English-language karaoke hits to get the crowd going: Latest rankings [2025]

Careless WhisperWham!85rank/position

George Michael – Careless Whisper (Official Video)

A big hit ballad by the British duo WHAM!, George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley.

In Japan, Hideki Saijo and Hiromi Go also covered it.

It’s quite rare for two artists to release covers around the same time in Japan, which suggests the melody really resonates with Japanese listeners.

Plus, for a ballad, it feels like it would work in karaoke without killing the vibe, so if you’re a strong singer, definitely give it a try!

We Are YoungFun ft. Janelle Monáe86rank/position

Fun.: We Are Young ft. Janelle Monáe [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

A fan favorite that won numerous awards, including Grammys, across 2012 and 2013! The intro might not sound familiar, but many of you will recognize the chorus where the vibe shifts dramatically.

Since the chorus melody repeats afterward, you don’t have to memorize a bunch of different lines, making it easy to sing at karaoke.

The lyrics overflow with lingering feelings for an ex, so it’s a great pick when you’ve been dumped but still want to hype up the room and look a little cool!

Give Me Everything ft. Ne-Yo, Afrojack, NayerPitbull87rank/position

Pitbull – Give Me Everything ft. Ne-Yo, Afrojack, Nayer

This is a dancefloor-igniting track released by American rapper Pitbull.

In collaboration with Ne-Yo, Afrojack, and Nayer, it features an energetic, catchy sound.

The lyrics carry a message of “cherishing the moment,” inspiring listeners with a positive outlook.

Included on the album Planet Pit, released in June 2011, it topped charts around the world.

It’s a great pick not only for clubs and parties, but also when you need a change of pace or a boost of confidence.

As one of Pitbull’s signature songs, it continues to be loved by many to this day.

creepRediohead88rank/position

Radiohead – Creep

This is an early signature song by Radiohead, a globally renowned band that combines exceptional charisma with cutting-edge innovation among currently active groups.

Although it’s an extremely popular track, it stopped being performed live after a certain point in time.

However, it seems to have been brought back recently, and it’s been a huge crowd-pleaser at concerts.

Where Is The Love?The Black Eyed Peas89rank/position

The Black Eyed Peas – Where Is The Love? (Official Music Video)

The first single from the Black Eyed Peas’ third album, Elephunk, by the popular American hip-hop/rap-rock group, is the song “Where Is the Love?” This track is one of their signature songs and became a major hit.

Break Free ft. ZeddAriana Grande90rank/position

Ariana Grande – Break Free (Official Video) ft. Zedd

As the title suggests, it’s a song overflowing with a positive vibe: mustering the courage to break up with a lover you’ve been trapped by for so long and deciding to become a new you.

The lyrics sound like you’re telling yourself these words, with expressions that hint at just a touch of lingering attachment—lines many women can strongly relate to.

I think it would take a lot of practice to sing at karaoke, but if you can pull it off, it’ll look incredibly cool.

Calm DownRema, Selena Gomez91rank/position

Rema, Selena Gomez – Calm Down (Official Music Video)

Since the latter half of 2022, African music has been gaining attention worldwide.

The catalyst was the song “Calm Down,” a collaboration between global superstar Selena Gomez and Nigeria’s leading artist Rema.

Its distinctive, Afrobeat-driven melody has found worldwide popularity.

In Japan as well, many people have likely heard the track through social media platforms like TikTok.

If you sing it at karaoke, it’s a song almost everyone will recognize, so it’s sure to be a big hit.