The Top 10 ‘Must-Play’ Sing-alongs for Private Parties

We’ve all been there: the party is starting to wind down, or perhaps it’s just hitting its peak, and then that song comes on. You know the one. Suddenly, conversation stops, drinks are raised like rhythmic torches, and every person in the room becomes a world-class vocalist (at least in their own head).

A great singalong is more than just a catchy tune; it’s social glue. Whether you’re hosting a birthday bash, a wedding after-party, or a cozy housewarming in 2026, these ten tracks are the guaranteed "crowd-igniters" that turn a gathering into an event. Our top 5 are basically essentials of the gig that are pretty much guaranteed to get played during the night.

1. Queen – "Bohemian Rhapsody"

The undisputed heavyweight champion of sing-alongs. It’s not just a song; it’s a three-act play. From the operatic "Galileos" to the inevitable Wayne’s World-style headbanging during the guitar solo, this track invites everyone to participate in the drama.

• The Moment: When the room collectively screams, "I see a little silhouetto of a man!"

2. Neil Diamond – "Sweet Caroline"

This song is scientifically engineered to make people shout. It’s the ultimate "low barrier to entry" track—even if someone doesn’t know the verses, they know exactly what to do when the chorus hits.

• The Moment: The three emphatic horn blasts (or "BA-BA-BA!") followed by the shouted "So good! So good! So good!"

  
  

3. Billy Joel – "Piano Man"

Perfect for the "sentimental" stage of the night. "Piano Man" has a way of making a room full of strangers feel like old friends at a dive bar. It’s melodic, rhythmic, and strangely comforting.

• The Moment: The swaying chorus that starts with, "Sing us a song, you're the piano man..."

  
  

4. Journey – "Don't Stop Believin'"

If "Bohemian Rhapsody" is the drama, this is the anthem of pure hope. It’s the highest-selling digital track of the 20th century for a reason. Everyone knows the story of the city boy and the small-town girl.

• The Moment: That soaring, final chorus where everyone tries (and usually fails) to hit the high notes.

  
  

5. Bon Jovi – "Livin' on a Prayer"

This is one of the few songs where we don't do it quite the same as the recording. The opening starts with these strings and then the unforgettable bass line comes in. For us, though, we start right with the chorus to get everyone singing.

• The Moment: The key change. You know the one. When Jon Bon Jovi goes up, and the whole party tries to follow him into the stratosphere.

When the band starts playing "Livin' on a Prayer"

6. The Killers – "Mr. Brightside"

For the Millennials and Gen Z-ers in the room, this is the national anthem. It has a frenetic energy that instantly clears the "cool" from the room and replaces it with pure, unadulterated angst-fueled joy, and with 2nd verse being an exact copy of the first, it's easy to get people to sing even during the verse.

• The Moment: The opening guitar riff. Before a single word is sung, the energy in the room shifts.

  
  

7. ABBA – "Dancing Queen"

Few songs are as universally loved as this disco masterpiece. It’s impossible to be in a bad mood while singing "Dancing Queen." It appeals across generations, from grandmothers to toddlers. This is the perfect song for some crowd interaction by having them play the tambourine.

• The Moment: The very first piano glissando at the start of the track.

  
  

8. Oasis – "Wonderwall"

The "acoustic guitar" anthem that survived a thousand memes to remain a top-tier singalong. It’s mid-tempo, easy to sing, and carries a heavy dose of 90s nostalgia.

• The Moment: When the drums kick in for the chorus: "Because maybe... you're gonna be the one that saves me."

9. Whitney Houston – "I Wanna Dance with Somebody"

This is the "get everyone on the floor" song. It’s pure pop perfection. While no one can actually sing like Whitney, the collective effort of a room trying to match her energy is a sight to behold. This isn't only a great sing-along, but a perfect song to get people dancing.

• The Moment: The bridge leading into the final, explosive chorus.

  
  

10. The Beatles – "Hey Jude"

The perfect closer. If you want to end your party on a high note (literally), this is the way to do it. It’s a slow build that leads to the most famous outro in music history.

• The Moment: The four-minute "Na-na-na-nanana-na" finale. It’s the only time it’s acceptable for a song to last seven minutes.
  

Honorable Mention

4 Non-blondes – "What's Up"

I'm going to add one of my all-time favorites that pretty much never fails. What's Up by 4 Non-Blondes is one of those songs that somehow everyone knows. Even people who usually don't sing along will get those vocal chords going during the chorus.

• The Moment: "And I said...Heeeeeeyyyyy!"