There’s nothing quite as enjoyable as a fun and lighthearted song. This is even more true when it comes to performing and watching karaoke. What’s more, upbeat songs are easier to sing when you are new to karaoke. They are also a life saver when you are nervous. You just can’t go wrong with happy tunes.
Why should you choose upbeat karaoke songs? What are some of the best ones to sing? Keep reading for answers to these questions and more in order to prepare for one of your best karaoke performances ever.
Why Choose Upbeat Songs?
Why should you choose upbeat karaoke songs? First of all, singing happy and fun songs makes you feel good. As mentioned above, this comfort can be especially helpful if you are new to karaoke or get nervous in front of crowds. Second, they make your audience feel good. When everyone’s happy, your experience and performance have better results. People pay better, more positive attention to happy songs in a karaoke setting.
The last karaoke performance I gave in front of a significantly large audience was kind of a downer. Why? Because I chose songs that were long and sad. I started crying at one point and everyone felt uncomfortable.
I ended up feeling embarrassed and like I was on display, which can be positive in some situations but really wasn’t in this case. I think everyone else could feel the embarrassment, too. Above all else, I made other people feel down, and that was never my intention.
When I choose happier songs at karaoke, everyone is laughing and dancing along to the happy music. When you choose upbeat tracks, you have fewer emotions and less discomfort to work through so you and your audience can focus on the fun aspect that should be the number one highlight of karaoke.
I always feel excited when it’s time to sing an upbeat and enjoyable song, whereas sadder songs make me nervous. There’s a time and a place for sadder songs, but it’s always best to err on the side of happiness whenever possible when it comes to a karaoke celebration.
Prepping For Your Performance
Now that you know why you should choose upbeat karaoke songs, it’s time to get ready for your performance. Here are some things to keep in mind before you even try to choose songs:
- Remember not to strain your voice. If you are a woman but feel best singing songs by men, choose some that you are comfortable with. It’s a much better idea to choose songs that fit your vocal range than to hurt or frustrate yourself with tunes that are outside of your range or skill level. You can always change up a few lyrics if they make you feel weird.
- Pick songs you enjoy. A song could be the happiest one in the world and still not be your thing. Makes sure that whatever songs you choose are ones that you know well and that have messages and sounds that you can get behind. If you are uncomfortable, it will rub off on your listeners and come off as negatively as singing a sad song can.
- Stay hydrated. Get a bottle of water and sip from it before, during, and after you sing. Otherwise, you may have a dry mouth and throat and feel exhausted. That’s not fun or good for your health.
Now you know how to get ready to have your best and safest performance ever. All that’s left is to choose some fun and upbeat karaoke songs. Let’s look at 30 of the best songs that can bring out joy in your audience.
Related: 40 of the Best Karaoke Songs for Baritones
The 30 Best Upbeat Karaoke Songs
Now that you know why it’s a good idea to choose lighthearted and fun karaoke songs and know how to get ready for your big performance, it’s time to pick out some songs. Here are 30 of the best upbeat karaoke songs to put your friends and family in a good mood.
1. “Brighter Than The Sun” — Colbie Caillat
This is a fun and sweet song. It’s a great choice to brighten up a room and make a loved one feel special. It’s one of my favorite happy songs, which is why it gets first place on this list.
2. “Livin’ On A Prayer” — Bon Jovi
This Bon Jovi hit has a hopeful and powerful message. It’s also widely known and much-loved by a variety of music lovers, making it an instant hit at any karaoke gathering.
3. “Just The Way You Are” — Bruno Mars
Much like “Brighter Than The Sun,” this Bruno Mars classic is sweet and uplifting all in one. It’s another great choice to make a special someone feel great. It was one of my favorite songs in high school for these very reasons.
4. “Here Comes The Sun” — The Beatles
A gentle classic rock favorite, “Here Comes The Sun” is popular with music lovers young and old. It also sends an uplifting message to listeners. Even listeners who aren’t fans of The Beatles can enjoy its optimistic theme.
5. “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” — Elton John and Kiki Dee
If you are looking for a fun and upbeat duet, you can’t go wrong with this staple. Everyone around will be dancing and feeling great after your performance.
6. “Come On Eileen” — Dexys Midnight Runners
This 80s hit is a crowd-pleaser. It brings out good feelings and a desire to dance. It’s been one of my favorite songs since high school and helped me discover 80s music.
7. “Like A Prayer” — Madonna
This Madonna staple is another uplifting track describing the power of love. It’s great for audiences of all kinds, but especially groups of 80s music fans and Madonna enthusiasts.
8. “Don’t Stop Believin'” — Journey
Who doesn’t know and love “Don’t Stop Believin'”? It’s a great choice for newbies who probably already know it by heart.
9. “Dancing Queen” — ABBA
“Dancing Queen” is a much-loved tune that is perfect for audiences that love to dance. It’s not hard to sing, either, making it a good choice for even the newest karaoke performers.
10. “Love Story” — Taylor Swift
“Love Story” is one of my favorite Taylor Swift songs. It’s another sweet love ballad that even non-country fans can appreciate for its upbeat romantic theme.
11. “Sweet Caroline” — Neil Diamond
“Sweet Caroline” is much-loved and popular among fans of all ages and walks of life. It brings on good vibes whenever and wherever it’s sung.
12. “Africa” — Toto
This classic soft rock hit is a lot of fun. It can be more difficult to sing than others on this list, so save it for when you feel experienced enough to take on a challenge.
Related: 35 of the Best Karaoke Songs for Tenors
13. “”Hey Ya!” — Outkast
This is a fun and funky karaoke choice. I’ve always loved dancing to it at parties, weddings, and other events. It just makes people happy.
14. “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” — The Proclaimers
This Proclaimers hit isn’t an obvious choice, but most audiences will recognize it immediately. They’ll appreciate the happiness that it generates, too.
15. “Lucky” — Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
This is another sweet duet, especially for a loving couple who wants to share their joy with a crowd. Cue the “awws.”
16. “Good Time” — Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen
This song is great for groups, soloists, or duets. It’s easy and fun, making it a great upbeat choice at any skill level.
17. “Heartland” — George Strait
This is another off-the-beaten-path choice. It’s sure to invoke a positive response among country music lovers and cause some positive nostalgia.
18. “Shake It Off” — Taylor Swift
“Shake It Off” is a fun song that empowers those trying to get over a bad day. It’s especially popular among younger Millennial audiences.
19. “You’re The One That I Want” — John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
Here is another fun duet for loving couples. It is sure to put a smile on your audience members’ faces, especially if there are any Grease fans in the house.
20. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” — Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
This classic duet is another that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s full of joy and exciting beats. It’s a little complex, so experienced duos should love it.
21. “Meant To Be” — Bebe Rexha feat. Florida Georgia Line
This is a fun and dance-worthy country crossover hit. It will be popular among a wide range of audience members and get everyone smiling and dancing to the beat.
22. “Light My Fire” — The Doors
This is a fun Doors hit that will get everyone into the groove. It has a fun sound and fun lyrics that many Doors songs don’t have.
23. “Footloose” — Kenny Loggins
The Blake Shelton country cover of this movie classic is sure to get people moving. It encourages everyone to let loose and have fun, whether they prefer the original song or the newer adaptation.
24. “Stuck Like Glue” — Sugarland
Sugarland’s hit is a very fun track to dedicate to your significant other. It is sweet and lighthearted, making it a perfect upbeat karaoke track to get people dancing.
25. “I Got You Babe” — Sonny & Cher
Here is yet another fun and romantic duet for happy couples. Audiences young and old feel happier after hearing this hit. It’s an easy and entertaining song for new and seasoned singers alike.
26. “Walking On Sunshine” — Katrina & The Waves
This fun song about love and hope is a hit with audiences of all ages. It’s also one of the simpler karaoke songs to tackle, making it great for newcomers and singers who just want to take it easy.
27. “These Boots Are Made For Walking” — Nancy Sinatra
This country classic is darker in theme than some entries on this list, but it still has an upbeat vibe and an overall positive message of female empowerment. Crowds of all kinds should get a kick out of it.
28. “Don’t Stop Me Now” — Queen
This is a less-popular Queen song for karaoke performances, but its good vibes are undeniable. It’s also fun to sing, especially if you know it well and are very comfortable with karaoke singing.
Related: 20 of the Best Classic Rock Karaoke Songs
29. “Happy” — Pharrell Williams
It’s right there in the title. “Happy” is a fun and upbeat song that celebrates one of the best feelings in the world.
30. “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” — Justin Timberlake
Like “Happy,” this Justin Timberlake hit is a fun, family-friendly favorite. It’s hard not to smile while listening to this tune.
Conclusion
Now that you know what some of the best upbeat karaoke songs are, you are ready to plan a fun and uplifting performance that your audience can enjoy. Remember that happy songs almost always lead to a positive and memorable experience for you and your audience; you really can’t go wrong with that.
The songs you choose will vary based on your tastes, life situation, and skill level, among other factors. Try to add a few new upbeat tunes to your lineup at each karaoke night and see how you feel afterward. Chances are you’ll be in such a good mood that you’ll wish you could sing all night.