Comedian Sparks Debate on Best Karaoke Songs
Ben Brainard, a standup comedian and US Army reservist, recently sparked a debate among karaoke enthusiasts about which songs are the best to perform in front of a crowd. Brainard made a list of classic hits for educational purposes only, as he was tired of hearing poor renditions of popular songs in bars.
Brainard’s list didn’t have a particular ranking, but he gave first nod to Kelly Clarkson’s “Since You’ve Been Gone,” calling it an obvious choice. Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” was next on his list, which he called a great song and even better karaoke. “Come on Eileen” by Dexys Midnight Runners was third on the list, and Weezer’s “Island in the Sun” was fourth, a good middle song that people are going to enjoy. Brainard ended his list with R.E.M.’s “It’s the End of the World as We Know It,” calling it a controversial song that requires precision in delivery or risk being the worst karaoke performance ever.
While Brainard’s list was met with mixed reactions, some fans shared their own recommendations. One user suggested the song “Tequila” as the best karaoke song, while another suggested “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by the Proclaimers for Brits. Some were surprised that popular crowd favorites like “Sweet Carolina,” “Mr. Brightside,” or “Piano Man,” weren’t mentioned on the list. Fellow comedian Frank Caliendo even chimed in, stating that Brainard was “WRONG!”
Other fans recommended songs by Weird Al Yankovic, suggesting that any of his parody songs would be entertaining to perform. Some suggested that Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” is a risky choice, as one missed phrase could throw off the whole performance.
Overall, Brainard’s list of classic hits has showcased a variety of choices for karaoke enthusiasts to consider. Selecting the right song for karaoke ultimately depends on individual tastes, crowd preference, and precision in execution.
Source: nypost.com
