Top 20 Karaoke Songs [1970s Edition]
The 1970s was a golden era for music, giving us some of the most iconic and singable songs of all time. From disco tunes to electrifying classic rock anthems, the 1970s had it all. It’s definitely a treasure trove for karaoke fans looking for crowd-pleasing tunes.
Here are the top 20 karaoke songs of the 1970s to belt out at karaoke night:
1. “Stayin’ Alive” by The Bee Gees (1977)
When you need to get a karaoke crowd amped and on their feet, reach for this quintessential disco anthem by the Bee Gees. With its pulsing four-on-the-floor beat, funky riffs, and falsetto vocals, “Stayin’ Alive” oozes dancefloor confidence.
Be sure to nail the finger-pointing “Ah, ah, ah, ah…” vocal routine for full effect!
2. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor (1978)
Speaking of dancefloor confidence, nothing tops Gloria Gaynor’s seminal “I Will Survive.” This disco anthem is an empowering karaoke showstopper, with lyrics about rising up from heartbreak that command the stage.
Really sell the resilience and attitude in those “Go on now, go!” shouts. By the end, you’ll have the whole audience cheering you on as a survivor.
3. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen (1975)
For the dramatically-inclined karaoke performer, nothing tops the over-the-top spectacle of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” From the a cappella intro to the thundering opera breakdown, it has multiple movements to flex your vocal skills.
If you can pull off this epic six-minute tour de force, you’ll be an audience idol!
4. “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire (1978)
Get ready to groove and dance when the unmistakable intro to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September” comes on.
This irresistibly funky disco number will have the whole room grooving to the bass line and singing those calypso-esque “ba-dee-ya” vocals.
It’s pure infectious fun and a karaoke go-to for bringing high energy.
5. “YMCA” by The Village People (1978)
Get ready to spell it out and do all the signature dance moves when the instantly recognizable opening notes of “YMCA” by The Village People ring out.
This campy, upbeat disco number makes for an outrageously fun karaoke performance as you lead the crowd in recreating those iconic arm choreography moves.
6. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd (1974)
Representing the Southern rock contingent on this list is the undeniable road song “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Groove to the swampy riffs and howling vocals during the “Muscle Shoals has got the Swampers” breakdown and yell out the song’s name proudly.
It’s a raucous, good-time karaoke performance.
7. “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen (1979)
You’ll need to be ready to bring boundless energy to match the frenetic tempo of Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now.” Filled with shifts in dynamics and tongue-twisting vocals, this upbeat gem will get behinds wiggling all night long!
Crank up the flamboyance for the nonsensical lyrics about traveling at the speed of light.
8. “Dancing Queen” by ABBA (1976)
ABBA gave us the ultimate karaoke singalong in their disco-pop smash “Dancing Queen.” The melodic verses provide a chance to showcase your vocal range, while the anthemic bridge and chorus let you go full diva mode.
Whip your shimmery disco outfits out for maximum flair on this one!
9. “American Pie” by Don McLean (1971)
For the karaoke marathoners out there, take on Don McLean’s epic eight-minute folk-rock opus “American Pie.” It tells a rich story about “the day the music died,” with impressively intricate wordplay lyrics to wrap your tongue around.
You’ll be commanding rapt attention from verses like the biting “the courtroom was adjourned, no verdict was returned.”
10. “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John (1971)
Elton John’s melancholic ballad “Tiny Dancer” strips away the showy theatrics for a stirring, intimate performance.
The evocative lyrics like “Hold me closer, tiny dancer” invite you to really emote and tug at the heartstrings during the tender piano-laced melody.
It’s a beautiful contrast to many blustery 70s rock hits.
11. “Hotel California” by The Eagles (1977)
The haunting, ever-building guitar intro alone puts this mysterioso Eagles classic in karaoke icon status.
“Hotel California” makes for a show-stopping vocal performance, as you can get theatrical with the dark lyrics about being trapped in a sinister place you can never leave.
But be sure to bring your best falsetto for those high harmonies!
12. “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes (1979)
This delightfully corny hit delivers maximum karaoke entertainment value with its ridiculous story of trying to cheat on your partner with a stranger, only to discover the stranger is…your partner.
Get playful acting out the cringy newspaper personal ad and fully commit to the bizarre island vacation fantasy lyrics.
13. “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry (1976)
As its name suggests, “Play That Funky Music” is all about cranking up the funk for a grooving karaoke performance.
The standout element is the extended laidback rap that lets you go full lounge lizard mode, with lyrics instructing you to “play that funky music till you die.”
Have some fun with the vocal inflections and swagger.
14. “You’re the One That I Want” from Grease (1978)
Every karaoke night needs some over-the-top campy acting, which you can absolutely bring when performing the Grease showstopper “You’re the One That I Want.”
Channel Sandy’s transformation into a rebel girl during the flirty verses, then go full musical theater energy for the high-kicking, finger-snapping chorus.
15. “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen (1975)
Bruce Springsteen’s iconic anthem “Born to Run” makes for an epically theatrical karaoke performance.
Emulate The Boss‘ gritty vocals as you pour your vocals into vivid working-class lyrics about trying to escape Jersey for something greater.
You’ll then build intensity through each verse until releasing it all with the triumphant, straight-from-the-heart chorus that will have everyone raising their fists.
16. “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac (1977)
Fleetwood Mac’s ethereal and haunting “Dreams” is a perfect addition to any 1970s karaoke night.
Stevie Nicks’ distinctive vocals combined with the song’s mesmerizing melody create an atmosphere that captivates the audience.
Whether you’re belting out the iconic chorus or navigating the dreamlike verses, this legendary tune offers a chance to showcase emotion and vocal prowess.
17. “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett (1977)
For a more chilled-out, beach-bum singalong vibe, look no further than “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett.
Get blissed out crooning the humorous, calypso-tinged lyrics about wasting away in a tropical paradise after a few too many margaritas.
It will have the whole bar swaying and dreaming of an oceanfront getaway.
18. “Crocodile Rock” by Elton John (1972)
Of course, you’ll want to follow that sensitive rendition of “Tiny Dancer” with some signature overblown Elton outrageousness on “Crocodile Rock.”
This cheeky novelty number lets you get campy and flamboyant with wild dance moves as you play up lines about being a “rock ‘n’ roll-a-billy” and reviving ancient creatures via rock music.
19. “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder (1972)
Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” is a funky and infectious groove that’s impossible to resist on the karaoke stage. With its iconic clavinet riff and soulful vocals, this song brings a burst of energy to any performance.
Whether you’re hitting those high notes or getting down with the rhythm section, “Superstition” is guaranteed to get the crowd on their feet and dancing along.
20. “We Are the Champions” by Queen (1977)
No list of 70s karaoke anthems would be complete without the fist-pumping crowd-pleaser “We Are the Champions” by Queen. This ultimate arena rock sing-along gives you a chance to unleash your inner sports team champion with marathon vocals showcasing Freddie Mercury’s iconic range.
Keep pushing through the seemingly endless “No time for losers…” section and bring it home strong on the chanted “We are the champions!” finale.
Also Read: Forgotten Songs of the 1970s