The 1990s had some truly amazing hits, with genres such as punk, alt rock, and grunge reigning supreme. These songs are still popular to this day, and many of them are karaoke classics. Looking for 1990s karaoke songs for your next performance? Check out our list below!
1. Baby One More Time — Britney Spears
Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time wasn’t released until 1998, but it was so popular that it is still considered one of the quintessential songs of the 90s. Twenty-four years later, it is still widely known for its punchy chorus and insane danceability.
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2. I Want it That Way — Backstreet Boys
The Backstreet Boys’ I Want it That Way was released in 1999 on their album Millennium. It is still considered one of the best songs of the 1990s — despite only existing for the last eight months of the decade! In fact, Rolling Stone named it on its list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, too!
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3. Torn — Natalie Imbruglia
If you’re looking for a 90s ballad that will let you really flex your voice, look no further than Natalie Imbruglia’s Torn. This song about regretful love climbed to the top of the charts in 1997 and is still a favorite in karaoke bars today.
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4. Save Tonight — Eagle-Eye Cherry
Have you ever had a night that you wanted to last forever? Then you can relate to the lyrics of Save Tonight. This song by Swedish band Eagle-Eye Cherry hit the charts in 1997 and has remained one of the best-known songs of the decade. Its catchiness and fast tempo make it perfect for karaoke.
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5. You’re Still the One — Shania Twain
Shania Twain had her heyday in the 90s when she dominated the country music scene. Songs like You’re Still the One have enduring popularity because they’re just so catchy. This romantic track is a ballad for a long-term lover who still maintains their appeal despite many years together.
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6. What a Girl Wants — Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera’s What a Girl Wants was one of her first big hits. Though it was released in 1999, it spent weeks at number one on the Hot 100 chart, making it one of the most enduring songs of the 90s. The song is all about being happy in your own skin at its essence.
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7. Always Be My Baby — Mariah Carey
Always Be My Baby was one of Mariah Carey’s most popular songs of the 1990s, but amazingly, she composed it by improvising with her producer. The simple chorus became so catchy that it flew to the top of the charts and is still one of the most iconic songs of the decade today.
8. Ironic — Alanis Morissette
Alanis Morissette was one of the most popular singers of the 1990s, exemplifying the cynicism of the down-on-their-luck crowd that feels they can never win. The song has regained popularity in recent years not just because of its catchiness, but also as the subject of debate over the lyrics.
9. Losing My Religion — R.E.M.
R.E.M released Losing My Religion in 1991, and it became an anthem for the decade. Thirty years later, this song remains as popular as ever, and you’re bound to get people singing along to that catchy chorus: “That’s me in the corner, that’s me in the spotlight, losing my religion…”
10. Smells Like Teen Spirit — Nirvana
The grunge scene of the 1990s remains the stuff of legend, and Nirvana was its poster child. Smells Like Teen Spirit was released in 1991. The meaning of the lyrics is still the subject of much debate, but you have to admit that it is fun to sing!
11. Don’t Speak — No Doubt
Don’t Speak comes from the days when Gwen Stefani was still the lead singer of No Doubt. The song is a tribute to Stefani’s relationship with her bandmate, and the heartbreaking lyrics have stood the test of time. We can all relate to having our hearts broken just like Gwen.
12. How Do I Live — LeAnn Rimes
When it comes to 90s love ballads, we have to mention LeAnn Rimes? This perennially popular song is both sweet and simple, making it a perfect choice for karaoke night. Though it has been nearly three decades since its release, the song remains just as poignant today.
13. Livin’ La Vida Loca — Ricky Martin
Ricky Martin was a true icon of the 90s, shaping the American pop Latino genre. Livin’ La Vida Loca is a relentlessly catchy and upbeat tribute to a woman who turns your life upside down and makes you feel like you’re going crazy.
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14. What’s Up — 4 Non Blondes
What’s Up was considered a veiled commentary on the American political climate of the early 90s. But its chorus — with its iconic wailing main line — is also about wrestling with life’s purpose and meaning. The world might have changed since 1992, but the sentiment remains the same!
15. Barbie Girl — Aqua
Love it or hate it, there is no denying that this 1997 hit is catchy. It has an infectiously upbeat tempo and an addictive chorus — plus, those background vocals “come on Barbie, let’s go party” are impossible to resist.
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16. Stay (I Missed You) — Lisa Loeb
Lisa Loeb’s Stay was released in 1994 and instantly climbed to the top of the charts. Since then, it has gained a reputation as a classic choice for karaoke, with a catchy, danceable melody and lyrics that are easy to follow.
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17. On Bended Knee — Boyz II Men
On Bended Knee is the 1994 tribute to unrequited love. The song might not be a happy one, but it’s hard not to sing along to this ballad. If you can deliver this song with the right emotions, you are bound to get people cheering — and possibly even singing along!
18. Tubthumping — Chumbawumba
Even if the title isn’t familiar to you, you have definitely heard this song before. The 1997 anthem to resilience has been recycled countless times, appearing in movies, shows, and much more. The good news is that it’s super easy to sing (the chorus only has two lines on repeat), so it’s a good choice for almost anybody.
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19. You Oughta Know — Alanis Morrisette
No one exemplifies the gritty, realistic zeitgeist of the 1990s like Alanis Morrisette. If you think you can replicate the singer’s raspy vocals, more power to you! But ultimately, this song is all about the feeling, so get up on the stage and give it your all
20. Zombie — Cranberries
The Cranberries’ influence extended far beyond Ireland to become one of the quintessential sounds of the 1990s. It’s impossible not to have a good time when you’re wailing that chorus, which pretty much consists of one word over and over again. You guessed it: it’s “zombie”.
21. Kiss From a Rose — Seal
Do any of us know what “a kiss from a rose on the gray” means? Nope, not even a little bit. But that doesn’t stop us from enjoying the 1994 power ballad. The song is made for belting, which means it is also perfect for anyone who wants to give it a go on karaoke night.
22. Wannabe — Spice Girls
You can’t put together a list of 90s songs without including the Spice Girls. This all-female group was the very embodiment of 1990s-era feminism and girl power. Wannabe, released in 1996, was their first hit. We still don’t know what “zigazig ahh” means, but man is it catchy (and super easy to sing!).
23. Theme Song — from Pokemon
You probably didn’t know that the theme song from Pokemon is titled…Theme Song. But if you were a kid in the 1990s, you almost definitely heard it countless times. Don’t feel strange singing a kids’ cartoon theme song on karaoke night — it delivers up a heavy dose of nostalgia that everyone will love, and it’s catchy as all get-out.
24. All Star — Smash Mouth
Smash Mouth’s All Star was released in 1999, but this ultra-catchy song is best associated with 2001’s Shrek, where it was featured in the opening credits. The movie catapulted Smash Mouth into the memories of a whole new generation, even those who don’t remember the 90s all that well!
25. I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing — Aerosmith
Back in the 90s, Aerosmith frontrunner Steve Tyler was one of the hottest singers in rock and roll. Whatever you thought about him then, you can’t deny that his musical talent and onstage charisma made his music endure well beyond the turn of the century.
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26. Angel — Sarah McLachlan
There might not be a person alive who hasn’t heard Sarah McLachlan’s haunting vocals on Angel. Though it’s been a quarter of a century since its release, it is still widely known for its beautiful lyrics and sweet melody.
27. When a Man Loves a Woman — Michael Bolton
Back in the 90s, Michael Bolton was the ultimate crooner, performing the decade’s most moving power ballads. His hate base is just as strong as his fan base, but you have to give it to Michael — his music is a classic of the era.
28. Black or White — Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s 1991 hit Black or White was written as an anthem of anti-racism. But believe it or not, it was actually incredibly controversial! More than 30 years later, the song remains one of Jackson’s most famous hits and is still just as relevant (not to mention catchy) as ever.
29. Iris — Goo Goo Dolls
The Goo Goo Dolls were one of the biggest bands of the 1990s American alt-rock scene. This emotional song is perfect for karaoke, and you’re likely to hear people singing along. This is the perfect song to sing in a group, especially waving a lighter in the air in solidarity.
30. Come to my Window — Melissa Etheridge
Is it sweet or is it creepy? We’ll let you be the judge of this 1993 hit. Whatever you think, it must have made an impression, because it remains one of the top throwback songs for karaoke. With lyrics like “I need you in my blood, I am forsaking all the rest”, this song can be described in one word: intense.
31. Wonderwall — Oasis
Released in 1995, Wonderwall has become the poster child for the term “One Hit Wonder”. Oasis never saw a lot of success with their other music, but this song has remained popular for more than a quarter of a century. Some people might even say it’s been overplayed — but it’s still worth breaking out one more time.
32. End of the Road — Boyz II Men
Boy bands were having their heyday in the 1990s, and Boyz II Men was one of the best. End of the Road was at #1 on the charts for thirteen weeks of 1992. There’s no saying why it was so popular — maybe it was the pristine four-part harmony or the smooth beat. Regardless, it is still a banger today.
33. Bills, Bills, Bills — Destiny’s Child
Back before Beyoncé launched her solo career, she was a member of Destiny’s Child. This powerful girl group ruled the 1990s with their dynamic voices and dance moves and jazzy R&B-inspired tunes. Bills, Bills, Bills, released in 1999, was one of their best, and you’re bound to get a good reception in any karaoke bar.
34. Un-Break My Heart — Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton’s 1996 song Un-Break My Heart is a classic tribute to the end of a relationship. Nominated for Song of the Year, it is irrevocably woven with the latter half of the decade. If you need to let some emotion out after a breakup, Toni Braxton will never let you down.
35. Black Cat — Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson’s song Black Cat was released in 1989 and remained popular through the beginning of the 1990s. The song’s lyrics are a little dark, but the tune is so catchy that it just makes you want to dance.
36. She Ain’t Worth It — Glenn Medeiros
She Ain’t Worth It is the ultimate diss track for a woman who just isn’t worth your time. Released in 1990, it’s still just as satisfying to belt out today. It just goes to show that no matter how much the world changes, some experiences are universal.
37. Barely Breathing — Duncan Sheik
Believe it or not, Barely Breathing was never intended to get as big as it did. It was only composed to round out Duncan Sheik’s 1996 title album. Instead, the song was on the charts for 55 weeks, cementing Sheik firmly as a One-Hit Wonder. Decades later, it’s still just as catchy.
38. Better Man — Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam was one of the most popular bands of the 1990s. Their song Better Man was released in 1994 and is all about a woman who has convinced herself to stay in her relationship because she’ll never have a better one.
39. Breakfast at Tiffany’s — Deep Blue Something
Love it or hate it, you’ve definitely heard Deep Blue Something’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s. In fact, it’s probably the only song you’ve heard from the group. The 1993 tune was an instant hit, climbing charts around the world. Even today, it’s widely played on radio stations, and almost everyone knows the words!
40. Black Velvet — Alannah Myles
Black Velvet was technically released in December of 1989, but it remained so popular throughout the first part of the 90s that it will always be associated with that decade. The tune is about a bus of Elvis fans going on a pilgrimage to Memphis.
41. My Heart Will Go On — Celine Dion
Celine Dion wasn’t expecting much when she recorded My Heart Will Go On for the 1997 film TItanic — and neither was the film’s director, James Cameron. Neither of them expected it to become one of the most popular songs of the decade, bringing Celine Dion to a whole new audience. Decades later, almost everyone knows this power ballad.
42. Angels — Robbie Williams
Robbie Williams might not have taken off in the US, but across the pond, he ruled the music of the 90s. His 1997 song Angels is a real tearjerker, with lyrics about love that reaches beyond the grave.
43. Creep — Radiohead
Most of us can relate to Radiohead’s 1992 song, which is all about feeling like you don’t belong. Sure, it might be weird to have a room of people singing “I’m a weirdo, I’m a creep” together, but we wouldn’t be surprised it if happens.
44. Are You Gonna Go My Way? — Lenny Kravitz
Back in 1993, Lenny Kravitz was known everywhere for his amazing musical talent and his striking looks. Are You Gonna Go My Way? is the kind of confident proposal we all dream of making.
45. Aeroplane — Red Hot Chili Peppers
Aeroplane by the Red Hot Chili Peppers is always worth a repeat performance. This upbeat, energetic song is super fun to sing, especially in a group of friends. But don’t be afraid to perform it on your own, either. Just grab that microphone and give it your all!