Country Karaoke Classics to Turn You Into the Next Carrie Underwood or Garth Brooks!
Anyone that has ever met me will know two things about me. 1, I have a huge love for country music. And 2, I love to sing; everywhere and anywhere, in the shower, in the car or just walking down the street. So, for me, the perfect night out is one that combines the two.
Now, if you head to your local pub that runs a karaoke night you’ll inevitably be met with screeching and squawking of those karaoke classics like “Don’t Stop Believin’” or “Wonderwall”. But if you’re lucky enough to step into one where you’ll find a fellow country music fan like me, you may hit the jackpot in enjoying some good country tracks, regardless of how well, or not they might be sung.
Whilst this is all well and good, unless you’re really lucky like me, and have a best friend who runs karaoke, who just happens to be a country music fan, your ears will be subject to those same Country Classic Karaoke songs we all know, and try to love.
Billy Ray Cyrus – Achy Breaky Heart
Released in 1992, this foot tapping number is one that will get everyone going. It was Cyrus’ debut single, and is, to many, his most successful to date. It crossed over between country and pop in the US and became the best selling single of the year in Australia. We can even thank this song, for the introduction of line dancing into the mainstream. Seriously, we’re grateful, we really are.
Often, when I’ve told people I like country music I get a response which includes a quiet humming of this number. But, and you’ll find this a common theme with many of the songs in this article, try and stop yourself enjoying it when it comes on, I dare you!
Carrie Underwood – Before He Cheats
This song hit the airwaves in 2005, and was the third release from American Idol winner, Carrie Underwood. This song also crossed over the pop and country lines and became a Billboard Top Ten hit. It’s won countless awards, and has been certified platinum by the RIAA; it is, without doubt Underwood’s most successful single, to date.
For any girls that think they’re the next big diva this is sure to be their go to country-oke number (and often you’ll find this song on any, half decent, karaoke playlist) it’s a big song, and after a few G&T’s you’ll be throwing yourself about the pub angrily seeking revenge on that nasty ex of yours.
Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers – Islands In The Stream
An absolute classic all the way from 1983, ‘Islands In The Stream’ is a song for any budding duo to give a shot at. Written by the Bee Gees, and originally for Marvin Gaye, it was later altered and released on Kenny Rogers’ ‘Eyes That See In The Dark’ album. It provided Dolly and Kenny their second number ones in the US as it flew to the top of the charts following its release.
Thanks to the tv show ‘Gavin & Stacey’ it was made even more famous for many of us younger fans who didn’t know it first time round. So, if you’re looking for a song to get the whole pub singing along, grab your nearest cowboy and go for it!
Dolly Parton – 9 to 5
As a song that has come straight from a film soundtrack, it’s held the test of time and been pretty successful! Released as a single from Dolly in 1980, it has become an anthem for many office workers, and I’m sure one youll hear sung out at many of your works parties! It has been nominated and won many awards, including a Grammy for Best Country Song.
What better track to try your hand at than one which has been voted the best? I’ll warn you however, you’ll have a new found appreciation for the amazing vocals of Dolly Parton after you’ve tried this song, there’s so many words and so little time to sing them in!
John Denver – Take Me Home, Country Roads
It seems appropriate to end on one of the most classic songs of all time, and this song epitomises the phrase. John Denver performed and released this number in 1971, and it instantly became a hit by shooting in the charts at number two. It’s a narrative song that transports you to the state of West Virginia, and is really an anthem, Denver’s most famous song.
This is one of those songs that will mainly be sung by non-country music fans, often after you’ve told them you like country music. The conversation goes something like this “I’m a fan of country music” “oh, no I don’t like it………TAKE ME HOME…. COUNTRY ROADS….” They can try and resist but country music is just too likeable!
Next time you wander into your local karaoke bar, don’t be afraid to step outside the norm and move away from these country-oke classics, happy singing folks!