Easy Band Songs: The 100 Best Songs to Cover as a Band

The challenge for cover bands is straightforward: captivate and engage your audience by performing songs they recognize and connect with. While being skilled at your instrument is essential for any musician, reading the crowd and creating unforgettable experiences are what truly make a cover band stand out. Choosing easy band songs that people love singing along to and dancing to is the key to success that will keep them coming back for more.

You may be surprised to learn that some of the most famous bands, like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, started as cover bands. Playing covers helps hone your skills, teaching you different patterns that are proven to produce hits. These classic bangers connect you with musical legends, making your performance even more meaningful and memorable.

A happy crowd means happy venue owners, which increases your chances of getting booked again and earning more money. This list includes top cover songs for bands at bars, dance hits, and tracks from multiple genres and decades, that you'll be able to learn with minimal effort. If you need help on how to play many of these songs, we've got that covered here as well. We also have lists for the best rock covers and country covers, to cater to all demographics, genres, and abilities, ensuring the crowds at your next show go crazy over your band's hot new setlist.

If you're a beginner musician or considering learning to play an instrument, check out our articles on the 10 easiest instruments to learn, drum beats for beginners, as well as our collection of easy to learn, must-know acoustic guitar tabs.

The best songs to cover as a band are also often easy songs to cover as a band. They're invaluable because they can be learned quickly, are easy to remember, and help build a strong foundation for more complex arrangements. While this entire article focuses on tracks that are easy band songs for experienced musicians, any capable musician should pick up the following 10 songs with little to no effort. They'll allow you to focus on stage presence and audience engagement, making it easier to deliver spontaneous performances that create memorable shows.

The top 10 easy songs to cover as a band that you can learn quickly and effortlessly:

1. "Horse with No Name" by America
   A simple 2 chord progression through the entire song, that makes a great cover on acoustic cover guitar, or electric. The repetitive structure makes it one of the easy songs to cover as a band, as well as an easy sing-along for audiences.
2. "Wonderwall" by Oasis
   A simple and recognizable guitar riff, as well as its relatable lyrics that speak to the feeling of unrequited love.
3. "Wagon Wheel" by Old Crow Medicine Show
   A straightforward chord progression and repetitive chorus, with a catchy upbeat melody that gives it infectious energy when played live.
4. "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley
   An uplifting song with just three chords and a message of hope and positivity.
5. "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan
   A popular choice for covers due to its universal themes of death and mortality, and a simple, repetitive chord progression that you can learn quickly.
6. "What's Up" by 4 Non Blondes 
   A 90s hit that has a simple structure and is one of the easy band songs to sing along to.
7. "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd 
   A Southern rock classic written in response to Neil Young's songs "Southern Man" and "Alabama," which were critical of the Southern US States.
8. "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison 
   A straightforward 4 chord progression with a timeless bass line that's fun to play.
9. "You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC
   Most AC/DC songs are surprisingly easy songs to cover as a band, which is not a slight! With tribute bands so popular as of late, an AC/DC tribute band may be one of the more practical options.
10. "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton
    A slow, romantic ballad, with simplicity and a memorable guitar solo that's both popular and easy to play.

Playing the top cover songs for bands at bars is like hitting the jackpot of audience engagement. With the right mix of familiar melodies and memorable lyrics to chant, you can turn a low-key quiet night into an unforgettable experience. The secret lies in choosing songs that people can't resist singing along to, especially once they've had one too many!

Here are 10 top cover songs for bands at bars that a drinking crowd can't resist:

11. "Friends in Low Places" by Garth Brooks
    This is not only one of the easy songs to cover as a band, it's also a well-known country anthem that celebrates camaraderie and the simple pleasures of drinking at a bar, making it a perfect sing-along for a night out with friends.
12. "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond
    A crowd favorite that was originally inspired by Caroline Kennedy, daughter of President JFK.
13. "Tubthumping" by Chumbawamba
    With its infectious chorus of "I get knocked down, but I get up again," this song captures the indomitable spirit of drinkers and keeps the energy high at any gathering.
14. "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi
    This anthem of hope and perseverance is a crowd-pleaser.
15. "Should I Stay or Should I Go'" by The Clash
    The hit that help make the Clash one of the top 80s punk rock bands. It's a catchy guitar riff with recognizable lyrics that everyone can sing along with.
16. "Whiskey in the Jar"
    A traditional Irish drinking song with countless variations, this tune has been covered by many artists, including Thin Lizzy and Metallica, and remains a favorite for raising a glass to good times and Irish heritage.
17. "Red Solo Cup" by Toby Keith
    A lighthearted ode to the iconic party cup, this song's catchy melody and humorous lyrics make it a go-to anthem for casual drink-fueled karaoke.
18. "I Want You to Want Me" by Cheap Trick
    An energetic, upbeat song that gets people dancing.
19. "Jessie's Girl" by Rick Springfield
    A catchy 80s hit that is always well received and a crowd favorite.
20. "Beer, Beer, Beer"
    An old traditional Irish folk song that's been adapted and modernized over the years, this tune celebrates the joys of beer and the people who brew it, making it a fun and lively choice for any drinking occasion.

You may not notice them at first, but every gig has a few eager dancers hiding in the shadows, ready to cut loose. Once you start strumming those famous grooves they can't resist, they'll be on the dance floor immediately, transforming your show into a full-blown party!

Here are 10 of the best dance songs for cover bands to get your crowd moving:

21. "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire
    A funky, infectious groove that's impossible not to dance to.
22. "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
    The record holder for the second-longest reign at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with a total of 14 weeks in the top spot.
23. "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson
    An irresistible bass-line that pioneered the first music video by a black artist to be played in heavy rotation on MTV, helping to break down racial barriers in the music industry.
24. "Dancing Queen" by ABBA
    A disco-era favorite written in honor of Sweden's Queen Silvia, that encourages everyone to dance and sing along.
25. "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston
    An upbeat, feel-good song that invites people to the dance floor.
26. "Super Freak" by Rick James
    A funky, groove with a distinctive bassline played by James himself, that has been widely sampled in hip-hop songs, and available in many popular sample libraries.
27. "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams
    A contemporary hit that was the first song to reach over 100 million streams on Spotify.
28. "Le Freak" by Chic
    A disco classic that combines a catchy hook with an irresistible dance beat.
29. "Hey Ya!" by OutKast
    Andre 3000 originally meant for it to be a sad breakup song, but the upbeat tempo and catchy chorus turned it into a dance floor classic. It's also one of the easy songs to cover as a band, so you can add it in with ease.
30. "Can't Stop the Feeling!" by Justin Timberlake
    A grammy award winning modern pop hit originally written for the animated movie "Trolls".

A strong cover band embraces musical diversity while staying true to its identity and strengths. You likely already have a specific genre that resonates with you. If you're a cover band that only plays rock, we also have a list like this covering the 100 best rock songs to cover.

The key is to master a genre that matches your band's persona and connects with your typical audience. Start with this and build a setlist around it, then you can confidently branch out, explore other styles, and add variety while maintaining a unique sound that people associate with your brand.

But don't make the mistake of thinking you can just play whatever you like. Finding the best songs to cover as a band means you need popular songs to cover. Here's 35 crowd-favorite cover songs, divided into the top 5 genres that audiences love to hear: Classic Rock, Pop, R&B/Hip-Hop, Funk/Soul and Country.

31. "Nothin' But a Good Time" by Poison
    A classic rock anthem that's one of the easy band songs, with a catchy chorus, upbeat tempo, and feel-good lyrics.
32. "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin
    A timeless classic with a beautiful, intricate guitar melody, that also sounds great as an acoustic cover, or on electric.
33. "Hotel California" by Eagles
    A song with captivating storytelling and an unforgettable guitar solo.
34. "Black Dog" by Led Zeppelin
    A hard-hitting rock classic with a heavy, bluesy riff.
35. "Enter Sandman" by Metallica
    One of the best heavy metal bands of all time, and this, instantly recognizable guitar riff, is their anthem. Make sure to checkout our tabs on how to play Enter Sandman, located here.
36. "Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2" by Pink Floyd
    A thought-provoking song with a catchy chorus.
37. "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC
    AC/DC songs are almost always easy cover songs. This rock anthem with an iconic guitar riff and powerful vocals will have your audience rocking in no time. 
38. "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple
    A classic rock hit with one of the most famous guitar riffs in history. 

Make sure to check out our guitar tabs for how to play it Highway to Hell and Smoke on the Water, here.

39. "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele
    Adele's powerful voice and the song's unique blend of pop, soul, and gospel elements made it a chart-topping hit and a modern classic.
40. "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran
    Ed Sheeran songs always make great acoustic covers. With its fusion of pop, dancehall, and tropical house, this infectious hit became one of the best-selling singles of all time.
41. "Poker Face" by Lady Gaga
    This dance-pop anthem catapulted Lady Gaga to superstardom, featuring her unique fashion sense and a cleverly crafted melody that masks the song's darker undertones. It's also one of the easy band songs you could add quickly.
42. "Viva la Vida" by Coldplay
    Inspired by a painting of the French Revolution, this anthemic tune features a lush string arrangement and evocative lyrics that celebrate life's triumphs and tragedies.
43. "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars
    Mars wrote this romantic ballad to celebrate the beauty of imperfection and to showcase his impressive vocal range and songwriting skills.
44. "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga
    Known for its dark, theatrical visuals and a chorus that's impossible to forget, this pop hit showcases Lady Gaga's versatility as an artist.
45. "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen
    Initially a folk song, Jepsen transformed it into an infectious pop tune that became a viral sensation and one of the catchiest earworms of the 2010s.
46. "Happy" by Pharrell Williams
    Originally written for the animated film "Despicable Me 2," this feel-good anthem quickly became a global hit and inspired countless dance videos from fans worldwide.

47. "No Diggity" by Blackstreet ft. Dr. Dre
    A smooth, laid-back R&B classic, this song blends sleek production with clever wordplay and features a memorable guest verse from Dr. Dre.
48. "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys
    A love letter to New York City, this iconic collaboration combines powerful storytelling with an unforgettable piano riff and soulful vocals.
49. "Bust a Move" by Young MC
    Memorable lyrics, with one of Hip-Hop's most memorable bass grooves, written by Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. It's mostly bassline, so once you've got that grooving, it's one of the easy band songs to learn and perform.
50. "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z
    This powerful, brass-driven song marked Beyoncé's solo debut and showcased her dynamic vocal range and fierce independence.
51. "This Is How We Do It" by Montell Jordan
    With its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo, this 90s R&B classic remains a beloved party anthem and a dance floor staple.
52. "Rapper's Delight" by The Sugarhill Gang
    As one of the first commercially successful hip-hop songs, this groundbreaking track helped introduce rap music to a wider audience and still resonates today. The bassline can be a bit tricky, but once your bass player has it down, it's one of the easy cover songs to perform.

53. "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder
    Featuring a legendary clavinet riff and a funky groove, this timeless hit showcases Wonder's extraordinary musicianship and innovative songwriting.
54. "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor
    A disco-era anthem of resilience and empowerment, this song has become a symbol of overcoming adversity, with Gaynor's powerful vocals taking center stage.
55. "Brick House" by Commodores
    With its infectious bassline and funky guitar riffs, this 70s hit remains
56. "Respect" by Aretha Franklin
    Originally written by Otis Redding, Franklin transformed it into a powerful feminist anthem with her iconic vocals, establishing herself as the "Queen of Soul."
57. "Play That Funky Music" by Wild Cherry
    Inspired by a real-life encounter at a nightclub, this funk-rock classic features an infectious beat and an unforgettable guitar riff. The bass line can be a little tricky, but once you've got it down, it's one of the easy band songs your band can learn quickly.
58. "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell 
    This soulful duet, written by the legendary songwriting duo Ashford & Simpson, has become a symbol of love and perseverance.
59. "Soul Man" by Sam & Dave
    With its catchy horn section and energetic vocals, this soul classic has been a staple in popular culture, featured in movies, commercials, and television shows.

60. "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash
    Originally written by June Carter Cash, this song features mariachi-inspired horns and Cash's distinctive voice, making it one of the most iconic country songs of all time. Cash also writes very simple song patterns, making it one of the easy cover songs you can learn.
61. "Jolene" by Dolly Parton
    Written by Parton about a woman trying to steal her man, this haunting ballad showcases her incredible storytelling abilities and has been covered by countless artists in various genres.
62. "Friends in Low Places" by Garth Brooks
    With its relatable lyrics and infectious chorus, this honky-tonk anthem helped propel Brooks to country music superstardom.
63. "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver
    Evoking nostalgia for rural life, this timeless classic has become an unofficial anthem for the state of West Virginia and a beloved favorite worldwide.
64. "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers
    This storytelling song about a poker player sharing life advice became one of Rogers' signature hits, reflecting his unique ability to merge country and pop music.
65. "I Walk the Line" by Johnny Cash
    With its distinctive "boom-chicka-boom" rhythm and heartfelt lyrics, this song established Cash as a pioneering artist in the world of country music. It's also one of the easy band songs you can learn, with a very straight-forward chord progression.

It's important for a cover band to cater to different demographics and age groups. The best decades of music for popular songs to cover are: 1980s, 1990s, 1970s, 2000s, and 1960s. Knowing which decade your audience is interested in can greatly impact your band's success. These lists also contain a few songs by artists like TLC and Cyndi Lauper that are some of the best songs for females to cover, or men with higher vocal ranges.

66. "Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones
    A rebellious anthem that defined a generation, this song features one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in rock history. We also have tabs on how to play Satisfaction, located here.
67. "I Want to Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles
    The band's first US number one hit, this joyful song marked the beginning of Beatlemania and the British Invasion.
68. "My Girl" by The Temptations
    With its sweet harmonies and heartfelt lyrics, this Motown classic remains a favorite for slow dances and romantic moments.
69. "California Dreamin'" by The Mamas & the Papas
    Inspired by a longing for warmer weather, this dreamy song captures the essence of the 60s counterculture movement.
70. "Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys
    A pioneering track in the use of unconventional instruments and recording techniques, this song is regarded as one of the finest examples of 60s pop music. It's also one of the easy band songs you could add quickly to your setlist.
71. "Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix
    A great 60s throwback for high-energy rock performances.

72. "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd
    This Southern rock anthem is a staple at parties and live events, with a guitar riff and chorus that everyone knows, no matter where you're from.
73. "Staying Alive" by Bee Gees
    Not everybody can pull off the falsetto vocals. But if you can, this disco-era hit is an iconic symbol of the 70s, and a favorite on dance floors worldwide.
74. "Imagine" by John Lennon
    As a call for peace and unity, this timeless song showcases Lennon's heartfelt songwriting and has been embraced by generations.
75. "Just What I Needed" by The Cars
    This classic new wave sound with an iconic guitar riff and opening intro is a great choice for energizing audiences.
76. "Hotel California" by Eagles
    A haunting ballad with captivating storytelling and an unforgettable guitar solo, this song has become one of the most iconic tracks of the 70s.
77. "American Pie" by Don McLean
    A nostalgic ballad that pays tribute to the musicians of the late 50s and early 60s, making for easy crowd participation and reflective moments.
78. "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire
    With its irresistible groove and uplifting lyrics, this funk/soul classic remains a party staple and a celebration of the joy of music.

79. "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
    An anthem of hope and perseverance, this power ballad features soaring vocals and an unforgettable keyboard riff, making it an 80s classic.
80. "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses
    Combining a melodic, intricate guitar intro with powerful vocals, this song became an instant rock classic and a staple of 80s music.
81. "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell
    Originally a 60s soul song, Soft Cell's synth-driven version became an 80s new wave classic and a dance floor favorite.
82. "Every Breath You Take" by The Police
    With its haunting melody and stalker-themed lyrics, this chart-topping hit showcases the band's unique blend of rock, pop, and reggae. We also have tabs on how to play Every Breath You Take and other guitar riffs, located here.
83. "Take on Me" by A-Ha
    Known for its catchy synth riff and groundbreaking music video, this 80s pop hit remains a beloved classic and a popular choice for cover bands.
84. "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper
    A feminist anthem with a danceable beat, this song helped establish Lauper as a pop icon and a voice for female empowerment.
85. "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi
    This anthemic rock song features a memorable talk box effect and a sing-along chorus, making it an enduring favorite for fans of 80s rock.
86. "I Love Rock 'n Roll" by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
    A powerful, rebellious anthem, this song showcases Joan Jett's gritty vocals and helped cement her status as a rock legend. It's also one of the easy band songs you can learn, but unlike most easy cover songs that can get monotonous, rocking this one's groove never gets old!

87. "Smells Like Teen Spirit"
    The song that defined the 90s and launched a new genre of Grunge. It's one of the easy songs to cover as a band too, so any rock cover band can have it in their back pocket.
88. "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" by Jet
    Another catchy bass line, with an upbeat tempo, memorable chorus that people love to sing to.
89. "No Scrubs" by TLC
    With its catchy chorus and empowering message, this R&B classic remains a popular choice for female vocalists and girl groups.
90. "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston
    Originally written by Dolly Parton, Houston's powerful rendition became one of the best-selling singles of all time and a beloved ballad.
91. "Black or White" by Michael Jackson
    A call for racial unity, this pop-rock hit features an infectious guitar riff and a groundbreaking music video.
92. "Wannabe" by Spice Girls
    This catchy, upbeat pop song introduced the world to Girl Power and became an emblem of the 90s pop culture.
93. "Zombie" by The Cranberries
    With its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, this song remains a powerful anti-war statement and a 90s alternative rock classic.
94. "Santeria" by  Sublime
    One of the catchiest easy songs to cover as a band. Santeria is a 90s crowd-pleaser, oddly inspired by a real-life event in which the dalmatian of the band's lead singer Bradley Nowell, was stolen and held for ransom.

95. "Hey Ya!" by OutKast
    A genre-defying hit, this song's catchy melody and upbeat tempo made it a dance floor favorite and a pop culture phenomenon.
96. "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers
    With its driving guitar riff and infectious chorus, this anthemic song became an indie rock staple and a defining hit of the 2000s.
97. "Hips Don't Lie" by Shakira ft. Wyclef Jean
    Fusing Latin, reggae, and pop influences, this energetic hit showcases Shakira's unique vocal style and global appeal that have made her a top Latin music artist.
98. "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes
    Known for its iconic bass line (that nearly every rock bassist already knows verbatim), this song's minimalist arrangement and powerful lyrics helped it become a modern rock classic. Also, check out our tabs for on to play it here.
99. "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley
    A genre-blending hit that combines elements of soul, electronic, and rock, this song's catchy hook and introspective lyrics made it one of the most unique hits of the 2000s.
100. "Rehab" by Amy Winehouse
     With its throwback sound and brutally honest lyrics, this song showcased Winehouse's immense talent and established her as a modern soul icon.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right songs can be a game-changer for a cover band. By mastering the right genre and/or decade, you can create memorable experiences that connect with your audience and encourage venues to rebook you, and pay top dollar.

Choosing the best songs to cover as a band, as well as some easy songs to cover as a band to keep your setlist manageable, will help create an experience that resonates with your listeners, allowing you to own the spotlight, showcase your talent and keep the party going. If you need help learning these songs, we also have articles on how play popular guitar riffs, how to play bass scales, how to sing, and much more.

We're here to help you every step of the way! So make sure to check back here for valuable resources, financial tips, marketing and social media strategies, and insights that can help you succeed. At Band Pioneer, we're dedicated to researching the music industry's most valuable trends to help our readers grow their fanbases and generate income by making the music they love.