While some karaoke machines come with preloaded music, most units require karaoke CDs. These discs typically are CD-Gs, which not only have music but also display the lyrics on the karaoke machine screen. Most karaoke CDs contain 10 to 12 themed songs, and can be purchased in stores and online. Music quality, additional features and price vary greatly, leaving room for everyone to be able to afford to sing along to their favorite songs. Options exist even for those without a dedicated karaoke machine, or customers interested in creating CDs from their own list of songs.
Despite karaoke machines needing CD-Gs in order to play music and show lyrics, a number of publishers sell karaoke CDs that are just CD format. These discs will not show lyrics on the screen of a machine, but are a great buy for people who just want to sing along without caring about the words. They are normally sold with a booklet containing the words to the songs, in case you do want to know them.
The music you find on a karaoke CD usually isn't the original song minus the words; it's usually redone by different musicians. Sometimes the music will use slightly different instrumentation as well. Despite this, many CDs do a wonderful job of replicating your favorite hits. Vocals vary, too. Select recordings allow you to turn the vocals on and off. Some titles have some singing for a second or two at the start of each song to help cue you in to where the lyrics begin.
Karaoke has become popular enough that CDs can be found at most major retailers, and of course, in specialty music stores. Online, you can find almost any compilation imaginable. In addition, there are now services which will create custom karaoke CDs for you, and equipment and software are also available for you to make your own.