I Want to Sing at Karaoke! A Roundup of Recommended Oldies Classics and Popular Songs

Heartbreak HotelElvis Presley

Elvis Presley – Heartbreak Hotel (Official Audio)

It’s the famously bluesy masterpiece that marked the dawn of the “King of Rock ’n’ Roll.” The song is set in a fictional hotel where wounded souls gather.

Its world of lyrics—singing of hopelessness with no exit at the end of a lonely street—hits hard through the deep echo and Elvis Presley’s plaintive vocals.

There’s even an anecdote that it was inspired by a suicide note printed in a newspaper, which adds to the song’s dark atmosphere.

Released as a single in January 1956, it spent seven weeks at the top of the Billboard charts.

If you sing it at karaoke, I recommend fully becoming the protagonist and delivering it with abundant melancholy.

Precisely because of its simple structure, it’s a piece that truly tests the singer’s expressive power.

I’m SorryBrenda Lee

I’m Sorry

Brenda Lee, a powerhouse singer nicknamed “Little Miss Dynamite.” This piece is one of her signature ballads, which she delivered at the young age of 15.

With a mature voice, it expresses pure regret for hurting the one she loves and a heartfelt desire to be forgiven.

The sophisticated, string-laden sound and the spoken interlude in the middle are particularly striking.

The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1960 and was included on the classic album “Brenda Lee.” Sung with deep emotion and a gentle touch, it’s a perfect choice for anyone looking to add a poignant ballad to their karaoke repertoire.

Stand By MeBen E. King

Ben E. King – Stand By Me (Audio)

If you want to try a classic Western song at karaoke but aren’t sure what to sing, I recommend Ben E.

King’s timeless masterpiece.

The song expresses deep and pure trust: even if the darkness of night covers the world and hardships shake the earth, there’s nothing to fear as long as a loved one is by your side.

Released in 1961 and included on the album “Don’t Play That Song!,” it became beloved across generations after being chosen as the theme song for the 1986 film Stand by Me.

With its simple, easy-to-remember melody, anyone can sing it comfortably.

How about singing it from the heart on a night when you want to reaffirm the bonds with your friends?

Love Letters in the SandPat Boone

“Love Letters in the Sand” Pat Boone

This classic ballad is marked by Pat Boone’s gentle, sweet vocals.

You can almost picture the bittersweet scene of a love letter written on the beach being washed away by the waves.

The song sings of the romance of a fleeting love, and the wistful whistling that comes in midway heightens the sense of melancholy.

Released in 1957, the track spent five consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts.

It’s also known for being performed by Pat Boone himself in the film Bernardine.

With its simple melody, it’s a perfect choice when you want to slip serenely into the world of oldies at karaoke.

Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot BikiniBrian Hyland

Brian Hyland “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini”

If you want to liven up karaoke with an easygoing, fun summer song, this one is for you.

It’s sung by pop singer Brian Hyland.

This story-style pop tune charmingly depicts a girl who’s shy about wearing a yellow polka-dot bikini.

Its bright, buoyant sound is sure to put you in a happy mood just by listening.

Since its release in June 1960, it went on to hit No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts in August of the same year.

It’s also featured in the film “One, Two, Three,” so it might be a crowd-pleaser if you cue it up at karaoke.

Johnny B. GoodeChuck Berry

Johnny Be Goode

A signature song by legendary guitarist Chuck Berry, who laid the foundation of rock ’n’ roll.

It was released in March 1958.

The story portrays a young boy trying to rocket into stardom with his guitar talent, and the way his mother cheers him on is truly moving.

The track is also well-known for its performance scene in the film Back to the Future.

What’s more, there’s an epic anecdote that it was included as part of the Sounds of Earth on the Voyager spacecraft launched in 1977.

The moment that intro starts, your heart just races! Seeing someone seize their dreams with a guitar is so inspiring—it makes them feel like a hero.

It’s just incredibly cool and gets you totally pumped up!

VacationConnie Francis

Connie Francis – Vacation

It’s an upbeat, feel-good number that heralds the arrival of summer.

It celebrates the anticipation and sense of freedom that come with a long-awaited vacation, and just listening to it lifts your spirits.

This song, performed by Connie Francis, dates to around July 1962.

It was originally slated to be a B-side, but became a major hit thanks to radio response.

It reached No.

9 on the U.

S.

charts and is also known for being her final Top 10 hit.

In Japan, many will recognize it as the theme song for the film “Nurse no Oshigoto THE MOVIE,” covered by “Izumi Asakura with Nurse no Oshigoto.” With its simple, easy-to-sing melody, it’s a great one to add to your repertoire.