90s Songs for Karaoke: Top 10 Playlist
The 1990s brought us a ton of unforgettable songs, and honestly, they still rule at karaoke nights. Whether you’re after a pop banger or a rock ballad with some punch, that decade left a serious imprint on anyone who loves music—or just loves belting out a tune with friends.
When it comes to picking karaoke songs, 90s tracks hit that sweet spot of nostalgia and crowd-pleasing fun. With so many genres and artists in the mix, diving into 90s karaoke songs is like hopping back to an era that just won’t let go.
1. You Oughta Know – Alanis Morissette
- Title: You Oughta Know
- Release date: July 7, 1995
- Album name: Jagged Little Pill
- Artist name: Alanis Morissette
Why we included this song in the list
We put “You Oughta Know” here because, let’s face it, it screams 90s angst in the best way. The raw emotion and that punchy delivery? Perfect for karaoke. It’s got a chorus that basically begs everyone to join in, and people rarely resist.
Critical reception
Critics raved about Alanis Morissette’s honest, intense lyrics when the song dropped. “You Oughta Know” shot up as the album’s breakout track and pushed her into the spotlight. Grammy nominations followed, which says a lot about just how much the song landed with listeners.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
Few lines cut like, “And I’m here, to remind you, of the mess you left when you went away.” Alanis’s voice is pure fire on that chorus, and it’s just begging to be shouted by a room full of people.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
Flea and Dave Navarro from the Red Hot Chili Peppers jumped in on bass and guitar for this track. “You Oughta Know” pops up in all sorts of movies and TV shows, cementing its spot as a true 90s classic. If you want to give it a shot, the karaoke version is right here.
2. Man! I Feel Like a Woman! – Shania Twain
- Song Title: Man! I Feel Like a Woman!
- Release Date: March 2, 1999
- Album Name: Come On Over
- Artist Name: Shania Twain
Why we included this song in the list
We had to include “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” because it’s just pure karaoke gold. That upbeat groove, the party vibe—this song turns any room into a dance floor. It’s impossible not to smile or get a little goofy when this one comes on.
Critical reception
Music critics gave it a thumbs up for the catchy hooks and high-energy production. It’s stuck around as a karaoke staple for a reason. Also, Shania snagged the Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 2000, so that’s cool.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
Honestly, who doesn’t know the “Let’s go, girls!” intro? That line alone gets the crowd hyped. And when you hit “Oh, oh, oh, go totally crazy, forget I’m a lady,” the room usually loses it.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
The video’s iconic—Shania in that top hat and tails, flipping the script on Robert Palmer’s style. You’ll catch this song everywhere: TV, ads, and, of course, karaoke apps like KaraFun.
3. Zombie – The Cranberries
- Song title: Zombie
- Release date: September 19, 1994
- Album name: No Need to Argue
- Artist: The Cranberries
Why we included this song in the list
“Zombie” just hits different—it’s a 90s rock anthem that people still love to tackle at karaoke. The chorus is massive, and the grungy vibe lets you really belt it out. If you want to show off some serious vocal chops, this is the one.
Plenty of karaoke fans go for it because it lets them pour some real emotion into a performance, and the crowd usually feels it too.
Critical reception
“Zombie” made waves for its gutsy sound and message. Critics couldn’t stop talking about Dolores O’Riordan’s vocals and the song’s raw edge. It even won Best Song at the 1995 MTV Europe Music Awards and landed on charts all over.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
You can’t miss:
“In your head, in your head, they are fighting.”
And that “Zombie, zombie, zombie, eh, eh, eh” bit? Pretty much everyone joins in.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
Dolores O’Riordan wrote “Zombie” as a reaction to the violence in Northern Ireland, specifically after a bombing in 1993. The music video’s gritty visuals, plus those heavy guitars, really set it apart from The Cranberries’ earlier stuff. If you want to try it, there are loads of karaoke versions online.
4. I Want It That Way – Backstreet Boys
- Song title: I Want It That Way
- Release date: April 12, 1999
- Album name: Millennium
- Artist: Backstreet Boys
Why we included this song in the list
“I Want It That Way” is peak 90s pop. The melody is catchy as heck, and those harmonies? Classic. It’s the sort of song that gets everyone singing—sometimes a little too loudly, but that’s half the fun.
Critical reception
Critics loved it for its polished sound and that unforgettable chorus. The song pretty much defined the Backstreet Boys’ career and took over the airwaves when it came out.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
You know the one: “Tell me why, ain’t nothing but a heartache.”
And, obviously, “I want it that way.” If you’re at karaoke and this comes on, expect a sing-off.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
This song blew up worldwide, cracking the top ten in more than 25 countries. The airport music video is legendary, too. If you want to give it a spin, here’s a karaoke version.
5. What’s Up? – 4 Non Blondes
- Title: What’s Up?
- Release Date: 1993
- Album Name: Bigger, Better, Faster, More!
- Artist: 4 Non Blondes
Why we included this song in the list
We picked “What’s Up?” because it’s instantly familiar and pretty much made for crowd participation. That big chorus is a blast to sing, and it gives anyone a shot at showing off some vocal power—whether or not they actually have it.
Critical reception
“What’s Up?” got loads of radio play and climbed charts all over. Critics called out Linda Perry’s bold vocals and the song’s unique vibe, and it turned 4 Non Blondes into a household name for a hot minute.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
The best bit:
“And I say, hey yeah yeah, hey yeah yeah
I said hey, what’s going on?”
It’s the kind of lyric that gets the whole bar shouting along, even if they only know that one line.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
This was basically 4 Non Blondes’ one big hit—they broke up after just one album. Still, the song’s everywhere at parties and on karaoke lists. If you want to try it, check out the KaraFun video with lyrics or YouTube karaoke tracks.
6. Wannabe – Spice Girls
- Title: Wannabe
- Release Date: July 8, 1996
- Album Name: Spice
- Artist Name: Spice Girls
Why we included this song in the list
“Wannabe” is just pure 90s pop fun. It’s got that energy, the playful raps, and a chorus that anyone can handle—even if you’re new to karaoke. People love it at parties, and it’s a surefire way to get everyone on their feet.
Critical reception
When it first came out, “Wannabe” got mixed reviews but quickly took over the charts in more than 30 countries. Over time, critics warmed up to its catchiness and the girl power vibes, and now it’s a 90s classic through and through.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
A couple lines everyone knows:
“If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends.”
“Friendship never ends.”
You’ll hear these shouted at karaoke nights everywhere.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
The Spice Girls launched their career with “Wannabe,” and they wrote and recorded it in under half an hour. Not bad, right? You’ll find plenty of karaoke versions on KaraFun and YouTube.
7. How Do I Live – LeAnn Rimes
- Song title: How Do I Live
- Release date: May 23, 1997
- Album name: You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs
- Artist name: LeAnn Rimes
Why we included this song in the list
We added “How Do I Live” because it’s a late 90s classic that blends pop and country in a way that just works. The soaring melody and those heart-tugging lyrics? Perfect for anyone who wants to bring a little drama to karaoke night.
The song sticks around because it gives singers a chance to really go for those big notes, and the story it tells is just so relatable. If you’re in the mood for a ballad, this one’s a solid pick.
Critical reception
When “How Do I Live” dropped, people really took notice of LeAnn Rimes’s vocals. The song shot up the charts and even set a record for one of the longest runs on the Billboard Hot 100.
Critics pointed out the emotional punch and radio-ready production. Over the years, folks have come to see it as one of the big ballads of its decade.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
One line that sticks with you is:
“How do I live without you? I want to know, how do I breathe without you if you ever go?”
Those words just nail the longing and vulnerability at the core of the song.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
Both LeAnn Rimes and Trisha Yearwood released “How Do I Live” at almost the same time, which sparked a pretty famous chart rivalry.
LeAnn Rimes was just 14 when she recorded it. The song got an extra boost in popularity after showing up in the movie “Con Air.”
If you’re feeling brave, you can find the karaoke version online.
8. Creep – Radiohead
- Title: Creep
- Release Date: 1992
- Album Name: Pablo Honey
- Artist Name: Radiohead
Why we included this song in the list
We picked “Creep” because, honestly, it’s one of those alternative rock ballads from the ‘90s that you just can’t ignore. The vocals are raw, the melody kind of haunts you, and people seem to love belting it out at karaoke. The chorus is so recognizable—if you start singing it, odds are, the crowd’s jumping in.
Critical reception
When Radiohead first put out “Creep,” critics didn’t all love it. Some thought the lyrics were too bleak. But as the song picked up airplay in the US and beyond, it just kept growing on people. Now, it’s pretty much a Radiohead anthem and a staple of early ‘90s alt-rock.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
The line “I’m a creep, I’m a weirdo. What the hell am I doing here? I don’t belong here” really cuts deep and has stuck with fans for years. It captures that weird, lonely feeling a lot of people know too well.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
Radiohead wrote “Creep” before they were really known, and it was actually their first single. The BBC banned it at first for being “too depressing,” but that didn’t stop it from becoming a hit later on. Want to give it a go? There are plenty of karaoke versions of “Creep” floating around online.
9. Mmm Bop – Hanson
- Title: Mmm Bop
- Release date: 1997
- Album name: Middle of Nowhere
- Artist: Hanson
Why we included this song in the list
We threw “Mmm Bop” in here because it really sums up late ‘90s pop. That catchy melody and the bouncy beat just make it a go-to for karaoke. The chorus is so easy to recognize—pretty much everyone in the room wants to sing along.
Critical reception
When it came out, “Mmm Bop” got a lot of attention. Critics loved the Hanson brothers’ energy and harmonies. The song hit number one in the US, UK, and a bunch of other places, launching the band onto the global stage.
Memorable lyrics or quotes
The chorus is pure earworm:
“Mmm bop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du”
It’s silly, but that’s what makes it so fun to sing at karaoke.
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
The Hanson brothers were all teenagers when they wrote and recorded “Mmm Bop.” Even though the tune sounds super light, the lyrics are actually about how relationships can slip away—kind of deeper than you’d expect.
You can find a bunch of karaoke versions online, like the KaraFun karaoke video, so it’s easy to add to your next party. People have covered and parodied this song a ton, which just cements its place as a ‘90s classic.
10. God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You – *NSYNC
- Song title: God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You
- Release date: March 1998
- Album name: *NSYNC (self-titled debut album)
- Artist: *NSYNC
Why we included this song in the list
We went with “God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You” because it’s one of those *NSYNC ballads everyone remembers from the late ‘90s. The lyrics are sweet, and the harmonies are smooth, so it’s a solid pick for anyone craving some nostalgia. Plus, the tempo is pretty gentle, so just about anyone can sing it.
Critical reception
Memorable lyrics or quotes
When it first came out, critics pointed out the group’s tight harmonies and heartfelt delivery. The single did well on the charts and played a big part in getting *NSYNC noticed in the U.S. People often mention how sentimental it feels compared to their more upbeat tracks.
A line that gets quoted a lot is:
“Your love is like a river, peaceful and deep.”
And of course, the chorus:
“God must have spent a little more time on you.”
Interesting facts or trivia about the song
After it blew up, the country group Alabama recorded a version, showing just how far the song’s appeal stretches. It’s a regular on karaoke playlists and still a favorite for fans of ‘90s pop. If you want to sing along, there are karaoke versions on YouTube.
Why 90s Songs Are Perfect for Karaoke
90s songs have this mix of catchy lyrics, big hooks, and all kinds of emotions. The era just churned out hits that everyone seems to know, no matter their background or age.
Nostalgia and Universal Appeal
The ‘90s really changed the game in pop culture, didn’t they? When we pick a 90s karaoke track, it’s like we’re instantly sharing a wave of nostalgia—whether you lived through the decade or just heard these songs from family, movies, or TV.
Songs from artists like Britney Spears, Alanis Morissette, and the Backstreet Boys are basically karaoke gold. People know them, and they’re easy to sing along to, so the whole room feels included—whether you’re on the mic or just vibing along.
A lot of these 90s hits turn strangers into friends, or at least partners in crime for a few minutes. Classics like “I Want It That Way” or “Wannabe” have lyrics just about anyone can jump in on, making for some pretty unforgettable group moments.
The emotional range is wild, too. Whether you want to dance, belt out a ballad, or just have fun, ‘90s music lets you do it all. That’s probably why these songs always pop up on top karaoke lists.
Diverse Genres and Artists
The ‘90s had a bit of everything. Grunge took off, boy bands ruled, solo female artists broke through, and hip-hop hit the mainstream.
So, karaoke nights can bounce from Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” to the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe” to TLC’s “No Scrubs”—there’s really something for everyone.
Here’s a quick look at some big genres and artists from the 90s:
| Genre | Notable Artists | Example Songs |
|---|---|---|
| Pop | Britney Spears, Spice Girls | “…Baby One More Time,” “Wannabe” |
| Rock | Nirvana, Oasis | “Wonderwall,” “Smells Like Teen Spirit” |
| R&B | TLC, Boyz II Men | “No Scrubs,” “End of the Road” |
| Hip-Hop | MC Hammer, Salt-N-Pepa | “U Can’t Touch This,” “Shoop” |
With all these choices, you can really set the tone for your night. Whether you want to go solo, duet, or get the whole group singing, 90s music has you covered. No wonder these songs still dominate karaoke playlists.
Tips for Singing 90s Karaoke Hits
Picking the right 90s karaoke song means knowing your voice and what makes a performance stand out. If you pay attention to the original vibe, you’ll probably have more fun and sound more authentic.
Choosing the Right Song for Your Voice
Finding a song that matches your range just makes everything easier. If you know you sing higher or lower, or if certain melodies feel better, stick with those. For example, maybe skip Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” if you’re not ready for those high notes—no shame in that.
It’s smart to jot down a few 90s favorites and try them out at home before hitting the stage. Some tunes, like “Zombie” by The Cranberries or “No Scrubs” by TLC, are forgiving and let you add your own spin.
Think about tempo and difficulty, too. Ballads like “Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia need a bit more control, while something like “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls is more about energy and having fun with friends.
If you’re not sure where to start, pick an artist whose style feels close to yours—Oasis, Shania Twain, whoever. And hey, if you want more options, check out these top 90s karaoke songs.
Capturing 90s Performance Energy
Delivering a killer 90s karaoke performance isn’t just about nailing every note. Honestly, it’s more about channeling the attitude, the movement—maybe even a bit of that wild emotional intensity that made the era’s artists unforgettable.
If you really want to tap into the 90s vibe, grab a prop or two, or just go for those dance moves straight from the music videos. Who hasn’t secretly tried the “Vogue” poses from Madonna? And hey, don’t just stare at the screen—make eye contact, throw in a few gestures, and get the crowd on your side, especially when you’re belting out something like “Baby One More Time.”
Dressing the part helps, too. Pull on a flannel shirt, some baggy jeans, or pick out a print that screams 90s. It’s funny how the right outfit can make you feel way more confident up there. Oh, and before you start, maybe run through a few gentle scales—nothing fancy, just enough to warm up your voice and shake off the nerves. There are some decent pointers out there, like these tips, if you want to check them out.
Honestly, when you mix solid singing with a bit of showmanship, that 90s karaoke spirit just clicks. Even getting the audience to sing along can bring back that upbeat, communal energy—kind of the whole point of 90s music, right?
