Top 10 Karaoke Songs For Every Voice Type
With the team at DJ City and our wide range of karaoke systems behind you, you are all ready and set up for the perfect karaoke experience.
But what are the best karaoke songs to use your new set-up for?
Well, the answer to that – apart from personal preference and musical taste – will actually depend on your voice type.
Not sure what voice type you have? We have broken down the main singing voice types for you and recommended some of the best karaoke songs for each category.
Main Voice Types for Singing
There are actually a number of different ways you can categorise voice types. You can classify a voice type based on range, or you can choose timbre, or tessitura.
Range refers to the span of musical notes – from the lowest to the highest – that you can comfortably produce vocally.
Timbre, on the other hand, refers to the quality of the voice or vocal notes being produced.
Tessitura is a term that refers to the range of notes in which your particular voice sounds best or, alternatively, where you feel most at ease singing.
These different determinations help to categorise different voices into the main singing types. These are:
- Soprano
- Mezzo-soprano
- Contralto or alto
- Tenor
- Baritone
- Bass
Additional Singing Voice Types
Whilst the six types outlined above are universally acknowledged, there are a few additional categories some people like to refer to. For example, there is a countertenor in the world of classical music. Or there may be subcategories, such as lyric soprano or dramatic tenor, that exist as variations of the main type.
Best Karaoke Songs for the Different Female Voice Types
1. Soprano
Soprano, described as the highest voice, is best for melodies associated with choral music.
Dancing Queen by ABBA
Dancing Queen, an iconic song for its energy, allows classic sopranos to showcase the upper range of their musical ability.
Halo – Beyonce
Similarly, the strength and clarity required for a song like Halo by Beyoncé offers a powerful opportunity for soprano singers to belt out an effective tune.
2. Mezzo-Soprano
This voice type is somewhat less high than plain Soprano and is great for dynamic melodies.
Feeling Good – Nina Simone
This soulful classic occupies a warm middle register, which is fully aligned with the strengths of a mezzo-soprano singer.
Born This Way – Lady Gaga
The popular pop song by Lady Gaga swings from low to high registers and offers plenty of opportunity for mezzo-soprano singers to interpret their performance in a way that showcases their strength.
3. Contralto or Alto
Contralto singers occupy the lower end of the higher singing voice types. Known for a richer and deeper timbre, this voice type is best for songs with lower melodic lines.
Someone Like You – Adele
Someone Like You has a deep melodic line and perfectly fits someone with a strong yet rich contralto tone.
You’re So Vain – Carly Simon
This sultry song blends an almost conversational delivery that sits comfortably in the range of contraltos, whilst allowing opportunity for timbre voices to shine.
4. Tenor
The tenor voice is on the higher end of the lower spectrum and is classically highlighted in pop and rock genres.
Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
This karaoke hit sits right in the wheelhouse of a tenor singer. Deeper voices with high capability can effectively change keys along with this toe-tapping song.
Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
Another classic, Bon Jovi’s hit swings from mid to high notes and gives a strong singer plenty of room to infuse their performance with energy and passion.
5. Baritone
Baritone singers bring a deeper and richer medium-range voice to the party, which sits comfortably between tenor and the even lower style of bass.
Rich of Fire – Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash’s beloved classic allows deeper baritone voices to exercise resonance and depth in their karaoke delivery.
Let it Be – The Beatles
The Beatles’ super song sensation is universally accessible to anyone who fits nicely in the baritone range.
6. Bass
Bass is acknowledged as the lowest range of voices and is best placed to deliver those deep and powerful notes.
Sixteen Tons – Tennessee Ernie Ford
Sixteen Tons might not be everyone’s go-to karaoke song, but it is one of the more opportunity-filled canvases for anyone with a bass voice.
Lean on Me – Bill Withers
Lean on Me is a soulful anthem that allows bass singers to shine and let loose with their lower range.
How to Choose the Best Karaoke Songs for You
Know your range
It is important to choose the right song for you, though this doesn’t necessarily mean it is your favourite song. Consider the highest and lowest notes you can hit without straining your voice and stick with songs in that range.
Your voice type should help narrow down the choices so that you opt for a song that matches your natural voice classification and gives you the best opportunity to put the right musical foot forward.
Pick a song you know
Singing a familiar song will allow you to focus on hitting the right notes, stepping up to your performance potential, and actually enjoying yourself.
If you are trying to sing a song you vaguely know but are unfamiliar with, you may find yourself distracted and unable to capitalise on your vocal range and singing ability.
Play to your strengths
Everyone enjoys different types of karaoke songs. What suits you best? Do you love emotional deliveries? Do you need something with a high tempo?
Whilst your voice type is important in determining your choice of song, don’t forget to play to all your other strengths as well.
Read the room
Reading the room is important. Matching the energy and mood of the other participants will help you choose a song that not only resonates with you but with the rest of the party.
Well-known songs are important for getting everyone involved and helping you connect with others, even in more intimate karaoke sessions such as the home or a private booth.
Avoid classically challenging songs
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, for example, is a much loved, popular and wonderful choice of song. But it is very tough, even for seasoned singers – hence Freddie Mercury’s singular legacy.
Songs with lots of high notes, super fast lyrics, or complex runs can undermine your performance. Best stick with your strengths.
Think about the key
Apart from your vocal range and the tempo of the song, consider the right key. If you can, adjust the song’s key to suit your voice and help you sing better and more confidently.
High notes don’t always have to be so high, nor low notes so low. You can adjust the key within reason to really make the most of your singing ability.
Choose a song you enjoy
We have focused a lot on the aspects of the song and the types of singing voices in choosing the best karaoke tracks.
At the end of the day the single most important factor in choosing the best karaoke song is to choose one you love and enjoy singing. If you do that, your passion, enthusiasm and enjoyment will come through and it will be fun for everyone!
DJ City – the home of karaoke
Whether you are still unsure about the best karaoke songs for you or you are already dreaming of your next song choice when you have the gang over to your place to check out your new karaoke system, our team is here to help.
