If you meander around Athens any time after 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, you will see a few eager students lingering outside of Uptown Grill, students crowding Wendy’s and a substantial amount of students and Athens residents singing karaoke at the Smiling Skull Saloon. Some students may have a go-to song for that occasion, while others are just now discovering the hidden gem of Athens. Whether you’re a regular or a first timer, these songs are perfect to add to any karaoke repertoire:
“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
“Don’t Stop Believin’” is a karaoke staple at any and every karaoke event. The song is a timeless classic that fits all vocal ranges. Anytime it comes on, you can guarantee that the crowd watching you will join in and sing right along with you. This song is perfect if you are attending karaoke night for the first time.
“Take On Me” by a-ha
This exciting masterpiece by a-ha is well known to karaoke regulars and allows singers to test the upper limit of their range. The energetic tempo and rhythm will not only encourage others to attempt the daring vocals, but it will also entice them to simultaneously dance. “Take On Me” is best suited for the experienced karaoke attendant.
“Red Solo Cup” by Toby Keith
For those interested in dabbling in country, “Red Solo Cup” is the perfect song to start with. This Toby Keith hit is great to sing if you think you’re awful at singing, if you enjoy country or if you want to step out of the pop and rock songs that are typically sung at any karaoke event. The vocals are very simple, as well as the lyrics, and plenty of people are familiar with the song if you appear to be struggling in the spotlight. This song is perfect for beginners and regulars.
“Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice
Maybe you don’t want to sing “Don’t Stop Believin’” like the twenty people before you. In that case, “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice might be the perfect song for you. This song does not require any kind of vocal talent whatsoever, so you can sing this song sober or drunk and still receive a round of applause from the audience. This ’90s throwback is still popular today and is perfect for both the beginner and the experienced karaoke singer.
“Zombie” by The Cranberries
If you are wanting to branch out from typical karaoke genres but aren’t ready to explore country or rap, “Zombie” by The Cranberries is the perfect song to begin exploring the alternative genre. Beginners be warned, this song is only well known by a limited amount of people. If you feel the heat of spotlight beating down on you and feel your body tense up, you might not receive as much help from the audience by singing this song. But don’t let that deter you from “Zombie” — it’s the perfect song to let out any angst or frustration you’re feeling on karaoke night. This song is best for experienced karaoke singers, but can be sung by bold beginners.
“thank u, next” by Ariana Grande
Are throwbacks not really your thing? Don’t worry, this super catchy Ariana Grande song is perfect for the karaoke night when you’re feeling yourself. Whether you’re getting over your ex or confident in yourself being up on stage, “thank u, next” is the song for you. Unlike most Grande songs, “thank u, next” won’t test your vocal range while you’re up singing your heart out. Due to its popularity, the song is perfect for both newbies and regulars because plenty of people will be able to sing along with you, while you rock the stage.
“Super Bass” by Nicki Minaj
A timeless classic for anyone wanting to show off their rap skills, “Super Bass” by Nicki Minaj is a great hump day song. This 2010 bop is perfect for anyone who knows the song as well as the back of their own hand. Because it is a more modern rap song, not everyone in The Skull will be able to catch up with the lyrics. First timers and regulars can find equal enjoyment from this song as long as they are confident in their ability to rap as flawlessly as Minaj did in her most well-known song of the 2010s.
