Karaoke nights are popular in bars worldwide, with people belting out their favorite tunes after a few drinks. While these events can be fun for patrons, they can be a source of frustration for bartenders who hear the same songs over and over again. Some karaoke choices have become so overplayed that they make bartenders cringe as soon as the first notes start playing.
In this blog post, I’ll share 25 karaoke favorites bartenders are tired of hearing.
Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond
This classic sing-along is a crowd-pleaser, but bartenders have heard it one too many times. The “bum bum bum” part always gets everyone involved, which can lead to some rowdy behavior. Bartenders often brace themselves for spilled drinks and overexcited patrons when this tune comes on. While it’s fun for singers, it’s a bit of a headache for the staff. The song’s popularity means it’s likely to be requested multiple times in a night, adding to the bartender’s fatigue.
Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
Journey’s anthem is a karaoke staple, but it’s also a bartender’s nightmare. The song’s popularity means it’s played multiple times a night, often with varying degrees of vocal skill. Its length can also slow down drink orders as everyone gets caught up in the music. After hearing it so frequently, bartenders might find themselves humming this tune in their sleep.
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
This epic song is a karaoke challenge many attempt but few master. Its complex structure and vocal range make it difficult for amateur singers. Bartenders often cringe at the off-key high notes and forgotten lyrics. The song’s length also means a long wait for the next singer, which can lead to restless patrons at the bar. Plus, the headbanging section often results in spilled drinks and chaotic bar areas.
I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston
Whitney’s powerful ballad is a go-to for many karaoke singers, but it’s a tough one to nail. The long, drawn-out high notes can be painful to listen to when performed poorly. Bartenders often see this song as a signal to take a quick break or restock supplies. They know that by the time the song ends, they’ll likely need to serve a round of drinks to soothe some sore throats.
Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi
This rock anthem gets the crowd going, but it’s a bit too much for bartenders. The high energy often leads to enthusiastic but off-key singing. The chorus can turn into a shouting match, making it hard for bartenders to hear drink orders. They might find themselves wishing for a prayer of their own for the song to end quickly.
Love Shack by The B-52’s
The upbeat tempo and quirky lyrics of “Love Shack” make it a popular choice, but bartenders have heard it enough. The call-and-response parts often lead to chaos in the bar area. Drink spills become more likely as people dance and sing along. Bartenders might start to feel like they’re stuck in their own “love shack” behind the bar during this tune.
Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler
This power ballad is a karaoke favorite, but it’s also incredibly long and repetitive. Bartenders know they’re in for a solid five minutes of dramatic singing when this comes on. The song’s emotional delivery often leads to over-the-top performances. They might find themselves hoping for a real eclipse to darken the karaoke screen. The frequent key changes in the song also mean that even skilled singers often struggle, leading to some cringe-worthy moments for everyone in earshot.
Wonderwall by Oasis
Oasis’s hit is a karaoke standard, but it’s also overplayed and often poorly performed. The monotonous melody can become grating after multiple renditions. Bartenders might start to wonder if this wall of sound will ever end. They often see this song as a cue to start preparing for a rush of drink orders from bored listeners. The tendency for singers to adopt a faux British accent during this song adds another layer of annoyance for the long-suffering bar staff.
My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion
The Titanic theme song is a romantic choice, but it’s challenging for most singers. The high notes and long sustains can be painful to hear when attempted by amateurs. Bartenders might feel like they’re sinking along with the Titanic as the song drags on. They often hope that, unlike the song, the singer’s heart will go on to choose a different tune next time. The dramatic arm gestures that often accompany this song can also lead to knocked-over drinks and messy situations at the bar.
Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
This catchy hit gets people dancing, but it’s played so often that bartenders are tired of it. The upbeat tempo can lead to chaotic dance moves near the bar area. Drink orders become harder to hear over the funk. Bartenders might find themselves wishing they could “funk you up” right out of the building when this song starts. The song’s popularity across different age groups means it’s likely to be requested multiple times in a night, adding to the bartender’s funk fatigue.
Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
This ’80s classic is a fun singalong, but bartenders have heard it too many times. The high-pitched chorus can be grating when sung off-key. It often leads to groups of friends crowding the mic, making it hard to navigate the bar area. Bartenders might start to think that girls just want to have fun, but they just want some peace and quiet. The song’s upbeat nature often encourages patrons to dance near the bar, increasing the risk of spilled drinks and messy counters.
Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd
This Southern rock anthem is popular, but it’s overplayed in karaoke bars. The repetitive chorus can become annoying after multiple performances. Bartenders often see an increase in whiskey orders when this song comes on. They might start to wish for their own sweet home far away from the karaoke machine. The air guitar solos that inevitably accompany this song can also lead to some dangerous situations near the bar area.
I Wanna Dance with Somebody by Whitney Houston
Whitney’s upbeat hit gets people moving, but it’s a bit too energetic for bartenders. The dance moves often spill into the bar area, making it hard to serve drinks. The high notes are challenging for most singers to hit. Bartenders might find themselves wanting to dance with somebody too – somebody who can turn off the karaoke machine. The song’s popularity means it’s likely to be requested multiple times in a night, adding to the bartender’s fatigue.
Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees
The disco classic is fun but overplayed in karaoke bars. The falsetto parts are tough for many singers to nail. The song often leads to bad disco moves near the bar, increasing the risk of spills. Bartenders might feel like they’re barely “stayin’ alive” themselves by the end of the night. The tendency for singers to adopt a high-pitched voice throughout the entire song can be particularly grating on the ears of the bar staff.
Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana
Nirvana’s grunge anthem is popular but hard to sing well. The mumbled lyrics are often butchered by karaoke singers. The loud chorus can lead to some intense headbanging near the bar. Bartenders might start to think the only teen spirit they smell is the aftermath of too many energy drinks mixed with off-key singing. The song’s raw energy often encourages overly enthusiastic performances, which can be disruptive in a bar setting.
Blank Space by Taylor Swift
Taylor’s hit is catchy, but it’s played too often in karaoke bars. The speaking parts are often delivered awkwardly by amateur performers. The song’s popularity means bartenders hear it multiple times a night. They might start to wish they had their own blank space – a nice, quiet spot away from the karaoke machine. The tendency for singers to try to mimic Taylor’s stage personas can lead to some cringe-worthy moments for everyone in the bar.
Drunk in Love by Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s song is sexy, but it’s a tough one for karaoke singers to pull off. The rap sections are often mumbled or skipped entirely. The song’s title might encourage some already tipsy singers to order more drinks. Bartenders often brace themselves for some cringe-worthy attempts at Queen Bey’s signature moves. The explicit lyrics can also make for some awkward moments in a mixed crowd, adding to the bartender’s discomfort.
Mr. Brightside by The Killers
This indie rock hit is energetic but overplayed in karaoke bars. The fast-paced lyrics are hard for many singers to keep up with. The chorus often turns into a shouting match among friends. Bartenders might start to feel like they’re “coming out of their cage” of sanity when this song plays for the third time in one night. The song’s popularity across different age groups means it’s likely to be requested multiple times, adding to the bartender’s fatigue.
All Star by Smash Mouth
This late ’90s hit is fun but has been done to death in karaoke. The meme status of the song means it’s often chosen ironically. Bartenders have heard it so many times they could probably sing it in their sleep. They might start to wish upon a shooting star for the song to be retired from the karaoke playlist. The tendency for the whole bar to join in on the chorus can create a chaotic atmosphere, making it difficult for bartenders to hear drink orders.
Shallow by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper
This Oscar-winning duet is popular but challenging for karaoke singers. The dramatic high notes are tough to hit without sounding like a wounded animal. The song’s emotion often leads to over-the-top performances. Bartenders might find themselves wishing they were off the deep end, far away from the karaoke stage when this one starts. The tendency for couples to choose this as “their song” means bartenders often have to endure multiple renditions in a single night.
Happy by Pharrell Williams
This upbeat song gets people dancing, but it’s played too often. The repetitive lyrics can become annoying after multiple performances. The cheerful tone might contrast with the bartender’s mood after a long shift. They might start to feel anything but happy when they hear those opening beats for the umpteenth time. The clapping part of the song often encourages the whole bar to join in, creating a cacophony that makes it hard for bartenders to hear drink orders.
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) by Eurythmics
This ’80s hit has a catchy beat but is often butchered in karaoke. The low vocals are tough for many singers to match. The song’s popularity means bartenders hear it night after night. They might start to think their sweet dreams are made of quiet nights without karaoke. The synthesizer-heavy instrumental breaks often lead to awkward dancing or attempts at air instruments, which can be disruptive in the bar area.
Wannabe by Spice Girls
This girl power anthem is fun but overplayed in karaoke bars. The fast-paced rap section is often mumbled or skipped entirely. Groups of friends tend to crowd the mic, making it hard to navigate the bar area. Bartenders might start to think what they “really, really want” is for this song to be retired from the playlist. The song’s popularity often leads to impromptu Spice Girls reunions on the karaoke stage, complete with attempts at British accents and ’90s dance moves.
Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen
This upbeat Queen hit is a karaoke favorite, but it’s become a bit too popular. The fast-paced lyrics are often too quick for amateur singers to keep up with, resulting in a jumbled mess. The high energy of the song encourages enthusiastic, if uncoordinated, dancing near the bar area. Bartenders might find themselves wishing they could indeed stop the singer now, as drink orders become harder to hear over the commotion. The song’s length and multiple high notes can leave less skilled performers breathless and in need of a drink, creating a rush at the bar when it ends.
Dancing Queen by ABBA
ABBA’s disco classic is a crowd-pleaser, but bartenders have heard it one too many times. The high notes are challenging for many singers, leading to some ear-splitting attempts. The song often inspires impromptu dance parties, making it difficult for staff to navigate the bar area. Bartenders might start to feel like they’re the dancing queen, working all night long to keep up with drink orders. The tendency for entire groups to take over the mic for this song can lead to chaotic and lengthy performances.
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