Whenever stepping up to the microphone, there are so many classic rock songs to choose from on karaoke night. The era classified under this definition was home to some of the best records, including one of the even on newer apps like Spotify.
The radio hits were not just from the legends of that time either; there were many groups that had iconic debuts. It was a time when anything was possible in the rock and roll genre. From musicians creating new subgenres to laying the foundation for how anthems are written, classic rock tunes remain some of the most influential ever. This has led to them being ed down through generations, ensuring that everyone in a karaoke crowd will know the selected song.
10 Joan Jett - I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll
Album: I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll (1981)
After being part of the group the Runaways, Joan Jett went on to become a successful solo artist. Her debut album was well-received, and for her sophomore album, she upped her game by having her backing band, the Blackhearts. One of the standout songs from the record was her cover of "I Love Rock 'n' Roll," first recorded by the Arrows.
10 Rock Solo Artists Who Left Huge Bands & Went On To Major Success
Starting a band is a common way for rock artists to begin, but once a large enough brand is established, it creates an opportunity for solo careers.
Her version was done out of iration for the song, but it ended up becoming bigger than the original. Her rendition reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and finished third overall for the year. Since then, people haven't been able to stop singing the catchy chorus. The words are easy to and, therefore, have made this a staple in eating establishments, radio stations, and more.
9 Don McLean - American Pie
Album: American Pie (1971)
Just hearing the title of this song can evoke the thought of the opening to the chorus, "Bye-bye, Miss American Pie." This song was the title track to Don McLean's sophomore studio album in 1972. This tune that McLean wrote from a personal perspective became a number one hit for him and cemented his place in the rock genre.
Furthering its legacy was the cover version done by Madonna. While the song has always been fun to sing along to, Madonna made it a number one dance hit in the United States. Additionally, a parody of the song has been done by Weird Al, along with other covers. All of these show the song's popularity, not just by the average listener, but also by fellow musicians.
8 Thin Lizzy - The Boys Are Back In Town
Album: Jailbreak (1976)
Throughout their career, Thin Lizzy has become one of the most influential groups of all time. Not only were they early pioneers of the metal genre, but their performances of songs such as "Whiskey in the Jar" inspired bands like Metallica. Thin Lizzy had a slew of hits during their recording career, with "The Boys Are Back in Town" being one of the catchiest.
10 Great Covers That Completely Changed The Original
There are plenty of cover songs that try to keep things close to the original. However, there are some that completely change things beyond belief.
Immediately from the opening note, the song is recognizable. If the note isn't enough, the first line "Guess who just got back today," leaves no confusion as to what tune it is. Once the chorus kicks in, talking about those wild-eyed boys who are back, it's impossible not to sing along. In fact, this song is so great, it was named the 272nd greatest song of all time by Rolling Stone.
7 The Troggs - Wild Thing
Album: From Nowhere (1966)
After the first recording of Chip Taylor's "Wild Thing" was done by the Wild Ones, the song was given to The Troggs, who made it a hit. Their version reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, and cemented that these lyrics were so good, that no matter who performed them, the song would be loved. Over the years, it has appeared in many places, proving to be a perfect sing-along.
Whatever the occasion may be, when "Wild Thing" plays, it elevates the energy by many notches.
One of the most famous uses was in the movie Major League, which starred Charlie Sheen as Ricky "Wild Thing" Vaughn. Additionally, it has been popularized by All Elite Wrestling's Jon Moxley, who makes the arena shake every time he enters with the track playing. Whatever the occasion may be, when "Wild Thing" is on, it elevates the energy by many notches.
6 Fleetwood Mac - Dreams
Album: Rumours (1977)
When Fleetwood Mac changed their sound by bringing in guitarist Lindsey Buckingham and singer Stevie Nicks, one of the key elements Nicks contributed was her ability to slowly tell a story. The way she methodically sings elevates the lyrics, giving them meaning that might have been missed otherwise. "Dreams" is the perfect example of how she does this.
10 Rock Bands Who Were More Successful After Abandoning Their Original Sound
Not all band's beginnings are perfect as sometimes their original sound doesn’t sell as well; however, some tweaks can change everything.
Not only is this song great to perform because it is highly recognizable, coming from one of the best-selling albums of all time, Rumours, but it also enables the true captivation of an audience. While some tunes are meant to make people go crazy, this one has and will always leave listeners hanging on every word.
5 Bob Seger - Old Time Rock And Roll
Album: Stranger In Town (1978)
One of the greatest hitmakers rock and roll has ever known is Bob Seger. Over the course of his 18 studio albums, songs such as "Night Moves," "Turn the Page," and "Old Time Rock and Roll," captivated audiences. The latter, in particular, has been revered as one of the best of all time, as it has featured in so many different projects, including in the movie Risky Business.
The song has been used repeatedly, not only because it is recognizable, but because it truly is that fun to sing. The opening piano immediately commands attention, but once Seger kicks in with "Just take those old records off the shelf," you know this tune is something special. Whenever it is a struggle to find a newer song with the same soul, this tune will do the trick.
4 Queen - We Will Rock You
Album: News Of The World (1977)
When Freddie Mercury was able to Brian May and Roger Taylor after their tenure in Smile, magic was created. With Mercury being considered one of the greatest performers ever, he elevated everything Queen did to a level that only he could reach. The band became so spectacular that it felt like every song they released became an anthem.
10 Replacement Classic Rock Vocalists Who Were More Successful Than The Original
When a band brings in a new singer, there is no guarantee it will go well, but these classic rock bands made the right choice for their success.
Of course, one of the most legendary karaoke songs that they have is "Bohemian Rhapsody," but there is another that is perhaps sung even more, "We Will Rock You." The reason is, it has become a sports anthem. Not only can an individual with a microphone captivate a crowd, but this song is good enough to get an entire stadium singing along.
3 Kansas - Carry On Wayward Son
Album: Leftoverture (1976)
Every so often, a song comes along where the words flow effortlessly. The lyrics "Carry on, my wayward son" do just that, as they are among the smoothest phrases in classic rock history. Kansas unveiled this song on their fourth studio album, and it became a sensation for the band, ranking 11th on the Billboard Hot 100.
Since the song is so well known and fun to sing, it has appeared many times in pop culture.
Since the song is so well known and fun to sing, it has appeared many times in pop culture. Not only does it have a history with the television show Supernatural, but it has also been featured in numerous video games, helping it become recognized by many generations. Additionally, its ability to captivate an audience was put to the test when it was used for an entrance at All Elite Wrestling's 2022 Full Gear event.
2 KISS - Rock And Roll All Nite
Album: Dressed To Kill (1975)
If there was ever a song that could make someone feel like a true rock star, "Rock and Roll All Nite" by KISS may be the one. Not only is the chorus one of the catchiest the band has ever written, but the overall instrumentation demands movement. Famously, this is the tune that KISS would end their concerts with to send their fans home on a high note.
10 Songs That Define KISS' Career
KISS is regarded as one of the greatest bands ever, and these are some of the tunes that have helped make them Rock and Roll Hall of Famers.
This logic holds true even for karaoke. It's impossible to end the night on a somber note when this song is playing. It's pure rock at its finest, which makes it not only a fun sing-along, but for anyone who brings their air guitar, this is where they can shine. Being in KISS is a dream for many, so this allows for a little glimpse of what that could be like.
1 Journey - Don’t Stop Believin’
Album: Escape (1981)
If you need proof of what singing "Don't Stop Believin'" can do, just look at Season 19 of America's Got Talent. On it, contestant Richard Goodall, who was a school janitor, stepped onto the stage, sang this song, and went on to win the competition. The construction of the tune makes it conducive to powerful performances, but the message is what really resonates.
10 Surprising Songs That Have Become Sports Stadium Traditions
Some of the most iconic tunes have turned into stadium anthems, becoming traditions for fans to sing loudly whenever they attend sporting events.
All around the world, this tune by Journey became a defining song of the 1980s. This anthem is now a timeless classic and evokes an immediate response wherever it is played, including in sports stadiums where many teams use it. Whenever it comes on, it is worth singing, because those who excel at it could be the next winner of AGT.