in today’s society. Most of the members are still alive and making music as Queen. This 80s hit was released in 1980 on Queen’s album The Game.
Freddie Mercury delivered this song to the audience with such passion and vigor which makes it hard to forget. The song’s lyrics are perfect for a beginner or even a veteran of the karaoke scene.
3. I Love Rock n’ Roll’ by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
This song radiates the perfect rocker energy which was extremely popular during this decade. This hit is featured on the I Love Rock n’Roll album in 1981. Jett and her band the Blackhearts cover such a raw, hard-rock anthem that is perfect to sing along with your friends at your next karaoke outing. It will have the crowd wanting more rock and roll in their lives.
4. Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley
This song supersedes the decade with its ‘rick-rolling’ joke that has become a staple in popular culture. However, this tune is catchy and perfect to sing your heart out. This song was released on Astley’s Whenever You Need Somebody album in 1987. The melody soothes any spirit from its bright synths and dance-like melody.
It offers a perfect backdrop for a dance-pop, electronic dance vibe. The message speaks promises from the narrator to their lover. The narrator will never back out on their promise of loving and supporting their partner.
5. Don’t Stop Believing by Journey
This band is the epitome of perfect 80s rock. Many of their songs are ideal to sing along with your friends on your karaoke outing. “Don’t Stop Believing” is known for its iconic notes delivered by the legend Steve Perry. This power ballad has been seen in multiple shows like ‘Glee.’ which highlights the song’s impact on the United States popular culture.
The song was released in 1981 on Journey’s Escape album. It provides the ultimate motivation to follow your dreams however small or big they are. Show off your talent by singing this legendary tune with your friends (or as a solo act).
6. Take On Me by A-ha
This song is synonymous with the 80s due to its melodic synths and catchy lyrics. The beat would get any listener excited to hear more from the band (and your amazing vocals.) A-ha released this song in 1985 on their Hunting High and Low album. However, the chorus is deemed one of the “most difficult” so beginners and veterans alike, good luck!
7. Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
This song is equated to numerous montages of the underdog getting ready for their debut in the ring. Its melody is littered with nods to the 80s. It is a song that keeps the crowd excited and determined to rise above and straight to the top.
Survivor released this song on their Eye of the Tiger album in 1982. The atmosphere it exudes is a perfect way to make your next karaoke outing memorable.
8. Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper
Lauper’s powerful ballad will leave every person stunned upon your choice. This song is arguably one of Lauper’s greatest hits and it will be yours in the karaoke ring. It will provide your audience with a memorable performance and leave them wanting more from Lauper and her greatest hits.
Lauper released this powerhouse in 1983 which was a perfect time to share her talent with the world.
9. Livin’ On A Prayer by Bon Jovi
You cannot think of the 80s without this memorable tune topping all the charts. Bon Jovi created a song with an amazing opener that catches all attention with its pure rock melody. The catchy chorus is bound to excite the audience and result in them singing along. It seems to be a crowd favorite and for good reason.
Expert Tip: Bon Jovi released this tune in 1986 and it is featured on their Slippery When Wet album. From the hook to the guitar solo, this song is bound to rock the karaoke world.
10. Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler
This epic ballad is perfect for your 80s karaoke fantasies. It offers quiet despair that permeates through the lyrics with its almost supernatural-like melody. It offers a darker side to popular music that infiltrated the 80s. It has endured decades with its classic 80s style and will endure decades to come.
Tyler’s vocals deliver a pop song that is littered with meaningful lyrics and deeper meanings. Her creation will be a hit on your next karaoke adventure. Tyler created one of the best songs for 80s karaoke and it was released in 1983. This tune is featured on her Faster Than the Speed of Night album.
11. Down Under by Men at Work
This platinum-certified song made waves when it was released in 1981. It is featured on the band’s Business as Usual album. This song is deemed the unofficial anthem of Australia because it showcases the uniqueness of the country through its catchy chorus and complex rhythms.
This song is bound to have everyone singing along. It also captures the soft rock that permeated many popular songs from the 80s. This tune is deemed a karaoke classic and one you must have in your arsenal.
12. Under Pressure by Queen & David Bowie
This tune is another favorite when it comes to your 80s karaoke adventure. The combination of Mercury and Bowie’s voices creates the perfect representation of the 80s. These legendary voices are not easy to follow but with the help of your friends, this song is bound to rock the socks off any karaoke audience.
The lyrics and melody are easy to follow and are perfect for you and your friends to sing along to. The song was released in 1981. It has a great pop beat that will be easy to follow along with and will give a perfect performance for any karaoke rookie.
13. I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston
This song is known as an iconic karaoke tune that is played in many venues. It is arguably one of Houston’s best creations. She released this tune in 1987 on her self-titled Whitney album. The tune is inviting and the lyrics are simple but laced with deep feeling.
Are you brave enough to hit the Houston notes? This 80s karaoke song is bound to start the party and raise any sort of roof that you are under.
14. Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
The complex melody provided listeners with a bop that truly represented the 80s with its disco-funk leanings. Jackson’s vocals are laced with charisma and never hesitates to remind us of his legendary status. Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean’ is featured on his Thriller album which was released in 1982.
If you cannot moonwalk then lam sure you can belt out this chorus with your friends on your next karaoke adventure.
15. Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benetar
Benetar released this song in 1980 and it’s featured on her Crimes of Passion album. It is hard not to dance along to this 80s super tune. This song speaks on the difficulty of each negative shot aiding the singer in their strive for bigger and better things. It exudes the incredible power of womanhood but also the incredible power behind Pat Benetar’s voice.
Expert Tip: It is a perfect song to sing in a karaoke battle! The chorus will get anyone on their feet to dance along.
16. Walk Like an Egyptian by The Bangles
The charisma and complex beat make for the perfect showstopper when you take on karaoke. It is a song that never lets your audience down! From the iconic dance to the iconic lyrics. The Bangles knew what they were doing. They released this song in 1986. It is featured on their Different Light album.
The dance will have the karaoke crowd participating in no time. It encapsulates the 80s into a goofy, funky beat for you to perform at your next karaoke night.
17. Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses
This tune is a perfect representation of the rock scene during the 80s. The guitar riff is bound to get the audience excited alongside your vocals belting out the chorus. This rock anthem was released in 1987 and featured on their Appetite for Destruction album. The song is rough and abrasive which highlights the hard rock scene during this decade.
This rock hit is bound to get the crowd riled as you sing along with your friends or as a solo act. Good luck.
18. You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC
Here is another rock hit that took the 80s by storm and for good reason. Its electric melody and rockin’ beat will have the karaoke crowd pumped! The song’s power will have you living your rockstar fantasies in no time. This banger is featured on the band’s Back in Black album.
Have fun with this tune and maybe even try out some of your stellar air guitar moves. Maybe you should also give your head-banging skills a try with this one!
19. Rock You Like a Hurricane by Scorpions
This song is bound to have everyone rocking out. The riffs are gigantic and will provide the perfect backdrop for your karaoke performance. The band released Love At First Sting in 1984 which features this bop. The chorus is easy to sing along to and will have you and your friends enjoying every second of it.
The Scorpions produced big riffs, lyrics, and sound with this tune which resulted in the perfect metal masterpiece. The tune is energetic and exciting so have fun with this 80s hit.
20. Material Girl by Madonna
This Madonna hit was released in 1984 and is perfect for your 80s karaoke arsenal. The iconic album Like A Virgin features this tune. This famous chorus will have everyone attentive to your performance. The rhythmic synths and robot-like voice repeating the chorus give off the perfect 80s vibe. Madonna’s creation is bound to be a crowd favorite in the karaoke world.
21. Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves
This 80s hit is super easy to sing along to and is a crowd favorite. It has been featured in many montages in film since its release which was in 1983. This song radiates warmth and sunshine (pun intended) that can elevate the worst of moods. It is such a carefree song that will be perfect for a carefree karaoke adventure.
There is a wave of pop rock that was popular during this decade and still grabs the attention of people today.
22. Whip It by Devo
This 80s banger has surpassed its decade and has become a popular culture favorite. The lyrics hold a deeper meaning but the light melody seems to keep the listener from dwelling on reality. The band released this track in 1980 and the song is featured on their Freedom of Choice album.
Devo’s tune has also been included in the pop culture phenomenon that is “Stranger Things”. It is the perfect combination of 80s funk and electronic threads that will keep you and your audience entertained.
23. Uptown Girl by Billy Joel
This is one of the ultimate 80s hits that will get everyone singing due to its super catchy pop threads. Joel released this song in 1983 which was just the beginning of a prosperous decade for music. Joel’s album An Innocent Man highlights this 80s karaoke tune.
It provides the listener with a catchy chorus with notes of rock and roll. Have fun with this song as you woo the karaoke crowds.
24. Somebody’s Watching Me by Rockwell
The eerie lyrics mixed with anxiety that anyone could be watching you create an addictive tune that you will want to sing along with. The obsession with paranoia seemed to be at the forefront during this decade. This mindset created some of the decade’s most famous songs like Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me.”
Expert Tip: This song was released in 1984 and it is featured on Rockwell’s Somebody’s Watching Me album. Funnily enough, everyone will be watching you when you deliver this 80s hit on the karaoke stage, hope you can handle the eyes!
25. Bust A Move by Young MC
If you lean more towards more upbeat rap bops then this is the perfect choice for your next karaoke outing. This song by Young MC was released in 1989. The tune is featured on Young MC’s Stone Cold Rhymin’ album. The audience is bound to get up and bust a move when you perform this 80s hit. Let go and enjoy the funky beats of this borderline rap tune while you enjoy your karaoke dreams!
26. The Final Countdown by Europe
This song is synonymous with your Sunday Night Football watching but it originated in this decade. The chorus is upbeat and fun to sing along with. It is most definitely a crowd pleaser so make sure to wow your audience with this tune. Europe’s hit is laced with glam metal and hard rock which is the perfect recipe for 80s karaoke.
There is no surprise that it hit Number 1 in multiple countries! It was released in 1986. The famous song is featured on the group The Final Countdown album. The piano riff is arguably the most recognizable and will get any crowd on their feet. Good luck with this 80s hit!
27. Footloose by Kenny Loggins
You can never go wrong with this song on your karaoke adventure. You can even dance on stage with your friends while you give a performance of a lifetime. Kenny Loggins released this song in 1984 and it is such a great rock song (and a great movie.) This song is fun and funky so make sure to enjoy your time while delivering such a memorable 80s hit.
28. Girls Just Wanna Fun by Cyndi Lauper
It was not difficult to add this song because it never misses. Lauper released her cover of Robert Hazard’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” in 1983. It is also featured on Lauper’s She’s So Unusual album. This song would be perfect for a group karaoke outing with its upbeat message and pop sound.
Lauper truly made this song into her own by shifting the point of view and creating a feminist anthem. Have fun with your girlfriends or guy friends and perform this song at your next karaoke performance.
29. Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard
What a tune! This song is such a rock anthem that will leave your karaoke crowd pumped. This song was released in 1987 in the United Kingdom and with a 1988 release in North America. The rock and roll creation is featured on Def Leppard’s Hysteria album. This tune is the perfect mix of glam metal and hard rock.
The chorus is catchy and easy to sing for your eager audience. There is an energy to this song that will help soothe any nerves as you perform this 80s song.
30. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go by George Michael and WHAM!
This 80s hit is perfect for karaoke because it is easy to sing along with and a crowd pleaser. The crowd can jitterbug to your performance! This song was released in 1984 and is the perfect dance-pop song. It is bright and a piece of the 80s that will never go away. It also finds its way into film and television montages for comedic purposes, etc.
Expert Tip: It is featured on the Make It Big album by WHAM! This chart-topper will certainly leave your karaoke crowd wanting an encore. Have fun with this funky beat!
A Decade in Review: 30 Best 80s Karaoke Songs
What a list! These are bound to wow the karaoke crowds and give you the confidence to own the 80s. From the music to the style this decade will forever be influencing our society moving forward. The best 80s karaoke songs are endless but these curated songs are sure to provide you with enough material to book your next karaoke performance.
You can pick from Lauper, Collins, WHAM!, Houston, Jett, and the list goes on and on. These karaoke tunes perfectly represent the way this decade has shaped our world, from electro-funk to dance-pop, to robotic synths.
If you have any questions regarding the best 80s karaoke songs or if you want to chat about all things 80s be sure to leave a comment! Good luck on your karaoke adventures since you have plenty of amazing 80s karaoke songs to perform! Each song brings its own unique 80s quality to the table and will leave you wanting more.