Stepping onto an open mic stage can be daunting, but choosing the right song is half the battle. This list isn't about showcasing the biggest hits; it's about selecting tracks that resonate with both performer and audience, offering a captivating blend of familiarity and surprise. We've curated a selection of songs that represent the powerful emotional range of music, from anthemic rock anthems that ignite a crowd’s energy to soulful ballads that showcase vocal prowess and deeply personal narratives. Think of the raw power that a certain grunge classic delivers, the timeless appeal of a certain power ballad, or the infectious joy of a contemporary chart-topper. This isn't simply a list of popular songs; it's a carefully crafted collection designed to help you find the perfect piece to share your unique talent and connect with listeners.
This diverse compilation includes songs that are both widely recognizable and potentially less expected, allowing for the expression of varied musical styles and individual personality. Whether you prefer the uplifting energy of a feel-good anthem or the intimate vulnerability of a heartfelt confession, there's something here to help you make a memorable impact. We wanted to create a resource that celebrates the enduring power of music to connect us, offering a gateway to explore these iconic pieces through a fresh lens. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and perhaps even surprised by the unexpected emotional depth within these seemingly simple songs – songs that have transcended generations and continue to inspire. Explore this curated list, find your voice, and own that stage.
1Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana
1991
Nevermind (Remastered)
2Sweet Child O' Mine
Guns N' Roses
1987
Appetite For Destruction
3I Will Always Love You
Whitney Houston
1993
The Bodyguard - Original Soundtrack Album
4Happy
Pharrell Williams
2013
G I R L
5Country Roads
John Denver
1971
6Wonderwall
Oasis
1995
(What's The Story) Morning Glory? (Deluxe Remastered Edition)
7Hotel California
Eagles
1976
Hotel California (2013 Remaster)
8Feel
Robbie Williams
2002
Escapology
9Hey Jude
The Beatles
1968
With The Beatles (Remastered)
10Imagine
John Lennon
1971
Imagine
11Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd
1975
Wish You Were Here
12Hallelujah
Leonard Cohen
1984
Various Positions
13Snuff
Slipknot
2008
14Let It Be
The Beatles
1970
Let It Be (Remastered)
15Rocket Man
Elton John
1972
Honky Chateau
16Stairway to Heaven
Led Zeppelin
1971
Led Zeppelin IV (Deluxe Edition)
17Free Fallin'
Tom Petty
1989
Full Moon Fever
18American Pie
Don McLean
1971
American Pie
19Hey There Delilah
Plain White T's
2006
All That We Needed
20New Light
John Mayer
2018
21Brown Eyed Girl
Van Morrison
1967
Blowin' Your Mind!
22Don't Know Why
Norah Jones
2002
23Bad Moon Rising
Creedence Clearwater Revival
1969
Green River (Expanded Edition)
24Yesterday
The Beatles
1965
Help! (Remastered)
25One Moment in Time
Whitney Houston
1988
Whitney
26My Girl
The Temptations
1964
The Temptations Sing Smokey
27She Talks to Angels
The Black Crowes
1990
28You and I
Ingrid Michaelson
2008
29Sweet Caroline
Neil Diamond
1969
Sweet Caroline
30Ring of Fire
Johnny Cash
1963
Highwayman