Editor’s Note: I love karaoke! I remember one Blake Shelton disguised himself at a bowling alley that doubled as a karaoke bar in Iowa and he sang his own songs and people would be commenting on how amazing he sounded and that he sounded just like Blake Shelton. I still find that story to be comical to this day! Karaoke is supposed to be fun and it’s a celebration of music! For me, I pick the most random songs ever to sing! I’ve heard people do death metal versions of songs and I’ve even seen someone do “We Didn’t Start The Fire” by Billy Joel by updating the song to today’s current events! That was one of the most brilliant things I have ever witnessed. That said, I hear these same songs over and over again when I go karaoking and it makes my skin crawl and people need to get SOME DAMN VARIETY in their lives! Here are the ten songs absolutely ruined by karaoke!
- “I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys
There is nothing original about four or five guys getting together and be like HEY LET’S DO A BOY BAND SONG! AND EVERYONE PICKS THIS DAMN SONG!!!! It’s always done after a few cocktails as well! Stop it!
2. “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood
Ladies. Stop it. Just stop it already. We get that you are upset. Please pick a different song to sing. Plus you sound ridiculous over the Louisville Slugger part. Vandalism doesn’t fix cheating. Just dust yourself off and move on. Plus this song sucks anyways.
3. “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond
Neil Diamond is the perfect pop star. *In Cris Collinsworth voice* NOW HERE’S A GUY that looks like he just got done gardening and is like “oh crap, I have to perform in front of 35,000 people” and he just completely rocks the place. That said, STOP IT KARAOKE AUDIENCE WITH THE BA BA BA PART AND SO GOOD SO GOOD SO GOOD! It’s stupid and annoying, and you’re ruining a gem of a song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhS84g72j6E
4. “Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd
Go to any redneck bar and you’re bound to hear this song by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Catchy chorus fine, but I don’t need to hear it every freaking night I go karaoking. I want to sing “That Smell” and gag around people while I sing the chorus to that song.
5. Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
Oh you knew I had to put this on the list. Arguably the most overplayed song in recorded history and it’s always a bunch of screechy girls whose voice style is comparable to that of running one’s fingernails on a chalkboard have to sing that song after having 10 shots of sex on the beach. Ugh. Thanks for ruining this song.
6. “Man! I Feel Like A Woman” by Shania Twain
See my Carrie Underwood commentary. There has to be more than two country songs that exist in the world of country music. Plus y’all trying to sexify the song. Stop it. Quit while you’re already four steps behind in your make-believe world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTCph5ovDLs
7. “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice
If you can’t flow to a Vanilla Ice song, please pick a completely different genre. Plus you’re not hard while you’re up there. Just quit it. Seriously. Vanilla Ice in his razor sideburns and Zack Morris hair still looks 9,000 times cooler than you ever will up there.
8. “Friends In Low Places” by Garth Brooks
This is when to call it a night. I had 37 beers tonight, I’m going to celebrating how drunk I am and sound like I have marbles in my mouth and slur through this song. Plus, you have that quizzical look on your face like “oh silly me, I ruined your classy event by being a sloppy drunk” when you sing that song. You know who you are and I’m the one referring you to the nearest rehab clinic because you’ve hit that low in your life where you need help if this has happened to you.
9. “Santeria” by Sublime
This is primarily at college bars/clubs. Oh, I joined a fraternity and to celebrate I just have to sing “Santeria” by Sublime like I’m so fly and cool. Alpha Phi Gamma Beta Omega unite!!!!
10. “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” by Bonnie Tyler
Will Ferrell made this into a comedic classic. Unfortunately, in America, we complete lack original thinking, so EVERYBODY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA has to do this song while having the expletives thrown in there. I feel sorry for Bonnie Tyler. I’m sure because of Will Ferrell and America, nobody takes her seriously anymore. Thanks for ruining a classic song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaeldbYmkyQ
What are your favorite songs to sing at karaoke or songs that annoy you at karaoke? Let us know!
