Don T Know What to Say Karaoke

At some point, everyone — whether you're a self-conscious shut in or an out and out go-getter — finds themselves on a stage with a cheap glass of ethanol, a microphone, and a screen filled with scrolling lyrics. But unless you're a seasoned veteran of purposeful self-embarrassment, you might not know your way through the musical minefield that is a karaoke song list.

DT Playlists: Put the pedal to the metal with this fantastic road trip playlist

That's where we come in. We've scoured the web (and a few of our favorite Portland karaoke hotspots) for the best tunes, putting together a robust list of 20 songs that always make the crowd rock out, regardless of how on-key you are.

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Gettin' Jiggy Wit It by Will Smith, 1997

The creme de la creme of '90s dance hits, this Will Smith single is guaranteed to hype up any audience, especially one that has had a few too many tequila shots.

Say My Name by Destiny's Child, 1999

A sultry single, Say My Name is a rare choice that allows you to live your dream of pop stardom, shrieking out early Beyoncé runs in front of a live audience without any negative repercussions.

Ignition (Remix) by R. Kelly, 2003

Sure, R. Kelly has done some pretty weird, messed up stuff over the past few decades, but all will be forgiven when the digitally-reproduced introduction to his best song ever comes on the speakers.

Man I Feel Like A Woman by Shania Twain, 1997

A sassy choice which finds itself oddly well-suited to fearless intoxicated men, this song comes off as tongue-in-cheek regardless of who's on the mic — a classic single that many forget even exists.

The Boys Are Back In Town by Thin Lizzy, 1976

Good karaoke choices are, by and large, all about the intro. You don't want to sit up on that stage looking embarrassed while some middling pre-recorded keyboard bangs out a tune's first 16 bars — and that's where this cut comes in. Powerful stuff from beginning to end, this one's the perfect jam to belt out to your questionably-sober audience.

Roses by OutKast, 2003

Roses is a tricky one — you have to be energetic and quick enough to hit all the verses, and confident enough to endure a questionably misogynistic outro ( you, know, the part where you have to say "crazy b****" dozens of times). That said, those who can pull it off will find a standing ovation, as this is one of the hottest hits on this list.

No Scrubs by TLC, 1999

A perennial hit among longtime R&B fans, this is perhaps most appropriately chosen when on a first date, or out singing with a wedding party.

She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy by Kenny Chesney, 1999

It may be a bit insensitive to more rural-dwelling folk, but there's nothing quite like a mid-evening trip to a southern caricature and, of course, belting out the chorus to this little gem always works great with a cold one in hand.

Always On Time by Ja Rule (Feat. Ashanti), 2001

A closet classic which unites the crowd almost highhandedly due to the fact that they haven't heard it in a decade, Always On Time is so groovy it riles up crowds, but not so intense that you'll spill your drink.

Ride Wit Me by Nelly (feat St. Lunatics), 2000

The sounds of the mid-2000s make perfect Karaoke singles for a myriad of reasons, and the steady flowing beat that madeRide Wit Meiconic is also what will distract people from your out-of-tune vocals — we're not pointing fingers.

Wanted Dead Or Alive by Bon Jovi, 1986

No karaoke playlist would be complete without this sultry Bon Jovi single — just make sure that dozens of others haven't done a better version before you.

Tequila by The Champs, 1958

If you got dragged to the bar by several of your closest friends, and they demand that you sing, this is the jam for you. Why, you ask? Because you only need to say a single word.

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