by Jason Dydynski
It is the end of the party, the bar is closing, things are winding down, and you need a song that’s memorable or impressive. Obviously the mood of the party will determine the style and genre but there are a few tunes that work great. Here are 15 last call karaoke songs that are popular or at least suitable for the end of the night!
By the end of the night people are often tipsy, drunk, rowdy, and of course exhausted all at the same time. Don’t sing anything too slow nor a song that needs a follow up. The best last call songs are often fun group hits or perhaps attempts at telling someone your true feelings – get some tips on building your confidence as a singer here. Read the party and pick something that will be appropriate!
1. Closing Time – Semisonic
This is the most popular so let’s get it out of the way! The lead songwriter for the band Semisonic wrote this as a final piece to play for their set in the 90’s. The only problem is it’s so popular that someone may beat you to it! In fact enough people may want to sing it that you can do an ensemble.
Sing Closing Time karaoke here.
2. Cheers (Drink To That)
This is another popular last call song by Rhianna that many patrons will be familiar with! Especially if you are in a party, bar, or pub scenario this can be a great way for ending the night with one last drink. Cheers!
Sing Cheers (Drink To That) karaoke here.
3. We Are Young – Fun.
This song by fun. featuring Janelle Monáe is another modern classic that people love to play or sing at the end of the night. Of course it works better as a duet or group song, but that’s fine as many people often will sing along!
Sing We Are Young karaoke here.
4. Tubthumping – Chumbawumba
This bar and pub classic by Chumbawumba has been a common last call song since the 90’s. It requires little singing skill, can be done by multiple people, and usually the whole bar will sing along as most people know it. If you are feeling really silly you can attempt both the male and female sections, it has been done. Oh Danny Boy!
Sing Tubthumping karaoke here.
5. One Way Or Another – Blondie
This late 70s Blondie hit is fun and energetic. It may not be just about closing time but it still fits great as a final song. It doesn’t require amazing singing skills and you may just be trying to get someone’s attention; this song will do the trick.
Sing One Way Or Another karaoke here.
6. Wishful Drinking – Ingrid Andress, Sam Hunt
This is a more recent song by Ingrid Andress and Sam Hunt. It’s not as upbeat as some of the others on the list but it’s a great duet to close the night to a good party. We will see it here in a decade or two if it holds up over time!
Sing Wishful Drinking karaoke here.
7. We Are Family – Sister Sledge
This is another classic party and set list closer, even the movie The Birdcage uses it at the end! Sister Sledge wrote a catchy hit that everyone likes to sing along with regardless of skill and most people will know the words to it! And even if they don’t they will still likely get up and dance.
Sing We Are Family karaoke here.
8. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
Like “Closing Time” and “Sweet Caroline” this is a very common karaoke tune, the key is whether you can pull it off. Belting it out like Steve Perry isn’t easy! If you really want to end the party right, try to fade straight out like the ending of The Sopranos!
Sing Don’t Stop Believin’ karaoke here.
9. The Closing Song – Red Peters
If you can sing like a lounge singer then this Red Peters song might be ok. We say might because it does have some adult language, but if you are out partying and drinking that may not matter. This song is a great way to get people up and moving at last call as it directly tells them to go!
10. Take Me Home Tonight – Eddie Money
Eddie Money has many perfect songs for karaoke and this one is a great way to end the night. But like Journey, Eddie Money has some singing chops, so make sure you have the power to pull this tune off and you may just impress the person you want to take you home!
Sing Take Me Home Tonight karaoke here.
11. Give Me One Reason – Tracy Chapman
While this Tracy Chapman hit may be a potential goodbye to a relationship it works just as well at the end of the party. It’s upbeat, but also a tune about moving on. This is another vocalist that has a powerful soul voice so it’s a potential hit to show off your own talents.
Sing Give Me One Reason karaoke here.
12. The Party’s Over – Willie Nelson
If you have a country voice, this Willie Nelson classic is a fantastic way to wind the night down. It is a catchy tune and shouldn’t be too hard for most people to sing. And it is suitable and known by most crowds, especially the older generations.
13. Waterloo
Most ABBA hits are common for karaoke and Waterloo does reference the final battle of Napoleon so this song is also where you will make your final stand! It can be sung by one person or even a group at the end of the night.
Sing Waterloo karaoke here.
14. Last Call
This is another recent hit by Will Linley, so it may not be as well known but it is clearly suitable for being the final song of the night. This song is also great because it references other last call hits, including one of the bands on this list!
15. Shake It Off – Taylor Swift
Like the lyrics say, Taylor stays out too late! So maybe end the night with an upbeat number that most people know. If you are a Swift fan this song shouldn’t be too hard. End the party by shaking it all off!
Sing Shake It Off karaoke here.
If you have any trouble with these songs, you might want to give singing lessons a try and take your voice to the next level!
There you have 15 “last call” songs that are mostly suitable for any occasion. By the end of the night your vocals may not be doing that great so you want to keep it fun and simple. Leave the crowd with a smile, happy thought, or at least a memorable tune to tide them over until the next party! If you can't wait that long be sure to check out Singa to sing all your favorite karaoke songs at home.
