Sometimes a song hits a chord with listeners, transcending genres and generations. These are classics that have stood the test of time. Supermarkets, doctor’s offices, restaurants, it doesn’t matter where you are or what you’re doing, when it comes on, you’re absolutely singing along. For Black folks, there’s a special category for white songs that we love. As we prepare for all our holiday celebrations, make sure you add a few of these to the playlist, so everyone can enjoy a party wide sing along. These are our picks for white songs that Black people know all the words to.
Suggested Reading
‘Holiday’ – Madonna
There are very few of her early ‘80s hits that Madonna still performs. One of those is “Holiday.” That dance beat still gets fans moving and instantly singing. It reminds us of the first time we heard her back in the day.
‘Hotel California’ – Eagles
Haunting and beautifully sung, “Hotel California” is a banger that sticks in your head, but if we are to be honest, it’s definitely one of those late night bar classics that hits hard after a few rounds.
‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ – Rick Astley
There was a point where some music fans tried to act like they were too cool for Rick Astley. That’s why “Rickrolling” became such a viral internet sensation. Some of y’all needed to be reminded that he had serious soul and could sing. Don’t act like it’s not on your ‘80s playlist.
‘Lost Without You’ – Robin Thicke
“Lost Without You” is such a beautiful song, we understand why everyone wanted their special cover of it out there. There was a slight backlash after it got overplayed, but it’s come back around and can be appreciated again.
‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ – Queen
Freddie Mercury has one of the most fantastic and unique voices in music history. If you can hit his notes, God bless you. What makes “Bohemian Rhapsody” so fun is that it actually feels like three songs in one.
‘Sweet Caroline’ – Neil Diamond
We saw you on the jumbotron at the game belting out “Sweet Caroline” at the top of your lungs. Don’t even try and act like that wasn’t you. Ans we know you were extra loud on the “so good, so good, so good,” section.
‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ – Nirvana
We didn’t understand everything Kurt Cobain was saying the first few times we heard this one, but after 30 years of singing along, we think we’ve almost got it.
‘Careless Whisper’ – Wham
Do not listen to “Careless Whisper” after a breakup because nothing good can come from it. George Michael is embodying all our feelings on this classic and it inevitably leads to a sloppy, tear-stained version.
‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ – Journey
Long before “Glee” sort of ruined it for everyone, this was a karaoke favorite that would get everyone singing. And if you don’t have a “Best of Journey” playlist, what are you doing with your life?
‘Pumped Up Kicks’ – Foster the People
It feels like this 2011 hit made the list out of sheer force of will. When it was out, you couldn’t get away from it. It was literally everywhere, so it was impossible not to learn every word.
‘Misery Business’ – Paramore
Don’t act like we were the only ones with volume turned way up and belting out that chorus. We know at least one NBA Champion who would agree.
‘Livin’ On A Prayer’ – Bon Jovi
If you need an fun party starter, Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On A Prayer” will lead to an instant party wide sing-a-long.
‘I Want It That Way’ – Backstreet Boys
It was a close call between this and “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back),” but if you’ve ever been in a supermarket when “I Want It That Way” comes on, you know this is the one that has everyone singing.
‘A Thousand Miles’ – Vanessa Carlton
Vanessa Carlton made a lovely song, but we know it was Shawn and Marlon Wayans including it in “White Chicks” and Terry Crews totally committing to the bit that made us love it.
‘This Love’ – Maroon 5
Remember when Maroon 5 first came out, you heard Adam Levine’s sing and thought who is this guy? The group may have fallen off a little, but those early tracks like “This Love” still go hard.
‘Creep’ – Radiohead
Black folks love this song. Gen X we are about you! Break out your Doc Martins and flannel, because we know you return to your moody teen years every time you hear Radiohead’s “Creep.” For a special bonus, check out Prince’s amazing cover from Coachella.
‘I Write Sins Not Tragedies’ – Panic! At The Disco
The early 2000s pop/punk craze gave us a lot of fun music, but there’s something about the theatrics of Panic! At The Disco that seemed to resonate with Black fans. Plus, that video was a mainstay on “TRL.” We know you had black nail polish too.
‘Time After Time’ – Cyndi Lauper
We could’ve gone with “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” or “True Colors,” but ultimately we went with “Time After Time,” because that chorus hits every single time.
‘Rollin’ in the Deep’ – Adele
The sheer number of covers that came out after Adele dropped this hit proves that this one was an instant classic. Honorable mention for “Someone Like You.”
‘What You Won’t Do for Love’ – Bobby Caldwell
There are still people who are just discovering that Bobby Caldwell is white. He was “blue eyed soul” before it was a thing.
‘I Keep Forgettin’’ – Michael McDonald
From the Doobie Brothers, to his solo career, Michael McDonald perfected blended rock and soul. We had plenty of classic to choose from, but went with “I Keep Forgettin,’” because he really put his foot in this one. It hits different.
‘Let’s Dance’ – David Bowie
David Bowie could literally sing in any style and make it his own. When he brought the soul with Nile Rodgers, he delievered this catchy, fun track that we’re still singing along to.
‘Since U Been Gone’ – Kelly Clarkson
It’s the way the song builds to that epic chorus that gets us so hype. You can put this on and the toughest, hardest person you know will end up belting, “Since u been gone / I can breathe for the first time!”
‘Sara Smile’ – Hall & Oates
It doesn’t matter what kind of party or event you’re throwing, Hall & Oates always hits. It was really tough to narrow it down to “Sara Smile,” which is such a beautiful song, but in the end, it was the Daryl Hall adds a little something extra on “When I feel cold, you warm me / And when I feel I can’t go on / You come and hold me / It’s you and me forever / Sara, smile.”
‘They Don’t Know’
Some songs will instantly take you back to a moment and a place every time you hear it, and that’s how “They Don’t Know” feels to fans of a certain age.
‘Every Breath You Take’ – The Police
There’s a reason this was chosen as the sample beat for “I’ll Be Missing You.” Black people already had a connection to it, so everyone knew it would be the right choice to honor Biggie.
‘Bring Me to Life’ – Evanescence
None of us has a vocal range like Amy Lee, but that doesn’t stop us from going for it on the operatic rock favorite. You know you become your full, dramatic self while singing this one.
‘Hold On’ – Wilson Phillips
The 2011 movie “Bridesmaids” introduced this Wilson Phillips song to a new generation, but ‘90s kids already knew how good “Hold On” is. It may be a little corny to modern music fans, but it has lighthearted, fun quality that never goes out of style.
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.
