When it’s time to get a party going there are many karaoke songs that will help boost the mood, and even get the whole place singing. Whether you choose a beloved oldie or a more recent hit there are certain songs that have great syncopation and backbeat which will always move the crowd. Here are 15 upbeat karaoke songs that will bring energy and excitement to your next party!
1. Starships – Nicki Minaj
If you prefer a current rap hit then this Minaj song is very popular at getting the party going. It has a mixture of rap and a sung chorus so you get the best of both worlds. Apparently Nicki Minaj has recently disowned this song but it still works great for those willing to try it at karaoke.
2. Neutron Dance – The Pointer Sisters
The Pointer Sisters are great at getting the party started with their mix of jazz, dance, and R&B. If you can sing in a soulful manner this song will be perfect. The bass is driving and the rhythm is infectious. This song is from The Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack which has a few upbeat and fast 80’s hits.
Sing Neutron Dance karaoke here.
3. Van Morrison – Domino
Van Morrison is another singer that has a few great soul and R&B songs that will get you dancing and singing. This one starts out a little more subdued until we hit the chorus and it really pops. This song is about the great Fats Domino who also wrote a lot of upbeat rock songs, if you want you can follow up with one of his for some historical context.
There are fantastic singing lesson programs online like these that can teach you exactly how to sing your best.
4. Push It – Salt-N-Pepa
This 80’s rap hit isn’t appropriate for all parties but if you are at a bar or an adult get together then this is perfect. The beat is strong, the lyrics are sexy, and it especially works if you and another singer want to perform together. This was the main party karaoke song used in the movie Grandma’s Boy.
5. Ring My Bell – Anita Ward
There are a lot of great disco hits like “Stayin’ Alive” and “YMCA” but this one by Anita Ward might be something a little different. If you are a singer with higher pitched vocals or a solid falsetto, you will be able to pull this one off. Like all disco hits the beat is infectious and will get everybody energized and dancing.
Sing Ring My Bell karaoke here.
If you’re asking about how to sing falsetto, check out this vocal lesson.
6. In Da Club – 50 Cent
This is another common party rap anthem but this time perfect for male rappers/singers and has become ubiquitous with the club scene. If you don’t have the best vocals you can pull this off as the lyrics are a little monotonous. It’s not as catchy as some of the others but if you can rap it right the audience will love it.
7. Rock the Casbah – The Clash
This song has a punk rock vibe if you are looking for that genre. It is about government restrictions on music and partying so you know it will get the crowd going. The chorus is even a great place to have the audience sing along.
Sing Rock the Casbah karaoke here.
Rock vocals can require their own special techniques. Check out online singing lessons for in-depth curriculum so you can learn to sing online!
8. Blue Suede Shoes – Elvis Presley
Elvis didn’t write this, Carl Perkins was the author, but Presley made it famous. It starts out in a halting way that primes the audience for the rock that hits at “now 4 cat go.” If you have a voice with a country twang you will surely impress people and get the party amped up.
Sing Blue Suede Shoes karaoke here.
9. What I Got – Sublime
90’s ska alternative music is not exactly fast or heavy yet its focus on the 2 and 4 beats will still make the audience want to groove. It has simple lyrics and easy vocals, the key is to get the laid back vibe right, it’s an excellent way to kick the party off with a beloved tune.
10. Poker Face – Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga is a master at dance and EDM type beats that will make the listener tap their feet. This is a well-known modern tune for the right singer, the verse is mostly spoken while the chorus is sung. The backbeat is driving and will definitely boost the energy in the room.
11. Whoomp There It Is – Tag Team
In the 90’s, rap music was all about getting the party going and this song is one of the top hits of the era. The rapping isn’t too hard and the beat is catchy, it’s also a little bit silly after all these years so it’s a fun tune for the whole crowd to sing along to.
Sing Whoomp There It Is karaoke here.
12. Twist and Shout – The Beatles
The Beatles didn’t write this song but John Lennon’s vocals are one of the best covers out there. This is actually more of a party ender than a starter because you really have to shout the vocals and you may lose your voice after. Don’t underestimate the ability of The Beatles to get the room excited! You might need to run through some vocal warm ups before attempting this one.
Sing Twist and Shout karaoke here.
13. Wake Me Up Before You Go Go – Wham
George Michael is great at riffy hooks and this one from his band Wham is perfect. The backbeat and snapping are guaranteed to get folks moving. If you have a decent voice it will be that much better. It has silly lyrics but is sung in such a soulful and bluesy style that it’s hard not to tap your foot to it.
Sing Wake Me Up Before You Go Go karaoke here.
14. 1999 – Prince
There are a lot of Prince songs that get the party going, especially “1999” and “Kiss.” Both have great syncopation and are loved classics. If you are a decent vocalist that has a good range you should be able to make it through his songs. What will be hard is matching his rhythmic energy!
15. Highway to Hell – AC/DC
One of the greatest hard rocking metal party songs ever! Partying is all about having fun and living the wild life so this tune perfectly encapsulates that. In fact most AC/DC songs have strong backbeats and driving riffs. They are always great picks to get the audience to sing and dance along.
Sing Highway to Hell karaoke here.
There you have 15 upbeat karaoke hits that are sure to raise the excitement at a party. When you look for other songs of a similar nature focus on the backbeat, syncopation, and flowing lyrics. When you add those elements you get a hit that the crowd will love, the key is to sing it the best you can and stay true to the original version!