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R&B and soul karaoke songs
Soul is where karaoke gets smooth. Here’s where each song sits for your voice, from low, lazy grooves to the big ones that make a room go quiet.
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Tonight only
Tightrope
Janelle Monáe featuring Big Boi
Bouncy and comfortably in the middle, a funky balancing act.
R&B & SoulStraight off the shelf you asked for.
Someone sent you this pick from Ask Magic Mic.
Why it’s yours
- R&B & Soul. Straight off the shelf you asked for.
- Somewhere in the middle. (my guess) Sits in the middle, where I guessed you are.
- A bit of both. (my guess) Sounds good without a prayer before the chorus.
- Just me. (my guess) One mic, all yours.
- Anyone. (my guess) Anyone’s songs, so the whole book was open.
Here I only know what you told me tonight. In the app, I remember every night: your list, how each song went, your voice. Get the app
My house pick from the R&B and soul shelf, for a voice in the middle. Turn scripts on and I’ll write one just for you; the rest of the shelf is below.Lit what you came for: “R&B & Soul”. The rest are my guesses.
Let’s tune it
No theory, promise. Just where it feels easy.
Where does your voice sit?
No theory, promise. Just where it feels easy.
Singing R&B & Soul, this page’s shelf
Set the scene
Last round. Anything I should know?
“R&B and soul songs.”
Tonight only
Starring you
Hold that note…
R&B and soul have a reputation for being only for the big voices, and it isn’t fair. Plenty of the best songs sit low and easy, move at a stroll and sound better the more relaxed you are. Stand by Me even starts with a bass line that counts you in.
The other half is the big stuff: Etta James, Aretha, Chaka Khan. Those are songs to choose on purpose. So everything below is grouped by where it sits, lower, in the middle and higher, and the reason on each one tells you what you’re getting into.
Duets are all over this shelf, so bring a friend. Or let Ask Magic Mic, up top, pick one for you. It’s already on the R&B and soul shelf.
Sits lower
Low and smooth
Cool, slow and unhurried. The groove does the work, and a low voice sounds right at home.
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Valerie
Mark Ronson featuring Amy Winehouse · 2007Bouncy, low and full of swagger, with short, punchy lines that ride the horns and never ask you to reach.
A big singSits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle · A big sing
A big singSits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- Originally written by The Zutons, Winehouse's renditions completely redefined the track.
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Stand by Me
Ben E. King · 1961The bass line counts you in, so you always know when to start, and the chorus is mostly the title.
Some effortSits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle · Some effort
Some effortSits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- The famous bassline was worked out on piano by producer Mike Stoller during the writing session.
- It returned to the charts after lending its name to the mid-'80s film Stand by Me.
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I Put a Spell on You
Screamin' Jay Hawkins · 1956A big singSits on the low side
Before you sing itLow side · A big sing
A big singSits on the low side
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- Originally planned as a gentle ballad, Hawkins turned it into a wild performance after the studio crew brought drinks.
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Three Little Birds
Bob Marley & The Wailers · 1977Unhurried and narrow, with one short chorus that comes round again and again; nothing in it asks you to push.
Easy goingSits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle · Easy going
Easy goingSits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
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(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay
Otis Redding · 1968Some effortSits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle · Some effort
Some effortSits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- Otis Redding recorded the track just days before his tragic death in a plane crash.
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Smooth Operator
Sade · 1984Easy goingSits low
Before you sing itLow · Easy going
Easy goingSits low
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Back to Black
Amy Winehouse · 2006Some effortSits on the low side
Before you sing itLow side · Some effort
Some effortSits on the low side
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- Producer Mark Ronson built the retro sound using members of the funk and soul band Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings.
- The song was inspired by Winehouse's painful breakup with her then-boyfriend Blake Fielder-Civil.
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Ain't No Sunshine
Bill Withers · 1971Short, slow and low; the stretch where one phrase repeats and repeats is easier than it looks, as long as you count.
Some effortSits on the low side
Before you sing itLow side · Some effort
Some effortSits on the low side
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- Bill Withers was still working at an aircraft toilet factory when he wrote and recorded the breakthrough track.
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My Girl
The Temptations · 1964Low, gentle and sunny, a sweet, easy tune you can sing with a smile over that famous bass line.
Some effortBefore you sing itSome effort
Some effortDid you know
- It was the Temptations' very first number one single on the pop charts.
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Just the Two of Us
Grover Washington Jr. featuring Bill Withers · 1980Some effortSits on the low side
Before you sing itLow side · Some effort
Some effortSits on the low side
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- Saxophonist Grover Washington Jr. featured singer Bill Withers on this signature smooth jazz hit.
- It was a massive crossover smash that reached number two on the US pop charts.
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Mustang Sally
Wilson Pickett · 1966Low, gritty and soulful, with a strutting groove you can growl through and plenty of space for attitude.
A big singBefore you sing itA big sing
A big sing -
Heartbreak Anniversary
Giveon · 2020Some effortSits on the low side
Before you sing itLow side · Some effort
Some effortSits on the low side
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- The song was certified multi-platinum and catapulted Giveon to international fame.
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Pretty Girl Rock
Keri Hilson · 2010Easy goingSits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle · Easy going
Easy goingSits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- The music video pays homage to iconic female music stars across multiple decades.
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Essence
Wizkid featuring Tems · 2020Easy goingSits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle · Easy going
Easy goingSits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- The track features vocals from fellow Nigerian artist Tems.
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A Long Walk
Jill Scott · 2000Some effortSits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle · Some effort
Some effortSits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- The neo-soul track earned Jill Scott a Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
In the middle
Soul down the middle
Motown shout-alongs, slow duets and grooves that sit comfortably. Bring a partner for plenty of these.
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Celebration
Kool & the Gang · 1980Bouncy and mid-paced with a short chorus that keeps coming round, so you can loosen up and just enjoy the groove.
Easy goingSits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle · Easy going
Easy goingSits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- It hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the early 1980s and remains a wedding reception staple.
- The band's saxophonist Ronald Bell got the idea for the song after reading scriptures about creation.
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Ain't No Mountain High Enough
Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell · 1967Upbeat and loving, with a part each and a chorus you sing together like a promise; pure Motown joy.
Some effortSits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle · Some effort
Some effortSits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame decades after its original release.
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Sh-Boom
The Chords · 1954Comfortably in the middle and doo-wop bouncy, with nonsense syllables to split among friends.
Easy goingSits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle · Easy going
Easy goingSits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- Recorded in the mid-1950s, this original doo-wop recording is considered an early rock and roll milestone.
- It famously featured in the soundtrack of the animated movie Cars.
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Tightrope
Janelle Monáe featuring Big Boi · 2010Sits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle
Sits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- Features a guest verse from Big Boi of Outkast.
- The song served as the lead single from Janelle Monae's debut concept studio album.
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Take Your Time (Do It Right)
The S.O.S. Band · 1980Smooth and unhurried in the middle, a slinky funk groove with short repeated lines that are easy to settle into.
Some effortSits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle · Some effort
Some effortSits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- The track helped pioneer the electronic boogie sound of early 1980s R&B.
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Money (That's What I Want)
Barrett Strong · 1959Short, raw and comfortably in the middle, a gritty shout of a song you can growl without worrying about pretty.
Some effortSits on the high side
Before you sing itHigh side · Some effort
Some effortSits on the high side
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- This song was the first major hit record released by Berry Gordy's Motown empire.
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Unforgettable
Natalie Cole with Nat King Cole · 1991Easy goingSits on the low side
Before you sing itLow side · Easy going
Easy goingSits on the low side
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
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Baby, Come to Me
Patti Austin & James Ingram · 1981Some effortSits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle · Some effort
Some effortSits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- This duet with James Ingram became a massive number-one hit after being featured on General Hospital.
- The romantic song was produced by legendary music impresario Quincy Jones.
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Save the Last Dance for Me
The Drifters · 1960Easy goingSits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle · Easy going
Easy goingSits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- Lyricist Doc Pomus wrote the song about his wedding, where he had to watch his bride dance while in a wheelchair.
- The track became the group's only number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
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Tonight I Celebrate My Love
Peabo Bryson & Roberta Flack · 1983A part each, slow and tender, a warm, gentle duet that rewards a soft voice and a bit of eye contact.
Some effortSits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle · Some effort
Some effortSits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- This classic romantic duet pairs Peabo Bryson with singer Roberta Flack.
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Where Is the Love
Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway · 1972Some effortSits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle · Some effort
Some effortSits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- This duet with Donny Hathaway won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.
- It became one of Roberta Flack's defining collaborations with Hathaway.
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Secret Lovers
Atlantic Starr · 1985Some effortSits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle · Some effort
Some effortSits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
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Starboy
The Weeknd featuring Daft Punk · 2016Some effortSits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle · Some effort
Some effortSits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- The track was a massive worldwide collaboration with French electronic duo Daft Punk.
- The music video shows The Weeknd metaphorically destroying his past image with a glowing neon cross.
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Brown Sugar
D'Angelo · 1995Sits on the low side
Before you sing itLow side
Sits on the low side
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- The title track of D'Angelo's debut album helped define the neo-soul musical movement of the '90s.
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On My Own
Patti LaBelle & Michael McDonald · 1986A big singSits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle · A big sing
A big singSits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- Recorded as a duet with Patti LaBelle, the two singers actually recorded their vocal parts in separate cities.
- The ballad topped the Billboard Hot 100 for several weeks in the mid-1980s.
Sits higher
The big ones
Songs that soar. Choose one when you mean it, and save it for when the room is warm.
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Lose Control
Teddy Swims · 2023A smoky, low-starting verse that climbs into a big, raspy belted chorus; let it crack a little, that's the style.
A big singBefore you sing itA big sing
A big singDid you know
- The breakout smash climbed the charts steadily, eventually reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
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At Last
Etta James · 1960Slow and grand, with long notes to hold and a velvet glide between them; take your time, there's no rush.
A big singSits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle · A big sing
A big singSits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- Though originally written for a musical film, Etta James's version became the definitive rendition and a wedding staple.
- It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in the late 1990s.
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Mercy
Duffy · 2008A big singSits on the high side
Before you sing itHigh side · A big sing
A big singSits on the high side
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
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Ain't Nobody
Rufus and Chaka Khan · 1983A big singSits on the high side
Before you sing itHigh side · A big sing
A big singSits on the high side
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- Rufus keyboardist Hawk Wolinski wrote this legendary groove on a synthesizer and refused to let Michael Jackson record it instead.
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Blame It on the Boogie
The Jacksons · 1978 -
(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman
Aretha Franklin · 1967A big singSits on the high side
Before you sing itHigh side · A big sing
A big singSits on the high side
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- The song was written specifically for her by Carole King and Gerry Goffin at Jerry Wexler's request.
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Colors
Black Pumas · 2019A big singSits on the high side
Before you sing itHigh side · A big sing
A big singSits on the high side
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- The song earned Black Pumas Grammy nominations including Record of the Year.
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Go Crazy
Chris Brown & Young Thug · 2020A part each, light and high, with a smooth, bouncy groove that's more about feel than big notes.
Some effortSits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle · Some effort
Some effortSits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
-
Only You (And You Alone)
The Platters · 1955A big singSits on the high side
Before you sing itHigh side · A big sing
A big singSits on the high side
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- Lead singer Tony Williams had an accidental vocal break during the recording that the producer insisted on keeping.
- It became the vocal group's breakthrough hit in the mid-1950s.
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Why Do Fools Fall in Love
Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers · 1956A big singSits high
Before you sing itHigh · A big sing
A big singSits high
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- Frankie Lymon was just thirteen years old when he recorded the lead vocals on this doo-wop smash.
- The song became an international hit and influenced the sound of early rock and roll.
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Please, Please, Please
James Brown · 1956A big singSits on the high side
Before you sing itHigh side · A big sing
A big singSits on the high side
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- This was James Brown's debut single with his vocal group the Famous Flames in the mid-1950s.
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In the Still of the Night
The Five Satins · 1956High and doo-wop slow, a tender lead floating over backing vocals that a group can share.
Easy goingSits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle · Easy going
Easy goingSits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
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Never Knew Love Like This Before
Stephanie Mills · 1980High and joyful, a disco-bright bounce that rewards a big smile and a confident belt on the lifts.
A big singSits high
Before you sing itHigh · A big sing
A big singSits high
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- The song won Stephanie Mills a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
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Reet Petite
Jackie Wilson · 1957A big singSits high
Before you sing itHigh · A big sing
A big singSits high
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- The song was co-written by Motown founder Berry Gordy before he started the Motown label.
- A claymation music video helped the song reach number one in the UK nearly three decades after its release.
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Bottoms Up
Trey Songz featuring Nicki Minaj · 2010High and chanted over a club beat, with a smooth sung lead and a rapped verse a friend can take.
Sits in the middle
Before you sing itMiddle
Sits in the middle
Sing nextSame spot for your voice
Did you know
- The song features a rapid-fire guest verse from Nicki Minaj that helped propel her to stardom.
How to pick a soul song for karaoke
Relax into it. Soul rewards a voice that sounds easy. Ain’t No Sunshine and (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay are slow, low and mostly about the mood.
Make it a duet. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Where Is the Love and On My Own each give two voices their own part, which is twice the fun and half the pressure.
Know your big one. At Last and A Natural Woman are showpieces. Keep the ones you nail in the KaraokeList app, and the Magic Mic suggests new songs from what you sing well.
R&B and soul karaoke questions
What are the best R&B and soul songs for karaoke?
For a lower voice, Stand by Me, Smooth Operator and Back to Black stay down. In the middle, Celebration and Money (That’s What I Want) sit comfortably. Higher voices can take on At Last or Ain’t Nobody.
What’s an easy soul song to sing at karaoke?
Three Little Birds is unhurried and asks nothing of you, and the chorus of Stand by Me is mostly the title. Both sit low and steady.
What’s a good R&B duet for karaoke?
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough is the shout-together classic. Where Is the Love and Baby, Come to Me are slower and sweeter, with a part for each voice.
Can I sing Motown if I’m not a big singer?
Yes. Plenty of Motown is about the groove and the chorus, not a big finish. Money (That’s What I Want) is all groove and chorus, so it never asks for a big voice.
More karaoke songs by genre
- Pop karaoke songsThe thickest shelf in the book, sorted by where your voice sits.
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- Country karaoke songsA story, a chorus and a twang you can lean into.
- Hip-hop and rap karaoke songsBreath, not high notes. Old school to now.
- Power ballads for karaokeLighters up. Big songs, sorted by where they sit.
- New karaoke songs, hot right nowFresh off the charts, sorted by where your voice sits.
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By voice and by night, every pick with its reason.
