Song of love?

Women spritz perfume, endure high heels, and spend hours on hair and makeup.

Guys lose the baseball caps, dust off their nicest watch and often throw frugality to the wind.

And they do this all in hopes of impressing their dates.

Sure, that stuff is important. But it's also crucial to try something a little risky to win their hearts.

Something risky … like karaoke.

On almost any night of the week, bars throughout the suburbs host karaoke nights that attract an almost even mix of couples and singles -- and they provide a perfect opportunity to woo the opposite sex with your unparalleled confidence.

Jim Johnson, a karaoke host with Infinity Sound Experience, says karaoke is the perfect interactive date as long as people don't take themselves too seriously.

And he should know. After 22 years hosting karaoke nights at local haunts like Fox and Hound in Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates, he's seen the best singing, the worst crooning, and the reaction each performance draws.

"What we do as DJs is just try to get people to interact with each other," Johnson says. "We try to get them to talk about what they want to hear and sing. And in the dating scene, you can see the reaction. Girls love when the guys sing love songs like 'Unchained Melody.' "

But what if your singing talent makes William Hung sound like Chris Daughtry?

Skip Williams, the karaoke host at Champps Americana in Schaumburg, says wait until one of the karaoke regulars who lacks musical skills -- yet still pleases the crowd -- takes the stage.

"That kind of instigates the whole thing and makes other people feel better about going up there," Williams says.

Ultimately, the point of karaoke is show off your bravery and sense of humor, not to wow anyone with talent nature didn't give you.

Here are some tips from Johnson and Williams:

• Pick a classic song people will love. Sure, solid singers can sing tricky love songs by Beyonce. But Williams says it's the less-challenging standards, like "Love Shack" by the B-52s and "Summer Nights" from "Grease" that get the crowd -- and your date -- in the spirit. And the bonus with these two songs is that they're meant to be sung by two people, so you can both get on stage.

• Pick your spot carefully. Johnson says different karaoke nights attract different crowds, so you may want to try singing in a venue that's less crowded (which means less intimidating) before the big night.

If you scout karaoke spots ahead of time, make sure the DJ has a good rapport with the crowd.

"It's a whole entertainment experience, even if neither of you sing," Johnson says.

• Have a cocktail. Of course we're not suggesting you get hammered, but Williams says a drink or two can make all the difference in the karaoke world. "You'll be surprised how people act once they get freed up," he says.

• Finally, relax and have fun. Johnson and Williams both agree that karaoke is supposed to be a low-pressure night out, despite the spotlight. Williams says if you have a good time no matter what your voice sounds like, that's always a draw. "Maybe by having fun and being good at what you do, you'll impress her too."

Karaoke spots

• The Lantern, 8 W. Chicago Ave., Naperville, (630) 355-7099

When: 9 p.m. Tuesdays

• Fox & Hound, 1416 N. Roselle Road, Schaumburg, (847) 884-6821, tentcorp.com

When: 9 p.m. Wednesdays

• Fox & Hound, 910 W. Dundee Road, Arlington Heights, 847) 590-9019, tentcorp.com

When: 9 p.m. Thursdays

• Champps Americana, 955 E. Golf Road, Schaumburg, (847) 240-1333, champps.com

When: 9 p.m. Thursdays

• Neighborhood Inn, 2232 Hassell Road, Hoffman Estates, (847) 843-8048, neighborhoodinn.com

When: 10:30 p.m. Thursdays and 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays

• Tap Bar and Grill, 901 E. Irving Park Road, Streamwood, (630) 736-2140

When: 9 p.m. Saturdays