Looking for the perfect karaoke song for your tenor voice? You’re in luck! Some of the biggest hits of the last 50 years were composed for a tenor. These best tenor songs fit every mood and vocal ability, great for karaoke or auditions.
1. Let It Be — The Beatles
In the running for most popular The Beatles song of all time, “Let It Be” is a crowd favorite. It is easy and fun to sing, perfect for a tenor of any singing ability. It starts with one of the best-known lines in music history: “When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me.”
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2. Time in a Bottle — Jim Croce
Jim Croce is a favorite for tenor performances. “Time In A Bottle” was one of the biggest hits of his career and has been featured on countless covers, movies, and TV shows. Its perennial popularity has made it continue to be well-known more than half a century after its release.
3. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) — Green Day
![Green Day - Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) [Official Music Video] [4K UPGRADE]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/CnQ8N1KacJc/0.jpg)
Few bands better exemplify the emo/punk scene of the late 1990s and early 2000s than Green Day. This is another crowd favorite. In 2015, Rolling Stone magazine named it on its list of 20 Best Graduation Songs Of The Past 20 Years—but you can sing it for any occasion.
Next: Top songs for graduation ceremonies (our picks)
4. Somebody To Love — Queen
Want to really show off your vocal range? Freddie Mercury’s voice was at its best in 1976’s “Somebody To Love.” But although the falsetto gets intense at the end, most of the song falls comfortably within a normal tenor range, making it (mostly) easy to sing.
5. Livin’ on a Prayer — Bon Jovi
Almost everyone knows the popular tune “Livin’ On A Prayer.” If you want proof of the song’s longevity, just glance at the number of memes it has inspired (usually a silly play on the words of the chorus). That’s something Bon Jovi couldn’t have predicted at its release back in 1986.
Next: Great 80s karaoke songs playlist (our picks)
6. Let’s Stay Together — Al Green
Al Green’s 1972 hit is infectiously groovy, making it a classic for karaoke night. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself dancing along, whether you are on the stage performing or just in the audience. Some songs are just too fun to resist.
7. I’m Yours — Jason Mraz
![Jason Mraz - I'm Yours (Official Video) [4K Remaster]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/EkHTsc9PU2A/0.jpg)
Back in 2008, we’ll admit that this Jason Mraz song was a bit overplayed. But it’s not hard to see why it was so popular. The singer’s mellow voice and complex wordplay make for a song that is pure fun. It also isn’t hard to sing—you might get tongue-tied over the quick lyrics!
8. No Scrubs — TLC
“No Scrubs” came out in 1999, but it’s still just as catchy today. Yes, the song was originally performed by a female singer, but it is perfectly suited to a tenor voice. We’ll automatically love a guy who dares to get up on the karaoke stage to sing this song.
Next: Greatest women karaoke songs (female karaoke tracks)
9. We Are The Champions — Queen
Okay, we’re not going to pretend that this one is easy to sing, exactly. Freddie Mercury really put his falsetto vocals on display in “We Are The Champions.” If you can manage this challenging song, more power to you! We’ll give you credit just for trying.
10. Someone Like You — Adele
British singer Adele’s rich, deep voice falls somewhere between the alto and tenor range. That means that most of her songs can be sung comfortably by tenors. “Someone Like You” was one of her first big hits, and it’s still just as good almost a decade later.
Next: Songs for deeper voices
11. Fields of Gold — Sting
Sting’s mournful love song is a simple and beautiful tune. It’s perfect for any occasion, but we guarantee the crowd will swoon if you dedicate it to your special someone. Now THAT’S a romantic gesture.
12. Karma Chameleon — Culture Club
People might not be familiar with the verses, but almost everyone knows the simple chorus to this 1983 hit. It doesn’t demand a strenuous vocal performance, just a playful delivery and the ability to sing pretty quickly.
13. Fast Car — Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman’s song “Fast Car” has been covered countless times, and it’s a popular choice for karaoke. Blame it on the emotional lyrics or the gentle, easy melody, but it seems to be a song that almost anyone can sing. Despite the sad topic, it’s a surprisingly catchy tune.
Next: Great sad R&B songs playlist
14. She Will Be Loved — Maroon 5
Feeling adventurous enough to attempt falsetto? Take the stage to Maroon 5’s “She Will Be Loved.” The verses stay well within the tenor range, with only the main line of the chorus jumping into that higher register. Do some vocal warmups beforehand and go for it!
15. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) — The Proclaimers
This is inarguably one of the catchiest songs of the 1980s. Most of us grew up hearing and loving it—though admittedly, the singers’ Scottish accents meant that plenty of us didn’t know the real words until Google came along. At least misunderstanding never kept us from singing along to “Da da da (da da da).”
16. Thinking Out Loud — Ed Sheeran
Since it was released in 2014, Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” has become one of the most popular wedding songs of the decade. But you don’t have to wait for a wedding to bring out this romantic ballad. It’s also perfect for a karaoke night when you’re looking for something simple.
17. Stay With Me — Sam Smith
Sam Smith is known for his wide vocal range, and “Stay With Me” does offer a challenge in the chorus. But the vast majority of the song is easy for anyone with a tenor voice to sing. You will need to deliver on the emotion, though, so don’t be afraid to really bring it!
18. Live And Let Die — Paul McCartney And Wings
“Live And Let Die” was one of Paul McCartney’s biggest hits as a solo artist, following the breakup of The Beatles in 1970. The song was featured in the James Bond film of the same name. It is one of the most famous Bond songs of all time, making it perfect for a crowd.
19. Bridge Over Troubled Water — Simon & Garfunkel
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” was originally by Simon & Garfunkel, but it has been covered countless times since then. Don’t worry if you can’t reproduce Simon’s falsetto voice in the chorus—the song works just as well in a lower register.
20. Hey Jude — The Beatles
“Hey Jude” is yet another contender for the top The Beatles song of all time. There are few people alive who don’t know this song, making it a favorite for amateur performances, concerts, and karaoke nights. This is the kind of song that will get the crowd singing along.
21. You’ve Got a Friend — James Taylor
Don’t mix this one up with the song by Randy Newman (popularized by the soundtrack from Toy Story). James Taylor recorded this tune close to 25 years before the movie came out. He is undoubtedly one of the most famous tenor voices on the modern music scene, with plenty of simple, easy-to-cover tunes.
Next: Ultimate list of the best friendship songs ever recorded
22. She’s Always a Woman — Billy Joel
Billy Joel wrote this romantic song for his first wife. Though they later divorced, the song remains a classic love ballad. Whether you’re performing for your own significant other or just enjoying being onstage, this is a perfect song for a tenor singer who can really bring out the emotion.
23. Just The Way You Are — Bruno Mars
Yes, back in 2010 we were all sick and tired of hearing this song on the radio. But now that we’ve had a break, we admit that “Just The Way You Are” is a pretty darn catchy song. Bruno Mars really flexes those falsetto notes, which you can attempt if you’re feeling brave!
24. Can’t Stop The Feeling! — Justin Timberlake
This jaunty, danceable song was the feature tune for the kids’ movie Trolls, but it stands up on its own. It is all about being unable to resist breaking into a dance, and you might find yourself doing just that. Don’t be afraid to get into it, just like Justin Timberlake.
25. Three Little Birds — Bob Marley & The Wailers
Even if you didn’t know what this song was called, you definitely know the words! “Three Little Birds” was one of Bob Marley’s biggest hits, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s infectiously happy and bouncy, designed to put you in a good mood as soon as it starts.
26. Billie Jean — Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson had plenty of hits. But when it comes to choosing a great song for karaoke, few of them beat “Billie Jean.” It is upbeat and fun, and you don’t have to break into Jackson’s famous falsetto.
27. Hotel California — The Eagles
Who doesn’t know and love this The Eagles hit? The slow, groovy song might be about a creepy, magical hotel, but that’s what makes it so unique. It’s easy to sing and well-known, so you can just kick back and enjoy your time in the spotlight.
28. Fireflies — Owl City
Remember back in 2009, when this song seemed to be playing on every radio station? Love it or hate it, there is no denying that it’s catchy. It’s also a fun song that is gentle on your voice, making it a great choice for singers of any ability.
29. Can You Feel The Love Tonight — Elton John
If you’re ready to belt it out in classic Elton John style, this 1990s hit is a perfect choice. Anyone who was a kid in the 1980s or 1990s probably knows all the words, and for good reason. It won a slew of awards when it was released, making The Lion King one of the most famous Disney movies of all time.
Next: Ultimate list of the top Disney songs ever made
30. The Boys of Summer — Don Henley
“The Boys Of Summer” is a classic 1980s hit that was released by Don Henley, a former member of The Eagles. It was at the top of the charts in 1984 and is now a classic hit that everyone will enjoy, even if they have heard it many times before.
31. Don’t Look Back in Anger — Oasis
“Don’t Look Back In Anger” is the melancholy, philosophical Oasis hit from 1996. The lyrics seem to be shrouded in mystery, but they touch on themes of forgiveness and death. If you don’t mind getting philosophical in the karaoke bar, this is a great choice for your tenor voice.
32. Midnight Train to Georgia — Gladys Knight & The Pips
“Midnight Train To Georgia” was originally entitled “Midnight Plane To Houston,” but that doesn’t have the same ring to it. The edit produced this 1973 Motown hit. It was originally sung by Gladys Knight, but it is well-suited to a tenor voice.
33. Feeling Good — Nina Simone
Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good” was originally released in 1965. It has been covered countless times since then by singers of all vocal ranges. This jazzy hit is a perfect fit for a rich tenor voice, as Michael Bublé proved with his cover.
34. All of Me — John Legend
John Legend’s “All Of Me” was written as a love song for his wife, Chrissy Teigen. The song is a beautiful ballad and stays within the tenor range. Just be prepared for the chorus, where the vocals might be challenging for some! Take our advice and do a warmup before hitting the stage with this song.
35. Collide — Howie Day
“Collide” is a perfect example of those early 2000s love ballads: slow and simple, with plenty of poetic lyrics and a chorus of “Do do do do.” Released in 2003, it’s now just old enough to classify as a throwback hit (even though that makes us feel old).
Next: The top throwback songs of all time
36. Perfect — Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran is one of modern music’s most well-known tenors. His song “Perfect” is a sweet love song that works well as either a solo or a duet. He proved that by releasing two versions, one on his own and one as a duet with Beyoncé.
37. Landslide — Stevie Nicks
![Fleetwood Mac - Landslide (Official Music Video) [HD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WM7-PYtXtJM/0.jpg)
Whether you first learned the song from Fleetwood Mac’s original or from one of the countless covers that followed, “Landslide” is a classic. This gentle, beautiful song is easy for almost anyone to sing and delivers a heavy dose of emotional nostalgia.
38. Payphone — Maroon 5 Featuring Wiz Khalifa
Talk about a song that quickly became dated. The Maroon 5 tune was released in 2012 when payphones were already becoming scarce. These days, you’d be hard-pressed to find one anywhere. Nevertheless, this song is a certified banger, and it is always worth a repeat performance.
39. Take Me Home, Country Roads — John Denver
Whether you’ve been to West Virginia or not, you almost certainly know this song. John Denver’s legendary ode to the Mountain State might be his biggest legacy. Though the song is more than 50 years old, it is still extremely popular—so don’t be surprised if you hear people singing along.
40. Babylon — David Gray
“Babylon” might not be as well-known these days, but back in 1999, the song peaked at No. 5 on charts in the UK. It is sure to be a refreshing change from the oft-repeated favorites at most karaoke bars but is still catchy and incredibly fun.
41. It’s a Beautiful Day — Michael Bublé
![Michael Bublé - It's A Beautiful Day [Official Music Video]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5QYxuGQMCuU/0.jpg)
Talk about the ultimate happy song. Michael Bublé often sings about heartbreak and grief, but this 2013 hit is a complete 180 from his usual material. It’s an infectiously bouncy song with fun elements of jazz, bound to get your (and your crowd’s) toes tapping.
42. Piano Man — Billy Joel
“Piano Man” has become a staple of Billy Joel concerts since it was written almost half a century ago. This nostalgic song is almost universally known, with a fun crowd chorus. It is fun to perform but also doesn’t pose too steep a challenge for singers.
43. Summertime Sadness — Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey became famous for her deep, throaty voice, and her songs easily transition into a tenor range. Her 2012 hit “Summertime Sadness” is one of her most famous tracks, offering a sultry, jazzy tune that is incredibly fun to sing.
44. Hello — Lionel Richie
Talk about one of the most famous song openings of all time. Lionel Richie’s mournful ballad is the perfect combination of suave, emotional, and just a little bit cheesy. It is a fun song that won’t stretch your vocal range too much.
45. Don’t Stop Believin’ — Journey
Who doesn’t love Journey’s classic song? Even decades after its release, it is still a staple of dance parties, karaoke nights, and other performances. The song’s popularity was renewed when it was covered by the cast of Glee back in 2009.
46. Let’s Get It On — Marvin Gaye
Recently homaged in the 2016 Charlie Puth song, Marvin Gaye’s 1973 hit is one for the ages. This upbeat, sexy song is fun to sing and is always a hit on karaoke night. It’s impossible to resist tapping your toes when you hear it.
47. I Have a Dream — ABBA
“I Have A Dream” was never one of ABBA’s biggest hits, but this simple song is compelling. It’s much slower than most of their tunes, making it a fun and easy performance for almost anyone. It can be sung in a tenor or alto range.
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As the Head Editor and Writer at Music Grotto, Liam helps write and edit content produced from professional music/media journalists and other contributing writers. He works closely with journalists and other staff to format and publish music content for the Music Grotto website. Liam is also the founding member of Music Grotto and is passionate in disseminating editorial content to its readers.
Liam’s lifelong love for music makes his role at Music Grotto such a rewarding one. He loves researching, writing and editing music content for Music Grotto.
