You’ll probably get twenty different answers if you ask twenty people what the greatest song ever made is. The truth is that this is what makes music so beautiful. The ability of an amazing song to move people on a personal level is more important than what others have to say. This is a collection of songs that music critics and fans agree are the best of all time. Ranker’s The Best Songs of All Time and Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time were used to compile this list. Let’s get started!
Do You Think These Are The Greatest Songs Ever Composed?
‘Gimme Shelter’ — The Rolling Stones
Isn’t it amazing that Keith Richards wrote this song in just 20 minutes? The song “Gimme Shelter” left a lasting impression on those who heard it. It was the first track on the album “Let It Bleed,” released in 1969, but it was never released as a single. Despite this, it has appeared on numerous compilation albums and has been performed live numerous times over the years. The Rolling Stones performed it with Florence Welch, Mary J. Blige, and Lady Gaga for their 50th-anniversary tour in 2012.
‘Gimme Shelter’ — The Rolling Stones
‘One’ — U2
This is the third track from U2’s 1991 album “Achtung Baby.” It was a spin-off from the second single, “Mysterious Ways.” The Edge came up with two bridge ideas, according to Rolling Stone. Bono was so taken with the other one that he wrote a new set of lyrics to go with it. They were not expecting “One” to be a wedding hit, even though it was.
‘One’ — U2
‘No Woman, No Cry’ — Bob Marley
The best version of “No Woman, No Cry,” in our opinion, is not the original version from the 1974 album “Natty Dread.” No, that honor goes to the one who appeared in the Lyceum Theatre’s production of “Live!” on July 17, 1975. Bob Marley’s Natty Dread Tour included the performance. It not only changed his life, but he also credited Vincent “Tata” Ford, a childhood friend, with the songwriting.
‘No Woman, No Cry — Bob Marley
‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling’ — The Righteous Brothers.
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” was first recorded by the Righteous Brothers in 1964. It went on to top the charts in both the United Kingdom and the United States. It went on to become the fifth best-selling song in the United States the following year. Various artists, including Hall and Oates and Dionne Warwick, have covered the song. No other version, however, has come close to Bill Medley. Without instruments, the intro was memorable: “You never close your eyes when I kiss your lips anymore.”
‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling’ — The Righteous Brothers
‘Sympathy For The Devil’ — The Rolling Stones
When it comes to controversies, The Rolling Stones have seen their fair share. They released “Sympathy for the Devil” from “Beggars Banquet” in 1968. This was not an outlier, and it caused consternation among religious groups who believed they were worshiping the devil. Rolling Stone interviewed them in 1995. Mick Jagger clarified the situation by stating that he came up with the phrase because of French writing.
‘Sympathy For The Devil’ — The Rolling Stones
‘I Walk The Line’ — Johnny Cash
When Johnny Cash began work on “I Walk the Line,” he was a member of the Air Force stationed in Germany. Many years later, he was finally able to record it, even though the original tape had been damaged. This turned out to be a good thing because he chose to embrace the unique sound that resulted. To add even more spice, he wrapped a piece of wax paper around the guitar strings. This is how he got his first Billboard chart No. 1 hit.
‘I Walk The Line’ — Johnny Cash
‘River Deep – Mountain High’ — Ike and Tina Turner
Phil Spector considers “River Deep – Mountain High,” a 1966 release by Ike and Tina Turner, to be his best work as a producer. A large number of people share that sentiment. It even made a rolling stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time at No. 33. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. Turner described the experience of putting it together as “unforgettable.” Spector made her sing it for hours to make it “perfect.”
‘River Deep – Mountain High’ — Ike and Tina Turner
‘Help!’ — The Beatles
In 1980, John Lennon told Playboy that the song “Help!” had hidden depths that he himself was unaware of. In July 1965, at the height of Beatlemania, the song was released as a single. “Most people think it’s just a fast rock ‘n’ roll song,” he shared, “Subconsciously, I was crying out for help. I didn’t realize it at the time; I just wrote the song because I was commissioned to write it for the movie.”
‘Help!’ — The Beatles
‘People Get Ready’ — The Impressions
“People Get Ready” is, without a doubt, The Impressions’ most well-known hit. Curtis Mayfield wrote the song, which reached No. 3 on the Billboard R&B chart. The song became the Civil Rights Movement’s unofficial anthem. It was named one of the top ten songs of all time by Mojo Magazine.
‘People Get Ready’ — The Impressions
‘In My Life’ — The Beatles
If you ask John Lennon, this 1965 single from “Rubber Soul” would be on every list of the greatest songs ever written. It was dubbed “my first real, major piece of work” by the Beatles. “Up until then, it had all been glib and thrown away,” he added. The line “Some [friends] are dead, and some are living / In my life I’ve loved them all,” according to Shotton’s friend and eventual biographer Peter Shotton, was a tribute to both Shotton and Stuart Sutcliffe, who died in 1962.
‘In My Life’ — The Beatles
‘Layla’ — Derek And The Dominos
“The Story of Layla and Majnun,” a 12th-century book by Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi, inspired Eric Clapton to write “Layla.” Many people consider it to be one of the greatest rock songs ever written. Clapton also drew inspiration from his own life, particularly his unrequited love for Pattie Boyd. She was the wife of his friend and fellow musician George Harrison, but it all worked out in the end, and they were married for nearly a decade.
‘Layla’ — Derek And The Dominos
‘(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay — Otis Redding
This is probably Otis Redding’s most well-known song. While sitting on the bay’s dock, he wrote the song’s lyrics! He had been on a rented houseboat in Sausalito, California, after the Monterrey Pop Festival. He wrote it and then recorded it a few months later with guitarist Steve Cropper. This occurred only a few days before he died in a plane crash. His personal vehicle sank into Wisconsin’s Lake Monona. The song was the first posthumous single to reach number one in the United States.
‘(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay — Otis Redding
‘Let It Be — The Beatles
It’s been said that turbulent times breed incredible creativity. In the case of Paul McCartney and this song, this was the case. The Beatles broke up, so he found solace in a dream about his late mother giving him advice. This song served as the title track for the band’s final studio album. In more ways than one, it was iconic. “Let it Be,” released in March 1970, was the Beatles’ final single before they announced their breakup.
‘Let It Be — The Beatles
‘The Times They Are A-Changin” — Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan’s 1964 album, “The Times They Are A-Changin,” was written by him. It quickly became known as a change anthem. It reached No. 9 on the singles chart in the United Kingdom when it was first released in 1965. However, it did not chart at all on the other side of the Atlantic. Regardless, it is one of his most well-known and influential songs. The song had been a staple of his setlist since 1965, but he dropped it in 2009.
‘The Times They Are A Changin” — Bob Dylan
‘Baba O’Riley’ — The Who
Meher Baba’s name influenced Pete Townshend of the Who, an Indian spiritual master. Terry Riley is credited with being the first to use a minimalist composition style in this piece. There was a time when he combined the two, resulting in the name “Baba O’Riley.” It was released as a single in 1971. Roger Daltrey described the song as a warning to children who used social media excessively in 2018.
‘Baba O’Riley’ — The Who
‘Be My Baby’ — The Ronettes
This is on NME’s, Pitchfork’s, Time’s, and Rolling Stone’s lists of the best songs. Phil Spector produced it. Cher sang backup vocals on the song, which featured a full orchestra. “The things Phil was doing were crazy and exhausting,” said engineer Larr Levine. “But that’s not the sign of a nut. That’s genius.”
‘Be My Baby’ — The Ronettes
‘Behind Blue Eyes’ — The Who
The Who released “Behind Blue Eyes” in 1971. An incident at a concert allegedly inspired it. Pete Townshend was allegedly tempted by one of the groupies the year before! He resisted temptation and went back to his hotel room to write a prayer. “When my fist clenches, crack it open,” the line began. That line is included in the song. It was included on the band’s fifth studio album, “Who’s Next.”
‘Behind Blue Eyes’ — The Who
‘La Bamba’ — Ritchie Valens
The Los Lobos performed a cover of the Mexican folk song “La Bamba.” This was the theme song for a 1987 film starring Lou Diamond Phillips as Ritchie Valens. That has to be the most well-known version of the song! The 1958 adaptation by Valens, on the other hand, appears on both the Rolling Stone Top 500 and the Ranker chart. “La Bamba” is one of the most well-known songs from the early days of rock and roll.
‘La Bamba’ — Ritchie Valens
‘Hound Dog’ — Elvis Presley
This song was already a hit for Willie Mae’s “Big Mama” Thornton before Elvis Presley covered it. The King of Rock and Roll version, on the other hand, peaked at No. 19 on the Rolling Stone top 500. After hearing Freddie Bell and the Bellboys sing it in Las Vegas, he included it in his 1956 setlist. Later that year, Presley famously serenaded a dog in a top hat on the Steve Allen Show.
‘Hound Dog’ — Elvis Presley
‘Rock Around The Clock’ — Bill Haley And The Comets
While this is a rock ‘n’ roll classic, Bill Haley and the Comets’ version is the most successful and well-known. The band released it to great acclaim in 1954. It topped the charts in both the United Kingdom and the United States. This is due in part to the fact that it was featured in the opening credits of The Blackboard Jungle. The song was even dubbed “the world’s first rock anthem” by The Guardian.
‘Rock Around The Clock’ — Bill Haley And The Comets
‘Break On Through (To The Other Side)’ — The Doors
This was the first track on The Doors’ self-titled debut album. The band’s first single was “Break on Through (To the Other Side).” It did not fare well when it was first released, reaching only no. 126 on the US charts. Regardless, it is one of their most popular songs. Jim Morrison told Hit Parader that he wrote the song while walking through Venice’s canals.
‘Break On Through (To The Other Side)’ — The Doors
‘Here Comes The Sun’ — The Beatles
The Beatles included “Here Comes the Sun” on their 1969 album “Abbey Road.” John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote most of their songs, but the credit for this hit goes to none other than George Harrison. It was also clear that the lead guitarist was becoming more influenced by Indian classical music. He allegedly wrote the song at Eric Clapton’s house to avoid attending a band’s Apple Corps organization.
‘Here Comes The Sun’ — The Beatles
‘Rebel Rebel’ — David Bowie
David Bowie was regarded as a forefather of the glam rock movement. “Rebel Rebel” is said to be his farewell to it. The song was released in 1974. It is essentially about a boy who defies his parents’ wishes by wearing makeup and female clothing. It peaked at No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. It peaked at No. 5 in the United Kingdom and remained a “glam anthem” today.
‘Rebel Rebel’ — David Bowie
‘You Really Got Me’ — The Kinks
Ray Davies wrote this song for the Kinks’ third single. In 1964, “You Really Got Me” reached No. 1 on the UK singles chart. It peaked at No. 7 in the United Kingdom. According to Rolling Stone, the guitarist for the band Dave Davies used a razor on the speaker cone of his amp to create the incredible sound on the riff.
‘You Really Got Me’ — The Kinks
‘Purple Haze’ — The Jimi Hendrix Experience
“Purple Haze” is ranked 17th on Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest songs. It was written by Jimi Hendrix and released as the second single from The Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1967. This is one of his most well-known songs, and it introduced many people to his distinct psychedelic rock sound. In 2013, Rolling Stone readers voted it Jimi Hendrix’s fifth-best song.
‘Purple Haze’ — The Jimi Hendrix Experience
‘London Calling’ — The Clash
The Clash wrote one of its most iconic songs while going through a series of personal difficulties and being concerned about global events. They had no management and a lot of debt at the time. This was the only single released in the UK from the eponymous album. It reached No. 11 on the charts in 1980, making them the highest-charting single band until they released “Should I Stay or Should I Go” a decade later.
‘London Calling’ — The Clash
‘What A Wonderful World’ — Louis Armstrong
“What a Wonderful World” was ranked 15th on the Ranker list. Under the supervision of George Douglas, this was written by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele. In 1967, the song reached the top of the UK pop chart after being recorded by Louis Armstrong. However, it only ranked 32nd in the UK. Despite this, in 1999, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Throughout the years, many artists have covered the song.
‘What A Wonderful World’ — Louis Armstrong
‘A Change Is Gonna Come — Sam Cooke
The song was only released a few days after he was laid to rest in December 1964. Unfortunately, Sam Cooke died after being shot by a woman in a Los Angeles motel. Even though it did not fare well on the charts, it was used as a civil rights movement anthem. It was even chosen for preservation by the National Recording Registry in 2007. It was chosen because it is a song that is “culturally, historically, or aesthetically important.”
‘A Change Is Gonna Come’ — Sam Cooke
‘The Sound Of Silence’ — Simon & Garfunkel
The film “The Sound of Silence” was ranked tenth by the Ranker community. It was included on Simon & Garfunkel’s debut album, “Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.” in 1964. It reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1966, and it also charted in Austria, Australia, the Netherlands, West Germany, and Japan. Paul Simon told NPR that the key to the song was “the simplicity of the melody and the words, which are youthful alienation.”
‘The Sound Of Silence — Simon & Garfunkel
‘A Day In The Life — The Beatles
This song is thought to be one of John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s final true collaborations. The Beatles’ “A Day in the Life” served as the dramatic conclusion to their 1967 album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” Various artists, including Bary Gibb, Jeff Beck, The Fall, and Phish, have covered it. Paul McCartney has also used it in live performances since 2008. Three years later, Rolling Stone named it the Beatles’ greatest song.
‘A Day In The Life — The Beatles
‘My Generation’ — The Who
The Who’s “My Generation” is ranked as the 11th greatest song of all time by Rolling Stone. It is one of the band’s most well-known songs. VH1 ranked it 13th on its list of the 100 Greatest Rock & Roll Songs and 37th on its list of the Greatest Hard Rock Songs.
‘My Generation’ — The Who
‘Light My Fire’ — The Doors
The Doors’ “Light My Fire” took the 16th spot on Ranker’s list. It was released on the band’s eponymous album in 1967. The edited single spent three weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It deserves credit for helping to make the band even bigger than it was before. The song also landed them an invitation to The Ed Sullivan Show, though Jim Morrison was asked not to sing a specific line.
‘Light My Fire’ — The Doors
‘What’d I Say — Ray Charles
Ray Charles’ “What’d I Say?” was named the 10th best song in history by Rolling Stone. He wrote it while the band was performing in Pittsburgh one night in 1958. He had some spare time, so he wrote one of the greatest songs ever written. The song went on to become his first top ten pop single. He always ended his performances with this song.
‘What’d I Say — Ray Charles
‘Paint It Black — The Rolling Stones
On Ranker, “Paint It Black” by the Rolling Stones is ranked fifth. The single was a huge success when it was released in 1966. It peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. The band’s third No. 1 hit single in the United States and sixth in the United Kingdom. Keith Richards stated in 2004 that Bill Wyman on the organ was the key to the song.
‘Paint It Black’ — The Rolling Stones
‘Respect’ — Aretha Franklin
This song was written and recorded by Otis Redding in 1965. On the other hand, Aretha Franklin deserves credit for making “Respect” what it is today. She turned it into a female empowerment anthem two years after the original was released. She added the “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” part to the chorus, as well as “Sock it to me, sock it to me, socks it to me…” in the refrain, to spice things up a little. It’s one of her most well-known songs. She won two Grammys for it in 1968.
‘Respect’ — Aretha Franklin
‘All Along The Watchtower’ — The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Although Bob Dylan wrote “All Along the Watchtower,” The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s rendition was voted the fourth greatest song in history by Ranker voters. It was first released on Bob Dylan’s 1967 album “John Wesley Harding.” Hendrix covered it six months later for “Electric Ladyland.” It was in the top 20 in 1968. According to Rolling Stone, his version is the 47th greatest song of all time.
‘All Along The Watchtower’ — The Jimi Hendrix Experience
‘What’s Going On — Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye released “What’s Going On” in 1971. It was inspired by all of the cases of police brutality that had been documented in California. It did not do well commercially at first. It did, however, go on to reach No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is one of the star’s most successful Motown records. The Rolling Stone described it as an “exquisite plea for peace on Earth.” It ranks fourth on its list of the greatest songs ever written.
‘What’s Going On — Marvin Gaye
‘Stairway To Heaven’ — Led Zeppelin
In 1971, Led Zeppelin released “Stairway to Heaven.” It has a huge following among the Ranker community. They named it the seventh greatest song of all time. It was the best song of all time for Planet Rock readers. They gave it more than twice as many votes as its closest competitor. Even though it was not released as a commercial single in the United Kingdom, it was voted the country’s favorite rock anthem.
‘Stairway To Heaven’ — Led Zeppelin
‘Like A Rolling Stone’ — Bob Dylan
According to Rolling Stone, the greatest song was Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone.” The track was six minutes and thirteen seconds long, which was unusual. This is why radio stations were initially hesitant to play the song. Despite this, it became a worldwide smash, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. According to Acclaimed Music, it is the most acclaimed song in history in terms of statistics. Dylan’s handwritten lyrics were auctioned off for $2 million in 2014.
‘Like A Rolling Stone’ — Bob Dylan
‘God Only Knows — The Beach Boys
The Ranker community ranked “God Only Knows” as the 19th greatest song of all time, while Rolling Stone ranked it as the 25th best song. This song is also in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Pitchfork Media’s list of the best songs from the 1960s. Despite this, it continues to be popular among their fans. In fact, Rolling Stone readers voted it the best song of all time.
‘God Only Knows — The Beach Boys
‘Blowin’ In The Wind’ — Bob Dylan
This song was once referred to as “Dylan’s first significant composition.” It is most likely the most well-known protest song in history. Bob Dylan’s most famous song is “Blowin’ in the Wind,” which became a civil rights movement anthem. Aside from that, it was a huge hit in 1963 for the popular folk band Peter, Paul, and Mary. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1994. Rolling Stone ranked it 14th on its list of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
‘Blowin’ In The Wind’ — Bob Dylan
‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’ — The Beatles
The Beatles have many great songs, and this is one of them. In 1963, the Fab Four released “I Wanted to Hold Your Hand.” It was their first No. 1 hit in the United States, and it spent 21 weeks in the top 50 in the United Kingdom. John Lennon explained that he and Paul McCartney wrote the song “eyeball to eyeball.”
‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’ — The Beatles
‘Johnny B. Goode’ — Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry released “Johnny B. Goode” in 1958. According to Rolling Stone, it was “the first rock and roll hit about rock and roll stardom,” as well as “the greatest rock and roll song about the democracy of fame in pop music.” It was a semi-autobiographical song about a New Orleans “country boy” who can play the guitar “like ringing a bell.” It peaked at NO. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Because of its influence, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999.
‘Johnny B. Goode’ — Chuck Berry
‘Smells Like Teen Spirit — Nirvana
This is the only song on the list that was released in the 1990s. The song “Smells Like Teen Spirit” became an anthem for that apathetic generation. It was given the name of a deodorant brand. The song became a worldwide hit in a variety of countries. It has even been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The song also propelled the “Nevermind” album to the top of the charts at the start of 1992. Unfortunately, it put a lot of strain on Nirvana.
‘Smells Like Teen Spirit — Nirvana
‘Good Vibrations — The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys had a lot of success with “Good Vibrations” in 1966. It topped the charts in both the United Kingdom and the United States. It was the most expensive single ever recorded at the time. The studio spent $50,000 to create it! Brian Wilson wrote and produced the song, which was inspired by his interest in cosmic vibrations. His mother tried to explain to him as a child why dogs barked at certain people but not others in this manner.
‘Good Vibrations — The Beach Boys
‘Yesterday’ — The Beatles
This has to be the Beatles’ most famous ballad. The Ranker readers voted it the third-best song, while Rolling Stone ranked it 13th. It was ranked third on the BMI list of the Top 100 Songs of the Century. After polling music experts and listeners alike, BBC Radio 2 declared it the greatest song of the twentieth century in 1999. It only featured Paul McCartney on vocals, accompanied by a string quartet. It was “one of the most instinctive songs I’ve ever written,” he said.
‘Yesterday’ — The Beatles
‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction — The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones ranked “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” as the second greatest song. This song helped the band achieve their first No. 1 in the United States, even though it was initially restricted to pirate radio stations across the pond due to its suggestive content. Despite this, it eventually rose to the top of the charts. Keith Richards had the song’s riff in a dream. He was on his third U.S. tour and was staying at a motel in Clearwater, Florida.
‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction — The Rolling Stones
‘Hey Jude’ — The Beatles
According to thousands of voters on Ranker, the best song ever is none other than the Beatles’ “Hey Jude.” Instead, Rolling Stone ranked it eighth. This was the band’s first single to be released on the Apple label. It topped the charts in several countries around the world. It was the best-selling single in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia in 1968. Its message is heartfelt and personal. Apparently, Paul McCartney wrote it to pay a visit to Cynthia, John Lennon’s wife, and their child Julian.
‘Hey Jude’ — The Beatles
‘Imagine’ — John Lennon
“Imagine” was ranked second by the Ranker community, and third by Rolling Stone. John Lennon’s song “Imagine” was released in the United States in October 1971, and in the United Kingdom in October 1975. This was his best-selling solo hit in his entire career as a musician. It is also one of the most popular songs of the twentieth century. Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Madonna, Lady Gaga, and others have all covered it over the years. It has always taken place before the New Year’s Eve Time Square Ball Drop since 2005. It was ranked No. 30 on the Recording Industry Association of America’s 365 Songs of the Century list. He claimed that Yoko Ono contributed a lot of the content and lyrics to the album not long before his assassination. She was finally given credit for co-writing it in 2017.
‘Imagine’ — John Lennon
‘Shop Around’ – Smokey Robinson And The Miracles
According to Robinson, Barrett Strong should record “Shop Around,” but Gordy persuaded Smokey that he’s the right man for the job. After hearing it on the radio, Gordy thought it was way too slow. At 3 a.m., he awoke Robinson and summoned him back to the studio to re-cut the song — faster and with more emphasis on Robinson’s vocals. That one worked out well.
Smokey Robinson And The Miracles
‘Miss You’ – The Rolling Stones
When Jagger wrote “Miss You” while jamming with R&B legend Billy Preston, the Stones were all in Toronto, preparing for their legendary shows at the El Mocambo Club. With a disco groove and a touch of the blues provided by a harmonica player they discovered in a Paris subway, it was the band’s first Number One hit in five years. “It’s not about a girl,” Jagger explained. “The song is about a feeling of longing.”
‘Miss You’ The Rolling Stones
‘The Rising’ – Bruce Springsteen
Springsteen wrote a song about 9/11 in which he portrays a firefighter trying to enter one of the Twin Towers (“Can’t see nothing in front of me…”) before launching into the gospel-tinged chorus. This was the lead single from an album aimed at easing his fans’ grief. He told Rolling Stone in 2002, “The fundamental thing I hear from fans is, ‘Man, you got me through — whatever it is.”
‘The Rising’ Bruce Springsteen
‘Running On Empty’ – Jackson Browne
Running on Empty was Browne’s grand experiment, a collection of all-new songs recorded live on stage, in hotels, and on the tour bus. While driving to the studio every day to work on The Pretender, Browne wrote the title track. He stated, “I was always driving around with no gas in the car.” “I simply never bothered to fill up the tank because, after all, how far was it? It’s only a few blocks away.”
‘Running On Empty’ Jackson Browne
‘Brown Sugar’ – The Rolling Stones
The Stones take on topics like slavery, sadomasochism, and interracial sex, and they do so in a catchy way. At Muscle Shoals Studios, Jagger scribbled three verses on a pad, and Richards provided an impossibly raunchy riff. You’ve got yourself a Stones concert classic with a few exultant punctuations.
‘Brown Sugar’ The Rolling Stones
‘Ignition (Remix)’ – R. Kelly
R. Kelly’s industrial metaphors for booty-knocking in “Ignition” are a little more sophisticated than they could have been; the lyrics were toned down at a Chicago radio station’s request. The song’s original version was quickly followed by a popular remix on Chocolate Factory.
‘Ignition (Remix)’ R. Kelly
‘Time to Pretend’ – MGMT
The rhythm was inspired by the wriggling of a praying mantis that VanWyngarden and Goldwasser kept in college. VanWyngarden chose to write about rock-star fantasies (“I’ll move to Paris, shoot some heroin”), though it’s hard to tell how sarcastically he meant the words. “Some people believe we’re drug addicts. Others see the sarcasm, while others see the irony, “he stated, “As a lyricist, that’s what I hope for: confusion!”
‘Time To Pretend’ MGMT
‘I Will Survive’ – Gloria Gaynor
In 1979, Gaynor’s professional career was on the decline. Gaynor, who was 32 at the time, had recently lost her mother and had undergone spinal surgery, and Donna Summer had displaced her as the leading disco diva. When she sang “I Will Survive,” she added a dash of sass. The song was originally a B side, but after being played at discos by enterprising DJs, it became a smash hit.
‘I Will Survive’ Gloria Gaynor
‘I Love Rock ‘N Roll’ – Joan Jett And The Blackhearts
As she attempted to launch a solo career following her time with the Runaways, Jett’s demo tape for “I Love Rock ‘N Roll” was rejected by 23 record labels. Tiny Boardwalk Records took notice eventually, but she had to pay $2,500 for the song’s radio rights. The song is now estimated to be worth around $20 million.
‘I Love Rock ‘N Roll’ Joan Jett And The Blackhearts
‘Clocks’ – Coldplay
Coldplay wanted to save “Clocks,” which features a churning piano riff influenced by Muse, for a later release because they were in a rush to finish their second album. Thankfully, a friend intervened to save the day. “He said, ‘You’re talking about the urgency in the lyrics, and you’re talking about holding this song back,'” Chris Martin explained. ” ‘That’s incomprehensible.’
‘Clocks’ Coldplay
‘Under the Boardwalk’ – The Drifters
“Under the Boardwalk” has been a summertime staple of beach-town jukeboxes since its release. It captures the beach’s carefree sounds. It wasn’t, however, a day at the beach when it was captured. Johnny Moore was drafted to sing lead because the track’s original singer, Rudy Lewis, died of a drug overdose in his hotel room the night before the session.
‘Under The Boardwalk’ The Drifters
‘I’m Eighteen’ – Alice Cooper
Before “I’m Eighteen,” Cooper was just another hairy rock goofy. However, this proto-punk smash classified the age when you’re “old enough to be drafted but not old enough to vote,” as Cooper put it. Johnny Rotten began singing it at his audition for the Sex Pistols a few years later, when Cooper was a guest on The Muppet Show.
‘I’m Eighteen’ Alice Cooper
‘Young Americans’ – David Bowie
Bowie gave up his glammed-up Ziggy Stardust persona in 1975 and embarked on a journey into the “plastic soul,” as he called it. Nonetheless, this R&B homage, recorded in Philadelphia with Luther Vandross on background vocals and David Sanborn wailing on sax, is one of his warmest, wildest tales. “It’s about a newlywed couple who aren’t sure if they love each other,” Bowie explained.
‘Young Americans’ David Bowie
‘Lady Marmalade’ – LaBelle
35 years later, this No. 1 hit about a New Orleans streetwalker is still in rotation. Because of producer Toussaint and his house band, the Meters, who are legendary R&B legends, the band was from Philadelphia, but the horrible groove was straight out of New Orleans. Every disco fan now knows at least one line of French, thanks to the ladies of LaBelle: “Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?”
‘Lady Marmalade’ LaBelle
‘Cry Me a River’ – Justin Timberlake
This breakup aria defined the Timberlake–Timbaland team’s structure, which was a perfect match in pop heaven. The song’s inspiration was revealed in the spectacular video, which featured Justin chasing an actress dressed as his ex-girlfriend Britney Spears. Timberlake informed Rolling Stone, “It’s a badass video.” “I didn’t want anyone to smell like roses when they left.”
‘Cry Me A River’ Justin Timberlake
‘Crazy’- Gnarles Barkley
More legendary hits emerged in the 2000s, many of which are still played today. Changes in genres occurred over time, and the top tracks were divided into more specific niches. When Gnarles Barkley released this pop hit, however, it seemed to appeal to the masses and reintroduced the concept of something that everyone could relate to.
‘Crazy’- Gnarles Barkley
’99 Problems’- Jay-Z
This song is still being played and recited today, indicating that it will be on our playlists for a long time. Rick Rubin worked on this track, and it was the most successful of anything he had worked on since the 1980s. For a while, this was also at the top of the charts.
’99 Problems’- Jay-Z
‘Crazy In Love’- Beyoncé
‘Crazy In Love’ was undoubtedly one of the songs that defined her new identity after Destiny Child. On her ace, Queen B was establishing a new name and identity, and she was doing everything better, bigger, and sassier than ever before. The song was in the top ten for fifteen weeks and spent a total of twenty-seven weeks on the charts.
‘Crazy In Love’- Beyoncé
‘Hey Ya!’- OutKast
This song still sounds as good as it did in the early 2000s, and it is a true deserving of its place in our hearts. We believe that in another 50 years or so, children will be asking what a polaroid picture is. Great acoustics, guitars, and hand clapping abound in this song.
‘Hey Ya!’- OutKast
‘Paper Planes’- M.I.A
‘Paper Planes,’ which was released in 2008, was a worldwide hit. Diplo co-wrote and co-produced the song. It is, without a doubt, M.I.A’s most important record to date. In Canada and the United States, the song was certified multi-platinum, platinum in the United Kingdom, and gold in New Zealand. In the United States, the song remained on the Billboard charts for ten weeks, peaking at #3.
‘Paper Planes’- M.I.A
‘Seven Nation Army’- The White Stripes
This song is regarded as having the best riff of its decade, with Jack White’s guitar producing bass effects. In some ways, the distorted lyrics and overall simple tune contributed to the revival of rock music or at least aided the cause. The song went on to win a Grammy for Best Rock Song, as well as a Grammy for Best Editing for the music video.
‘Seven Nation Army’- The White Stripes
‘Rehab’- Amy Winehouse
This track is a timeless classic that can be played at any time and in any mood. Amy Winehouse was a powerhouse of talent and, without a doubt, one of the greatest losses of our time. The song was a Top 10 hit in the UK and the US, and it was her only Top 10 hit in the US. However, in 2008, the song was named Best Record of the Year.
‘Rehab’- Amy Winehouse
‘Beautiful Day’- U2
This was a big deal because U2 was able to maintain their success in almost everything they touched. ‘Beautiful Day’ was the first single from the band’s tenth album, and it was a smash hit. At the Grammy Awards, the song won Song of the Year, Best Record of the Year, and Best Rock Song. On the UK singles chart, it reached number two.
‘Beautiful Day’- U2
‘Lose Yourself’- Eminem
Eminem is without a doubt one of the most popular rappers of this generation, and he is and will continue to be regarded as a music industry legend for the truth and honesty in his rap style and music in general. This song was featured on the soundtrack of the critically acclaimed film 8 Mile. The song ‘Lose Yourself’ was on the Hot 100 for twelve weeks in a row and reached the top of the charts in over nineteen other countries.
‘Lose Yourself’- Eminem
‘Born To Run’ — Bruce Springsteen
The title track of Bruce Springsteen’s 1975 album “Born to Run” was his most ambitious song. “I wanted to make the greatest rock record I’d ever heard,” he told Rolling Stone. This was his first international single, but it only reached the top 20 in the United States. According to The Atlantic, it was a cult hit. It was so popular in Philadelphia that the top-40 morning station aired it several times a day.
‘Born To Run’ — Bruce Springsteen
Take A Look At The Wealthiest Songwriters In History
When you were younger, you might have thought that singers always write their own songs! This is not true at all. Of course, there are some people who can both sing and write. However, it feels like songwriters do not get nearly enough credit for the hits that they come up with. The lyrics are just as important as the tune! Mind you, it is possible to make a lot of money as a songwriter. If it weren’t for the following people, our favorite songs would not have come into existence!
Take A Look At The Wealthiest Songwriters In History
Neil Diamond – $175 million
It is impressive that Neil Diamond has sold more than a hundred albums across the globe. He also has 38 singles that have made it to the Top 10 Billboard charts. This makes him one of the best-selling artists in the world. The “Song Sung Blue” singer-songwriter was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1984. In 2011, he got his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Will Ferrell once parodied him on SNL, but he liked it so much that he joined the comedian during the broadcast in May 2002!
Neil Diamond – $175 Million
Johnny Cash – $60 million
With more than 90 million album sales, Johnny Cash is considered one of the most accomplished singers in history. You will find him in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame, and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. If you are a fan of his, we are sure that you are familiar with his famous opening line: “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.” This was how he introduced himself before every show! It set him apart from other rockers because of how simple it was. You can learn more about the “Folsom Prison Blues” singer-songwriter by watching Walk the Line.
Johnny Cash – $60 Million
Joni Mitchell – $50 million
If you ask us to list down the best albums in history, Blue by Joni Mitchell will be there. A pianist, poet, and guitarist, she combined elements from rock, jazz, folk, and pop to make her unique music. She was active in the Baby Boom counterculture and joined demonstrations back in the day. Her best hits include “Woodstock” and “Big Yellow Taxi.” We have always been impressed by her versatility as an artist! Over the years, she has changed her sound and look to great effect. She is an icon in more ways than one.
Joni Mitchell – $50 Million
Jerry Garcia – $40 million
Born in San Francisco, Jerry Garcia is best known as the main songwriter of the Grateful Dead. The truth is that he also worked in other bands and launched a solo career as well. The Rolling Stones gave him the 13th spot on its list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists.” Once you hear “Truckin’” and “Sugaree,” we are sure that you would agree with that! He was a talented man who was known for his guitar solos and improvisations. In one interview, he said that doing so helped him relax and relieve stress.
Jerry Garcia – $40 Million
Paul Simon – $75 million
Do you know who deserves credit for writing songs like “Sound of Silence,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and “Mrs. Robinson”? The answer to that question is Paul Simon, who made up the first part of Simon and Garfunkel. The two of them went their own ways in 1970. Simon went on to release “Graceland,” which was influenced by the time that he spent in South Africa. When it was released, it sold 14 million copies and remains his most successful solo album to this day! He wrote screenplays too.
Paul Simon – $75 Million
James Taylor – $60 million
This talented singer-songwriter has received five Grammy awards. To no one’s surprise, he is also in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! With a hundred million album sales, James Taylor is one of the best-selling artists. He made it big with his “Fire and Rain” album, which was succeeded by “You’ve Got a Friend.” He has covered a bunch of popular songs such as “Handy Man,” “Sweet Baby James,” and “How Sweet It Is.” As you might already know by now, he is the person who wrote “Night Owl” and “Paint it Black.”
James Taylor – $60 Million
Carole King – $70 million
For five decades, Carole King was one of the most accomplished female songwriters. She is credited for writing or co-writing 118 songs that have been in the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. In the United Kingdom, 61 of her songs have made it to the charts. She has a couple of albums to her name, such as “Tapestry” and “Writer.” The former stayed in the charts for almost four months in the United States. Is it really surprising to hear that the “It’s Too Late” singer-songwriter has a Hollywood Star?
Carole King – $70 Million
Stevie Wonder – $110 million
Also called Stevland, Stevie Wonder is a talented singer-songwriter. Aside from that, he plays various instruments like keyboards, drums, harpejji, and harmonica. Over the course of his career, he has sold more than a hundred million records and bagged an Oscar and 25 Grammy awards. As expected, he has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The artist has many hits on the Billboard Hot 100. In his youth, he signed a deal with Motown label and was called a prodigy.
Stevie Wonder – $110 Million
Billy Joel – $180 million
This is the guy who has brought us the hit song “Piano Man.” Billy Joel has been making a name for himself in the industry since the ‘70s. He has since sold over 150 million records across the globe! As a matter of fact, the collection of his Greatest Hits is among the best-selling albums in the United States. He was born in the Bronx and dropped out of high school to focus on his budding music career. In 1972, he finally signed with Columbia Records. Since then, he has been nominated for a total of 23 Grammys.
Billy Joel – $180 Million
Burt Bacharach – $160 million
There are few singer-songwriters from the 20th century with more influence than Burt Bacharach. Born in Missouri in 1928, he started to write songs in the ‘80s. He eventually collaborated with Hal David to pen songs that have since been recorded by more than a thousand singers. He is famous for his work with Dionne Warwick and his jazz harmony and chord progression. Aside from that, he has worked with smaller orchestras with unique instruments. He has dabbled in contemporary, pop, and easy-to-hear styles. Aside from writing songs, he also sings and plays the piano! What a talented guy.
Burt Bacharach – $160 Million
Randy Newman – $50 million
Over the years, Randy Newman has been nominated for twenty Academy Awards and brought home two of them. How impressive is that? He is a famous songwriter who has been blessed with a distinctive voice and amazing arrangement skills. In 2007, he entered the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is famous for composing music for both animated and live-action movies. On his resume, you will find movies such as Meet the Parents, Cold Turkey, Seabiscuit, Monsters, Inc., Toy Story, and Cars. At the moment, he is working for Warner Bros.
Randy Newman – $50 Million
Dolly Parton – $500 million
You must have been living underneath a rock if you don’t know who Dolly Parton is! The “Jolene” singer has actually written more than 3,000 songs. One of them would be the modern classic, “I Will Always Love You.” When asked about songwriting, she once said that she started doing it at the tender age of seven. She has said that she tries to write a little every single day. If you look at her songs, you will see that they have been influenced by the childhood that she spent in the Appalachian Mountains.
Dolly Parton – $500 Million
Freddie Mercury – $50 million
Freddie Mercury was the frontman and lead vocalist of the famous rock band, Queen. He’s seen as one of the greatest singers in the history of rock music. Throughout his immensely successful career, Freddie was known for his flamboyant onstage persona in addition to his impressive four-octave vocal range. He’s written plenty of Queen’s biggest hits. From “Killer Queen” to “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “We Are the Champions”, “Don’t Stop Me Now”, and “Somebody to Love”, many of his songs became huge hits both in his time and after his untimely death. In 2001, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2003, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in 2004, into the UK Music Hall of Fame as a member of Queen.
Freddie Mercury $50 Million
Selena Gomez – $75 million
Starting out her career in Disney, Selena Gomez first appeared on Barney & Friends at age 10. Since then, she’s developed a successful career for herself in acting, singing, songwriting, and even producing. Some of her biggest hits are “Hands to Myself”, “Lose You to Love Me”, “We Don’t Talk Anymore” with Charlie Puth, and “Good for You”. She was even honored as the Billboard Woman of the Year in 2017.
Selena Gomez $75 Million
Lou Reed – $15 million
As the lead singer and songwriter of The Velvet Underground, Lou Reed cemented his status in the music industry. In those days, the musical act was not all that successful in terms of commercial sales. Despite this, it has since become known as an iconic underground alt-rock band. In 1970, he left Velvet Underground and released twenty records as a solo artist. Even though the second and third ones did well, his career went through a lot of ups and downs. We are glad that his later records did very well.
Lou Reed – $15 Million
Kris Kristofferson – $160 million
Up next, we have another singer-songwriter with a great musical career. Kris Kristofferson wrote for other artists and often worked with popular writer Shel Silverstein. Aside from that, he became known for his outlaw country collaborations. He was part of a group called The Highwaymen, which included other icons such as Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Johnny Cash. Did you know that he has also tried acting? He was in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, Heaven’s Gate, and Blade. He appeared in A Star is Born and fetched a Golden Globe for it as well!
Kris Kristofferson – $160 Million
Paul McCartney – $1.2 billion
You might have a hard time looking for a bigger musician than Paul McCartney. The former Beatles member is known for performing and writing various songs over the years. One of his biggest hits must be “Yesterday.” More than two thousand artists have since covered their songs. You will find his name in the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame two times. The first one was for his time with the Beatles, while the other one is for his solo career. Over the years, he has received eighteen Grammy awards. In 1997, he was knighted for his achievements in the music industry. With his talent, he has achieved billionaire status!
Paul McCartney – $1.2 Billion
Van Morrison – $90 million
He was only a teenager when he started his musical career. Van Morrison started to play for various showbands in Ireland and made a name for himself as a member of a Northern Irish R&B group called Them. As the lead singer, he recorded a song called “Gloria.” It pretty much defined the genre! He is also known for a ‘60s single called “Brown-Eyed Girl.” Astral Weeks was his first album, but it did not do well in terms of his sales. Luckily, his second album was a hit. In case you did not know, he still tours!
Van Morrison – $90 Million
Vanessa Williams – $25 million
Next on the list, we have the multitalented Vanessa Williams. The new York native initially gained global recognition for being the first African-American woman to be crowned Miss America. It wasn’t too long after this historic event that Williams debuted her music career and was able to rise to fame pretty quickly. In more recent years, Williams has also successfully maintained her acting career, she has starred in Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty. Looks like the 57-year-old is really enjoying life.
Vanessa Williams – $25 Million