I Want to Sing at Karaoke! A Roundup of Recommended Oldies Classics and Popular Songs
Nostalgic oldies! How about singing a host of classic tunes that resonate in your heart along with memories of those days at karaoke? The Western masterpieces born mainly in the 1950s and ’60s have never faded with time and continue to captivate countless people even today.
In this article, we’ll introduce must-sing oldies for karaoke—from rock ’n’ roll to pop and ballads—beloved across generations.
Oldies often have simple melodies and are easy to sing.
From songs everyone knows to unexpected hidden gems, we’ve got a lineup guaranteed to get the karaoke crowd going!
I want to sing at karaoke! A roundup of recommended oldies classics and popular songs (1–10)
Pretty Little BabyConnie Francis
Connie Francis, the songstress who shone in the 1950s and ’60s.
Among her many classics, this song is an especially charming piece that captures the pure feeling of longing for the one you love to notice you.
Its greatest appeal lies in the sweet, gentle melody line and her charming voice that tickles the listener’s heart.
Recorded in August 1961 and included on the 1962 album “Connie Francis Sings ‘Second Hand Love’ & Other Hits,” this track was originally a B-side.
With its calm tempo, it doesn’t require a wide vocal range or advanced techniques, making it very easy to sing—perfect for anyone looking to expand their oldies repertoire.
Give it a try when you’re in the mood for something cute and delightful.
Oh, Pretty WomanRoy Orbison
Roy Orbison, who gained popularity with his black sunglasses and operatic, powerful vocals.
This piece is one of his signature songs, depicting the dramatic emotions of a man who is captivated by a beautiful woman he sees on the street.
He’s dejected when she initially walks away, but the movie-like twist of her finally turning back to him is irresistibly appealing.
Released in August 1964, the song topped the U.S.
charts for three consecutive weeks.
Later, it was chosen as the theme song for the 1990 blockbuster film “Pretty Woman,” allowing it to be loved across generations.
It opens with a guitar riff everyone knows, so it’s guaranteed to fire up any karaoke room.
Step into the protagonist’s shoes and sing it with passion.
Tutti FruttiLittle Richard
It’s a truly historic number, often hailed as “the sound of rock ’n’ roll being born”! Surely there’s hardly anyone who hasn’t heard Little Richard’s explosive opening shout, as if an inexpressible impulse were bursting forth.
That cry doesn’t just sound fun—it also seems to express a yearning for liberation from deep within.
The anecdote that the track was recorded in October 1955 in just three takes over about 15 minutes speaks volumes about its ferocious energy.
Included on the classic album “Here’s Little Richard,” it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.
Belt it out at karaoke and you’re guaranteed a pure, exhilarating rush—no explanation needed!
I’m SorryBrenda Lee
Brenda Lee, a powerhouse singer nicknamed “Little Miss Dynamite.” This piece is one of her signature ballads, which she delivered at the young age of 15.
With a mature voice, it expresses pure regret for hurting the one she loves and a heartfelt desire to be forgiven.
The sophisticated, string-laden sound and the spoken interlude in the middle are particularly striking.
The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 in July 1960 and was included on the classic album “Brenda Lee.” Sung with deep emotion and a gentle touch, it’s a perfect choice for anyone looking to add a poignant ballad to their karaoke repertoire.
I Only Want To Be With YouDusty Springfield
This is the song that marked Dusty Springfield’s solo debut in November 1963, and it conveys, straight and true, that irresistible rush when love begins and the single-minded feeling of “I only want to be with you.” It reached No.
4 on the UK charts and No.
12 in the US, catapulting her to stardom.
The sparkling horns and dancing rhythm make you feel happy just by listening.
There’s also the anecdote that Bay City Rollers later covered it and ended up with exactly the same chart positions as the original.
It’s also known as the theme song for the American TV series Arliss, so many people across generations may find it familiar.
With its simple, singable melody, it’s perfect for livening up a karaoke session.
Stand By MeBen E. King
If you want to try a classic Western song at karaoke but aren’t sure what to sing, I recommend Ben E.
King’s timeless masterpiece.
The song expresses deep and pure trust: even if the darkness of night covers the world and hardships shake the earth, there’s nothing to fear as long as a loved one is by your side.
Released in 1961 and included on the album “Don’t Play That Song!,” it became beloved across generations after being chosen as the theme song for the 1986 film Stand by Me.
With its simple, easy-to-remember melody, anyone can sing it comfortably.
How about singing it from the heart on a night when you want to reaffirm the bonds with your friends?
Heartbreak HotelElvis Presley
It’s the famously bluesy masterpiece that marked the dawn of the “King of Rock ’n’ Roll.” The song is set in a fictional hotel where wounded souls gather.
Its world of lyrics—singing of hopelessness with no exit at the end of a lonely street—hits hard through the deep echo and Elvis Presley’s plaintive vocals.
There’s even an anecdote that it was inspired by a suicide note printed in a newspaper, which adds to the song’s dark atmosphere.
Released as a single in January 1956, it spent seven weeks at the top of the Billboard charts.
If you sing it at karaoke, I recommend fully becoming the protagonist and delivering it with abundant melancholy.
Precisely because of its simple structure, it’s a piece that truly tests the singer’s expressive power.