50 Easy Songs To Sing For Beginners That Sound Impressive

If you’re new to singing but still want to impress your audience or the people around you, there are beginner-friendly songs to sing that do not require a tremendous amount of vocal prowess yet still sound amazing and impressive due to their structure and popularity.

The basic premise of learning how to sing is to eventually impress someone with your vocals. However, you might think that it will take years before you do that. That’s not the case, as there are impressive and extremely popular songs out there that do not require advanced singing technique, but rather just a good sense of pitch and determination.

The following 50 songs are easy to sing and will surely impress your audience.

1. “Imagine” By John Lennon

Imagine is often considered a rite of passage for piano players. But it is also a great song for beginners because it does not have any vocal chops or difficult lyric scansions. Additionally, since the song is arranged primarily on a piano, you can very easily transpose it to a key that best fits your vocal range. 

If you feel that the song is almost too easy to sing, you can always take it to the next level by experimenting with the tempo and slowing it down further. This will make all the notes even more pronounced and force you to have more control over them. 

2. “Shake It Off” By Taylor Swift

Written by Swift along with Shellback and Max Martin, this song became quite the earworm when it was released in 2014. The song follows a typical pop structure with verses, a chorus, and a bridge. 

What is interesting is that it uses many different types of vocal styles and thus can be a good song to sing not just at karaoke but also as a cover. The bridge has not just a singing voice, but also a talking voice followed by a vocal run. This can be great for beginners who want to challenge themselves.  

3. “Ain’t No Sunshine” By Bill Withers

The reason why this song has been covered regularly by beginners, as well as professional singers, is because it is an incredibly versatile song that can be sung in many different ways.

The original song was part of Withers’ debut record, Just As I Am and although it has been reprised by artists such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Stevie Wonder, The Lighthouse Family, etc., it was not considered a “hit” song until much later. 

Although the ballad is easy to sing and does not have too many high or low parts, the most important thing to remember is its emotion. While anyone can sing this song, not many people realize that they need to feel the lyrics as they sing it. 

Ain’t No Sunshine is a great way to focus on what a song needs apart from vocal chops: feeling. 

4. “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” By Bryan Adams

When someone says ‘Bryan Adams’, the song Summer Of 69 instantly comes to mind. But many don’t know that Adams has delivered many hits, in his career spanning decades. The ballad (Everything I Do) I Do It For You is one of them and was made famous by the movie Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves.

One of the great things about the song is that although it’s been sung in a male voice, the song is really for everyone. The key, C#, fits most voices and is a good one for beginners looking for a simple but deeply moving song.

5. “Mamma Mia” By Abba

The Swedish pop group ABBA was founded in the 1970s, but their music continues to inspire even today. Mamma Mia is in the key of D and is suitable for those who don’t enjoy singing notes that are too high or low. However, while the vocal arrangement of the song is simple it is still very unique.

The mix of choppy yet flowy vocals makes the song fun to sing while not being incredibly challenging at the same time. Mamma Mia, interestingly, was also the name of a musical film starring Meryl Streep. She sang the version that appears in the soundtrack. 

6. “Thinking Out Loud” By Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran’s Thinking Out Loud is a simple acoustic ballad that uses a higher register in terms of vocals. The original key of the song is D and Sheeran’s voice usually ranges from B2 to A4.

Although this may feel like a very big range and challenging for a beginner, the good thing is that you can always sing the song and add your own style to it. 

7. “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” By Cyndi Lauper

While the original song, Girls Just Want To Have Fun, was written and performed by Robert Hazard in 1979, it was Cyndi Lauper who made it popular.

Not only is the song a pop, feminist anthem but it also has the ability to instantly put one in a good mood. 

Although the original key, F#, can feel uncomfortable for some, it is simple enough to be transposed if you decide to perform it. It is highly danceable, has high energy, and evokes a feeling of positive rebellion. The trick to doing a good job in singing this track is to channel your inner punk and really channel the rebellious energy.

8. “We Will Rock You” By Queen

Freddie Mercury of Queen is regarded as one of the greatest vocalists of all time so taking on most of his songs as a beginner can be very intimidating. However, We Will Rock You is an exception.

Another anthem on the list, this song can be sung by all and you don’t need to exert too many vocal chops. The beat and melody are simple. While the original song is in the key of D, you can easily transpose it up or down depending on what you are comfortable with.

A great part of the track is that the lyrics are easy to sing and if you choose to sing this in front of other people, there are high chances that they will join you during the chorus. 

9. “Knocking On Heaven’s Door” By Bob Dylan

If you have just started playing guitar or any other melody instrument, then this is the perfect song because not only is it easy to sing but even the chordal arrangement is very simple and great for beginners.

Since the release of the original, many artists have covered the song in their styles. This is a very versatile track that can be molded practically into any genre from rock to even reggae. 

Knocking On Heaven’s Door is one of those songs that works best as a practice track for musicians who are just beginning their journey. However, since it is lyrically so deep it can easily be performed live as well. 

10. “Top Of The World” By The Carpenters

Karen Carpenter died tragically at the young age of 32, but her voice on Top Of The World still tugs at the heartstrings. Apart from the catchy melody, the song is also a good exercise in enunciating one’s words as Carpenter does. The melody stays with you long after the song is over and the scansion is easy to follow.

You can perform the song with a simple piano arrangement, like in the original, or even with an accompanying ukulele. In case you are feeling more adventurous, you can also turn it into a pop-punk track like Shonen Knife by adding overdriven guitars and drums. 

11. “Born This Way” By Lady Gaga

This is another track that is not only easy and can be sung by all but also has a very inspiring and motivating message. Since this is a heavily produced pop song, it can make one dance. 

If you are someone who enjoys the performative aspect of singing, then you should put this on your setlist. While there are a few high parts in the track, one can always improvise on them and sing something they are more comfortable with.  

12. “Closing Time” By Semisonic

Closing Time by The Semisonics is one of those tracks that instantly takes you back to the 90s. While the lyrics talk about people leaving a bar at closing time, many believe that it also talks about the anticipation of fatherhood.

There is very little chance that you are not familiar with the song because it has been used extensively in movies and television series. The track is easy to sing and can fit almost any voice. If you are part of a band, this is a great practice song because the other instruments are fairly easy to play as well. You can rehearse this song to sound tight. 

13. “Torn” By Natalie Imbruglia

If you are looking for an acoustic song with an edge, then Natalie Imbruglia’s hit single from 1997 is one to consider. Like many songs in this list, the version that became the most popular was originally written for the Danish singer Lis Sørensen and later recorded by the band Ednaswap. 

The song is in the key of F and while that can feel high for some, you can always try and sing it in a lower register. 

14. “Oops!… I Did It Again” By Britney Spears

Whether you love or hate this song, one cannot deny the impact Britney Spears has had on pop culture as we know it today. 

The song was produced by an all-star team that included Max Martin and Robert John “Mutt” Lange. It is an earworm that is easy to sing along and if you want, you can skip the vocal runs that feature at the beginning of the track.

If the pop arrangement is not something that you necessarily want to sing, there are many renditions of this song. One of the most interesting covers is definitely by the Finnish melodic death metal band, Children Of Bodom. 

Oops, I Did It Again is a song that sums up the early 2000s. It is a heavily produced pop track where Spears’ vocals shine. Singing this at a karaoke guarantees a good time. 

15. “Iris” By Goo Goo Dolls

This song was originally written for the soundtrack of the film ‘City Of Angels’ and then later re-released as part of Goo Goo Dolls’ sixth album, Dizzy Up The Girl. 

Described as a power ballad, the song is very relatable and can be sung with ease. There aren’t any runs or chops but the song does require you to add some power as you project the lyrics. There are a few notes that are held for extended periods but with a little bit of practice, anyone can sing them. Give Iris a try if you are looking to challenge yourself a little bit with a song that has both low and high parts. 

16. “Wannabe” By Spice Girls

If you were around in the 90s, then you are well aware of the ‘Spicemania’ that gripped the world. This was the track that catapulted the Spice Girls into global celebrity status.

What makes the song so memorable even today is the message. It was quite rare to have a song talking about the value of female friendship during that time. Perhaps this is the reason it is still considered to be an anthem.

In terms of vocals, although 5 different voices sing acapella during the chorus, you can either sing it in a group or with the help of a backing track. The trick is to choose which Spice Girl’s voice fits you best. There is also a rap section with simple lyrics and delivery that can be performed by anyone. 

The track is in B and at a moderate 110 BPM. This makes it uptempo and yet not too difficult to perform.

17. “Hey Jude” By The Beatles

Any list of songs remains incomplete without the mention of The Beatles. Hey Jude is a song that is universally loved, across all age groups. Although who the song is about remains a mystery, Paul McCartney’s lyrics are very inspiring and talk about embracing change. 

Apart from the verses and the double bridge, the extended coda, in the end, can be reinterpreted in many ways. You can perform this section as it suits you and can be a good way to put in some runs or interesting harmonies. 

Interestingly, Hey Jude was also covered by Elvis Prestley and appears in his record ‘Elvis Now’ and ‘On Stage’.  

18. “Mr. Brightside” By The Killers

Mr. Brightside features a rapid delivery of the lyrics that Brandon Flowers, the singer, says were inspired by David Bowie’s ‘Queen Bitch’ and Iggy Pop’s ‘Lust For Life’ record. If you are looking for a song that has fast-paced words then this is the perfect song for you to sing!

The monotone is great for beginners or those with a limited vocal range. If you are not comfortable with how fast the song is, you can always slightly slow down to tempo as long as you remember to channel the inner angst. 

19. “Build Me Up Buttercup” By The Foundations

The Foundations was a ’60s R&B band from Britain, best known for the song Build Me Up Buttercup.

A nice peppy pop song, this one can lift moods and is easy to sing. Even if you don’t have a raspy voice like in the original, you can comfortably hit the notes and add your flavor to it.

The song was also famously covered by David Johansen of the New York Dolls and more recently by the British quartered McFly. It was also part of the soundtrack of the film There’s Something About Mary.

20. “Truly Madly Deeply” By Savage Garden

This hit from the 90s is a good way to start practicing falsettos and harmonies since the song is filled with them. Savage Garden was a duo and the vocalist, Darren Hayes, layers the song with many different notes. An example of this can be best heard in their live performance of the track in 1998 for the World Music Awards. 

The main vocal lines are easy on the ear and simple enough to sing. However, the challenge is in singing the harmonies during the pre-chorus and the chorus. It is also a good exercise in writing/practicing harmonies that can add color to a vocal part.

21. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley

Surely everyone knows “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley. The song is a true testament to the greatness that was the ‘king’ himself. The song was released in 1961 and is still a very famous song. Twenty One Pilots even covered the song and got a massive number of views on YouTube.

The true struggle with this song is merely stringing together all the melodies. The way Elvis sang this, the song sounds like a never-ending melodic masterpiece. Additionally, you will learn and master how to sing with a full voice and quickly change it to falsetto.

22. “Bubbly” by Colbie Caillat

“Bubbly” by Colbie Caillat is another tune that falls under the ‘simple songs’ umbrella. This country-like song is a good way to ease into singing. The song was released in 2007 and was Colbie’s only hit song to reach the top 10 of the US chart.

There really isn’t much of a struggle here. Depending on the range of your vocals, this should pretty much be smooth sailing. Stringing the melodies together will not be a huge challenge. All that remains is giving this a shot and improving step by step.

23. “Wonderwall” by Oasis

Does “Wonderwall” by Oasis need any introduction? The song was and still is a mega-hit. It was released in 1995 and has been covered by many artists. This simple yet catchy tune is a good way to progress your singing. Especially since you probably already know the lyrics and melody.

The song is simplistic by nature. What this means is that a high level of singing is not incorporated or required. Any beginner can have a go and get the hang of this tune. Focus on your chest voice and try to take it verse by verse if you’re having difficulties.

24. “Ring Of Fire” by Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash is widely known for his simplistic yet catchy songwriting and singing. Like many of his songs, this tune is one of the best karaoke songs around. The song was released in 1963 and is a great beginner song for singers.

Cash has many tunes that relate to beginners, mostly because his singing style is quite simplistic and reachable. One good practice session and this one will be down on your repertoire. Plus, it’s a very catchy tune to learn.

25. “Fields Of Gold” by Sting

How can we miss out on Sting? His song “Fields Of Gold” is a classic for a reason. The song was released in 1993 on his ‘Ten Summoner’s Tales’ album. Sting might have a slightly higher pitch, but that doesn’t mean you have to keep to the original key. Try singing it with your natural pitch.

“Fields Of Gold” is a truly mesmerizing song. Despite being a beginner-friendly tune, you will surely have fun with this one. Having this under your belt, you can try mastering the track and showcase it in front of family and friends. It will most likely turn some heads.

26. “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” by Joan Jett

At one point in time, almost everyone was singing along to Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll”. This catchy cover caught the world by storm and the song is still popular even today. The original song was released in 1975 by the Arrows, Joan covered the song in 1981 and it became her most successful track.

When it comes to beginner-friendly songs, this one falls under the category. It’s the perfect tune to help build confidence when singing while also adding variety to your repertoire. With all-too-familiar and easy lyrics, this makes for one of the most overplayed and easy karaoke songs.

27. “Sk8er Boi” by Avril Lavigne

We all know Avril Lavigne, probably from her hit track “Complicated”. She does, however, have some other interesting songs and hits, like “Sk8er Boi”. The song was released in 2002 on her album “Let Go”. Avril had a knack for writing catchy and easy-to-sing songs.

When it comes to the singing difficulty, this tune falls on the list of easy songs without question. For female singers, this will be a walk in the park. For male singers, however, you would need to adjust your pitch and sing with your natural voice. Don’t try to mimic too much as the overall pitch will likely be too high for you.

28. “Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber is behind some great songs over the years. The once lovable teenage kid took the world by storm and hasn’t stopped since. His song “Love Yourself” is a great beginner song to sing to develop confidence and find your comfort zone when doing so.

The song was released in 2015 and certainly finds itself on the list of popular karaoke songs. While the overall singing style is pretty straightforward, if you want a challenge, you can try singing the harmonies. Plus, you can enjoy the amazing music video while you’re at it.

29. “Love Song” by Sara Bareilles

Sara Bareilles is a famous american singer who has put out her fair share of hits. Her song “Love Song” is a catchy yet simple tune you can learn to sing. The song was released in 2007 and finds itself on her debut album “Little Voice”.

Most beginners will find this song pretty easy, the only tricky part might be the chorus as it would require some higher notes. Female voices, on the other hand, will get this one down in no time.

30. “Stay” by Rihanna

Rihanna is known for her catchy yet simply sung hits. Her song “Stay” is one of her most popular ones but don’t be intimidated as it is pretty easy to grasp. It was released in 2013 and since then, it is frequently sung on any given karaoke night.

In terms of difficulty, everything is pretty straightforward up until the chorus. The chorus will require some sustained notes but nothing too difficult. If you want to improve your vocal performance, you can try stringing along with the lyrics and prolonging the notes to improve your overall singing.

31. “Hometown Glory” by Adele

Adele is known for her amazing vocals and overall vocal range, but, don’t be intimidated just yet. Even though she has produced some powerful vocal performances, her song “Hometown Glory” might just be within your reach, especially for females.

What makes this song beginner-friendly is the overall tempo of the song. You have time to adjust and produce the notes required. Granted, there are a few instances where you have to shift to a smooth falsetto, but other than that, with some practice, you can do it.

32. “Let It Be” by The Beatles

The Beatles are here again. This time with the timeless hit known as “Let It Be”. If you’ve ever been to a karaoke bar, you have likely stumbled upon someone singing this memorable tune. The song was released in 1970 under the same name album.

“Let It Be” is not only a beginner-friendly song but a very popular one as well. Learning this will be a cakewalk and will certainly turn heads. Try covering the song with your natural voice and then give the harmonies a shot. Expand your vocal knowledge and try different versions as well.

33. “Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics

This all-so-memorable tune was released in 1983 by the British duo – Eurythmics. The song “Sweet Dreams” went on to break plateaus, it landed on the #2 spot on the British charts and the #1 spot in America. This upbeat masterpiece is surely a familiar one so you probably already know it, which is a plus.

Vocal-wise, it doesn’t have any complex vocals and can be sung with ease. Just get the pitch right, depending on your voice type, and you can have it down in no time.

34. “Blowin’ In The Wind” by Bob Dylan

Bob Dylan is a mesmerizing singer who is behind some simple yet very popular and catchy tunes. You probably remember this if you’ve watched the movie “Forrest Gump”. The song “Blowin’ In The Wind” was released in 1963 and finds itself on Rolling Stones’ 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time list.

Despite being on the list, don’t be afraid. This is a simply sung tune that almost anyone can sing with ease. The lack of high notes might be a relief for most. It’s a pretty straightforward tune that will make you sound like a pro.

35. “Fly Me To The Moon” by Frank Sinatra

You should remember “Fly Me To The Moon”, covered by Frank Sinatra. Although not originally written for him, it was Sinatra that propelled the song to new heights. The original was released in 1954 and written by Bart Howard.

Difficulty-wise, the song is fairly simple and has room for improvising some notes. Aside from that, you will have a really fun time trying this tune-out and will likely have a head-turner when you’re done. This is surely among many people’s favorite songs.

36. “Hit The Road Jack” by Ray Charles

There is no question that adults or even teens recognize this tune. If you’ve watched the movie, or have listened to a bit of music, you already know all about the great Ray Charles. “Hit The Road Jack” is one of his if not the most famous songs. It was released in 1961.

Aside from the backing female vocals, there should not be a hiccup anywhere within this song. The lyrics are easy and the overall pitch is simple to follow. If you want to test your limits, you can give the backing vocals a shot as well.

37. “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz

This soft guitar melody is all too familiar at this point. Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” was, at a time, a hugely overplayed song. The song was released in 2008 and was nominated for Song of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the Grammy Awards.

The entire song screams ‘simplicity’. It’s even better if you have an acoustic guitar around. You can learn to sing this simple tune and play it at the same time. Take your time and try to keep with the rhythm, let the vocals flow and you will get it down.

38. “Hurt” by Johnny Cash

Another Johnny Cash tune that is simple, easy to learn, and very memorable. “Hurt” is a widely used song, you might have come across it in countless movies and TV shows. The song was originally by Nine Inch Nails but it was Cash who made it popular in 2003.

There is little to no complexity with these vocals. A natural pitch and chest voice will get you through the track with ease. It is one of the easiest karaoke songs around.

39. “Chasing Cars” by Snow Patrol

“Chasing Cars” is another ideal song for beginners. Snow Patrol achieved huge success because of this memorable tune. It was originally released in 2006 and managed to climb up to the top 5 on the UK and US singles charts.

Due to the mellow and low tempo of the song, it is fairly easy to follow up with your vocals. The song has room to breathe and take one note at a time. Because of the huge success, you probably already know the lyrics, so, half the work is done.

40. “Wake Me Up When September Ends” by Green Day

If you’ve ever been a teen, you were most likely a fan of Green Day. “Wake Me Up When September Ends” is a very famous song by Green Day and can still be found playing on the radio. The song was released in 2003 and reached great heights on the US singles chart. It also performed really well in Australia and Europe.

Aside from the guitar-driven melodies and distortion, this is a fairly simple track to sing along to. The lyrics are familiar and the overall pitch is easy to get. Your chest voice should suffice and stick within your natural register of notes.

41. “The Scientist” by Coldplay

Coldplay needs no introduction whatsoever. Their hit song “The Scientist” is a widely accepted and hugely famous track, particularly because of the easy-to-play-and-follow piano melody. The song was released in 2002 and performed great across different countries.

If you’re into slow ballads, this piano-driven piece will be a fun experience. Female singers will have a very easy time due to the higher pitch of the song. Male singers, on the other hand, will have to nail down those falsettos to truly bring this track to life.

42. “One Call Away” by Charlie Puth

Charlie Puth, famously known for having ‘perfect pitch’, is a hit machine, to say the least. Most likely everyone knows “One Call Away”. It was released in 2015 and still has a spot on most radios across the globe.

Vocal-wise, this is a higher-pitched song for male singers. Female singers will unlikely have any trouble but male singers will have to belt out some slightly higher notes to grasp this song. You can try bringing the song down an octave to be within your range, apart from that, it should be easy.

43. “Karma Chameleon” by Boy George

Taking a turn back to arguably the most fun time in music history – the 80s. Boy George’s “Karma Chameleon” was released in 1983. It’s likely that you may hear this song on the radio even today, it is one of the more catchy tunes produced at the time.

Aside from the high-pitched backing vocals, the original pitch and melody are easy to follow. The rhythm will make this song a fun experience to learn. There should be anything too hard with this tune.

44. “Save Tonight” by Eagle-Eye Cherry

There is not a guitarist alive today who hasn’t learned “Save Tonight” because of the simple chord progression. This memorable song by Eagle-Eye Cherry was released in 1997 and is still heard on any given karaoke or sing-along night.

Guitars aside, the vocals are pretty straightforward. Any beginner will likely grasp this song within minutes of trying it. If you have an accompanying vocal, they can try and give you some of the harmonies to truly bring this song to life.

45. “All The Small Things” by Blink-182

Hailing from the all-too-familiar punk scene, Blink-182 was behind some memorable bangers. Most notably, “All The Small Things” is probably at the top of the list. The song was released in 2000 and it’s best described as really catchy and simple, in the words of the band.

This is a fun song to learn for sure. The carefree approach is what makes this song shine. The lyrics are fun, to say the least, and the vocals should be within anyone’s reach.

46. “Losing My Religion” by R.E.M.

Going back to the 90s, R.E.M. produced one of the most memorable songs in music history. “Losing My Religion” spread across the globe in spectacular fashion. The song was officially released in 1991 and won a few awards along the way. Performing great in any given country.

Any beginner singer can have a go at this tune. The lyrics are very familiar to most and the song is very simple to follow. Keep within your reach and try to maybe stretch the notes to maybe test yourself a bit more.

47. “Royals” by Lorde

“Royals” is another beginner-friendly tune to learn to sing. Lorde released this song in 2013 and since then, it has found a place on most radio stations.

Starting with a somewhat low note, then progressing to a more natural singing pitch, you should have any trouble along the way. Even without instrumentation, this tune sounds very appealing when sung acapella. Give it a try.

48. “How To Save A Life” by The Fray

Most of you know The Fray by their oh-so-memorable song “How To Save A Life”. The Fray released their most-sold single back in 2006. This is behind the band’s huge success and you obviously see why. It’s a very catchy song that easily causes earworms.

Keeping to your natural vocal register might be your best bet here. Don’t overdo it with really high or really low notes because the song does not need them. Belt out that chest voice to the best of your abilities and you will be fine.

49. “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster The People

“Pumped Up Kicks”, despite its controversial lyrics, took the world by storm and is still a very famous song. Foster The People have many hits in their register, but, none come close to this tune. It was released in 2010 and climbed the charts fast.

Due to the huge popularity of this song, you probably already know the lyrics. It’s a very simple tune that does not require difficult notes to be produced. You can easily follow along and have a head-turner after the learning process.

50. “Little Talks” by Of Monsters And Men

Finishing off this list is a very popular indie-folk tune. “Little Talks” by Of Monsters And Men reached numerous heights and was frequently used in commercials, movies, and TV shows. The song was released in 2011 and propelled the band further to reach global success.

The two-vocal route was arguably made popular again by this group in recent years. Frequently employing two vocals, one male, and one female, their songs are catchy. You can try singing in your natural register and you will likely have an easy time. The chorus, however, might require some additional high notes to get it right.

Final Thoughts

If you are truly serious about singing, then before you decide to perform or practice any of these songs, you must remember to warm up your vocal cords with a few exercises. Remember that the more you practice, the more your range and capacity to hold a note will increase.

It is also important to choose a song that you genuinely enjoy singing. For what it’s worth, even professional singers start from ground zero and have had bad days in their careers. So don’t feel scared to belt out those notes!