Let’s face it: music heals. And if we’re lucky, just one song can forever change our lives for the better. But what exactly makes a song great? And, which songs do people consider to be the best in history? If you’re looking to update your Spotify playlists, you’ve come to the right place!
From rock ‘n roll to pop to EDM, we’ve rounded up some of the most iconic, influential songs ever written.
“Thriller”-Michael Jackson
Album: Thriller
Year released: 1984
“Thriller” was one of seven singles released on Michael Jackson’s album, Thriller. Almost an instant success, the song reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100, only to later become one of the most influential songs in pop culture, especially Halloween, as it has a dance to go along with it.
“Smooth”-Santana featuring Rob Thomas
Album: Supernatural
Year released: 1999
“Smooth” hit number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, number one on the U.S. Billboard Adult Top 40 chart and number two on the U.S. Billboard Mainstream Top 40 chart. It has also ranked highly on music charts across the globe and is known for its raw vocals from Matchbox 20’s Rob Thomas, combined with Santana’s musical genius.
“Blue Suede Shoes”-Elvis Presley
Album: Elvis Presley
Year released: 1956
Carl Perkins, a famous American songwriter, wrote “Blue Suede Shoes,” perhaps most famously covered by Elvis. Other popular musicians have sung the song, including Buddy Holly and Eddie Cochran.
“Like a Rolling Stone”-Bob Dylan
Album: Highway 61 Revisited
Year released: 1965
Dylan recorded “Like a Rolling Stone” after returning from a grueling tour in England. The song originated from a ten-page long journal entry Dylan wrote. Today, it’s one of his most popular works, particularly for its lyrical directness, begging for the public to understand his place in the world.
“Born in the U.S.A.”-Bruce Springstein
Album: Born in the U.S.A.
Year released: 1982
A true American anthem, Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” is also a call to arms with the hardships surrounding the Vietnam War and the government’s approach to war veterans. Many Americans play it around the Fourth of July, marking it an American classic, as its title suggests.
“Born This Way”-Lady Gaga
Album: Born This Way
Year released: 2011
Lady Gaga has dubbed “Born This Way” as her “freedom song,” particularly due to its nod to and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. The song has sold over 10 million copies across the world since Lady Gaga released it, and it is certified Platinum and Gold across the world.
“Good Vibrations”-Beach Boys
Album: single release
Year released: 1966
Brian Wilson drew inspiration for “Good Vibrations” from a personal interest in cosmic vibrations and his mother’s story about dogs barking at people they sensed “vibrations” from. In 1994, the tune was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
“Vogue”-Madonna
Album: I’m Breathless
Year released: 1990
Madonna created a confidence-building masterpiece with her hit, “Vogue,” which is known for its disco and techno hues. The song’s music video features a black-and-white escape to the 1920s fashion era.
“The Wind Cries Mary”-Jimi Hendrix
Album: single release
Year released: 1967
Jimi Hendrix is known to have said “The Wind Cries Mary” is about more than one person, not just his then-girlfriend, Kathy Etchingham. Since its release over fifty years ago, many musicians have covered the song, including John Mayer and Sting.
“I Will Always Love You”-Whitney Houston
Album: single release
Year released: 1992
In 1973, Dolly Parton wrote and recorded “I Will Always Love You” as a country track, and it reached number one on the country charts the year after. Elvis Presley pushed to record his own version, but Dolly declined.
Years later, in 1992, Whitney Houston recorded her own version, with Dolly’s approval, for the movie, The Bodyguard. Houston’s version hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed there for 14 weeks.
“Castle on the Hill”-Ed Sheeran
Album: ÷
Year released: 2017
When Ed Sheeran released “Castle on the Hill,” it reached number two in multiple countries, including the U.K. and Germany, just behind its simultaneous release, “Shape of Me,” which reached number one.
“Castle on the Hill” is an autobiographical song of Sheeran’s youth growing up in Framlingham, England. The title refers to the Framlingham Castle. The music video captures the song’s lyrical themes of enjoying friends’ company and nature.
“Hey Jude”-Beatles
Album: single release
Year released: 1968
How can you truly only pick one great Beatles song? In terms of success, “Hey Jude” has sold an approximate eight million copies across the world to-date. Paul McCartney, who penned the song, originally titled it “Hey Jules” in honor of Julian, John Lennon’s son, who was having a hard time after his mom and dad split.
“Gimme Shelter”-The Rolling Stones
Album: Let It Bleed
Year released: 1969
Together, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote “Gimme Shelter,” a song that would later reach Gold certification in Italy and Platinum certification in the U.K. It’s a song that has impacted pop culture among all media, including movies, TV shows and documentaries.
“Proud Mary”-Tina Turner
Album: Workin’ Together
Year released: 1971
Before Tina Turner got her hands on “Proud Mary,” Creedence Clearwater Revival, also known as CCR, wrote and recorded it in 1969 as a single for their album, Bayou Country. Years later, in 1971, Ike & Tina Turner recorded their own spin on the hit. Today, many Tina Turner fans think of “Proud Mary” as one of her most admirable and outspoken accomplishments ever.
“In God’s Country”-U2
Album: The Joshua Tree
Year released: 1987
Perhaps “In God’s Country” isn’t U2’s most famous song, but that doesn’t make it any less important or impactful. The song was Bono’s attempt to get the Edge to contribute to a more upbeat tune for their otherwise rather melancholy album, The Joshua Tree. It hit number 44 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart after its release and number 25 in Canada.
“Tiny Dancer”-Elton John
Album: Madman Across the Water
Year released: 1972
“Tiny Dancer,” composed by Elton John and written by Bernie Taupin, is certified Gold and Platinum in the U.S. Taupin credits the song’s inspiration to his wife at the time, Maxine Feibelman. In 2000, “Tiny Dancer” appeared in Almost Famous, starring Kate Hudson, which made the song regain popularity.
“…Baby One More Time”-Britney Spears
Album: …Baby One More Time
Year released: 1998
Britney Spears’ first single, “…Baby One More Time” remains one of her most-played songs to-date. In 1998 right after its release, it reached number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, which was only the beginning of the song’s continued success.
The music video, another part of the song that forever altered pop culture, features Spears dressed as a schoolgirl walking through the halls of a school. Spears has sung the song since its release, including on her most recent show residency in Las Vegas, Britney: Piece of Me.
“Dream On”-Aerosmith
Album: Aerosmith
Year released: 1973
Released on Aerosmith’s first studio album, “Dream On” became one of the band’s most successful songs to-date. Steven Tyler, Aerosmith’s frontman, composed it when he was just 14, stating it was the only song he felt comfortable using his completely raw and real voice.
“Bohemian Rhapsody”-Queen
Album: A Night at the Opera
Year released: 1975
Queen’s lead singer, Freddie Mercury, wrote “Bohemian Rhapsody” in parts over the span of fifteen years. The song is best known for its progression into starkly different-sounding parts and topped the UK Singles Chart for nine whole weeks. “Bohemian Rhapsody” has substantially impacted pop culture, including its inclusion in 1992’s Wayne’s World.
“Dreams”-Fleetwood Mac
Album: Rumours
Year released: 1977
“Dreams” came along later in Fleetwood Mac’s musical career. By 1977 when the song was released, the band had already produced ten studio albums. It has reached number one on the U.S.’s Billboard Hot 100 and Canada’s RPM Top 100 Singles.
“Call Me”-Blondie
Album: American Gigolo
Year released: 1980
“Call Me” served as the theme song for American Giglio, a 1980 Italian film. After its release, “Call Me” hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and stayed there for six weeks. It also reached number one on the U.K. and Canada charts.
“In the Air Tonight”-Phil Collins
Album: Face Value
Year released: 1981
After divorcing his wife Andrea Bertorellin, Phil Collins drew inspiration for “In the Air Tonight,” a song that would later reach number two on the UK Singles chart. Its smooth, yet loud drum transition makes the song one of Collins’ song characteristic of his musical style and career.
“I Love Rock ‘n Roll”-Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
Album: I Love Rock ‘n Roll
Year released: 1981
Adapted from the Arrows’ 1975 version, “I Love Rock ‘n Roll” took on an entirely new spin with Joan Jett’s new recording. For seven weeks, the band’s newly recorded song hit number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.
“Let’s Dance”-David Bowie
Album: Let’s Dance
Year released: 1983
Released as a single, “Let’s Dance” rose to be one of David Bowie’s most memorable and popular songs ever. During its first week on the charts, it hit number five on the UK Singles Chart. It also appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and the Australian charts.
“Whole Lotta Love”-Led Zeppelin
Album: Led Zeppelin II
Year released: 1969
It’s rumored that Jimmy Page created the main guitar riff in “Whole Lotta Love” while spending time on his houseboat in England. The song has Platinum certification in Italy and Gold certification in the U.K. and U.S. It’s been covered by Tina Turner, used in the 2008 Olympic Games and is ranked number 75 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
“Photograph”-Def Leppard
Album: Pyromania
Year released: 1983
Def Leppard is one of those 80s rock bands that has stood the test of time, especially for their upbeat, wild songs, like “Photograph.” As a single, “Photograph” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Tracks chart after it was released and stayed there for six straight weeks.
“Jump”-Van Halen
Album: 1984
Year released: 1983
After its release, “Jump” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It is known as one of Van Halen’s most successful and popular songs and has historically been used in sports arenas across the world, specifically by A.C. Milan and the Winnipeg Jets of the NHL. In 1984, it lost a Grammy nomination for “Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal” to “Purple Rain” by Prince & The Revolution.
“I Walk the Line”-Johnny Cash
Album: Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar!
Year released: 1956
Johnny Cash wrote this tune in 1956 as a way to show his wife, June, his true devotion. The song turned into a big hit and would later be adapted in two Hollywood films in 1970 and 2005. Both films were named after the song’s title.
“Purple Rain”-Prince and the Revolution
Album: Purple Rain
Year released: 1984
Anyone who’s ever heard of Prince knows his power ballad, “Purple Rain.” The song is Certified Gold in Denmark, New Zealand and the United States and Certified Platinum in the United Kingdom. After its release, it reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Today, Prince fans remember “Purple Rain” as a pivotal part of his legacy.
“Just Like Heaven”-the Cure
Album: Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me
Year released: 1987
In 1988, “Just Like Heaven” topped the Billboard charts at number 40, making it one of the Cure’s most notable hits ever. The song has appeared in movies and even inspired the 2005 rom-com starring Reese Witherspoon, Just Like Heaven.
“Cry Baby”-Janis Joplin
Album: Pearl
Year released: 1970
Just before her death in 1971, Janis Joplin recorded her own version of “Cry Baby,” a 1963 song by Garnet Mimms and the Enchanters. She released it as a single for her album, Pearl. Today, many musicians continue to cover the song.
“Free Fallin’”-Tom Petty
Album: Full Moon Fever
Year released: 1989
Alongside writer friend Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty wrote “Free Fallin’” in just two days for his first solo album apart from his band, the Heartbreakers. It reached number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1990. The day Petty died, the song streamed 530,000 times.
“Come as You Are”-Nirvana
Album: Nevermind
Year released: 1991
While most people reference “Smells Like Teen Spirit” as Nirvana’s most popular song, other songs are just as popular, including “Come as You Are.” This song’s title is rumored to come from the motto of the Morck Hotel in Kurt Cobain’s hometown, Aberdeen, Washington, where he frequently stayed the night.
“Iris”-Goo Goo Dolls
Album: Dizzy Up the Girl
Year released: 1998
In 1997, Goo Goo Dolls frontman John Rzeznik wrote and recorded “Iris” for the movie City of Angels. The song, which is still to this day one of the band’s most popular songs, was later released on their sixth album, Dizzy Up the Girl.
20 years after its release, in 2018, the Recording Industry Association of America granted “Iris” quadruple platinum status. “Iris” has topped music charts in countries across the world, including Australia, Italy, Iceland and Scotland.
“Learn to Fly”-Foo Fighters
Album: There Is Nothing Left to Lose
Year released: 1999
Known for its Grammy-winning music video and its late-90s sound, “Learn to Fly” became the Foo Fighters’ first song to appear on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has certifications in Platinum and Gold in countries across the world, including the United States.
“Speed of Sound”-Coldplay
Album: X&Y
Year released: 2005
Inspired by Chris Martin’s daughter, Apple, “Speed of Sound” has been Gold-certified in Australia, Canada, the U.K. and the U.S. It was nominated for two Grammys and was considered to be Coldplay’s most successful song until 2008, when the band released “Viva la Vida.” “Speed of Sound” was composed of synthesizers and electric guitars to create a timeless, airy sound.
“Umbrella”-Rihanna
Album: Good Girl Gone Bad
Year released: 2007
Fun fact: “Umbrella” was originally created for Britney Spears, but her label did not want to go through with the tune.
“Umbrella” stayed at number one on the U.K. Singles Chart for 10 weeks and on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for seven weeks after its release. It remains one of Rihanna’s most popular and successful singles to-date and is certified Platinum and Gold multiple times in countries across the world.
“Rolling in the Deep”-Adele
Album: 21
Year released: 2010
Since its release in 2010, “Rolling in the Deep” has hit number one in 12 countries. Adele has stated the song is about a breakup. Notably, Adele and fellow composer, Paul Epworth, recorded the song in just a day.
“Levels”-Avicii
Album: single release
Year released: 2011
In 2011, the late Swedish DJ, Tim Bergling, or, Avicii, released “Levels,” a song that would forever change his career for the better. On the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, “Levels” held a place for a whopping 20 weeks. It has Platinum and Gold certifications across various global charts, including an eight-time Platinum certification in Sweden. Today, it remains one of Avicii’s most-played songs ever.