No music can create the rousing and powerful karaoke atmosphere that hard rock music can. The hard rock genre is filled with emotional songs by well-known classic artists, from Bon Jovi and Foreigner to AC/DC and Joan Jett, that have shaped the music industry in numerous ways—causing changes that will last forever.
I personally like a challenge when it comes to karaoke. My last performance—which was just a fun practice round at my sister’s house—involved one of my favorite singing exercises, which is having my niece skipping through random songs in my music library while I perform parts of them on the fly.
When hard rock songs came on, I realized for the first time just how much I enjoyed their powerful emotions and the complexity of their sound.
If, like me, you’re ready for something a little intense and are up for a karaoke challenge, it’s time to try out some hard rock songs. How can you choose the best tracks for your performance? Keep reading to learn about what I consider to be the 25 of the best hard rock karaoke songs to wow your audience and flex your singing skills.
The 25 Best Hard Rock Karaoke Songs
There are many, many fantastic hard rock songs from the past all the way up to today, so it can be hard to choose the very best tracks. However, the 25 songs below are sure to be a hit with many audiences and be enjoyable for you to sing. Let’s take a look at them and see what karaoke situations they are best suited for:
1. “Livin’ On A Prayer” — Bon Jovi
If you want to perform a real crowd-pleaser, this Bon Jovi classic is it. It’s great for solos, duets, or group performances and has a truly uplifting theme that’s sure to inspire.
Related List: Beatles Karaoke Songs
2. “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” — Poison
If you’re in the mood for a more “chill” karaoke track for your hard rock playlist, this Poison staple may be just what you’re looking for. It’s also a fantastic breakup anthem if that’s your cup of tea.
3. “Pour Some Sugar On Me” — Def Leppard
For that classic, rousing hard rock sound, you can’t go wrong with Def Leppard. Everyone will have a good time when you belt out this dance-worthy rock hit.
4. “I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)” — Meat Loaf
If you want to honor the life and legacy of Meat Loaf, who passed away recently, singing this classic is a great way to do so. It’s another great song to let out your romantic frustrations.
Related List: More Love Karaoke Songs
5. “I Hate Myself For Loving You” — Joan Jett
I loved this song when I was a teenager. It really evoked that frustration you have when you love and focus on someone who isn’t good for you. If that’s a theme you’d like to sing about, this song is for you.
6. “You Give Love A Bad Name” — Bon Jovi
Breakups and heartbreak seem to be a common theme in hard rock songs. This Bon Jovi staple is no exception. It was another one of my favorites in high school when romantic drama ran high. If you’re a Bon Jovi fan, you may enjoy singing this on stage.
7. “Now I’m Here” — Queen
I’ve never sung this track at a karaoke performance, but I’d sure love to. It has a fantastic classic hard rock song that’s hard to beat. Try it out if you know your audience appreciates Queen classics.
Related List: 20 More Queen Karaoke Songs
8. “Voodoo” — Godsmack
If you’re ok with getting a little dark, “Voodoo” is a fun choice. It’s certainly a great choice for the dramatic karaoke singer. I sing it when I want to veer away from my regular karaoke choices.
9. “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” — AC/DC
Here’s another instantly recognizable hit. AC/DC fans in particular will appreciate it and its undeniably complex sound.
10. “The Final Countdown” — Europe
If you love a good 80s hard rock track, “The Final Countdown” is the ultimate choice. It’s perfect for any type of gathering where hard rock karaoke is part of the plan.
Related List: Top 80’s Karaoke Songs for Women
11. “Any Way You Want It” — Journey
Any Journey hit is perfect for a throwback 80s karaoke performance. “Any Way You Want It” is a particularly popular crowd-pleaser.
Related List: 30 Upbeat Karaoke Songs
12. “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” — Kiss
Kiss fans and anyone who likes a truly incredible hard rock song will enjoy singing this. It’s fit for any skill level or karaoke situation.
13. “Juke Box Hero” — Foreigner
If you’d like to add a song with a music theme to your karaoke tracklist, this Foreigner classic is a perfect choice. You can have tons of fun rocking out to this song on stage.
14. “Magic Carpet Ride” — Steppenwolf
For a true oldies hard rock hit, try “Magic Carpet Ride.” The lyrics may be questionable for some, but it’s always been one of my favorite classics.
15. “Here I Go Again” — Whitesnake
“Here I Go Again” has always been a wildly popular track. I like it because it evokes that feeling of being lonely but making the best of it as a strong individual. If you feel the same way about it, it’s a great karaoke track to try out, no matter what your skill level is.
Related List: More Underrated Karaoke Songs
16. “Detroit Rock City” — Kiss
Here’s another Kiss classic for your hard rock playlist. Its lyrics are simple enough for newbie singers, while it still has enough style for the most advanced karaoke performers. Check out this fun fact: I sang an altered version of this track in my middle school choir for spirit week. That was quite a fun and interesting experience.
17. “Start Me Up” — The Rolling Stones
For more ultra-classic hard rock singing, the Rolling Stones are the ultimate choice. “Start Me Up” is great for all skill levels and types of singers.
Related List: 20 More Classic Rock Karaoke Songs
18. “Zitti E Buoni” — Måneskin
If you want to sing something up-to-date yet unique, this 2021 Eurovision track is a great choice. Måneskin fans in particular will appreciate it. Be forewarned, however—singing in Italian isn’t easy if you don’t know the language. Believe me, I’ve tried. If you speak Italian or know the song incredibly well, go for it.
Related List: Best ABBA Karaoke Songs
19. “I Love Rock ’N Roll” – Joan Jett
Here’s a fun celebration of rock and roll that female singers, in particular, will appreciate. It’s great for a big karaoke party, especially if you want to give a group performance.
20. “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” —Guns N’ Roses
Guns N’ Roses fans and true hard rock lovers will appreciate this classic. It’s not the fastest or most intense track, so it’s a good choice if you tend to get nervous on stage.
21. “I Want It All” — Queen
Here’s another hard rock offering from Queen. It’s another favorite from my childhood due to its classic, unbeatable sound.
22. “I Wanna Rock” — Twisted Sister
“I Wanna Rock” is another fantastic choice if you want to celebrate music while feeling like a real rock star. This is another crowd-pleaser fit for any audience. It could be adapted for a solo, duet, or group performance if you need to do so.
23. “Dream On” — Aerosmith
With “Dream On,” you have yet another wildly famous track that all types of audiences enjoy. Enjoy it by yourself or while singing with a group. It’s got a powerful sound and feel that will leave its mark on the crowd.
24. “Magic Man” — Heart
Here’s another fun hard rock track that will be particularly appealing to female singers. It’s a fantastic story-fueled song that’s great for group performances, especially during a girl’s night out.
Related List: 40 Great Indie Karaoke Songs
25. “In The End” — Linkin Park
“In The End” was another track that helped me through my angsty teen years. I still turn to it in my times of greatest frustration. Sing it at karaoke for one of your most emotionally powerful performances ever—or to let off some steam.
Related List: 30 More Rap Karaoke Songs
Conclusion
Now that you know what some of the best hard rock karaoke songs are, you’re ready to hit the karaoke stage and give a powerful and dramatic performance that everyone ill remember for years to come. Once you’ve tried a few of the songs on this list and perfected them, you can keep adding more while building your confidence on the karaoke stage—all while giving your audience an entertaining experience to truly enjoy!
