Why these songs work
The 80s are karaoke's home decade: huge choruses, synths, power ballads and songs that every generation in the room somehow knows. An 80s round is the fastest way to get a mixed-age party singing together.
Tips: many 80s hits have high rock or ballad notes ("Livin' on a Prayer", "Total Eclipse of the Heart"). Don't be afraid to drop an octave or let the crowd take the top line. For an easy win, start with "Walking on Sunshine", "Come On Eileen" or "Summer of '69".
The list
Tap 🎤 Sing this to open a free room and search for that song on your phone, ready to add to the queue.
- Don't Stop Believin'Journey🎤 Sing thisThe ultimate closer. The chorus is high; the room will carry you.
- Livin' on a PrayerBon Jovi🎤 Sing thisEveryone sings the "woah, we're half way there"; the key change is tough.
- Girls Just Want to Have FunCyndi Lauper🎤 Sing thisBouncy and bright; a party starter.
- Take On Mea-ha🎤 Sing thisFun until that famous high note. Go for it anyway.
- Total Eclipse of the HeartBonnie Tyler🎤 Sing thisDramatic power ballad; ham it up.
- Billie JeanMichael Jackson🎤 Sing thisMid-range verses with a strong groove.
- Sweet Child o' MineGuns N' Roses🎤 Sing thisHigh rock vocal; best for confident singers.
- Like a PrayerMadonna🎤 Sing thisGospel-tinged chorus that builds and builds.
- I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)Whitney Houston🎤 Sing thisJoyful but demanding; great for strong voices.
- FootlooseKenny Loggins🎤 Sing thisUpbeat and fun; the room will dance.
- Eye of the TigerSurvivor🎤 Sing thisPunchy and mid-range; easy to shout along.
- Jessie's GirlRick Springfield🎤 Sing thisClassic rock chorus with a comfortable range.
- AfricaToto🎤 Sing thisRelaxed verses and a chorus everyone sings.
- Come On EileenDexys Midnight Runners🎤 Sing thisSpeeds up near the end; pure chaos in the best way.
- Walking on SunshineKatrina and the Waves🎤 Sing thisBright and easy. A great opener.
- Never Gonna Give You UpRick Astley🎤 Sing thisLow and smooth; instant laughs and sing-along.
- Material GirlMadonna🎤 Sing thisPlayful, mid-range and short.
- FaithGeorge Michael🎤 Sing thisSimple guitar groove, easy melody.
- Here I Go AgainWhitesnake🎤 Sing thisPower-ballad build; a bit high on the chorus.
- Purple RainPrince🎤 Sing thisSlow epic; save it for the late-night crowd.
- Time After TimeCyndi Lauper🎤 Sing thisGentle ballad with a comfortable range.
- Tainted LoveSoft Cell🎤 Sing thisLow and moody; good for deeper voices.
- Summer of '69Bryan Adams🎤 Sing thisDriving rock with an easy, shoutable chorus.
- Wake Me Up Before You Go-GoWham!🎤 Sing thisCheerful and fast; grab a friend.
- Pour Some Sugar on MeDef Leppard🎤 Sing thisRock stomp; more attitude than technique.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular 80s karaoke song?
"Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey is the classic, along with "Livin' on a Prayer", "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" and "Total Eclipse of the Heart".
What are easy 80s karaoke songs?
"Walking on Sunshine", "Never Gonna Give You Up", "Faith", "Tainted Love" and "Eye of the Tiger" have comfortable ranges and are easy to follow.
How do I run an 80s karaoke night?
Create a free room, ask everyone to queue one 80s song, and open with a group song like "Don't Stop Believin'". The app also has a ready-made 80s Night playlist you can load in one tap.
Can I sing 80s karaoke for free?
Yes. Encoreverse plays karaoke videos from YouTube on any TV or laptop for free; guests search and queue songs from their phones.
Ready to sing?
Create a free room on your TV. Guests scan the QR code and queue songs from their phones. No app, no sign-up.