Modern karaoke might have been invented in 1971, but members of the current Generation Z can embrace and enjoy it as much as the older crowd does.
Classic songs like “Don’t Stop Believin'” or “Jolene” are staples in karaoke, but the latest hits from popular artists like Doja Cat and Melanie Martinez are welcomed too.
With the rise of many modern artists, there’s something for today’s teens and twenty-somethings.
Whether you’re a zoomer or looking to update your playlist, here’s a list of songs that represent the childhoods and sentiments of Generation Z.
The Best Gen Z Karaoke Songs
“Driver’s License” – Olivia Rodrigo
Released in her 2021 album Sour, this devastating power pop ballad took the world by storm and was even hailed as that year’s most successful song.
A slow-tempo single, “Driver’s License” is possibly about Olivia’s breakup with Joshua Bassett, who is supposedly dating Sabrina Carpenter now.
Featuring a minimalistic tune, soft vocals, relatable lyrics, and a dreamy bridge, it’s no wonder this track resonated well with Gen Z.
“ABCDEFU” – Gayle
Some breakup songs are sad, while some are angry and feisty, and we’re here for it.
“ABCDEFU” is apparently based on Gayle’s experience dealing with the aftermath of her breakup and the emotions she felt during that period.
Featuring a rock-infused rhythm and defiant lyrics, this pop-rock track also stands as a female empowering anthem.
If you’re reeling from a breakup and still feeling unhappy about it, take a shot at Gayle’s 2021 single and have fun singing your heart out.
“Dynamite” – BTS
BTS never fails with their tracks, and “Dynamite” is no exception.
Released during the pandemic, this upbeat disco-pop song was intended to bring joy and confidence to the world during those hard times.
The single was a huge hit worldwide and was even featured in a Samsung ad.
With a catchy tune and positive lyrics, no one can resist singing and dancing to “Dynamite.”
“As It Was” – Harry Styles
The lead single from his 2022 album, “As It Was” deals with the bittersweet feelings of loneliness and the past.
The song features Style’s sorrowful vocals as its melancholic themes are masked by synths and beats influenced by ’80s music.
Despite its gloomy message, it’s pretty much a bop and is so popular that it’s in almost every TikTok video out there.
“Play Date” – Melanie Martinez
After it was used in a Timothée Chalamet edit in 2020, this catchy, dark wave number gained widespread popularity on Tiktok.
The song is basically an adult situation painted in a childlike setting, whereby a woman tries to pursue a man who only sees her as a casual friend.
With a whimsical melody, a punchy chorus, and introspective lyrics, you’ll have tons of fun singing it at your karaoke party.
“Old Town Road” – Lil Nas X
Whether it’s country or hip-hop, one thing for sure is that “Old Town Road” is a bop we can’t stop listening to.
Released in 2018, this upbeat track is about living the life of a cowboy and rejecting consumerism.
Featuring a catchy tune and simple lyrics, you’ll definitely have everyone dancing once you start singing it.
“7 Rings” – Ariana Grande
Have you ever wanted to feel like a badass girlboss on stage? This 2019 R&B single is the song you’re looking for.
In this sparkly and bubbly track, Grande boasts about the money and luxuries she owns while hyping up the friendship she has with her girlfriends.
It’s a song that’ll definitely make you feel rich while getting full-crowd participation.
“Yellow Hearts” – Ant Saunders
First released in 2019, “Yellow Hearts” is a bouncy love ballad about a boy who wonders if the girl he has feelings for likes him too.
This indie-pop track became extremely popular on TikTok and was featured in many videos on the platform.
Aside from its catchy tune and easy-to-remember lyrics, the song can also be easily adapted to any vocal range.
“No Idea” – Don Toliver
Featured in his 2019 album Heaven Or Hell, “No Idea” is a dark R&B single about Don wanting to further a relationship with a girl he truly likes.
The song went viral on TikTok, with many people making lipsync and dance videos to a short version of it.
While “No Idea” might have repetitive lyrics, it does go pretty high at some parts, so you might wanna be prepared for that before taking it to the stage.
“Like a G6” – Far East Movement feat. The Cataracs, Dev
Every Gen Z has grown up with this banging electro-hop club hit.
Released in 2010, “Like a G6” is basically about partying all night.
Lyrically it doesn’t have much substance, but it’s so catchy and enjoyable that you can’t help but get lost in its groove.
It’s also a fun song that pretty much guarantees a good time at karaoke.
“Moves Like Jagger” – Maroon 5
If you’re in the mood for dancing, try hitting the dance floor with this upbeat 2011 track!
A disco-infused single, “Moves Like Jagger” is about a man who tries to impress his crush with his dance moves, which he compares to Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger.
With uptempo beats and amazing vocals, this track isn’t meant to be taken seriously, so have fun singing it with your friends.
“Supalonely” – Benee
Released around the height of the pandemic, this pop single went viral on TikTok as many resonated with this song’s theme about loneliness.
“Supalonely” was actually inspired by Benee’s trip to Los Angeles after a breakup.
Featuring a cheerful tune and simple lyrics, this track is quite easy for any vocal range to sing.
“Backyard Boy” – Claire Rosinkranz
If you’re looking for something chill yet fun, this 2020 indie-pop number will definitely cheer everyone up!
Featured in Claire’s EP BeVerly Hills BoYfRiEnd, Backyard Boy is a simple love song about falling for the boy next door and vibing with him.
With a lighthearted melody and playful lyrics, it’s also quite easy to sing and a great choice to get everyone in a good mood.
“Vibe (If I Back It Up)” – Cookiee Kawaii
Despite being released in 2019, this track remained unknown until it surged in popularity on Tiktok, leading to many dance videos and shooting the song to the top of music charts, especially on Spotify.
As for the single itself, “Vibe” is essentially a blend of a twerk song and a love song infused with a high-energy Jersey Club rhythm that reminds you of classic R&B jams.
The best part about it is that its simple lyrics and fun melody make it easy to sing, which would definitely get everyone to join in too.
“My Oh My” – Camila Cabello
Camila Cabello perfectly captures the popular trope of going against your parents’ judgment and pursuing a bad boy in this catchy 2019 banger.
This song became very popular after its release and was even used in a large amount of TikTok videos.
With an upbeat melody and saucy lyrics, it’s a fun track that’d definitely get everyone to dance.
“Sunday Best” – Surfaces
Looking for a track that’ll give your karaoke party a little more zest?
This 2019 single explores living life carefree and being happy because you can.
“Sunday Best” skyrocketed in popularity, especially on TikTok, at the height of the pandemic because of its positive message and vibe.
This track will surely uplift the spirits of everyone who hears it if you choose to sing it.
“Heather” – Conan Gray
Released in 2020, this heartbreaking indie-pop track started the trend of aspiring to be beautiful and likable, like “Heather” on TikTok.
This track is about Conan’s unrequited love as the person he has fallen for is in love with Heather.
It was an instant hit and charted in several countries worldwide.
Heather is a slow-paced song with simple instrumentals and sorrowful lyrics that will undeniably move your audience.
“Say So” – Doja Cat
Originally a track on Doja Cat’s 2019 album Hot Pink, “Say So” blew up in popularity in late 2019 after it was used in a virtual dance challenge on TikTok.
This upbeat dance-inspired track is about Doja wanting the guy that she likes to stop messing around and get serious with her.
The song has a high-energy, funky beat and saucy lyrics that make it really fun to sing at karaoke.
“Hot Girl Bummer” – blackbear
Although it shares a similar title to Megan Thee Stallion’s song “Hot Girl Summer,” blackbear claimed it was actually a reference to an Instagram hashtag instead.
Lyrically, it’s about realizing how superficial social media and people can be.
The lyrics might be sarcastic, but the energetic tune and catchy melody will definitely get everyone in the bar going.
