Picking the right song for your vocal range can be a challenge.
It seems like most songs nowadays fall into the baritone or soprano range. If you’re a tenor, that can seem pretty discouraging.
However, that isn’t the fact as many tenor singers have contributed plenty of well-known songs in the history of pop music.
That’s why we have compiled a list of karaoke tracks that are perfectly suited for the tenor range.
Whether you want to practice first or take it straight to the stage, take your pick and let your magnificent voice shine!
The Best Karaoke Songs for Tenors
“Blinding Lights” – The Weeknd
The Weeknd never fails to impress with their music and this uptempo smash hit is a blast like their previous tracks.
This spinning, melodic song describes the singer being in a constant state of distraction until he’s in the presence of his significant other.
A melodic uptempo track, “Blinding Lights” combines synths and electro-pop instrumentals with Abel’s sultry vocals that make it a great choice for tenors who want a challenge.
“Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran
Whether you have a significant other or not, you’d surely be able to resonate with Sheeran’s 2014 smash hit.
“Thinking Out Loud” is about everlasting love, whereby you grow old together and are still very much in love with each other. It was written by Sheeran with his then-girlfriend Athina Andrelos in mind.
With a simple melody and Sheeran’s soothing vocals, this song is a good choice if you aren’t a showy singer.
“In My Blood” – Shawn Mendes
In this 2018 track, Mendes takes a heavier and darker approach to his battle against personal mental health issues.
Blending both light rock and power pop, the song details Mendes’s upfront and honest struggle with anxiety and how it often makes him feel helpless.
Featuring sweeping instrumentals, poignant lyrics, and stirring vocals, this number is everything a mature and confident tenor needs for a stunning performance.
“She’s Always a Woman” – Billy Joel
Most of Billy Joel’s songs fit well within the tenor range. This melodic ballad sees Joel falling in love with a modern woman and her extensive quirks and flaws, regardless of how unforgiving they are.
The song was written for his then-wife Elizabeth Weber. Sadly, Joel and Weber divorced in 1982, a few years after the track was released.
“Stay with Me” – Sam Smith
This 2014 gospel ballad was one of Smith’s biggest hits, detailing his yearning for a permanent relationship after a one-night stand.
It’s a dramatic and heartbreaking track, but the slow tempo makes it a good choice for beginners.
“Rainy Days and Mondays” – The Carpenters
Female tenors exist, and Karen Carpenter from the well-known 1970s soft-rock duo is proof of that.
With a slow-paced melody and melancholic lyrics, Karen’s distinctive vocals give this pop classic a unique spin that makes it perfect for female (or male) tenors out there.
“These Are Days” – 10,000 Maniacs
This alternative rock single might go unknown to most people, but it actually reached number one on the 1992 Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
Featuring a reflective tune and smooth vocals, “These Are Days” is a relaxing song that would put anyone at ease.
“It’s a Beautiful Day” – Michael Bublé
This 2013 power-pop track has got to be the happiest breakup song to exist. Unabashedly cheery, this song showcases Bublé dealing with the aftermath of his breakup with a mature approach.
Though the track falls within the bubbly pop category, it doesn’t have a high register and still fits within the tenor range.
“Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?” – Culture Club
This 1982 new wave number marked the band’s first major success in the UK. The song was written by frontman Boy George detailing his relationship with drummer Jon Moss.
Featuring George’s smooth tenor lilt, this song is a beautiful and soulful introspection of emotional pain.
“Cry Me a River” – Justin Timberlake
Timberlake’s 2002 smash hit gives tenors a chance to be like him—sexy, charismatic, and cool.
This song was apparently inspired by his break-up with Britney Spears after discovering her affair. That said, Timberlake had since apologized for slandering Spears publicly after their split.
With a catchy beat and sassy lyrics, the track is fun to sing and would easily get your audience hyped up.
“She Will Be Loved” – Maroon 5
Any Maroon 5 song is perfect for tenor vocalists, which is great since everyone knows at least one track from the band.
This 2004 pop-rock number is a classic and will undeniably move your audience. Besides, the track’s slow-paced tune makes it a good choice for nervous singers.
“Send My Love (To Your New Lover)” – Adele
Taking a step back from the sweeping emotional ballads, Adele dives into straight-up pop in this upbeat 2015 track.
A kiss-off song, “Send My Love” is about Adele learning to forgive and forget to move on from a painful past relationship.
With a catchy beat and Adele’s cheerful delivery, this is a powerful anthem for the broken-hearted who’re trying to find closure.
“Love Yourself” – Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber collaborates with Benny Blanco and Ed Sheeran to bring us this catchy 2015 parting song.
“Love Yourself” is both bitter and caring as Bieber sasses his ex-lover out and wishes her all the best in the future.
For many listeners (including us), it’s hard not to assume the ex-lover in this song is Selena Gomez, who has been referred to in his past singles.
“You’ve Got a Friend” – James Taylor
If you’re looking for a simple yet sweet song, this 1971 soft-rock track checks out all the boxes. Originally recorded by Carole King, Taylor liked it so much that he decided to release his cover of it.
Lyrically, this track explores the universal expression of love in friendships, an emotion most people can relate to.
The slow tempo and reassuring lyrics give the song a warm vibe, making it a perfect choice after the excitement in your bar has calmed.
“Smooth Operator” – Sade
Here’s a song for the ladies who want to put on a sexy and alluring show.
Like Sade’s silky vocals, this 1984 track is about a dominant lover who goes around breaking the hearts of the women he meets but remains irresistible to the singer.
With a jazz-infused melody and witty lyrics, all you need is confidence to pull this song off smoothly.
“Fast Car” – Tracy Chapman
Written by Chapman herself, this 1998 breakthrough hit gained massive success after she filled in for Stevie Wonder during the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute.
Despite its melodic instrumentals, the lyrics actually go introspective by depicting a poor woman who works hard to break free from the cycle of poverty.
Chapman’s sultry delivery further elevates the message and feel of this hope-filled track.
“Video” – India Arie
Even when you’re down in the dumps, Arie’s lighthearted tune will definitely make you feel better.
Released in 2001, “Video” is about staying true to yourself and understanding that your sense of self and femininity aren’t determined by material things.
The upbeat instrumentals and Arie’s rich vocals make “Video” the perfect feel-good jam. Seriously, this song is so good, it was nominated for four Grammys.
“Down to Zero” – Joan Armatrading
Released in 1976, this relaxing pop track sees a woman who struggles with handling heartbreak and rejection after her ex-lover pursues a prettier woman.
Featuring simple instrumentals and a jazzy rhythm, you’ll have your audience’s attention with this song’s captivating story.
“Just the Way You Are” – Bruno Mars
Taking notes from Joe Cocker and Eric Clapton, Bruno Mars is direct in the lyrics of this song: he’s deeply in love with his beautiful woman, whom he just can’t get enough of.
With a sweetly romantic melody, this endearing track is filled with feel-good vibes that would cheer anyone up in no time.
“Fireflies” – Owl City
Despite being released in 2009, this catchy number is still recognizable and well-known that anyone could easily join in with you.
The song isn’t about fireflies though; it was inspired by a camping trip where artist Adam Young watched a meteor shower. The lyrics also talk about his insomnia.
Featuring a bubbly beat and smooth vocals, “Fireflies” is fun and easy to sing, making it a good choice for younger tenors.
“Can You Feel the Love Tonight” – Elton John
We know this song from the Disney film The Lion King, but Elton John’s version differs slightly from the movie version.
John’s version of the 1994 smash hit touches more on Simba and Nala’s feelings for each other, complete with sweeping instrumentals.
Elegant and powerful, this song would definitely give everyone a rush of notalgia the moment they hear it.
“I’m Yours” – Jason Mraz
This sweet 2008 tune is all about falling uncontrollably in love and wanting desperately to be with the other person.
Accompanied by a guitar-backed melody, this song is light and carefree and never fails to put a smile on someone’s face.
“Payphone” – Maroon 5
Released in 2012, this catchy pop-ballad sees Adam Levine singing about a relationship that ends abruptly and leaves him reeling.
Payphone might have a high register, but it’s still suitable for tenors out there who want a good challenge.
