The FJ team share their favourite karaoke songs

From Abba to Avril Lavigne.

There’s nothing more humbling than a group activity that consists of screeching into sticky microphones. Karaoke is the great equaliser. Under flashing fluorescent lights and rotating disco balls, mere mortals like ourselves transform into stars (but that might be the liquid courage talking).

Karaoke goers know that the secret to a good performance is the song selection. A heartbreak ballad, an ageless favourite, a challenging rap (thankfully, Spotify’s Lyrics feature can help you prep) or a rock anthem could be your tune of choice. 

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I asked around the Fashion Journal office to find out what our favourite karaoke classics are. Use this as inspiration for your next karaoke outing (or solo sesh, courtesy of Spotify’s Lyrics feature).

Giulia, Managing Editor

‘That Don’t Impress Me Much’ by Shania Twain

After my (admittedly unpromising) vocal career was thwarted by nodules, I’ve had to rely heavily on the performance aspect of karaoke rather than the actual singing part. In my experience, this calls for an upbeat song I can dance along to and ‘That Don’t Impress Me Much’ has never once failed me. There are lots of talking parts (“So, you think you’re Brad Pitt?”) and hardly any ambitious high notes, plus it’s ripe for audience interaction.

‘Slow Jamz’ by Twista

I’m not sure you could technically call it a karaoke song, but allow me to flex for a second because I know almost every word by heart. For those yet to have ‘Slow Jamz’ bless their ears, the silky-smooth track features vocals from Jamie Foxx and Kanye West before launching into a fast-paced vocal barrage from notoriously fast rapper, Twista. It’s near impossible to sing along without ending up both breathless and tongue-tied (go on, try it) and if you can nail the vocals, it also carries a warped sense of pride.

Izzy, Editorial Assistant

‘I Miss You’ by Blink-182

This song is an undeniable pop-punk classic, and it always reminds me of my good friend, once housemate and forever karaoke partner, Jamieson. We listened to this song non-stop while living together, always taking a big breath before belting “Where are you? / And I’m so sorry”. Most people know the lyrics, it’s an all-ages crowd-pleaser and floods me with teenage angst (in a good way).

‘I’m On Fire’ by Bruce Springsteen

In my humble opinion, a karaoke session would not be complete without A) a fruity alcoholic drink and B) the rustic tunes of Americana rock legend, Bruce Springsteen. I love this song so much and thoroughly enjoy trying to mimic Bruce’s baritone crooning. I’m also always wearing cowboy boots, so it feels right.

Ella, Partnerships and Campaign Manager

‘The Fear’ by Lily Allen

Each time I’m aurally graced with the opening guitar strums of Lily Allen’s ‘The Fear’, I feel an all-encompassing need to stand on the closest piece of furniture and give my lungs a good workout. There’s a grittiness to the lyrics that makes this a sort of satirical masterpiece, “I wanna be rich / And I want lots of money / I don’t care about clever / I don’t care about funny”. The essence of the track pokes fun at the superficial nature of social media and modern fame, something that feels more relevant now than ever.

‘Back To Black’ by Amy Winehouse

Another iconic ballad from a female powerhouse, though a little more sombre, ‘Back to Black’ is an emotionally charged anthem that always gets me up off my seat. There’s a vulnerability to the lyrics that seems to resonate with almost everyone, and there’s something comforting in screaming about heartbreak with a bunch of strangers in a bar.

Maggie, Branded Content and Features Editor

‘Kiss You’ by One Direction

I loved being a teenage girl, primarily because I loved One Direction. Just listening to the first few bars of this 2012 track fills me with an instant hit of hormone-crazed nostalgia. I struggle to get through this song without screaming the lyrics, just like my 14-year-old self would’ve wanted.

‘Chiquitita’ by Abba

Abba is a universally loved and flawlessly safe karaoke choice. The uptempo jolts of ‘Money, Money, Money’ and the crooning of ‘Dancing Queen’ gets even the shyest of voice boxes going. I, however, want to throw the humble ‘Chiquitita’ into the ring. Repopularised by TikTok, the very sweet and sad tune makes for a great karaoke ballad (because we all need one).

Cait, Editor

‘Complicated’ by Avril Lavigne 

I vividly recall the first time I heard this song. It was so impactful in all its pissed-off, disappointed glory, that I rushed out to buy the album the very next day. Singing this at karaoke is an absolute no-brainer – it’s a crowd-pleaser and it allows me to indulge the teenage angst that’s always bubbling just below the surface within me. Delivering the opening line “Chill out / What ya yellin’ for?” with just the right amount of sassy nonchalance is a bit of an art form and after 100s of karaoke renditions (and countless times screaming it in the car with the girlies) I have it down pat.

‘Supersonic’ by Oasis 

As a teenager, I went through a sickly obsession with brit pop – Oasis, Blur, Pulp etc – and it’s an obsession that’s endured to this day. While Oasis isn’t my favourite band from this era, belting ‘Supersonic’ while in front of a standing microphone with both arms clasped behind my back (a tribute to Liam Gallagher’s iconic on-stage stance) is one of my favourite things to do.

Belt out your favourite karaoke songs with Lyrics on Spotify.