Photo: Getty
It doesn't matter whether you've got vocal chops or you sound like a dead chicken when you sing — who doesn't love a little lip-sync action? And here's the best part: you can jam out to a song while you lip-sync in the shower, at a friend's bachelorette party, or at work when the office gets dull.
Lip-syncing is probably one of the most fun things you can do that won't completely offend someone's listening ears, like that other fun activity: karaoke.
Learn from the best and improve your lip-syncing skills by watching Jimmy Fallon's battle with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Out of all the celebrities who have competed on the "Lip Sync Battle," The Rock has the best performance by far!
Of course, the key to a great lip-sync is picking the best song for your vocal range. Good lip-syncing songs are high-energy hits that you can have fun with, like Beyoncé's "Single Ladies," Miley Cyrus's "Wrecking Ball," or Bonnie Tyler's "Holding Out For A Hero" (we suggest watching "Shrek 2" for inspiration on that one).
So, whether you're young or old, rich or poor, dive into this list of the 50 best songs for a lip-sync battle and pick your next shower concert lineup.
Here are the 50 best lip-sync songs to make it look like you're killing it on the mic.
Lip-sync songs for channeling your inner diva...
1. "Respect" by Aretha Franklin
The queen of soul, may she rest in peace, just brings out our inner strong woman with this song, each and every time. What person, man or woman, can't relate to the feeling of being disrespected or taken for granted? That's what makes this song so amazing.
What you want / Baby, I got it
What you need / Do you know I got it
All I'm askin' / Is for a little respect when you get home (just a little bit)
2. "What's Love Got To Do With It" by Tina Turner
Being vulnerable is hard, so sing this anthem when you're feeling utterly terrified at the idea of being hurt. Let's not forget the amazing music video, where Tina showed off those legs of hers. This song got her back on the charts and noticed in a really good kind of way.
What's love got to do, got to do with it / What's love but a second-hand emotion
What's love got to do, got to do with it / Who needs a heart when a heart can be broken
3. "Holding Out For A Hero" by Bonnie Tyler
If you want to cry out your need for a man that just makes you feel secure, this is the song to do it! Of course, you could always be your own hero. I hope you've got a cape handy.
I need a hero / I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light
He's gotta be sure / And it's gotta be soon
And he's gotta be larger than life
4. "Ain't No Other Man" by Christina Aguilera
Praise, praise, and praise that special man in your life, from the comfort of your car or shower. Tiny but mighty, Christina's pipes are perfect for this song, so stick to the lip-syncing, please.
Ain't no other man that can stand up next to you / Ain't no other man on the planet does what you do
You're the kinda guy a girl finds in a blue moon / You got soul, you got class, you got style, you're badass
Ain't no other man, it's true / Ain't no other man but you
5. "Single Ladies (Put A Ring on It)" by Beyoncé
Tired of commitment-phobes and wishy-washy dudes? Waiting for someone to commit to you in a big kind of way is frustrating, but that's why there's always Beyoncé to back you up.
'Cause if you like it, then you shoulda put a ring on it / If you like it, then you shoulda put a ring on it
Don't be mad once you see that he want it / If you like it, then you shoulda put a ring on it
6. "I'm Coming Out" by Diana Ross
Got a little LGBT pride? Showing off your divorce papers? Graduating into the real world? Whatever your "big change" or introduction is, sing it — the new you is here to stay!
There's a new me coming out / And I just had to live
And I want to give / I'm completely positive
7. "The Greatest Love of All" by Whitney Houston
It's your moment, so let your dramatic airs and passion for the music come through with this powerful song. A timeless classic, this song has so much meaning. Self-love is everything.
I decided long ago / Never to walk in anyone's shadows
If I fail, if I succeed / At least I'll live as I believe
No matter what they take from me / They can't take away my dignity
Because the greatest love of all is happening to me
Lip-sync songs to rock out to...
8. "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen
There isn't a lyric in this song that isn't deliciously fun to sing! If you can hit the notes, more power to you, but the dramatics are way more fun. All hail Queen!
I'm just a poor boy and nobody loves me
He's just a poor boy from a poor family / Spare him his life from this monstrosity
Easy come easy go will you let me go?
Bismillah! No we will not let you go (Let him go!)
Bismillah! No we will not let you go (Let him go!)
9. "Rock and Roll All Nite" by Kiss
Jam out to this oldie, but goodie, preferably with friends! Leave the makeup at home, though, unless you've got a pro on hand. If so, by all means.
You show us everything you've got / You keep on dancin' and the room gets hot
You drive us wild, we'll drive you crazy
You say you wanna go for a spin / The party's just begun, we'll let you in
You drive us wild, we'll drive you crazy
You keep on shoutin', you keep on shoutin'
10. "It's My Life" by Bon Jovi
Own and embrace who you are with this meaningful rock ditty sung by the always handsome Jon Bon Jovi. No one wants to be told how to live, so rock this song.
It's my life / It's now or never
I ain't gonna live forever / I just want to live while I'm alive (It's my life)
My heart is like an open highway / Like Frankie said I did it my way
I just want to live while I'm alive / It's my life
11. "Semi-Charmed Life" by Third Eye Blind
This nineties rock jam is worth lip-syncing with a group, beer in hand, and underneath a summer night sky. There's something about this song that feels like college life, late nights, and making out — in a good kind of way.
I want something else / To get me through this
Semi-charmed kind of life
I want something else / I'm not listening when you say
Good-bye
12. "We Are The Champions" by Queen
Freddie Mercury is one of the best male vocalists ever, period. Queen made the kind of music that made even the worst singers can sing out loud, and proud.
I've paid my dues / Time after time
I've done my sentence / But committed no crime
And bad mistakes / I've made a few
I've had my share of sand kicked in my face / But I've come through
We are the champions, my friends
And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end
13. "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
Don't even hold back for a second with this song. And a party bonus? You can envision the end of The Sopranos while you're rocking out, too. Even the worst singers should feel free to sing off-key to this one. Steve Perry would appreciate it, and maybe come out from hiding.
Strangers waiting up and down the boulevard
Their shadows searching in the night
Streetlights, people
Living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the night
Lip-sync songs to celebrate the 1980s...
14. "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper
There's nothing like Cyndi to lift your mood and own your girl power. She is the ultimate mood-lifter in everyway. This song shattered the charts and still is just as infectious, decades later.
I come home in the morning light / My mother says, "When you gonna live your life right?"
Oh mother dear, we're not the fortunate ones
And girls, they wanna have fun / Oh, girls just wanna have fun
15. "Take on Me" by a-ha
You had no idea what the words were when you first heard this song, and the truth is it doesn't really matter, because neither did the members of the Norwegian band a-ha. This is the ultimate eighties jam, people! The best thing about it was the video, which was so unique for its time.
We're talking away / I don't know what I'm about to say
I'll say it anyway / Today's another day to find you
Shying away / I'll be coming for your love, okay?
Take on me (Take on me) / Take me on (Take on me)
16. "When Doves Cry" by Prince
We're merely peasants when we sing any of the Purple One's songs, but this one is just so good. It's sexy, sweaty and sensual. Just take it easy unless you're singing it to someone in private.
How can you just leave me standing / Alone in a world that's so cold
Maybe I'm just too demanding / Maybe I'm just like my father, too bold
Maybe you're just like my mother / She's never satisfied
Why do we scream at each other?
This is what it sounds like when doves cry
17. "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston
This song is every lady's cry on the dance floor and in her heart, so let those lips unfurl another by the late Whitney Houston. If you've got no rhythm, that's okay. Just make sure you shake it as you sync.
I've done alright up to now / It's the light of day that shows me how
And when the night falls, loneliness calls
Oh, I wanna dance with somebody / I wanna feel the heat with somebody
Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody / With somebody who loves me
Lip-sync songs that make you want to be a hip-hop star...
18. "Hot In Herre" by Nelly
You may be completely uncool, but you'll feel dope lip-syncing to this millennial favorite. I'm still not sure why Nelly needed the double "R" in "herre," but whatever. He's got us hooked!
I was like, good gracious, a— is bodacious (uhh) / Flirtacious, tryin' to show patience
I'm waitin' for the right time to shoot my steez (you know) / Waitin' for the right time to flash them keys, then uhh
I'm leavin, please believe in — ohhh!
Me and the rest of my heathens / Check it, got it locked at the top of the Four Seasons
Penthouse, roof top, birds I'm feedin'
19. "Nuthin' but a G Thang” by Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg
Rolling around like it's summertime without a care in the world, singing Dre and Snoop. Grab someone to join in with you because this isn't a solo diddy.
One, two, three and to the fo' / Snoop Doggy Dogg and Dr. Dre is at the do'
Ready to make an entrance, so back on up / 'Cause you know about to rip sh— up
Gimme the microphone first, so I can bust like a bubble / Compton and Long Beach together, now you know you in trouble
Ain't nothin' but a "G" thang, baby
20. "It's Tricky" by Run D.M.C
Shell toes on, big shirt to match, and dope chains to boot. Even if you're the worst rapper, you won't mess up this classic.
I met this little girlie, her hair was kinda curly
Went to her house and bust her out, I had to leave real early
These girls are really sleazy, all they just say is please me
Or spend some time and rock a rhyme, I said "It's not that easy"
It's tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time
It's tricky (How is it D?) It's tricky (Tricky) tricky (Tricky)
21. "In Da Club" by 50 Cent
Produced by Dr. Dre himself, this is a hip-hop fave. Be sure to sing/lip-sync this with an adult crowd only.
Go shorty, it's your birthday / We gonna party like it's your birthday
We gonna sip Bacardi like it's your birthday / And you know we don't give a f— it's not your birthday
22. "Juicy" by The Notorious B.I.G
Rest in peace Biggie, you still crush it. There's not a song of Biggie's that wouldn't be worth lip-syncing, because he really was a king.
It was all a dream, I used to read Word Up! magazine
Salt-n-Pepa and Heavy D up in the limousine
Hangin' pictures on my wall
Every Saturday Rap Attack, Mr. Magic, Marley Marl
I let my tape rock 'til my tape popped
Smokin' weed in Bambu, sippin' on Private Stock
Way back, when I had the red and black lumberjack
With the hat to match
Lip-sync songs that are way too fun...
23. "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen
You know you know all the lyrics, even though you hate to admit it. This song is too catchy, and now it'll be in your head all day long.
Hey, I just met you and this is crazy / But here's my number, so call me maybe
It's hard to look right at you baby / But here's my number, so call me maybe
24. "Bad Blood" by Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar
Taylor Swift had to make this list once, so don't shoot the messenger. This is one of those songs you feel bad knowing the words to, although Taylor's got some good ones in her arsenal.
‘Cause, baby, now we've got bad blood / You know it used to be mad love
So take a look what you've done / ‘Cause, baby, now we've got bad blood, hey!
Now we've got problems / And I don't think we can solve 'em
You made a really deep cut / And, baby, now we've got bad blood, hey!
25. "I'm Too Sexy" by Right Said Fred
I mean, you're a model... you know what I mean? The most ridiculous and fun song of the nineties, feel free to lip-sync to your heart's desire.
I'm too sexy for my shirt / Too sexy for my shirt
So sexy it hurts
And I'm too sexy for Milan / Too sexy for Milan
New York, and Japan
I'm too sexy for your party / Too sexy for your party
No way I'm disco dancing
26. "Beat It" by Michael Jackson
This song brings out the bada— in everyone, even if you're a quiet, mousy kind of person.
You better run, you better do what you can
Don't want to see no blood, don't be a macho man
You want to be tough, better do what you can
So beat it, but you want to be bad
27. "Creep" by TLC
Oh, the nineties ladies were so fine! You can't go wrong with any of TLC's songs. They were a tight act and a great girl group.
I'll never leave him down / Though I might mess around
It's only 'cause I need some affection, oh
So I creep, yeah, just keep it on the down low / Said nobody is supposed to know
So I creep, yeah, cause he doesn't know what I do / And no attention goes to show, oh so I creep
28. "Say My Name" by Destiny's Child
Call him out with this one that you'll always remember the lyrics to. This could make for a really powerful karaoke jam as well.
Say my name, say my name
If no one is around you / Say baby I love you
If you ain't runnin' game
Say my name, say my name
You actin' kinda shady / Ain't callin' me baby
Why the sudden change?
29. "Hound Dog" by Elvis Presley
If you can do the lip curl too, you're in! This classic song is just one of many reasons people loved Elvis and those blue eyes.
You ain't nothin' but a hound dog / Cryin' all the time
You ain't nothin' but a hound dog / Cryin' all the time
Well, you ain't never caught a rabbit and you ain't no friend of mine
Lip-sync songs that make you want to cry...
30. "Have I Told You Lately" by Rod Stewart
Can you slow dance and lip-sync at the same time? This song is a sweet and heartfelt classic.
Have I told you lately that I love you? Have I told you there's no one else above you?
Fill my heart with gladness, take away all my sadness / Ease my troubles, that's what you do
31. "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers
Admit it — there's a part of you that dies each and every time you hear this song. You might also crack some windows trying to sing it, but who cares? This classic is one you'll never forget.
Oh, my love, my darling
I've hungered for your touch / A long, lonely time
Time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much / Are you still mine?
I need your love
32. "When A Man Loves A Woman" by Percy Sledge
Imagine the kind of man that exists in songs... and in your car... as you're singing and driving down the highway. If you've found that kind of man in real life, congrats.
When a man loves a woman / Can't keep his mind on nothin' else
He'd trade the world / For a good thing he's found
If she is bad, he can't see it / She can do no wrong
Turn his back on his best friend / If he puts her down
33. "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion
This song was played and played until it sunk (Hahaha! Because "Titanic" — get it?). It's still a great song, even if it was played to death. Celine's love songs are one of a kind. She really knows her ballads.
Near, far, wherever you are / I believe that the heart does go on
Once more you open the door / And you're here in my heart
And my heart will go on and on
34. "Through The Years" by Kenny Rogers
Good old Kenny Rogers and this standard won't let you down. Sentimental and kind, this is a goodie.
Through the years / You've never let me down
You turned my life around / The sweetest days I've found
I've found with you
Through the years / I've never been afraid
I've loved the life we've made / And I'm so glad I've stayed
Right here with you
Through the years
35. "You're The Inspiration" by Chicago
Ready to weep like a baby? Then this lip-sync song is for you. Chicago has probably been played at millions and millions of weddings.
You're the meaning in my life / You're the inspiration
You bring feeling to my life / You're the inspiration
Want to have you near me / I want to have you hear me saying
No one needs you more than I need you
36. "Something" by The Beatles
What's a list of the best lip-sync songs without the Beatles? Paul sings this one, and it's the perfect love song.
Something in the way she moves / Attracts me like no other lover
Something in the way she woos me
I don't want to leave her now / You know I believe and how
Songs that bring a little country to your life...
37. "Achy Breaky Heart" by Billy Ray Cyrus
Grab your dog, your sad stories and a mic. If you love country, Billy Ray is it!
But don't tell my heart / My achy breaky heart
I just don't think he'd understand
And if you tell my heart / My achy breaky heart
He might blow up and kill this man
38. "Amazed" by Lonestar
Country nails love on the head, each time. This song is touching even for those of us who wouldn't be caught dead in a cowboy hat.
I don't know how you do what you do / I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side / Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do / Baby, I'm amazed by you
39. "Friends In Low Places" by Garth Brooks
Kick back and make it mellow with a bit of Brooks. It's also not cheesy like some of the other top country hits of his time.
'Cause I've got friends in low places / Where the whiskey drowns
And the beer chases my blues away / And I'll be okay
I'm not big on social graces / Think I'll slip on down to the oasis
Oh, I've got friends in low places
40. "Why'd You Come In Here Lookin' Like That" by Dolly Parton
Dolly is a tough act to follow. She's brassy, bold, and this one is something every lady can relate to. Doesn't it suck when that bad boy just has a grip on you. Honor Dolly well, okay?
Why'd you come in here lookin' like that / In your cowboy boots and your painted-on jeans
All decked out like a cowgirl's dream
Why'd you come in here looking like that / Here comes my baby
Draggin' my heart behind / He's drivin' me crazy
Lips-sync songs that are great old-school classics...
41. "ABC" by The Jackson 5
A classic, feel-good song to uplift anyone around you, including yourself. Make sure you have an audience, though; otherwise, it didn't count.
A B C / It's easy as, 1 2 3
As simple as, do re mi / A B C, 1 2 3
Baby, you and me girl
42. "You Can't Hurry Love" by The Supremes
This song has lyrics that ring so true and kill us to be so patient. Love comes in its time, but we all wish it would come when we want it to.
I need love, love / To ease my mind
I need to find, find someone to call mine / But mama said
You can't hurry love / No, you just have to wait
She said love don't come easy / It's a game of give and take
43. "My Girl" by The Temptations
A song so sweet about a love so simple and honest. A slow dance, a slow jam... a song on a summer night. Whenever or wherever the mood strikes you, this song grabs you right in the heart.
I've got sunshine on a cloudy day / When it's cold outside I've got the month of May
Well I guess you'd say / What can make me feel this way?
My girl (my girl, my girl) / Talkin' 'bout my girl (my girl)
44. "Hooked On A Feeling" by Björn Skifs and Blue Swede
This is one of those songs that gets stuck in your head and repeats again and again. You've probably jammed out to it at a bar with your friends or sang it at a wedding at least ten times.
I can't stop this feeling / Deep inside of me
Girl, you just don't realize / What you do to me
When you hold me / In your arms so tight
You let me know / Everything's all right
And I-I-I-I-I I'm hooked on a feeling
I'm high on believing / That you're in love with me
45. "I Say A Little Prayer For You" by Aretha Franklin
Aretha had to make the list twice. Plus, this song is a classic that just about everyone loves!
The moment I wake up / Before I put on my makeup
I say a little prayer for you
And while I'm combing my hair now / And wondering what dress to wear now
I say a little prayer for you
Forever, forever, you'll stay in my heart / And I will love you
Forever and ever we never will part / Oh, how I'll love you
Together, together, that's how it must be / To live without you would only be heartbreak for me
Lip-sync songs that bring on the funk, reggae, and R&B
46. "I Got You (I Feel Good)" by James Brown
The godfather of soul can be brought to life wherever you feel like getting your song on. This one just never gets old. Never!
Whoa! I feel good, I knew that I would, now
I feel good, I knew that I would, now
So good, so good, I got you
Whoa! I feel nice, like sugar and spice
I feel nice, like sugar and spice
So nice, so nice, I got you
47. "Kiss" by Prince & The Revolution
Jam out while you're in the tub, a la Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. Funky, fun, and sexy, this song is easily one of Prince's best chart-toppers.
You don't have to be rich / To be my girl
You don't have to be cool / To rule my world
Ain't no particular sign I'm more compatible with
I just want your extra time and your kiss
48. "Could You Be Loved" by Bob Marley & The Wailers
You're already practicing your lip-sync as we speak with this reggae classic. Whenever you need a little boogie and a whole lot of smile, this Marley classic brings it on.
Don't let them fool ya / Or even try to school ya! Oh, no!
We've got a mind of our own / So go to hell if what you're thinking is not right!
Love would never leave us alone / A-in the darkness ya must come out to light
49. "Fantasy" by Mariah Carey
This diva had to make the list. So many classic hits of hers in the nineties, this one is an easier song to take on than many of her others with those high-pitched notes.
Oh, when you walk by every night / Talkin' sweet and lookin' fine
I get kinda hectic inside / Mmm, baby, I'm so into you
Darlin', if you only knew / All the things that flow through my mind
50. "Unbreak My Heart" by Toni Braxton
Bring it home and hit those seriously low notes that Braxton is infamous for! This is probably the saddest R&B song of her time. Who can't relate to the pain of heartbreak?
Un-break my heart / Say you'll love me again
Undo this hurt you caused / When you walked out the door
And walked out of my life
Un-cry these tears / I cried so many nights
Un-break my heart
More for You on YourTango:
Laura Lifshitz is a former MTV personality and Columbia University graduate currently writing about divorce, sex, women’s issues, fitness, parenting, and marriage. Her work has been featured on YourTango, New York Times, DivorceForce, Women’s Health, Working Mother, Pop Sugar, and more.