A few rounds of karaoke never fail to get the party going. And with the right R&B playlist, even the most stage-shy souls get the courage to unleash their inner superstar. The rhythm and blues genre is known for its soulful melodies and emotionally charged lyrics. Whether it’s a Boyz II Men power ballad, a funky Prince jam, or a dance pop-infused Ariana Grande tune, R&B has something to offer for all musical tastes.
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When it’s time to grab a mic and warm up those vocal chords, some karaoke favorites immediately come to mind. From heartfelt classics that serve up a dose of nostalgia to uptempo crowd-pleasers that get everyone out of their seats, here are some of the best R&B songs for karaoke.
1. “Single Ladies” by Beyoncé
The moment those sharp opening notes and rhythmic claps of “Single Ladies” start playing, everyone knows they’re in for a good time. Beyoncé‘s empowering anthem is a karaoke darling, and it’s not hard to see why. The bold lyrics advise single ladies not to wait around for love, popularizing the iconic catchphrase, “If you like it, then you should have put a ring on it!”
What really makes this song perfect for karaoke is its irresistible dance moves. Few people can fight the urge to jerk to the high-energy music. Although Queen Bey is known for her exceptional vocals, “Single Ladies” is one of her easiest songs to sing. The track works well for a group or a karaoke soloist, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with the audience.
2. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
After a few drinks and sly encouragement from friends, many karaoke singers feel confident enough to tackle a Whitney Houston song. The timeless ballad “I Will Always Love You” is a top pick for its vocal splendor and slow-building emotional resonance. The song beautifully captures a moment of saying goodbye and wishing the best for a loved one after a relationship is over.
Originally penned and recorded by Dolly Parton, “I Will Always Love You” leaves a lasting impression on anyone with a heart. The Whitney Houston version features a more blues- and jazz-inspired arrangement that’s perfectly at home on an R&B karaoke playlist. The song is an absolute showstopper that will have audiences wiping away tears—assuming the singer can hit those infamous high notes. Otherwise, just have fun crooning away with reckless abandon.
3. “The Boy Is Mine” by Brandy and Monica
For anyone looking for a fun duet to perform with a friend, “The Boy Is Mine” is an ideal choice. Brandy and Monica‘s playful vocal sparring in this R&B classic tells the story of two women who discover they’re dating the same guy. From the synthesized harp melody in the song’s catchy intro to the sassy lyrics, this R&B and pop tune has all the elements of an exciting karaoke performance. Grab a friend, divvy up those vocal parts, and get ready to bring some drama to the stage.
4. “It Wasn’t Me” by Shaggy
Humor goes a long way in karaoke. That’s why the irreverent reggae-infused R&B track “It Wasn’t Me” is always a winner for singers who really like to put on a show. The humorous storyline is about a man who juggles too many lovers and denies infidelity despite being caught in the act.
[RELATED: Shaggy Shares the True Meaning Behind “It Wasn’t Me” ]
Thanks to Shaggy’s distinctive voice and accent, karaoke singers can have a blast trying to sing along with the rapid-fire verses. The chorus is infectious and sure to get everyone at the karaoke bar grooving. Plus, the song is a duet from the perspective of two friends, making it a good choice for a duo or group.
5. “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5
In his own right, Michael Jackson has plenty of songs like “Bad” and “Rock with You” that could top this list. Yet, the family-powered hit “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5 continues to perhaps be an even more go-to karaoke track for R&B fans. The glissando opening practically yanks listeners into the song, followed by one of the most memorable rhythm guitar performances of all time.
“I Want You Back” tells the story of a young lover who regrets ending a relationship too soon. The variety of vocals in this soulful tune is one reason why it’s a fabulous karaoke pick for a group of friends. Michael Jackson’s youthful and energetic vocals take the lead, but the track is full of harmonizing and backing vocals. Competitive karaoke lovers can take their performance a step further and showcase their Motown-inspired dance moves to win some love from the audience.
6. “Killing Me Softly” by Fugees
The Fugees’ rendition of “Killing Me Softly” is an emotionally thrilling masterpiece that’s become a karaoke staple. Although Roberta Flack first popularized it in the 1970s, the Fugees immortalized the song with younger R&B audiences. Whether performed on a big stage or in a small karaoke bar, this song has the power to captivate an audience.
The original was a mellow, folksy tune based on songwriter Lori Lieberman’s deeply touching experience watching Don McLean play a show. However, the R&B trio reinvented the track with a hip-hop bass line, looping drums and percussion, and reggae undertones. Lauryn Hill’s standout vocals tie all of the elements together, and karaoke fans love trying to match the eloquent nuances of her performance.
7. “No Diggity” by Blackstreet
Closing out the list with a bang is “No Diggity” by Blackstreet. This smooth and funky R&B jam is a great choice for singers who want to bring some swag to the stage. The deep bass line and slick lyrics about admiring the ladies in the room make it a great track for the fellas to shine on stage.
“No Diggity” instantly gets the crowd nodding their heads and singing along. Since the original song is by a quartet and the song has several remixed versions, there are plenty of singing parts to go around.
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