Greatest Songs Of All Time

Before I start, I would just like to say that this is not a definitive list. This is a list of 30 songs that could be replaced by another 30. However I have picked 30 songs that are, without doubt all time classics. They are certainly all songs that you should download if you don’t already have them in your music collection. There was just one prerequisite that I set myself for this; the songs had to have been released before I was born. Since I was born in 1990, the end of the 80s is the cut-off point. I’ve made a slight exception for one song, but 1991 is acceptable (no it’s not ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’). I have since changed my mind and included another 90s song, but I think it deserves to be on the list. To be fair though, I had enough trouble whittling this lot down to 30 let alone having the 90s and 00s to choose from as well.

Just to give you an idea of who isn’t in the list, there’s no AC/DC, Elton John or Meat Loaf. All huge artists that have ‘classic’ tracks, but no space for them here. I even toyed with the idea of including Neil Diamond (that’s parent’s musical influence for you), but decided against it. Once you start reading through, I think you’ll agree with every song that’s on the list. There may be one or two surprises in there, but they are all legendary artists who have had massive songs. So sit back and enjoy one of the best playlists you’ll see J

 

Aerosmith- I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing: Released in 1998, ‘I Don’t Want To Miss a Thing’ became Aerosmith’s biggest hit, going straight to number one in America and staying there for 4 weeks. Even though it only peaked at number 4 in the UK, it topped the charts in Australia, Ireland and Germany amongst others. It was also the 17^th best-selling single of 1998 in the UK. Even though it is the band’s biggest hit, it was actually penned by Dianne Warren and was used as the theme for the film ‘Armageddon’, featuring Liv Tyler, daughter of vocalist Steven. It is a real fan favourite and still included in the set list for the band’s live performances.

Ben E King- Stand By Me: Released originally in 1961, there has since been over 400 recorded versions of this song including covers by John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix and Otis Redding. However it is the original that is the most notable and arguably well known.  Hitting the number one spot in the US upon original release, it had to wait until 1987 before it hit the top of the charts in the UK. This was due partly to its use in a popular TV commercial at the time. It’s a wonderfully simple song that oozes class, and one that sounds just as good as it did 50 odd years ago.

Blondie- Heart of Glass: Released as a single in 1979, ‘Heart of Glass’ features on the album ‘Parallel Lines’. It hit the number one spot in several countries including both the UK and US. Even though there was some controversy surrounding its “disco” sound compared the ‘New Wave’ scene the band was part of, the song launched the band into the mainstream. Reaching number one in 8 countries, it remains one of the band’s biggest hits.

Bob Dylan- Blowin’ In The Wind: Released in 1963, ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ is one of Bob Dylan’s most instantly recognisable songs. Impressive considering it only took him 10 minutes to write (It took longer than that for me to write about this song). The single sold 300,000 copies in the first week of release alone, and went on to reach over one million sales.  With the use of simple guitar and harmonica accompanying the lyrics it’s a wonderfully simple song. However it’s also a song full of deep meaning, and captured the feelings and imagination of many freedom groups, particularly civil rights groups and has been described as the anthem of the ‘60s civil rights movement. For many it is the ultimate freedom fighter song and is still as relevant today as it was the day it was written.

Bruce Spingsteen- Dancing In the Dark: Taken from Springsteen’s 1984 album ‘Born in the USA’, ‘Dancing in the Dark’ went on to become his biggest hit. Even though it only reached number 4 in UK charts, it hit the top spot in the US and helped make ‘Born in the USA’ the best-selling album of Springsteen’s career. The video of the song also gained popularity Springsteen offering a female audience member the chance to come up on stage and dance with him during a performance of the song.  The song was voted “Song of the Year” in 1985 by a poll of Rolling Stone readers. It has also been covered by a number of artists including Tegan and Sara and Amy MacDonald.

David Bowie- Life on Mars: Released in 1973, but actually first appearing on Bowie’s 1971 album ‘Hunky Dory’, ‘Life on Mars’ surprisingly didn’t make it to number one. Even though it stayed in the charts for thirteen weeks, it only peaked at number 3 in the UK charts. Featuring Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman on piano, BBC Radio 2 described the song as “a cross between a Broadway musical and a Salvador Dali painting.” I became hooked on this song when it was used in the BBC TV show ‘Life on Mars’ and have loved it ever since. In fact the song re-entered the charts 30 years since its original release thanks to its appearance in the TV show. It’s my personal favourite Bowie song, and one of the best songs of all time.

Don McLean- American Pie: Considered by many to be Don McLean’s signature song, ‘American Pie’ was released in 1972 and stayed at number one in the US for four weeks. It didn’t do so well over the pond, only hitting the number 2 spot. The song is a narration, or recounting of “The Day the Music Died”; the 1959 plane crash which claimed the lives of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Jiles Perry Richardson Jr, aka The Big Bopper, and its aftermath. It is has been covered by many artists, most notably Madonna. The song is well known for its cryptic lyrics, and that’s part its beauty, you can listen to it on so many different levels. You can listen purely to the narration because the lyrics are fantastic, or you dive a little deeper and read more into it. McLean himself stated that the lyrics are “beyond analysis, they’re poetry.” Don’t think anyone can argue with that.

 

Dobie Gray- Drift Away: Originally recorded by John Henry Kurtz in 1972, ‘Drift Away’ became the biggest hit for soul singer Dobie Gray the following year, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. It was one of the biggest hits of the year selling over one million copies. The song became a hit again in 2003, when it was covered by Uncle Kracker as a duet with Gray. It has been covered live by many bands, due to the ease in which it can be fitted in between songs. Even though the song is now 40 years old, it is still a popular radio choice and still receives generous airplay. Not surprising considering it’s a classy song that won’t get old.

Eagles- Take It Easy: The band that possibly defines the term ‘Dad Music’, ‘Take It Easy’ was the band’s first single, released back in 1972. It spent eleven weeks in the chart, peaking at number twelve.  It was also the opening track on their self-titled debut album, and is one of their signature songs.  I could go onto describe the song, but the review of the Eagles’ debut in Rolling Stone sums it up perfectly: 

"Take it Easy" was "simply the best sounding rock single to come out so far this year. The first time through, you could tell it had everything: danceable rhythm, catchy, winding melody, intelligent, affirmative lyrics, a progressively powerful arrangement mixing electric guitar and banjo, and a crisp vocal, with vibrant four-part harmony at just the right moments for maximum dramatic effect."

Again, I don’t think anyone can disagree with that. Many of you may have been expecting 'Hotel California', but there's just something about this song that I love.

Electric Light Orchestra- Mr Blue Sky: Arguably one of their best well known songs, ‘Mr Blue Sky’ features on ELO’s seventh album ‘Out of the Blue’ from 1977. It managed to only peak at number 6 in the UK though upon release. Influenced by The Beatles, the song has been described as a ‘pop symphony’, which is very apt considering the dramatic finale to the song. If anything, similarities can be drawn to operatics of Queen. Jeff Lynne in fact wrote the song while staying in a Swiss chalet. He recalled:

“It was dark and misty for 2 weeks, and I didn't come up with a thing. Suddenly the sun shone and it was, 'Wow, look at those beautiful Alps.' I wrote Mr. Blue Sky and 13 other songs in the next 2 weeks.”

     The song  has remained popular over the years, and was used in both the opening and closing  ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics.

 

 

Fleetwood Mac- Go Your Own Way: One of Fleetwood Mac’s most recognisable and best known songs ‘Go Your Own Way’ was the first single from their hugely successful album ‘Rumours’.  The song, written by guitarist Lindsey Buckingham, is famously about the complicated relationship going on between himself and fellow band member Stevie Nicks at the time ‘Rumours’ was being written and recorded. Even though it only reached number 38 in the UK when released in 1976, the song is a firm fan favourite and has been covered a number of artists including Boy George, Keane and Lissie.

Guns N Roses- November Rain: Known more for their sleazy hard rock songs, ‘November Rain’ taken from their 1991 album ‘Use Your Illusion I’, shows a different side to the LA rockers. Along with ‘Estranged’, it is a symphonic and orchestral ballad. It is one of GnR’s longest songs, clocking in at a smidge under 9 minutes. It is one of the band’s most popular and iconic songs, and still features in the playlists of many ‘Rock Radio’ stations around the world. According to Tracii Guns of LA Guns, Axl Rose was working on ‘November Rain’ as early as 1983. It wasn’t until nine years later that it was released as a single and reached number 3 in the US charts. The video is just as dramatic, winning the MTV Video Music Award for Best Cinematography. It is also one of the most expensive videos ever made with a budget of approximately $1 million. The video is also famous for its wedding theme and Slash’s guitar solo outside the church.

Janis Joplin-Mercedes Benz:  Amazingly, Janis Joplin’s career only lasted four years. She rose to prominence as the singer of the band Big Brother and the Holding Company and before later becoming a solo artist. This is actually one of the last songs that she ever recorded , as she died three days later, joining the now famous ’27 Club’.  Part of the songs charm is that it is sung a cappella, with Joplin’s distinctive yet characterful vocals. Recorded in just one take and coming in well under two minutes, it shows that genius comes through in simplicity.

John Lennon- Imagine: One of the most beautiful songs ever written, ‘Imagine’ was the best-selling single of Lennon’s solo career. It reached number one in the UK and is regularly featured around the business end of polls of the best songs of all time. Part of the songs brilliance is its simplicity, with that wonderful piano melody accompanying Lennon’s vocals. Only later on is a simple drum beat added. Even though it had massive success, it wasn’t without it critics, with some calling Lennon contradictory given that he is asking if people can live without possessions while performing the song in a mansion. I think however that’s the mark of a great song; one whose lyrics spark debate about meaning. Certainly what can’t be debated is that it’s one of the best songs of all time. 

 

Johnny Cash- Ring of Fire: Released in 1963, ‘Ring of Fire’ became the biggest hit of Cash’s career, spending seven weeks at number one in the US. Originally recorded by his wife’s sister, when it failed to become a hit Cash re-recorded it with some slight changes and the rest they say is history. There is some debate about who actually wrote the song, whether Cash solely wrote it, or his wife June Carter, who is credited also had input. The song is instantly recognisable and has been covered by artists ranging from Frank Zappa to Bowling for Soup. The song was also sung by fans of Liverpool Football Club during half time of the 2005 Champions League Final, helping to inspire a second half comeback.

Led Zeppelin- Stairway to Heaven: Often cited as one of the best rock songs of all time, ‘Stairway to Heaven’ is arguably the signature of British rock legends Led Zeppelin. Appearing on their classic fourth album, often referred to as Led Zep IV, it is a real anthem that is to this day receives regular requests for airplay on the radio. One myth surrounding the song is guitar shops banning people from playing the solo as it played so often. Although never released as a single, it is still one of the bands most successful songs, and entered the charts in 2007 due to the number of downloads promoting their ‘Mothership’ release. Coming in at over 8 minutes long, the song is a real epic, but quite rightly considered a masterpiece.

Louis Armstrong- What A Wonderful World: Another song that topped the charts in the UK, ‘What A Wonderful World’ is arguably Louis Armstrong’s most iconic song. When released as a single in 1967, it stayed at number one for a month. At the time it made him the oldest male to top the charts in the UK. It is a perfect example of Armstrong’s distinctive voice. A trumpet player by trade, Armstrong only took to singing later. His success is particularly impressive given the racial divisions that were going on in America at the time. However it says something about the talent of the man, when the song is still being enjoyed all these years later. It is a timeless classic that will continue being enjoyed by future generations.

Peter Sarstedt- Where Do You Go To My Lovely: Right I’m going to admit a bit of a guilty pleasure here. Over here in the UK, we a music channel called Vintage TV which is dedicated to playing ’older’ music. More often than not, when you tune in, they’re playing stuff from the 60s. I really like it. It makes a nice change from MTV Rocks/Classic, Kerrang, Bliss or Scuzz which I usually listen to. One song in particular I’ve heard quite a bit on there is this, and it’s become a real favourite of mine. Released in 1969, it was number one in the UK for four weeks. Originally it was thought that the song was about Sophia Loren, but Sarstedt later said he wrote it about a girl he fell love with in Vienna who died in a hotel fire. It’s a brilliant song with wonderful flowing lyrics and a catchy continental sound.

Pink Floyd-Another Brick In The Wall pt2: Even though ‘Another Brick In The Wall’ is the title of a three song set from Pink Floyd’s legendary 1979 album ‘The Wall’, the one that is being concentrated on here, is part two. With the working title ‘Education’, it provided the band with their only number one hit, claiming the number one spot in the UK, US and West Germany, amongst others. It was a protest against the rigid education systems in both state and private schools in the UK. It starts off with the instantly recognisable bass line before the famous lines “We don’t need no education, we don’t need no thought control.”  It’s a classic song that quite rightly takes place in many ‘Greatest Songs Ever’ lists.

Queen- Bohemian Rhapsody: What can be said about this song that hasn’t been said already? It’s perhaps the Queen song that has received the most attention and is arguably their most iconic song. Some going considering their back catalogue. It is the third biggest selling single of all time in the UK having spent a total of 14 weeks at number one, split between 1975/6 and again after Freddie Mercury’s death in 1991. However it took an appearance in the film Wayne’s World for it to eventually reach the number two spot in the US. It remains to this day one of the most elaborate and ground breaking songs in history and its popularity has endured throughout the years. There hasn’t been a song like it since, and I doubt there will be.

Stevie Wonder- Superstition: With one of music’s most recognisable riffs , ‘Superstition’ is one of the most popular songs of the 70s. It is also one of the biggest Motown hits. Released in 1972, it pushed Stevie Wonder into the big time. It reached number one in the US charts and peaked at number 11 in the UK. Rolling Stone magazine named it #74 on their list of the ‘500 Greatest Songs of All Time’. Wonder’s and indeed ‘Superstion’s’ legacy can be seen in that it is still a mainstay of his live performances, including a rousing performance when he headlined at the 2010 Glastonbury festival.

The Beatles- Let It Be: Released in 1970, this is one of the most popular Beatles songs ever. Written by Paul McCartney, it was the band’s final single before McCartney left and the subsequent break up. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest songs of all time, something that I agree wholeheartedly with. There is a beautiful simplicity to it that makes it very difficult not to like.  It peaked at number 2 in the UK charts, but stayed at number one in America for two weeks. It’s fitting that one of their most loved songs is one of their last; going out on a high certainly follows on from their previous work.

The Bee Gees- You Win Again: One of the Bee Gees’ most popular songs, ‘You Win Again’ shows a progression from the ‘disco’ sound and image of the 70s. They experimented with different sounds, and ended up with the now famous stomping drums in the intro. The sound wasn’t very popular, with pretty much everyone trying to talk them out of using it, but they stuck with it and the rest they say is history. It’s an iconic song and went to number one in the UK as well as Ireland, Switzerland and Germany amongst others. Released in 1987, it meant that the Bee Gees were the first group to hit the number one spot in the UK in the 60s, 70s and 80s. It’s a fantastic song and catches the harmony of the three brothers perfectly.

The Clash- London Calling: One of The Clash’s most famous songs, ‘London Calling’ is instantly recognisable due to its distinctive riff. The song reflects concerns about world events at the time and the precarious situation of the band due to financial and management issues. Released as a single in 1979 off their double album of the same name, the song reached number 11 in the UK charts. It was the bands highest placed single until ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go’ went to number one. It is regarded by critics to be one of their finest songs, and regularly included in all-time greatest songs lists.

The Jam- Going Underground: Released in 1980, ‘Going Underground’ was the first chart topping single for mod rockers The Jam, going straight to number one in the process. This is punk, but presented in a slightly different way. Like with ‘London Calling’ by The Clash, it is a protest song about events that were happening at the time. In this case it was a song against trident and a possible nuclear holocaust. It never actually features on any of The Jam’s studio albums however it does appear on ‘Best Of’ and ‘Greatest Hits’.  In 2006, Q Magazine named it amongst the 100 Greatest Songs Ever.

 
The Police- Every Breath You Take: Taken from the album ‘Synchronicity’, ‘Every Breath You Take’ was one of the biggest songs of 1983. It stayed at time top of the UK Charts for 4 weeks, and topped the Billboard Hot 100 in America for eight. Overall in the charted in the top ten in 16 countries. The song is instantly recognisable due its catchy base line riff and Sting’s distinctive vocals. It’s also a song that has had immense scrutiny about its meaning. Sting himself has said he is disconcerted about how many people read the lyrics in a positive way. He told BBC Radio 2 in an interview, "I think the song is very, very sinister and ugly and people have actually misinterpreted it as being a gentle, little love song.” What cannot be misinterpreted is that it is an iconic song and one of the biggest songs of the 80s.

The Rolling Stones- Start Me Up: I’m not the biggest Stones fan, but this song is absolutely fantastic. It is trademark Rolling Stones, with Keith Richards irresistible riff, Charlie Watt’s solid backbeat down to Jagger’s distinctive delivery, they  created a song that is encapsulates their brand of rock n roll. Oddly enough, ‘Start Me Up’ was rejected from two albums before it finally made an appearance of the 1981 album ‘Tattoo You’. Released as the album’s lead single, it reached number 2 in America, and number 7 in the UK. Even though the lyrics could be interpreted one of two ways, it is widely acknowledged that the meaning of the song is sexual in nature.

The Who- Won’t Get Fooled Again: The final song off their legendary 1971 album ‘Who’s Next’ see’s The Who at their very best. It starts with that brilliant intro with the synthesizer and Townshend’s distinctive riff and Roger Daltery’s famous howl. However it is arguably more iconic for its ending sequence, which was used as the theme for the hit American TV show CSI Miami. It received mixed reception in the charts, hitting number 9 and 15 in the UK and US charts respectively. However, the single was drastically edited and shortened. Clocking in at over eight and half minutes, it’s a real epic that deserves its legendary status.

The Undertones- Teenage Kicks:  The debut single from Northern Irish band The Undertones, ‘Teenage Kicks’ is an all-time classic. John Peel famously liked this song so much, that he played the song twice in a row on his Radio 1 show. In fact he liked it so much, that he named it as his favourite song. However it’s taken time for it to be considered a classic. Upon original release, it failed to chart, and only hit number 31 in the UK when it was reissued. That is really surprising when it is has all the ingredients as a perfect pop/rock song. It has the brilliant, catchy riff coupled with simple, sing along lyrics. It captures perfectly the feeling around that age. There’s a real soul and character to this song that draws you in, which is probably why it has aged so well.

U2- Where the Streets Have No Name: Is there a better opening to an album than U2’s ‘Joshua Tree’? I’m not so sure there is. Just three tracks in and you know you’re listening to something special. ‘Where the Streets Have No Name’ is the opening track to the album and helped lift U2 to a totally different level. It received very favourable reviews, both in the UK and abroad with The Boston Globe, NME and Rolling Stone amongst others all going wax lyrical over the single and the album in general. Even though it opens the album, described as the “perfect album opener” by one journalist, it was the third single, hitting number 4 in the UK charts. It is a firm fan favourite and one of the bands most iconic songs. The video is also iconic, with the song being performed on the roof of a liquor store in LA to the public below. This is something that has been replicated by other bands since.

There you go, hopefully you’ve enjoyed your journey through 30 of the best songs of all time. I know there’s too many to include in one list, but as I said at the beginning, I don’t think you can begrudge the inclusion of any of the songs above.

Thanks for reading.

Feel free to share and comment. Comments are always welcome.

 Until next time J