The ’80s brought us some of the most iconic music of all time—including a plethora of karaoke songs that are sure to bring any crowd to life. Even if you’re not a strong singer, adding any of these hits to your set list of 1980s karaoke songs will make for a fun night.
Below, we’ve put together a list of memorable ’80s hits to add to your repertoire. So grab your hair spray and your flashy prints, and get ready to sing your heart out!
1. “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen
If you’re looking to get the party started and show off your rock skills, look no further than this iconic Queen hit. Even if you’re not quite the best singer, there won’t be a single person in the room who isn’t tapping their toes or bobbing their head along to the bass while you channel your inner Freddie Mercury.
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2. “Take on Me” by A-Ha
This track might actually be one of the best-known songs from the ’80s, and should absolutely be included in every karaoke singer’s repertoire. When you hear that iconic chorus, you can’t help but sing along and belt it out—and neither will the bar when you take the stage to sing this classic love story.
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3. “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar
If you love showing off your belting skills on karaoke night, this 1980s hit from Pat Benatar’s second album Crimes of Passion might just be the song for you. You’ll have the audience singing right along with you and have fun rocking out to Benatar’s iconic track.
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4. “Every Breath You Take” by The Police
Those who prefer more mellow songs often add this to their list of go-to ’80s karaoke songs, despite the slightly haunting message about a voyeur who is experiencing possessiveness and insecurity. It might not be one of the easiest songs to sing on karaoke night, but it’s one that is brought out to nearly every karaoke night.
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5. “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
Not only is this a staple on any list of 1980s karaoke songs, but it’s also one of the most popular karaoke songs of all time. Regardless of the theme of the night, this song will have your whole group singing along with you. If you’re up for it, why not make it a duet in the style of Finn and Rachel from Glee—one of the most popular (and infamous) covers of this track to date.
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6. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston
If you’re someone who likes to show off your killer vocals on the karaoke stage, this Whitney Houston hit is a must-sing on any karaoke night. If you can do Whitney’s reach justice, get up on that stage and sing your heart out. The audience will love you, and you’ll likely be bought a drink at the end of your performance.
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7. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
This track is another obligatory song to add to your list of iconic ’80s karaoke songs, and for a good reason. You’ll feel as unstoppable as Rocky when you take the stage and sing these confidence-boosting lyrics with all your heart.
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8. “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
There are many Michael Jackson songs that could be included on this list, but “Billie Jean” is one of our favorites. Based on a true story about a woman who stalked Michael Jackson and claimed that her child was his, this classic hit by the King of Pop himself is a popular karaoke choice. It’s upbeat and catchy, and you’re sure to get extra cheers if you break out your best moonwalk and sport a glittery glove.
9. “Sweet Child o‘ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
This iconic 1980s hit is another song that will have the entire bar singing along with you on karaoke night. Now considered one of the greatest rock anthems of all time, this track struggled on the charts when it was first released. Now it’s a staple for nearly every karaoke night—especially if you want to show off your air guitar skills.
10. “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham!
This is the perfect song to break out when you’re ready to liven up a crowd and get the party started. Even if you’re a shy singer, get up on that stage and sing your heart out. The room will love you, and you’ll have them on their feet doing the jitterbug right along with you.
11. “Walking On Sunshine” by Katrina And The Waves
This song is perfect at any point in your karaoke night. Whether you’re trying to liven up the crowd as an opening number, following the downer rocker who insists on singing an emo song, or trying to leave the night on a high note, this song makes everyone feel happy and bouncy no matter where you are. It’s also pretty easy to sing, which makes it perfect for shy singers.
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12. “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
This song might be best known as the theme to Dirty Dancing, but it also makes a wonderful karaoke duet. This is one of the most popular 1980s karaoke songs of all time thanks to its iconic history and uplifting lyrics. You don’t need to add the iconic lift to your performance—just have fun, and your group will love it!
13. “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
If you’re looking for a song that you can sing on your own without getting the crowd involved, this is definitely not a song you want to pick. This staple in American rock music will instantly have the room singing along with you, no matter how well you perform it. Own the stage and rock out, and you’ll have one of the most memorable performances of the night.
14. “I Wanna Know What Love is” by Foreigner
This is a rock ballad that stands the test of time decades later, and is a perfect way to vent your feelings on the karaoke stage. One of the most popular ’80s karaoke songs, pour your soul into it and embrace the inevitable cheers.
15. “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler
This dramatic and emotional ballad is perfect for singers who love to take the stage and show off their skills. The timeless message of loving someone even when it’s not the best thing for you is one that people will always be able to relate to.
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16. “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell
Not many people know that this classic 1980s song is actually a cover, but we can’t imagine it as anything other than a synth-pop hit. Don your best Mark Almond eyeliner and bring the nostalgia with this 80s karaoke night staple.
17. “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper
When you think of Cyndi Lauper and 1980s karaoke songs, you might think of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”. However, “Time After Time” is an emotional contrast to the hit pop track and a must-sing for those nights when you’re feeling a little on the emotional side.
18. “I Love Rock & Roll” by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
Have you noticed a trend? A lot of 1980s karaoke songs are rock hits, and this song is both an iconic rock track and a tribute to rock ‘n’ roll. This song is perfect for any level of singer, and works well as a solo or for a group performance. Channel your inner 1980s rock goddess and bring the room alive with this timeless hit.
19. “Material Girl” by Madonna
No karaoke list is complete with at least one Madonna song, and “Material Girl” is one of our favorites. Get the night started and the bar dancing with this classic and carry that energy with you all night long.
20. “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John
If you’re getting over a recent breakup and want a confidence boost in the form of a standout karaoke performance, this uptempo Elton John hit is the song for you. Grab a boa and belt your heart out—you’re sure to feel better in no time, and the crowd will give you all the love you need.
21. “What’s Love Got to Do With It” by Tina Turner
Even if you don’t have the vocal skills to match the Queen of Rock, the bar will definitely join in with singing this iconic hit. Risque for its time, “What’s Love Got to Do With It” has maintained its popularity among 1980s karaoke songs for decades.
22. “Love Shack” by The B-52s
This song is a little naughty and a lot of fun. Let your hair down and take the stage with a group or on your own, and just have fun! There are some tricky spots in this song, but if you’ve been singing 1980s karaoke songs long enough, it’ll be no problem.
23. “The Final Countdown” by Europe
Thanks to its exciting lyrics and a hefty dose of nostalgia any time we hear it, “The Final Countdown” is a staple for ’80s night karaoke. We recommend saving this song for the end of the night, so you can leave the bar on a high note and liven up the room for one last sing-along.
24. “The Tide is High” by Blondie
This song is perfect for a girl’s night out. Grab a few cocktails and hit the stage with your girls, and just have fun with this cute and mellow ’80s pop hit.
25. “Pour Some Sugar On Me” by Def Leppard
Like many of our favorite iconic 1980s rock hits, this song is not for the faint of heart. Whether you decide to make your performance a little sexy or leave it strictly rock ‘n’ roll, you’re sure to catch the eye of the cutie at the bar—and maybe even get a free drink out of it if you’re lucky.
26. “Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush
Thrust back into the spotlight because of Netflix’s hit show Stranger Things, this song deserves every bit of recognition it receives. While Kate Bush’s songs typically feature her signature three-octave range, this one is easier to sing and works well as a powerful karaoke night go-to.
27. “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley
Before there were Rick Rolling memes or Fornite emotes, “Never Gonna Give You Up” was a hugely popular song in the 1980s, thanks to its upbeat lyrics and Astley’s iconic voice. Do the Astley shuffle and get the crowd moving with this timeless classic.
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28. “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton
This iconic country-pop crossover by one of the best artists of all time is easy to sing and will definitely bring an otherwise quiet crowd back to life. Strut your stuff and have fun with this one—no matter how you sing it, you’ll make Dolly Parton proud.
29. “In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins
Considered one of the most iconic songs of all time, “In the Air Tonight” is a song both for those who love to sing and those who love to show off their impressive air drumming skills. It’s an easy song to sing, and the room will be jamming right along with you in no time.
30. “Walk This Way” by Run DMC ft Aerosmith
This rap cover of the original Aerosmith song is fun to perform if you either 1) can reach Steven Tyler’s insane high notes, or 2) care more about rocking out than about how you sound. We recommend making this a duet or group performance for even more fun.
31. “Careless Whisper” by George Michael
This is another one of those iconic ’80s karaoke songs that sounds like a love song, but is actually quite the opposite. Channel your inner George Michael with a silky smooth voice, and the room will forget you’re actually singing a song about losing love to infidelity.
32. “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes
Although this song was technically released in 1979, it didn’t rise to popularity until early January 1980. It it blurs the line between 1970s and 1980s karaoke songs. Bring the nostalgia (and maybe encourage your friends to grab you a Piña Colada at the bar), and the audience will definitely be on their feet at the end of your performance.
33. “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by the Scorpions
If you’re looking for an iconic rock hit to start your night off right, look no further. This song is a banger, and your friends won’t be able to help themselves from joining in when you reach the chorus.
34. “Jump” by Van Halen
If you’ve got a decent vocal range and the energy to bring your best dance moves, this is the song for you. Nonstop energy will have the room dancing along with you, and you’ll get to show off some star quality by owning the stage.
35. “Africa” by Toto
This song is so much fun, no matter how well you’re able to sing the iconic chorus. This irresistible track is a staple in any ’80s karaoke setlist, and it’s another one of those songs that will have everyone singing with you by the end.