The Best Indie Songs That Work Surprisingly Well for Karaoke

Indie Songs for Karaoke

songs for all people

Indie songs are top picks for karaoke, even for those who doubt it.

Songs Everyone Can Sing

Indie nights in bars often witness big crowds enjoying tunes like “Mr. Brightside” or “Maps.”

  • Easy-start songs: Arcade Fire’s “Wake Up” and The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army.”
  • For newer songs, try: Lord Huron’s “The Night We Met” or The Lumineers’ “Ho Hey.”
  • Standout songs: Modest Mouse’s “Float On” and Arctic Monkeys’ “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor.”

Lesser-known Karaoke Indie Songs

Lesser-known tunes can shine in karaoke settings.

  • The Decemberists’ “The Crane Wife 3” and Broken Social Scene’s “Anthems for a Seventeen Year Old Girl” offer unexpected surprises.
  • For deep feelings, try: Iron & Wine’s “Naked As We Came” and Belle & Sebastian’s “The Boy with the Arab Strap.”
  • Camera Obscura’s “Lloyd, I’m Ready to Be Heartbroken” and The Magnetic Fields’ “The Book of Love” are strong choices.

Simple Yet Strong Choices

memorable alternative music hooks

These songs connect without requiring big vocal techniques.

  • Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros’ “Home” is suggested for its captivating back-and-forth singing.
  • Simpler versions of hard songs like Sufjan Stevens’ “Chicago” can also be hits.

Songs That Get Everyone Going

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  • The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside” and Arctic Monkeys’ “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” are crowd favorites.
  • Songs like “Maps” and “Seven Nation Army” are recognizable and easy to sing.
  • For combined appeal, try: Franz Ferdinand’s “Take Me Out” or Modest Mouse’s “Float On.”

Unforgettable Indie Chorus Songs

Big choruses in indie songs create memorable karaoke experiences.

  • “Take Me Out” by Franz Ferdinand and MGMT’s “Kids” have catchy choruses.
  • Arctic Monkeys’ “505” and Walk the Moon’s “Shut Up and Dance” offer engaging moments.
  • “Midnight City” by M83 provides a unique chorus perfect for sharing.