Some songs are just too infectious to not sing along to, from age-old hits to modern earworms, this list is chocked full of just such songs.
You might not know all the lyrics, but you’ll probably know at least the chorus of every song.
1. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
I don’t think there’s a person alive with an internet connection that hasn’t heard Bohemian Rhapsody at least once.
This is easily one of Queen’s biggest songs and for many, the lyrics are always sitting at the rear of your mind waiting to be called to the front and belted out while the song plays at full volume in your car.
2. The Final Countdown – Europe
A song that the Swedish rock band originally only intended to use as an opener at concerts.
The Final Countdown became one of their biggest hits, with over a billion plays worldwide.
Everyone knows the opening riff and we all want to sing the chorus along with the song.
3. Livin On A Prayer – Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi is known for plenty of hits, but Livin’ On A Prayer might just be one of their more iconic ones.
Released while still in their youth, this song still includes the odd talk box effect that they enjoyed using so much.
Livin’ On A Prayer is always a great song to shout along to.
4. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
Another 80’s rock giant, Journey nailed it with this one, starting with a slow build that launches into a driving rhythm that just carries you forward and lifts your spirits.
It’s easy to remember the lyrics in the title, and the opening is so popular it’s even been used in meme culture for how catchy it is.
5. I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
Most people don’t know the singer, but we all know the song.
Music was just different in the 70s and 80s, more sophisticated, more put together and it didn’t all sound the same.
I think that’s why this song still stands out today.
It has a bit of a bluesy rock feel to it, mixed in with an operatic feel and performed by a vocalist that is in neither category.
It’s a great blend of sounds that made for a cool disco track back in its day and it’s still memorable now, even past the age of disco.
6. Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
Who doesn’t know Sweet Caroline? If you just sing out loud “ba ba baa” there’s a good chance anyone else in the room will finish the lyrics with you.
Released back in 1969 as a single, this song still hits the spot all these years later.
The history of the song is a little mixed, with Diamond stating he was inspired by JFK’s daughter, Caroline who was eleven years old at the time it was released, but in later interviews, he stated it was inspired by his then-wife Marcia, but he needed a three-syllable name.
7. Hey Jude – The Beatles
“Take a sad song and make it better…” by the time you reach those words, you’re likely singing along if you know the song.
“Hey Jude” is such a bright and happy song, it’s difficult to just listen to.
8. Africa – Toto
Fun fact, when Toto wrote this song, they had never even been to Africa, with a lot of the lyrics being based on imagination or what they saw from nature channels.
Disregarding that fact, this song is still a sing-along song that gets me every time.
9. Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen
A syrupy-sweet song that is about as catchy as anything else on this list, when it first came out, I didn’t like this song.
It grew on me, however, and I’m sure it’s grown on a lot of other people.
The lyrics and rhythm make for a fun song to sing along to, along with the topic of the song being lighthearted and fun.
10. Wake Me Up Before You Go–Go – Wham!
Just as upbeat as the previous song, the song originated on a scribbled note left by band member Andrew Ridgeley for his parents, stating “wake me up up before you.”
George Michael decided to add Go a second time and the song started from there.
It was intended to be an energetic tune and it certainly is, I think that’s why it’s so fun to sing along to.
11. Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns n’ Roses
Something a little slower in tempo, Sweet Child of Mine is more memorable to most ears than anything else because of its opening riff.
Slash has a way of making riffs that stand the test of time, and for me, this is definitely one of them.
Along with Axel Rose’s vocals, if you have the pipes for it, sing along to this song!
12. I Want it That Way – Backstreet Boys
If you’re like me, this song is one you love to hate, but even then I can’t deny its catchiness.
I think what sold me on it was that it was used in a cold open on Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
The scene is hilarious and is probably what sold me on the song, but the song’s pop sound is what makes you want to sing along.
13. Rehab – Amy Winehouse
Another song that just catches your attention and has you singing along before you know it.
Rehab was one of Winehouse’s last songs before she died.
The hook of the song along with the jazzy sax and trumpets just gets you dancing and singing along, even if the message is a little bit on the melancholy side of things.
14. Born To Be Wild – Steppenwolf
A really catchy late ’60s rock tune, it’s amazing to see how far music progressed in just 20 years since Elvis started rock n roll.
The song is about loving life and living free, pretty much the theme of the time.
The best part of this song is that you can air guitar the riffs while you sing along.
15. Old Town Road – Lil Nas X
Released only a few years ago.
This is something of a strange hybrid between rap, hip-hop, and country, and man if it’s not making you sing along, something might be wrong with you.
16. Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – The Eurythmics/Marilyn Manson
Personally, I prefer the original, but the Manson version deserves honorable mention considering how much of a departure it is from the original while still remaining a cover.
If you’re more into synth, the upbeat eurythmic beat will get you going.
What I like about the song is that the lyrics are memorable and easy to sing along to since they repeat so much.
17. Ice Ice Baby – Vanilla Ice
A song that caused a lot of controversies when it first came out (because sampling was not a common practice back in the day), Ice Ice Baby is everyone’s sing-along song.
The bassline that gets your attention so quickly is actually borrowed from Queen’s under pressure.
You might not know all the lyrics, but hats off if you do.
18. Purple Rain – Prince
Prince originally wrote this song as a country song for Stevie Nicks to sing, but she declined, feeling overwhelmed and scared to create anything for it.
Prince then played around with it some more and Purple Rain was born.
It’s quite a long song, and the meaning is about the end of the world and letting your faith/in God guide you to the one you love.
19. Hotel California – The Eagles
Sheesh, a song that has been requested almost every time I’ve sung somewhere.
Hotel California is an intentionally ambiguous song in its lyrics, leaving a lot to interpretation, but I think that’s part of its appeal.
Either way, it’s fun to sing to and the guitar and melody make it that much catchier.
20. Shake It Off – Taylor Swift
Something a bit more modern, Shake It Off is a catchy song about not letting people’s pettiness get to you.
It’s a pretty fun song that can allow you to blow off some steam while you sing and dance along to it, so leave your troubles behind, shake them off and sing along.
21. Mr. Brightside – The Killers
22. Walking On Sunshine – Katrina and The Waves
23. A Thousand Miles – Vanessa Carlton
24. Wonderwall – Oasis
25. I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers
26. Stacy’s Mom – Fountains of Wayne
27. Jolene – Dolly Parton
28. Before He Cheats – Carrie Underwood
29. Drops of Jupiter – Train
30. Hold On – Wilson Phillips
31. What’s New Pussycat – Tom Jones
Hello there, my name is Ramiro and I’ve been playing guitar for almost 20 years. I’m obsessed with everything gear-related and I thought it might be worth sharing it. From guitars, pedals, amps, and synths to studio gear and production tips, I hope you find what I post here useful, and I’ll try my best to keep it entertaining also.
