Music soothes the spirit, and each person has unique preferences. Compiling a list of exceptional songs can be difficult, as individual tastes vary greatly. Nonetheless, these are the top 50 songs universally acknowledged as the finest.
#50. Gimme Shelter By The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are a classic, and no one makes music better than them. Did you know that “Gimme Shelter” was written within twenty minutes by Keith Richards? Yes, it only took twenty minutes to write, and yet this song was a hit everywhere.
“Gimme Shelter” was kept as an opening track for their album “Let it Bleed.” It has been a part of all the live gigs that the band has performed ever since then. When The Rolling Stones were on their 50th-anniversary tour, they sang “Gimme Shelter” with three other amazing singers: Florence Welch, Mary J. Blige, and Lady Gaga.
#49. One By U2
In 1991, U2 released an album that was known as “Achtung Baby.” The 3rd track on this album was “One,” and it was another rendition of their previously recorded song “Mysterious Ways.”
During the making of Mysterious Ways, Edge suggested two types of lyrics. Bono liked these lyrics so much that he decided to make two different types of songs out of them. That is how “Mysterious Ways” and “One” came to be known.
You might have heard “One” being played at many weddings. However, that is not what the band wants since the lyrics have another meaning that is not appropriate for weddings.
#48. No Woman, No Cry By Bob Marley
Bob Marley is a legend, and people remember his songs to this date. He changed the music landscape, and one of his best songs was “No Woman, No Cry.” However, the best version of this song is not the album version recorded in the studio.
Alternatively, the 1975 rendition of the song by Bob Marley at the Lyceum Theatre stands out as the superior version. This iconic piece drastically influenced Marley’s life and had a profound impact on his fan base. It is among his most frequently listened to tracks.
#47. You’ve Lost That Lovin Feeling By The Righteous Brothers
You’ve Lost That Lovin Feeling was a significant hit in the 60s. The Righteous Brothers released the song in 1964, and it was one of the top songs in the United Kingdom and the United States. Ever since then, the song has had many covers by a variety of artists.
However, no cover will ever get close to the original. The Righteous Brothers made a masterpiece that people still listen to. If you haven’t heard this song yet, then you should. It will become your favorite as well in no time.
The Righteous Brothers can do nothing but right, and this song is a perfect illustration of that.
#46. Sympathy For The Devil By The Rolling Stones
It goes without saying that this compilation would be lacking without inclusion of some of the iconic hits from The Rolling Stones. Their innovative approach radically transformed the world of music, and to this day everyone relishes their timeless tracks. Notably, their musical pieces have ignited debate more than once, and the same applies to this particular song.
After “Sympathy For The Devil” released, many religious institutions and groups believed that The Rolling Stones were worshippers of Satan. Mick Jagger cleared up this scandal and told everyone that this song was inspired by some of the French literature he had read.
Mick Jagger took some lines from the literature and turned it into a song. It was a hit with a spark of controversy, but what Rolling Stone song isn’t controversial?
#45. River Deep By Mountain High By Ike And Tina Turner
If you haven’t heard this song already, then you need to give it a listen now. It comes at Number 33 out of the Rolling Stones Top 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The producer of the show, Phil Spector, ensured that everything is perfect during the recording.
He pushed them to perform until all the vocals, tunes, and rhythms were flawless. The outcome of this intense effort is apparent in the song’s success, as it made a big splash in the 60s. It also provided a remarkable adventure for Tina Turner.
Turner recalls perfectly delivering the song only after she had sung to the point of being soaked in sweat.
#44. November Rain By Guns And Roses
Guns and Roses are perhaps the greatest rock band of all time. Their videos, guitar solos, and everything else is just perfection. November Rain was one of Guns and Roses’ biggest hits that featured the most extended guitar solo you will hear.
Nonetheless, it’s all valid as Slash is unparalleled when it comes to playing the guitar. The song, originally stretching up to 25 minutes, was eventually shortened to just 9 minutes. Currently, the music video of this song boasts over 1 billion views on YouTube.
Why not broaden your musical tastes and give November Rain a listen in November? You certainly won’t regret it.
#43. I Walk The Line By Johnny Cash
The brilliant Johnny Cash started working on this song when he was stationed in Germany in the Air Force. However, he didn’t release the music at that time. After a few years, he finally decided to record this masterpiece.
After Johnny Cash recorded the song, he realized that the tape was damaged. Of course, this was just a minor setback as he embraced the tape’s unique sound and released it anyway.
People that heard this song were extremely impressed, and it went on to be Number 1 on the Billboard Charts. Cash believed in himself and didn’t let a damaged tape stop him.
#42. Help By The Beatles
The Beatles are widely celebrated to this day because they transformed what music meant to people. The song “Help” was released in the 60s when everyone was listening to The Beatles.
However, this song was made for a movie, and John Lennon didn’t realize this song’s depths when he wrote it. He later understood that his emotions and troubling times inspired him to write this song.
Naturally, like every other Beatles song, this one was incredibly popular as well, since people adored it.
#41. People Get Ready By The Impressions
People Get Ready is what The Impressions is known for, and that’s how people remember them. It was the official song for the Civil Rights Movement, and it reached Number 3 on Billboard during that time.
The song was penned by Curtis Mayfield, drawing inspiration from religious teachings. These spiritual influences led him to compose this hit song, which quickly gained popularity everywhere. Following the release of this song, The Impressions received extensive recognition, marking their introduction to many people.
If you haven’t listened to this song already, then listen now and be inspired.
#40. Layla By Derek And The Dominos
If you’re familiar with the renowned Persian story of Layla and Majnun, you’ll understand the inspiration behind this song. Often considered one of the greatest rock songs ever, Layla is a timeless classic widely recognizable by all.
Eric Clapton wrote Layla, and he took some inspiration from his love life as well. He was in love with his friend’s wife, and eventually, he married her. They were happily married for almost ten years.
Contrary to the story of Layla and Majnun, Clapton and his beloved managed to resolve their issues and joyously tied the knot. It’s not always the case that love stories conclude with a tragic end.
#39. It’s My Life By Bon Jovi
It’s My Life is perhaps the most played song by Bon Jovi. It was a big hit, and fans went crazy when the track released. It came out twenty years ago, and ever since then, the song has been played on a variety of occasions.
The song was performed during the closing ceremony of the 2002 Winter Olympics, at the start of the 2002 NFL season, upon the New Jersey Devils’ 2003 Stanley Cup victory, and on numerous other occasions.
The song reached Number 1 in many countries worldwide, such as Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. It was one of the greatest songs by Bon Jovi next to “Livin On A Prayer.”
#38. Let It Be The Beatles
This list is likely to feature a good number of songs from The Beatles, a group that is justifiably considered one of the greatest ever. “Let it Be”, their final single before parting ways, is among them.
Paul McCartney’s song was influenced by a dream he experienced during a difficult period in his life. In his dream, his mother appeared and offered him some counsel. This guidance she imparted is the source of inspiration for the song.
The most challenging periods often inspire the greatest creativity, and that’s exactly the case in this scenario.
#37. Stand By Me By Ben E. King
The origin story of “Stand By Me” is indeed intriguing. Initially conceived as a gospel hymn by Charles Albert Tindley, a minister from Philadelphia, in 1905, the song subsequently found its way into the repertoires of numerous vocalists and musical groups who made their own cover versions.
The most renowned interpretation was by The Staple Singers, and it was this version that King desired to replicate. Thus, he proposed the idea of recording this song to his group, The Drifters. However, they dismissed his suggestion, which led to King departing from the band.
Eventually, he created and recorded this tune, which rapidly became popular. It was ranked as the fourth most frequently aired track on American television and radio in the 20th century.
#36. The Times They Are A-Changing By Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan’s most influential and well-known song has been this even though it didn’t reach any chart in the U.S. However, in the U.K it reached Number 9. The song was part of his 1964 and perhaps the only song that gained such wide recognition internationally.
Many other artists have also covered this masterpiece, such as Bruce Springsteen, Nina Simone, the Beach Boys, and Simon and Garfunkel. The charts don’t accurately reflect the recognition this song gained in no time.
This is the melody that characterized Bob Dylan and aided others in recalling him.
#35. Baba O’Riley – The Who
The song’s name may be odd, but only because it is inspired by the spiritual master named Meher Baba. The inspiration has also been taken from a composer Terry Riley, hence the name Baba O’Riley. The fantastic track was released in 197 and instantly became a hit.
Over the years, the song has earned widespread recognition and continues to be pertinent in our current times. Roger Daltrey, a few years ago, provided insight about this song, cautioning everyone about excessive use of social media.
Pete Townshend made a masterpiece, and if you haven’t heard it, you are missing out on great music.
#34. Be My Baby By The Ronettes
If you have seen the opening of the 1987 movie, Dirty Dancing then you know this track. It also played in the opening credits of Mean Streets, a ’73 production by Martin Scorsese. This song gained so much popularity that Dick Clark declared it “the record of the century.”
The song was produced by Phil Spector, who is renowned for his innovative approaches that revolutionize music. He was the one who shaped the song to its current form, marking his initial collaboration with The Ronettes.
Naturally, things came together perfectly in the end as this song attained immense popularity.
#33. Born To Run By Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen has established legendary status, earning love and admiration from fans globally. However, this particular song represented his boldest effort yet, which fortunately paid off. It managed to break into the top 20 singles on the U.S charts.
Before long, this tune began echoing everywhere, garnering recognition across various states. Its fame in Philadelphia skyrocketed causing it to be played relentlessly on the radio each day. Their day would feel incomplete without the melody of this song.
Bruce Springsteen had an extraordinary impact on people that was truly phenomenal.
#32. Behind Blue Eyes By The Who
Pete Townshend of The Who always tried to resist temptation. That is what the song is all about. He got married in ’68, and during the ’70s, a groupie started tempting him. However, he didn’t give in and went back to his hotel room.
Upon arriving, he penned a prayer that eventually became the lyrics of the song. Townshend consistently made an effort to conduct himself decently on tours, to avoid falling into the stereotype of an indulged rockstar.
He retained his composure even amidst the flirtations of his fans. The song is an homage to those moments and ranks among his most successful tracks.
#31. La Bamba By Ritchie Valens
La Bamba is the only song in another language that made it to Rolling Stones Top 500 list. It is the song that defined the 80s and the rock’n’roll era at that time. It made it to Number 49 in the U.K charts and Number 22 in the U.S charts.
However, Valens made other songs too that gained even more popularity than La Bamba. If you want to listen to an excellent rock’n’roll song, this should be on the top of your list. No one does it better than Ritchie Valens.
#30. Can’t Help Falling In Love By Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley excels at performing love songs like no one else. The song reached the top spot on the U.K charts and the second spot in the U.S charts. Interestingly though, this song wasn’t originally intended for a romantic partner.
On her birthday, Elvis dedicated this song to his grandmother. Along with his heartfelt rendition, he presented her with a music box which played the same song when opened; he often sang along with the music box too. This song was much in demand and often served as the closing performance at many of his concerts.
Numerous individuals have rendered versions of this song over time, yet none appears to rival the excellence of Elvis Presley’s rendition.
#29. Rock Around The Clock By Bill Haley And The Comets
Rock Around The Clock was the beginning of the rock and roll era. At that time, no one was familiar with this genre, and when the band presented this in front of a record company, they couldn’t describe the genre. However, once it was released, people loved it.
The melody even ascended to be the signature tune for the TV series, Happy Days. In the United Kingdom, it became the top-selling single of the 50s. The song led the charts at number one in both the U.S. and the U.K.
#28. Break On Through By The Doors
Even though this song didn’t do too well on the charts, it was still well-received by the public. It’s what The Doors are known and loved for. According to Jim Morrison, he wrote this song when he was in Venice’s canals.
They debuted with this single, which immediately charmed the masses. The melody featured in several renowned TV shows and films, including Forrest Gump and The Simpsons. Even though it didn’t rank high on the charts, it was warmly received which is ample reason for you to lend an ear to it.
#27. Here Comes The Sun By The Beatles
The majority of The Beatles’ songs were penned by either John Lennon or Paul McCartney. Nonetheless, this brilliant tune was crafted by George Harrison. Should you be a great fan of The Beatles, then this track is sure to resonate with you as well.
Harrison not only sang the lead vocals for this song but also played the acoustic guitar. He was fully responsible for creating the song, which significantly endeared him to his fans.
Since its release, this song has been a source of comfort and solace for countless individuals. Promising optimism during tough times, it provides unique solace that is unparalleled. If you find yourself in a difficult period, listening to this song might just give your spirits the uplift they need.
#26. Rebel Rebel By David Bowie
The melody is dedicated to all rule-breakers and free spirits who dare to challenge standard conventions. The track by David Bowie, having been remade numerous times, has become one of his most reinterpreted songs, making its way up to fifth place in the U.K. charts.
The song is about a boy who goes against his parents by wearing women’s makeup and clothes. Ever since then, it has become the most played anthem by glam rockers.
Bowie had many other successful songs, but this one held personal significance for him as it was released three years after he publicly came out.
#25. You Really Got Me By The Kinks
Reaching a high of Number 7 on the U.S charts and securing the top spot in the U.K, this song was penned by Ray Davies. The inspiration for the lyrics came after he witnessed girls dancing energetically in a club. Their captivating movements left him overwhelmed, prompting him to compose a song about their dance.
This song became so renowned that even Van Halen decided to do their own rendition of it. The purpose behind releasing this song was to captivate audiences, a goal it undeniably accomplished. The distinctive guitar riff of this song remains its most unforgettable element.
#24. Purple Haze By The Jimi Hendrix Experience
“Purple Haze” appears in the 17th spot of the Top 500 list compiled by Rolling Stones. Launched in 1967, this track was both penned and performed by Jimi Hendrix. It is a song that has become synonymous with all who are familiar with Hendrix.
During its time, the song didn’t do too well in terms of charts in the United States, but Number 3 in the U.K. Hendrix claimed that this song was inspired by a dream he had.
In this reverie, he was strolling beneath the ocean waves. The dream was an overpowering experience, yet he was rescued by Jesus. And this, essentially, is the theme of the song.
#23. London Calling By The Clash
The Clash is recognized for their contributions to the punk rock genre and their opposition to societal norms. Their song, London Calling, provides a grim overview of potential global doomsday scenarios. It was named the top hit of the 80s by Rolling Stone Magazine.
This song, though bleak and shadowy, epitomizes the essence of punk rock. Despite several renditions of it, none can truly match up to the power and authenticity of the original.
#22. What A Wonderful World By Louis Armstrong
You can’t know Louis Armstrong until you have heard this song. It is his most famous song and was loved by the people when it released in 68. However, it didn’t gain much fame in America.
Two decades later, in ’88, the song ultimately received the recognition it deserved in the United States as well. The song’s usage in Good Morning, Vietnam, a film featuring Robin Williams, was the catalyst for this acknowledgement.
Subsequently, the song managed to reach Number 32 on the U.S. charts. This particular track was greatly admired by Tony Bennett, who ended up producing several of his own renditions.
#21. A Change Is Gonna Come By Sam Cooke
The song “A Change Is Gonna Come” was composed to advocate for the Civil Rights Movement and swiftly became its rallying cry upon release. The inspiration for the song came from actual events. There was a time when Cooke and his friends were refused accommodation at a motel due to their black skin color, leading to their subsequent arrest by the police.
Unfortunately, the song released right after Cooke’s death, but it is an excellent tribute to him and his legacy. Even his death was controversial, but this song is his legacy that will live on forever in people’s hearts.
#20. The Sound Of Silence By Simon And Garfunkel
The song is strikingly modest but it is deemed one of the most picturesque songs in history. It took Paul Simon over half a year to script the words for this song. The main theme is centered on the absence of dialogue among individuals.
In the U.K, it secured the Number 1 spot on the charts and was among the Top 10 songs in various other nations including Japan, Australia, Netherlands, Austria and other countries. The song has since been featured in numerous films and television shows, like The Simpsons, Old School, The Graduate, and several others.
#19. A Day In The Life By The Beatles
Acclaimed Music has identified this song as the most revered in popular music history. This song, part of The Beatles’ impressive oeuvre, is rightly highly praised. A noteworthy detail is the inclusion of a 41-piece orchestra participating in its performance.
It is also one of The Beatles’ rare songs that don’t include the title in the lyrics. You will not hear the words “a day in the life” in the song. Once you listen to it, you will fall in love with it instantly as the music is beautiful.
#18. My Generation By The Who
Pete Townshend wrote the song for the rebellious British youth at the time. These were known as “mods.” It expressed the younger generation’s feeling as the older people didn’t understand their generation.
Both Green Day and Iron Maiden have done their own versions of this widely-popular song after its release. But, the BBC chose not to broadcast it in order to avoid causing offense.
If you also feel like the older generation doesn’t get you, this song is for you. So, give it a listen now, and you will fall in love with it.
#17. Light My Fire By The Doors
The song Light My Fire soared to the 1st place on the U.S charts and 7th in the UK. This was the pivotal piece that catapulted The Doors’ career. It was a game changer in their popularity.
However, Jim Morrison didn’t like it that the band came to be known for this song. The song gained so much fame that they were invited to perform on The Ed Sullivan Show.
The song is a treat to the ears, and if you haven’t listened to it yet, then you are missing out on some of the best music ever.
#16. What’d I Say By Ray Charles
What’d I Say’s music was inspired by the church music that Ray Charles grew up with. It went to become one of the most famous songs. The popularity was so massive that he started closing each gig with this song.
Ray Charles made this song in haste at a club’s stage. The people loved it so much that the club’s owners were at his feet to tell them the title so that they could buy the record.
Observing this reaction, Charles realized the need to produce this song. Upon recording and launching it, the song rose to become one of his most recognized pieces.
#15. Paint It Black By The Rolling Stones
The song charted Number 1 in both the U.K and the U.S. The song is about a depressed person who wants to turn everything black to match the way he feels. The song gained so much popularity that it even featured on the closing credits of The Devil’s Advocate.
Apart from that, many other movies have featured this song from time to time. When asked what inspired this song, Mick Jagger said that it isn’t an original thought as many people have written about it.
#14. Respect By Aretha Franklin
The song charted Number 1 in the U.S and Number 10 in the U.K. It was initially written and recorded by Otis Redding in 1965. However, it didn’t do so well at that time.
Two years later, Aretha Franklin turned Respect into her anthem for female empowerment. It then became one of her most famous and signature songs that she is known for. Even Otis Redding said that it had become her song now, and he doesn’t own it anymore.
#13. All Along The Watchtower By The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Bob Dylan was the original author and recorder of the song in 1967. However, its popularity was propelled by Jimi Hendrix, despite numerous other artists covering it. The song climbed to the 20th spot on the U.S charts, and reached the 5th position in the U.K.
This song, renowned as the greatest cover song ever, was also featured in The Simpsons and Forrest Gump. It’s one of the many remarkable tracks by Jimi Hendrix.
#12. What’s Going On By Marvin Gaye
Drawing inspiration from incidents of police violence in California, the song climbed up to the second spot on the US charts. Initially dismissed, the track eventually rose to fame, becoming one of Motown’s most celebrated songs.
Nonetheless, this song broaches a wide array of issues like poverty and the environment, among other things. It marked Gaye’s initial foray into addressing societal problems through his music, something he had never done previously.
#11. Stairway To Heaven By Led Zeppelin
If you haven’t heard Led Zeppelin by now, then you are not listening to the right kind of music. It is the most famous rock song ever to release, and unfortunately, it did not make it to the charts because it was never released to the public as a single.
However, this didn’t stop the band from getting famous. It was the most requested song on radio stations in the 70s as people wanted to listen to more of Zeppelin.
#10. Like A Rolling Stone By Bob Dylan
The hit track secured the 2nd position on the U.S charts and 4th in the U.K. According to Rolling Stone magazine, this song holds the title of the all-time greatest. Upon its release, the song achieved immense popularity, inspiring various artists like Green Day and Jimi Hendrix to recreate this stunning composition.
This track has been the focus of numerous documentaries and literature. If you’re interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Bob Dylan and his musical contributions, it’s certainly worth your time to listen to it.
#9. God Only Knows By The Beach Boys
This song, a product of a brisk 45-minute writing session by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher, soared to great heights with the band. Although it didn’t make it onto the charts, its popularity with fans cemented its status as one of the band’s most significant hits.
Paul McCartney himself has expressed that this is among his most loved tunes ever. Assuming you’ve not yet listened to other tracks by The Beach Boys, you’re passing up a great deal. Give it a listen immediately, and you’ll understand the hype.
#8. Blowin In The Wind By Bob Dylan
If you haven’t realized already, you need to know that Bob Dylan transformed the world of music, and that is why we have included many of his songs on the list. He claims he wrote this song in 10 minutes, and it became one of the anthems for the Civil Rights Movement.
It didn’t make it to the charts because of its protest nature, but the people widely knew it. Listening to Bob Dylan would be incomplete without listening to this hit.
#7. I Want To Hold Your Hand By The Beatles
The track hit the top spot on the charts in both the U.K and the U.S – a well-deserved achievement, given it was by The Beatles. This was their first song that quickly rose to fame in America, marking the beginning of their popularity outside of their already established U.K fanbase.
This tune marked a turning point for them, and every media outlet in the US was buzzing about this extraordinary group. To understand why they skyrocketed to fame, give this song a listen immediately.
#6. Johnny B. Goode By Chuck Berry
The track serves as a tribute to Chuck Berry’s personal journey. Originating from a modest upbringing, he utilized his innate musical prowess to ascend to where he truly deserved to be. His fame skyrocketed following his initial rock and roll success.
From that point forward, numerous covers of the song have been produced and it has found its place in several films. Additionally, it earned a spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame back in 1999.
#5. Imagine By John Lennon
Imagine was an unprecedented solo success during its era, setting new records. This song, penned by the iconic John Lennon, paints an elaborate image of a world living in harmony with no divisions among humans. Lennon also acknowledged the contribution of his wife, Yoko Ono, to the song’s material. Released in 1971 in the United States, Imagine continues to be one of the most frequently performed songs to date. It’s a common highlight at major global events, confirming the enduring popularity of this exquisite creation, which was honored with entry into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. As per Rolling Stones, it ranks amongst the top three greatest songs ever.
#4. Hey Jude By The Beatles
“Hey Jude,” another magnificent creation from the iconic Beatles and penned by Paul McCartney, is a pioneering pop-rock track that came out in 1968 and set the stage for the evolution of pop and rock genres. This emblematic melody, at the time, set a new record as the longest chart-topping song and secured a place among Billboard magazine’s top 10 greatest songs to ever exist. McCartney composed this song against the backdrop of John Lennon’s divorce, intending to console Lennon’s son, Julian. The track was an overnight sensation, achieving chart-topping success globally in the year of its release.
#3. I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction By The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones is a highly recognized name in the music scene and is often considered one of the finest bands in history. A significant part of their acclaim is owed to their 1965 song ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’, which was a hit among a multitude of rock music enthusiasts. With its well-deserved entry into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 and topping global music charts, it was one of the most popular songs that year. Penned by Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, this standout track transformed the image of the Rolling Stones and cemented their place in the annals of music history.
#2. Yesterday By The Beatles
Guinness World Records states that the most covered song in history with over 1500 reproductions by 1986, is a song by The Beatles. This famous tune, released in the UK in August 1965 and in the US a month later, is the remarkable creation of Paul McCartney. His extraordinary contribution to this masterpiece did not go unnoticed and received high praises from both, the critics and the admirers. McCartney revealed that the melody of the song came to him in a dream, after which he hurriedly played it on his piano upon waking up to ensure he wouldn’t forget. After more than three decades from its initial release, the song “Yesterday” by The Beatles, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
#1. Good Vibrations By The Beach Boys
At the pinnacle, we find Good Vibrations. This striking song was released by the American group Beach Boys in 1966. It quickly climbed the charts in both the UK and the US, making it one of the most celebrated songs in history. Good Vibrations, a fusion of rock and pop, was well received and highly praised throughout the entire music world. Brain Wilson, its producer, invested in 17 recording sessions, making it the most costly song produced during that period. The concept of vibrations was introduced to Brian by his mother, which initially spooked him due to his discomfort with the existence of unseen feelings. Little did anyone expect, this idea would result in one of the all-time greatest songs.