Karaoke is a beloved pastime for many, offering an opportunity to let loose and sing your heart out with friends or strangers. And what better way to pay homage to the era that brought us boy bands, grunge rock, and some of the catchiest pop hits of all time than by belting out some of the best 90s karaoke songs? From power ballads to dance floor anthems, the 90s were a goldmine for karaoke enthusiasts. So, whether you’re a 90s kid looking to relive some of your favorite musical moments or a younger crowd looking to discover some new karaoke classics, we’ve got you covered with the top 20 best 90s karaoke songs to set the night on fire.
This list includes songs that are sure to get the crowd singing and dancing along, from Whitney Houston’s iconic “I Will Always Love You” to Nirvana’s grunge anthem “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Whether you’re looking for a solo ballad or a group singalong, the 90s had something for everyone. So, grab your microphone and get ready to transport yourself back to a decade that defined pop culture and gave us some of the most memorable songs of all time.
1. Vogue – Madonna
“Vogue” by Madonna is a classic dance-pop hit that was released in 1990. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy hook, “strike a pose,” have made it a beloved karaoke and party staple. The lyrics pay tribute to the glamorous and flamboyant world of ball culture, with Madonna encouraging listeners to embrace their inner divas and strike a pose like their favorite models. The iconic music video, inspired by the golden age of Hollywood, features Madonna and a cast of dancers voguing and striking poses in black-and-white. “Vogue” was a massive commercial success, topping the charts in multiple countries and cementing Madonna’s status as the Queen of Pop.
2. Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Deep Blue Something
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is a popular song by American rock band, Deep Blue Something, released in 1995. The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics have made it a beloved classic, particularly in the alternative rock and pop genres. The lyrics describe a couple who may have little in common but share a love for the classic film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” The song’s upbeat tempo and sing-along chorus make it a popular choice for karaoke and singalongs. The song’s success led to Deep Blue Something’s mainstream breakthrough, and it remains a nostalgic gem for many 90s kids and music lovers.
3. Wonderwall – Oasis
“Wonderwall” by Oasis is an iconic Britpop ballad released in 1995. The song’s simple yet memorable acoustic guitar riff and Liam Gallagher’s distinctive vocals have made it one of the band’s most recognizable and beloved hits. The lyrics describe a complicated relationship and the desire to be the one who saves someone from their troubles. “Wonderwall” became a massive commercial success, topping the charts in multiple countries and becoming a karaoke and singalong favorite. The song’s influence can still be heard in modern pop music, and its status as a classic 90s anthem has solidified its place in music history.
4. Macarena – Los Del Rio
“Macarena” by Los Del Rio is a Spanish-language dance hit released in 1995. The song’s catchy melody and simple dance routine made it a worldwide phenomenon and a staple at parties and dance clubs. The lyrics describe a woman named Macarena and her many suitors. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious chorus have made it a beloved karaoke and dance floor classic. “Macarena” became a cultural touchstone in the 90s, inspiring numerous parodies and pop culture references. The song’s popularity endures to this day, and its simple dance routine remains a go-to for wedding receptions, school dances, and any occasion where people want to dance and have fun.
5. Barbie Girl – Aqua
“Barbie Girl” by Aqua is a colorful and upbeat dance-pop hit that was released in 1997. The song’s catchy and playful lyrics, describing a plastic and superficial lifestyle, made it a popular choice for dance floors and karaoke bars. The song’s distinctive and high-pitched vocals of the female singer and male rapper have made it instantly recognizable. The music video’s colorful visuals and Barbie-themed imagery cemented the song’s status as a pop culture phenomenon. Despite some controversy surrounding the song’s lyrics, it has endured as a beloved classic and is still played at parties and events around the world.
6. All I Have To Give – Backstreet Boys
“All I Have To Give” is a popular ballad by American boy band, Backstreet Boys, released in 1998. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and soaring harmonies have made it one of the band’s most beloved hits. The lyrics describe a man who wants to give his all to his partner, promising to love and support her through thick and thin. The song’s romantic and sentimental tone has made it a popular choice for weddings and other romantic occasions. “All I Have To Give” was a commercial success, and its influence can still be heard in modern pop music, solidifying its place in music history.
7. Hit Me Baby One More Time – Britney Spears
“…Baby One More Time” is a hit song by American pop icon Britney Spears, released in 1998. The song’s memorable opening piano riff, catchy chorus, and upbeat tempo have made it one of the most iconic pop songs of the 90s. The lyrics describe a young woman begging for her ex-boyfriend to give her one more chance, with a playful and flirty tone. The song’s music video, featuring Britney as a schoolgirl, became a cultural touchstone and helped propel her to worldwide fame. “Hit Me Baby One More Time” remains a beloved classic and a staple at karaoke bars and dance parties, cementing its place in music history.
8. Stay (I Missed You) – Lisa Loeb
“Stay (I Missed You)” is a hit single by American singer-songwriter Lisa Loeb, released in 1994. The song’s stripped-down acoustic guitar arrangement and Loeb’s plaintive vocals have made it a timeless classic. The lyrics describe the pain of unrequited love and the desire to stay with someone who has moved on. The song’s success helped launch Loeb’s career, and she became the first unsigned artist to top the US charts. “Stay (I Missed You)” became a beloved favorite among alternative rock fans and a staple on 90s playlists. Its influence can still be heard in modern indie music, making it a lasting gem in music history.
9. Livin’ La Vida Loca – Ricky Martin
“Livin’ La Vida Loca” is a smash hit by Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin, released in 1999. The song’s infectious Latin pop beat and catchy chorus made it a cultural phenomenon and helped introduce Latin music to a mainstream audience. The lyrics describe a woman who lives a wild and crazy life, with Martin’s energetic vocals and dynamic stage presence bringing the song to life. The music video, featuring Martin in a leather outfit and seductive dance moves, became an instant classic. “Livin’ La Vida Loca” became one of the biggest hits of the 90s, cementing Martin’s status as a pop icon and solidifying its place in music history.
10. Ice Ice Baby – Vanilla Ice
“Ice Ice Baby” is a hip-hop hit by American rapper Vanilla Ice, released in 1990. The song’s iconic riff, sampled from Queen and David Bowie’s “Under Pressure,” and catchy chorus made it a huge success, topping charts around the world. The lyrics describe Vanilla Ice’s life in Miami and his love of hip hop, with the rapper’s smooth flow and confident swagger drawing in fans. The music video, featuring Vanilla Ice in a denim jacket and baggy pants, became a cultural touchstone of 90s fashion. “Ice Ice Baby” remains a beloved classic and a staple at parties and events, solidifying its place in music history.
11. Genie in a Bottle – Christina Aguilera
“Genie in a Bottle” is a hit single by American pop singer Christina Aguilera, released in 1999. The song’s catchy pop beat and sultry vocals made it an instant hit and helped establish Aguilera as a pop star. The lyrics describe a young woman who is hesitant to give into her feelings for a boy, with a playful and flirty tone. The music video, featuring Aguilera in a variety of colorful outfits, became a cultural touchstone of 90s fashion. “Genie in a Bottle” became a beloved classic and a staple at karaoke bars and dance parties, cementing its place in music history.
12. Don’t Speak – No Doubt
“Don’t Speak” is a hit single by American rock band No Doubt, released in 1996. The song’s emotional lyrics, describing the pain of a breakup, and lead singer Gwen Stefani’s soaring vocals made it an instant classic. The song’s stripped-down acoustic arrangement and Stefani’s heartfelt delivery added to its power and emotion. The music video, featuring the band performing in a minimalist setting, emphasized the song’s rawness and honesty. “Don’t Speak” became one of the biggest hits of the 90s and helped establish No Doubt as one of the era’s most popular and influential bands, cementing its place in music history.
13. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a legendary grunge rock song by American band Nirvana, released in 1991. The song’s thunderous guitar riff and frontman Kurt Cobain’s raw, anguished vocals made it an instant anthem for a disaffected generation. The song’s lyrics, which are open to interpretation, reflect Cobain’s frustration with the mainstream music industry and the conformity he saw in American society. The music video, featuring a high school pep rally with anarchic overtones, became an iconic cultural touchstone of the 90s. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” remains a beloved classic and a defining song of the grunge era, cementing its place in music history.
14. She Ain’t Worth It – Glenn Medeiros
“She Ain’t Worth It” is a hit single by American singer Glenn Medeiros, released in 1990. The song, which features a guest rap by Bobby Brown, has a catchy pop beat and an upbeat tone, despite its lyrics about a failed relationship. Medeiros’ smooth, soulful vocals and Brown’s rapid-fire rap helped make the song an instant hit. The music video, featuring the two performers singing on a city street, added to the song’s upbeat, carefree vibe. “She Ain’t Worth It” became one of the biggest hits of 1990 and helped establish Medeiros as a pop star, cementing its place in music history.
15. Wannabe – Spice Girls
“Wannabe” is a 1996 hit single by British pop group Spice Girls, which became a global sensation. The song’s infectious pop beat and catchy lyrics about friendship, female empowerment, and rejecting superficiality made it an instant classic. Each of the group’s members contributed to the song, with its unique and distinct personalities, adding to its broad appeal. The music video, featuring the Spice Girls dancing and singing in a colorful setting, became a cultural touchstone of the 90s. “Wannabe” remains one of the biggest hits of the decade and helped establish the Spice Girls as one of the era’s most popular and influential groups, cementing its place in music history.
16. Torn – Natalie Imbruglia
“Torn” is a hit single by Australian-British singer Natalie Imbruglia, released in 1997. The song, which was originally recorded by American band Ednaswap, features Imbruglia’s distinctive, emotive vocals and a powerful, melancholic melody. The lyrics about a difficult relationship and emotional pain struck a chord with listeners, making the song a smash hit. The music video, featuring Imbruglia in various settings, added to the song’s poignant and melancholic feel. “Torn” became one of the biggest hits of the 90s and helped establish Imbruglia as a successful solo artist, cementing its place in music history.
17. Achy Breaky Heart – Billy Ray Cyrus
“Achy Breaky Heart” is a country music classic that was first released in 1992 by Billy Ray Cyrus. The song is known for its catchy melody and lyrics that describe the pain and heartbreak of a failed relationship. With its upbeat tempo and sing-along chorus, “Achy Breaky Heart” quickly became a cultural phenomenon, spawning dance crazes and even a line dance. The song has remained popular for decades and has been covered by numerous artists. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its relatable lyrics and infectious melody, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
18. Black Or White – Michael Jackson
“Black or White” is a powerful song by the late pop legend Michael Jackson that was released in 1991. The song’s lyrics address the issues of racism and prejudice, urging listeners to look beyond skin color and embrace unity and equality. The song’s iconic music video, directed by John Landis, features a diverse cast and groundbreaking special effects that morph faces from different races and cultures. “Black or White” was a massive commercial success, topping the charts in over 20 countries. Its message of tolerance and inclusion has made it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences to this day.
19. The Rembrandts – I’ll Be There For You
“I’ll Be There For You” is a popular song by the American pop rock duo The Rembrandts, which was first released in 1995 as the theme song for the hit television series Friends. The song’s upbeat and catchy melody, combined with its positive and uplifting lyrics, have made it an enduring favorite among fans of the show and music lovers alike. The song’s simple message of friendship and support has resonated with audiences for decades, making it a timeless classic that continues to be celebrated and covered by musicians around the world. “I’ll Be There For You” remains a beloved anthem of friendship and loyalty.
20. Faith – George Michael
“Faith” is a classic pop song by the late British singer-songwriter George Michael, released in 1987. The song features a catchy guitar riff and a rhythm that blends rock and funk, creating an infectious groove. The lyrics, with its message of sexual desire and freedom, reflected the changing cultural attitudes of the time. “Faith” was a massive commercial success, topping the charts in multiple countries and earning a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. The song’s iconic music video, featuring George Michael in a leather jacket and aviator sunglasses, has become a cultural touchstone of the 80s era. “Faith” remains a beloved classic that continues to inspire and entertain music lovers of all ages.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
