Karaoke is more than just singing; it’s a moment of performance, a release of energy, and a guaranteed way to connect with an audience, your co-workers. For entrepreneurs and professionals, choosing that perfect karaoke anthem is a serious decision, it reflects your personality, your mood, and your willingness to step into the spotlight. Is it a power ballad, a nostalgic throwback, or a defiant rock anthem?
We asked members of the Modern Work Community, the collection of business owners, creatives, and freelancers who make up Modern Work Suites, a simple, crucial question: What is your go-to karaoke song?
The answers we received were as diverse and vibrant as the businesses they run, spanning rock, country, pop, and Broadway. From channeling the raw emotion of Metallica to unleashing the confident energy of Beyoncé, their selections show that every member brings a unique energy to the microphone. Get ready to explore the ultimate karaoke playlist, directly inspired by the people who define the culture at Modern Work Suites.
Turn the page – Metallica
“Turn the Page” by Metallica is a killer choice for karaoke because it lets you tap into some serious rock star vibes. The song has this gritty, emotional edge that just pulls you in, making it easy to lose yourself in the lyrics. Plus, it’s one of those tracks where you can really let loose, whether you want to go all out with the raspy, powerful vocals or just channel that laid-back storytelling vibe. The build-up in the chorus is perfect for getting the crowd involved, and by the end, you’ll feel like you’ve told a story worth listening to.
Friends in Low Places – Garth Brooks
Nothing gets a crowd going like a good old country anthem, and “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks is just that. This tune is the ultimate sing-along, with a chorus that practically demands everyone in the room join in. It’s got that down-to-earth, relatable vibe that makes it easy for anyone to connect with, whether you’re a country fan or just love a good time. Plus, the mix of humor and heart in the lyrics gives you plenty of opportunities to really ham it up, making it a go-to choice for a fun, memorable karaoke performance.
Wanna Be – Spice Girls
When you’re looking to bring some serious energy to karaoke night, “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls is a total crowd-pleaser. This song is all about fun, friendship, and just letting loose. The moment that iconic intro kicks in, you can feel the excitement in the room go up a notch. It’s one of those songs where everyone knows the words, so you’re guaranteed to have people singing and dancing along with you. Plus, the playful, upbeat vibe makes it impossible not to smile while you’re singing it, making it the perfect pick for when you want to keep the mood light and lively.
My Way – Frank Sinatra
There’s something timeless about taking the mic and singing “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. This song isn’t just a performance; it’s a statement. Whether you’re celebrating a victory or reflecting on life’s twists and turns, “My Way” gives you the chance to deliver a powerful, emotional performance that resonates with everyone in the room. The lyrics are all about owning your choices and standing proud, making it a perfect pick when you want to show off your vocal chops and leave a lasting impression. Plus, the classic, smooth melody is a welcome change of pace, adding a touch of elegance to any karaoke night.
Showtunes
When it comes to show tunes, karaoke night can turn into a full-blown performance, and that’s what makes it so exciting. Take “Defying Gravity” from *Wicked*, for example. The moment you start singing, “Something has changed within me,” the energy in the room shifts. As the song builds, you can feel the anticipation growing, and by the time you hit that soaring chorus, “I’m defying gravity!” the crowd is with you, cheering you on like you’re on Broadway. It’s one of those powerful songs that makes you feel unstoppable, and the audience loves every second of it.
Then there’s “Seasons of Love” from *Rent*. As soon as those opening chords play, the room fills with a sense of togetherness. The lyrics, “Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes,” are like an instant cue for everyone to start swaying and singing along. It’s a song that brings people together, and you can see the crowd really feeling it, turning the moment into a shared experience that’s both uplifting and memorable.
And of course, you can’t forget the iconic “I’ll Be There for You” from *Friends*. The second that familiar intro kicks in, the whole room lights up. It’s one of those songs that everyone knows and loves, making it impossible not to clap along to the beat. When you sing, “So no one told you life was gonna be this way,” the crowd’s already in sync, ready to shout “Hey!” in perfect unison. It’s a feel-good, dynamic tune that gets everyone involved, turning your karaoke performance into a lively, unforgettable moment that’s sure to leave everyone smiling.
Pink Pony Club – Chappel Roan
When you take on “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan, you’re in for a karaoke moment that’s both electrifying and full of heart. The crowd usually lights up from the first note, drawn in by the song’s catchy beat and the infectious energy it brings. As you sing, you’ll notice people swaying, clapping, and maybe even tearing up a bit because the lyrics hit that sweet spot between freedom and self-expression. By the time you reach the chorus, expect the room to be fully engaged, with some singing along and others just soaking in the performance. It’s a song that makes everyone feel a little more connected, and you’ll definitely feel the love from the audience.
Let the Bodies Hit the Floor – Drowning Pool
When “Let the Bodies Hit the Floor” by Drowning Pool comes on at karaoke, you know the energy in the room is about to go through the roof. This song is like a bolt of adrenaline for both the singer and the crowd. As soon as that hard-hitting intro starts, the audience is usually ready to rock out, with heads banging and fists pumping in the air. It’s the perfect choice if you want to unleash some serious intensity and get the crowd hyped up. By the time you hit the chorus, you’ll have everyone shouting along with you, turning the whole place into a mosh pit of karaoke madness. It’s loud, it’s raw, and it’s guaranteed to leave everyone buzzing with energy.
My Own Worst Enemy – Lit
“My Own Worst Enemy” by LIT is one of those songs that instantly takes the crowd back to the late ’90s, and the nostalgia alone is enough to get everyone pumped. As soon as that punchy guitar riff kicks in, you’ll see smiles spreading and people getting ready to sing along. This track is perfect for karaoke because it’s packed with that rebellious, carefree vibe that just makes you want to shout the lyrics at the top of your lungs. When you hit the chorus, expect the crowd to join in, practically yelling, “Please tell me why…” It’s a song that everyone knows, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that turns the room into a full-on sing-along party.
Single Ladies – Beyonce
When “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” by Beyoncé starts playing at karaoke, the energy in the room shifts to pure excitement. This song is an anthem, and everyone knows it. The moment you start singing, you’ll see people getting up, ready to bust out the iconic dance moves and sing along with you. It’s the perfect pick if you want to empower the room and get everyone feeling fierce. By the time you hit the chorus, the crowd is usually all in, shouting “If you liked it then you shoulda put a ring on it!” with as much sass as they can muster. Whether they’re cheering you on or joining in on the fun, “Single Ladies” always turns karaoke night into a full-on party.
What Dreams are Made Of – Hilary Duff
When you take on “What Dreams Are Made Of” by Hilary Duff at karaoke, you’re tapping into some serious nostalgia that always gets the crowd excited. As soon as those first notes play, you can feel the room light up with that feel-good, throwback energy. People who grew up with this song can’t help but smile and sing along, reliving their favorite moments from “The Lizzie McGuire Movie.” It’s a fun, upbeat track that’s perfect for getting the crowd involved, with everyone belting out the chorus together. By the end, you’ll have the whole room singing, “Hey now, hey now, this is what dreams are made of,” and you might just feel like a pop star yourself.
We Can’t Stop – Miley Cyrus
Imagine you’re up on the karaoke stage, the lights are low, and the opening beats of “We Can’t Stop” by Miley Cyrus start to play. As you sing, “It’s our party, we can do what we want,” you can feel the room instantly vibing with that carefree energy. The crowd starts swaying and singing along, fully embracing the anthem of living life without limits. By the time you get to “And we can’t stop, and we won’t stop,” everyone’s on their feet, dancing like there’s no tomorrow. It’s one of those unforgettable moments where the whole room feels like one big, unstoppable party, just like the lyrics say: “We run things, things don’t run we.” It’s a song that turns any karaoke night into a wild, unforgettable celebration.
Bartender – Rehab
So you’re up on stage, and as soon as “Bartender” by Rehab kicks in, everyone’s already grinning because they know where this is going. You start with “Bartender, I really did it this time,” and you can just feel the whole room going, “Oh yeah, we’ve all been there.” It’s like you’re telling a story that everyone can relate to, and by the time you hit the chorus, “Sittin’ at the bar,” people are swaying, maybe even pretending to raise a glass. It’s one of those songs that turns karaoke into a shared moment where everyone’s laughing, singing along, and thinking about their own crazy nights out. By the end, the whole room’s in on the fun, making it a performance they’ll remember long after the song’s over.
Girl You Know it’s True – MIlli Vanilli
You start singing “Girl You Know It’s True” by Milli Vanilli, and the crowd instantly perks up because they know they’re about to have some fun. As you hit that smooth, catchy “Girl, you know it’s true,” you can see people nodding along, maybe even chuckling as they remember all the drama behind the song. But that’s what makes it great—everyone’s in on the joke, and it turns into this light-hearted, feel-good moment. By the time you’re grooving through the chorus, the whole room is vibing with you, maybe even throwing in a few dance moves. It’s one of those songs that, despite everything, still gets people singing along and having a good time, making it a memorable and slightly cheeky karaoke pick.
Yesterday – The Beatles
As soon as you start singing “Yesterday” by The Beatles, the room quiets down, and it’s like everyone is drawn into this shared moment of reflection. The lyrics, “Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away,” resonate in a way that feels deeply personal yet universal, like you’re tapping into something everyone has felt at some point. It’s one of those rare karaoke songs where the performance becomes more than just singing—it’s a moment of connection. You can almost feel the nostalgia hanging in the air as the crowd listens, lost in their own memories. By the time you softly sing, “Why she had to go, I don’t know,” you’ve got the room captivated, hanging on every word. It’s a special, intimate experience that leaves everyone a little more thoughtful, making “Yesterday” not just a song, but a memorable moment shared with everyone around you.
