The Top Karaoke Songs for Soul and R&B Lovers

If you love belting out soulful ballads and upbeat R&B classics, then check out our list of the top karaoke songs for you to sing your heart out to!

Introduction

When it comes to karaoke, soul and R&B are two genres that always get the party started. There’s just something about their catchy melodies, relatable lyrics, and danceable beats that make them perfect for group sing-alongs. And whether you’re a seasoned karaoke veteran or a first-time crooner, we’ve got the perfect song list for you.

From classics like Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” to contemporary hits like Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk,” these soul and R&B karaoke songs are sure to get your friends and family on their feet and singing along. So dust off your best dancing shoes, grab the mic, and get ready to have some fun!

The Temptations – “My Girl”

This Temptations classic is a must for any soul or R&B karaoke night. “My Girl” is a timeless love song that is sure to get any crowd singing along. Published in 1965, the song reached number one on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the R&B charts, making it one of the most successful singles of all time.

Aretha Franklin – “Respect”

This 1967 hit by Aretha Franklin is a feminist anthem that has been covered by many artists over the years. “Respect” was originally written and recorded by Otis Redding, but Franklin’s version is by far the most well-known. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Marvin Gaye – “What’s Going On”

Released in 1971, “What’s Going On” is a Marvin Gaye classic that deal with social issues such as police brutality, poverty, and environmental concerns. The song was a departure from Gaye’s usual Motown sound and was met with initial resistance from the label. However, it went on to become one of Gaye’s most successful singles, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Whitney Houston – “I Will Always Love You”

This 1992 ballad by Whitney Houston was originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton in 1974. Houston’s version was included on the soundtrack for The Bodyguard and went on to become one of the best-selling singles of all time. “I Will Always Love You” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 14 weeks and received numerous awards, including the Grammy Award for Record of the Year.

Marvin Gaye – “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”

This song was originally recorded by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, but Marvin Gaye’s 1968 version is the one that everyone knows and loves. It’s a classic soul song with a catchy groove that is perfect for karaoke.

Stevie Wonder – “Superstition”

There’s no mistaking the opening tapping of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” for anything else. The 1972 classic is one of the most recognizable tracks of all time, and for good reason – it’s insanely catchy. Once you get past the initial nerves of singing that iconic opening, you can have a lot of fun with this one. And who doesn’t love showing off their harmonica skills?

Aretha Franklin – “Respect”

No karaoke night would be complete without a little bit of soul, and what better way to get your groove on than with the one and only Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin. First released in 1967, “Respect” quickly became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement and has since been covered by everyone from Otis Redding to Whitney Houston. But there’s something about belting out those empowering lyrics in Aretha’s signature style that just can’t be beat.

Otis Redding – “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”

Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” is the perfect karaoke song for soul and R&B lovers. The 1968 classic is one of the most popular karaoke songs of all time, and it’s easy to see why. The song has a catchy melody and a simple, yet powerful, message that everyone can relate to.

Al Green – “Let’s Stay Together”

There are few voices as smooth as Al Green’s, and this song is the perfect example of his signature sound. “Let’s Stay Together” was released in 1971 and quickly rose to the top of the charts, becoming one of Green’s most iconic hits. The lyrics are simple but effective, and the melody is impossible to resist. If you’re looking for a soulful karaoke song that will get everyone in the room singing along, this is the one for you.

Sam Cooke – “A Change Is Gonna Come”

This soul classic is the perfect choice for karaoke singers who want to show off their range. Sam Cooke’s soaring vocals are iconic, and “A Change Is Gonna Come” is one of his most beloved songs. If you can hit those high notes, this is the song for you.

Ray Charles – “Georgia on My Mind”

This song is a classic for a reason, and it’s perfect for soul and R&B lovers who want to show off their vocal range. Ray Charles’ 1961 version of “Georgia on My Mind” hits all the right notes, and it’s sure to get the crowd singing along.

James Brown – “I Got You (I Feel Good)”

There’s no better way to get the party started than with this 1966 hit from the Godfather of Soul. It’s got a catchy, feel-good chorus that everyone will be able to sing along to, and it’s sure to get everyone on their feet and dancing.