Smooth yet soulful vocals.
Distinctive production style.
And easy to sing along to.
Some R&B songs are purely meant for karaoke nights.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the 25 best R&B karaoke songs to keep the party going.
Remember, nobody wants to hear you belting out a boring, 10-minute song on what’s meant to be a fun night out with your buddies.
So, check out this list and choose the beautiful sing-alongs for an epic stage performance.
1. “Single Ladies” by Beyoncé
Which better way to get the party started than singing Beyoncé’s tribute to all the single ladies?
We all know the best karaoke songs need simple lyrics.
And Beyoncé’s tune is all that and much more, with lyrics to capture everyone’s attention.
Sing it with hand gestures, and you might get the crowd involved.
2. “Independent Women, Pt. 1” by Destiny’s Child
You’re probably aware that Beyoncé was part of Destiny’s Child before she launched a solo career in 2003.
And one of her best hits with the 90s girl group was “Independent Women, Pt. 1.”
The chart-topping single preaches self-sufficiency.
If you want to make all the ladies in the room feel appreciated and empowered and even join the party, sing this one in Beyoncé’s voice.
3. “No Scrubs” by TLC
The list only gets better with TLC’s “No Scrubs.”
Just master the lyrics and sing them enthusiastically to get your audience’s attention.
4. “It Wasn’t Me” by Shaggy
Deny! Deny! Deny!
That’s the theme of Shaggy’s hit song from his Hot Shot studio album.
It sticks in everybody’s head, especially the humorous “It Wasn’t Me” response to every statement.
Bring those nostalgic vibes on stage with a song that gave everybody a naughty feeling in the early 2000s.
5. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
The simple song cemented Whitney Houston’s legacy in music history.
“I Will Always Love You” is a beautiful song that has stood the test of time.
Originally recorded by Dolly Parton, Whitney’s version became the most popular, standing out with the powerful message of love and moving on even when it hurts.
It’s nice to have on your karaoke playlist and one of the best tunes to give you strength after a breakup.
If you want to lift someone’s mood in the room, have this one for the karaoke night.
6. “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
Do you remember the famous “Queen of Soul” from Tennessee?
Aretha’s “Respect” might only be a rendition of the original song, but there’s no doubt it is one of the best R&B karaoke songs.
The lyrics are fun and easy to sing along to, with a catchy melody that’s perfect for a karaoke bar.
It’s just what you’d expect from one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
7. “Beat It” by Michael Jackson
“Beat It” earned Michael a legion of fans in the music scene, just in the same way his other hits like “Dirty Diana,” “Smooth Criminal,” and “Thriller” made him popular.
It is a popular hit in the pop-rock world.
And its groovy bass might do the trick for the karaoke night.
Much like a dialogue, the call and response sections are the icing on the cake.
8. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor
Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” is one of the best songs about overcoming obstacles.
But that doesn’t make it dispensable when compiling a list of the best R&B songs for karaoke.
It is a women empowerment anthem for overcoming a failed relationship and one of the best disco songs ever.
The catchy rhythm, unmistakable intro, and beautiful melody are exactly what you need for a classic karaoke party.
9. “Lean On Me” by Club Nouveau
This is one of the most danceable songs for any karaoke party.
A slow intro sets the mood as the narrator sings about helping others in need.
The song brings many dynamics with pulsating energy to get the crowd moving.
10. “Umbrella” by Rihanna ft. Jay-Z
You can’t go wrong with “Umbrella,” one of the most popular songs in 2007 that earned Riri her first-ever Grammy award.
It’s the perfect tune to bring those boring karaoke parties to life, with an irresistible hook that gets the job done.
11. “Girl On Fire” by Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys would probably have many hits on the list of the best karaoke songs.
And her 2012 female empowerment anthem finds a place on the list of the best R&B karaoke songs for obvious reasons.
The Grammy-winning hit brings self-confidence and might be all you need to bring the karaoke party to life.
12. “It’s Raining Men” by The Weather Girls
“It’s Raining Men” is the perfect track to sing at the top of your voice all night.
The catchy tempo is the first thing you will love about The Weather Girls’ tune.
And if your audience can spell out the lyrics, you will be in for some wonderful moments.
13. “Un-Break My Heart” by Tony Braxton
Toni Braxton is a veteran of R&B music.
And her emotional ballad is one of the R&B karaoke songs to showcase your vocal range.
The sensual tone and relaxing instrumental combination are precisely what you need for some slow dance.
It’s one song your audience won’t want to end because of its special message and pure emotions.
14. “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers
“Ain’t No Sunshine” is an enduring song from the early ’70s.
Simple yet incredibly moving, Bill Withers’ hit has all the elements of a perfect karaoke song.
15. “I Don’t Need A Man” by Pussycat Dolls
Are you sure you don’t need a man in your life?
Of course, we can’t tell.
But this track is perfect for karaoke singers with its catchy lyrics.
Get all the single, independent ladies charged up on stage, boasting about their self-sufficiency as they groove to the danceable rhythm.
16. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey
“All I Want For Christmas Is You” is the quintessential holiday Christmas song everybody wants.
It’s a classic Christmas tune you can sing at your karaoke party and have everybody join the narration.
Singing the song lifts the mood, making the crowd go wild and crave more.
17. “Midnight Train to Georgia” by Gladys Knight & The Pips
Everybody goes wild, listening to Gladys Knight and The Pips’ song.
The lyrics describe an epic trip back to Georgia on a train.
Many years after its release, the song still gets played on many karaoke nights and get-together parties.
18. “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” by Taylor Swift ft. ZAYN
We can’t forget Taylor Swift and Zayn’s electrifying tune and one of the best R&B songs in history.
Like the duo’s admirable chemistry and killer vocals, you could surely lift someone’s mood by singing this classic at your karaoke party.
19. “Kiss Me More” by Doja Cat ft. SZA
Everybody loves Doja Cat’s “Kiss Me More.”
And that’s one of the reasons to include it in the list of the best R&B karaoke songs of all time.
The catchy beat keeps everybody hooked from the beginning to the end.
And the lyrics are the icing on the cake, quite memorable and easy to sing along to.
20. “Hate That I Love You” by Rihanna
The melancholic harmony in Rihanna’s classic hit isn’t the only reason we’ve included it.
It’s the breezy guitars and catchy lyrics that your audience will want to sing along to.
This is the one if you want a catchy R&B karaoke song from the 2000s.
It gets all the girls at the party belting out Rihanna’s lyrics at the top of their voices.
21. “All of Me” by John Legend
If your karaoke night is about love, romance, and affection, look no further than John Legend’s emotional ballad sung by just about every couple.
If you are crushing on someone in the room, make your feelings known with this John masterpiece to keep their attention from start to finish.
22. “Crazy In Love” by Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s “Crazy In Love” ranks highly among the best dance songs of the 2000s, with a powerful message about love.
Queen Bey is smitten by her lover, marveling at the profound effect this one person has had on her.
Isn’t that what you’d want to express at the karaoke party?
23. “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd
The Weeknd’s 2015 hit song confirms why he’s one of the biggest names in the modern R&B and pop music scene.
The beats are captivating.
And the song just feels right for any karaoke party.
Want to give it a try?
Sure, go ahead.
24. “Without Me” by Halsey
Here’s the best post-heartbreak song for your karaoke party.
You need this song when you’re angry, sad, and dejected and want to let out your emotions on stage.
The best thing about Halsey’s song is that many people know it.
And they might even join you if they share the same emotions.
25. “At Last” by Etta James
At last, we have an Etta James classic to complete our karaoke playlist.
James’ timeless classic is from the 60s, with the power to turn your karaoke night into the best day of your life.
The lyrics about finding genuine love make it one of the best songs to show your vocal range.
Best R&B Karaoke Songs Ever Made – Final Thoughts
Whatever your inspiration, there are great R&B songs for any karaoke party.
Our top picks include songs from as early as the 70s to make for a perfect karaoke evening.
You may also like: Best 90s Karaoke Songs
