Playlist: Dominique Pruitt’s 10 songs to slay or butcher at karaoke
Enjoy songs from Shania Twain, Brooks & Dunn, Soft Cell, Alannah Myles and more!
Welcome to Playlists, a series where we turn over the reigns to artists to curate the next big playlist
Any frequent karaoke-goer worth their salt has a well-rehearsed repertoire they can whip out a moment’s notice. From tender tear-jerking torch ballads to the rollicking soft-rock scorchers, you’ve gotta have all your bases covered just in case. And you can count soul-country starlet Dominique Pruitt among those who certainly know their stuff, as she’s equipped with a wide-range of musical styles and a certain panache for the glittery and the bold. In any case, she’s mastered the dive-bar art-form, drawing upon her own craftsmanship at the microphone and a dazzling throwback style.
Exclusive to B-Sides & Badlands, she’s curated some of her top karaoke picks in a handy-dandy playlist, from Concrete Blonde and Alannah Myles to Shania Twain, Skeeter Davis and Sheryl Crow. However, she makes a pointed warning. “Whatever you do, do not sing ‘My Way’ by Frank Sinatra. People get literally murdered for that often in the Philippines. Just don’t do it.”
Below, Pruitt walks us through each of her karaoke essentials, which includes her brand new comeback single “High in the Valley,” a soon-to-be gold standard in the vein of Nancy Sinatra and Patsy Cline.
“Joey” by Concrete Blonde
I feel like this song is a sleeper hit that doesn’t get nearly enough credit. The melody is just incredible to me. The drama and range. It’s one of my go-tos for karaoke for sure.
“Pepper” by Butthole Surfers
My friend Miles Michaud from the band the Allah-Las has been singing/rapping this wordy ass jam at karaoke lately, and the crowd. goes. wild. The whole crowd goes crazy and sings the chorus, because, duh.
“Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles
If sex, grit and smolder were crafted into song form, it’s “Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles. And of course, it’s about one of the dreamiest babes of all time: The King himself, Elvis Presley. This is probably in my personal top three karaoke songs to sing.
“High in the Valley” by Dominique Pruitt
The day I see my song in a karaoke songbook will be a most glorious day. The tempo and vibe is perfect to sing at a grungy dive bar. The grungier the better.
“Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under” by Shania Twain
This is just one of many Shania songs that are perfect for karaoke. She is a goddess, and her songs are pop-country at it’s finest. Better get to breathing if you’re trying to sing this one, though.
“The End of the World” by Skeeter Davis
Let’s make the whole bar super depressed for a minute. I love a dark moment in karaoke, as long as you bookend with something more upbeat.
“Tainted Love” by Soft Cell
Who doesn’t know every word to this song? It’s pretty played to death, but still a perfect ’80s jam to sing to.
“All I Wanna Do” by Sheryl Crow
Have you listened to this song lately? This song holds up. Still a total hit. My good friend, singer-songwriter Tara Fox, often hits up this Sheryl tune at karaoke, and it’s always a crowd pleaser.
“These Boots are Made for Walkin'” by Loretta Lynn
The Nancy Sinatra version could work in lieu, of course, but I like the country-fried action on the Loretta version. This is a great retro, girl-power anthem.
“Neon Moon” by Brooks & Dunn
Please, lean on the jukebox at some point in the song while you sing this one.
Photo Credit: Ron Pruitt
Follow Pruitt on her socials: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website
