Karaoke nights are rich in fun, laughter, and the mortifying ordeal of being known by a room full of strangers who are judging you by your song choice. Usually, country songs are great for karaoke, and here are four tracks by iconic female country artists that will make you an instant favorite at your local karaoke bar. And if the opposite happens, you didn’t learn these from me.
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“Can’t Fight the Moonlight” — LeAnn Rimes
For something a little dramatic, try out “Can’t Fight the Moonlight” by LeAnn Rimes at your next karaoke night. Released in 2000, it was the theme for the film Coyote Ugly, but beyond that, it’s purely a great song. It has that late-’90s lovesick feel, but it’s also powerful—nothing beats belting out “The night is gonna get to you!” to a room full of enthusiastic drunk patrons.
“Goodbye Earl” — The Chicks
“Goodbye Earl” by The Chicks is a great song to sing with friends. Not only is the song about two best friends, but The Chicks are the ultimate country girl trio. “Goodbye Earl” is especially enjoyable if you’ve got a terrible ex you’d like to send along to Earl if you catch my drift. This is a theme that returns later, as country music women tend to express their rage through untamable violence. But, that’s what we like about them, after all.
“Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under” — Shania Twain
Shania Twain is a popular pick for country karaoke, but the same songs have been done over and over—”Man! I Feel Like a Woman” (so people can shout “Let’s go girls!”) and “That Don’t Impress Me Much.” However, “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under” is a hidden gem on her 1995 album The Woman In Me. It’s catchy, bubbly, and laced with subtle scorn for a cheating lover. Add this one to “I’m Gonna Getcha Good” and you’re sure to not get booed out of the karaoke bar for making them hear “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” for the thousandth time.
“Before He Cheats” — Carrie Underwood
Here we come to the karaoke song that takes the most courage. Probably don’t attempt this unless you can mimic Carrie Underwood’s big, belty vocal style. But even if you can’t, maybe it’ll still be fun to try. We’re revisiting female rage with “Before He Cheats,” which needs no introduction. It’s classic Underwood, and while it’s most likely been done to death at karaoke, there’s something cathartic about this song that gives it a pass. Who wouldn’t want to sing their heart out about destroying an ex’s precious truck?
Featured Image by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
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