These Songs Are Said To Be The Best To Ever Be Written

‘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. “People have told me they play it at their wedding,” said the Edge. “And I think, ‘Have you listened to the lyrics? It’s not that kind of a song.’”

‘One’ — U2

‘No Woman, No Cry’ — Bob Marley

The best version of “No Woman, No Cry,” in our opinion, is not the one from the 1974 album “Natty Dread,” but rather the one from “Live!” On July 17, 1975, performed at the Lyceum Theatre, the performance was a part of  Bob Marley’s Natty Dread Tour. It not only changed his life, but he also credited Vincent “Tata” Ford, a childhood friend, with the songwriting. Ford was able to keep his soup kitchen in Kingston afloat thanks to its success.

‘No Woman, No Cry’ — Bob Marley

‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling’ — The Righteous Brothers.

The Righteous Brothers first recorded “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” in 1964, and it went on to top the charts in both the United Kingdom and the United States. as well as charts from the United States. It even became 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’s. The intro, without instruments, was iconic: “You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips.”

‘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, which was not an exception and caused a stir among religious groups who believed they worshipped the devil. They were interviewed by Rolling Stone in 1995. Mick Jagger clarified the situation by stating that he came up with the phrase because of French writing. “I just took a couple of lines and expanded on it,” he explained. “I wrote it as sort of like a Bob Dylan song.”

‘Sympathy For The Devil’ — The Rolling Stones

‘I Walk The Line’ — Johnny Cash

When Johnny Cash began working on “I Walk the Line,” he was serving in the Air Force stationed in Germany. He didn’t get to record it until many years later, after realizing that 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. “It was different than anything else you had ever heard,” he shared with Rolling Stone. Bob Dylan added, “A voice from the middle of the Earth.”

‘I Walk The Line’ — Johnny Cash

‘River Deep – Mountain High’ — Ike and Tina Turner

Phil Spector considers the 1966 Ike and Tina Turner album to be his best work as a producer, the album in question being: “River Deep – Mountain High.” That sentiment is shared by a large number of people. It even made 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.” “I must have sung that 500,000 times,” she revealed to the Rolling Stone. She added, “I was drenched with sweat. I had to take my shirt off and stand there in my bra to sing.”

‘River Deep – Mountain High’ — Ike and Tina Turner

‘Help!’ — The Beatles

In 1980, John Lennon told Playboy that he needed “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.” He later told Rolling Stone he didn’t like the recording: “We did it too fast, to try and be commercial.”

‘Help!’ — The Beatles

‘People Get Ready’ — The Impressions

The Impressions’ most famous hit is without a doubt “People Get Ready,” which was written by Curtis Mayfield and 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. “That was taken from my church or the upbringing of messages from the church. Like there’s no hiding place and get on board, and images of that sort. I must have been in an intense mood of that type of religious inspiration when I wrote that song,” said Mayfield himself.

‘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. In fact, Lennon even went as far as to say that it was: “my first real, major piece of work.” He also stated that “up until then, it had all been glib and threw away.” His friend and eventual biographer, Peter Shotton, stated that the line: “Some [friends] are dead and some are living / In my life I’ve loved them all” was a tribute to both Shotton himself Stuart Sutcliffe, who passed away 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,” which many consider 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. “It was the heaviest thing going on at the time,” he shared with the Rolling Stone in 1974. He added, “That’s what I wanted to write about most of all.”

‘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. The distinction is the same. Isn’t it amazing that they used the real sound of waves for the background track? 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 tough times produce incredible creativity. In the case of Paul McCartney and this song, this was the case. The Beatles were breaking up, so he found solace in a dream he had about his late mother giving him advice. It was the source of inspiration for the song’s first few lines: “When I find myself in times of trouble / Mother Mary comes to me.” This was the title track of what became the last studio album of the band. 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

‘I Can’t Explain‘ — Jimmy Page

Although he was hired for the song, they barely used his guitar skills in the end. Page is known for his iconic riffs in songs, but in this case, Townshend played his part so well they didn’t need him at all. The guitarist shared his thoughts on the incident in 2015, saying it was a great experience and an honor to be in a cult band’s first hit, although it was barely heard. The energy of the band and their music was enough for him to be satisfied.

‘I Can’t Explain‘ — Jimmy Page

‘Baba O’Riley’ — The Who

Pete Townshend of the Who had been influenced by Meher Baba, 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, eventually producing “Baba O’Riley,” which was released as a single in 1971. The song was written for Lifehouse at first. The rock opera was created as a follow-up to Tommy, which was released two years prior. However, the sequel was eventually shelved. 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 song is on NME’s, Pitchfork’s, Time’s, and Rolling Stone’s best-of lists. It was produced by Phil Spector. The song featured a full orchestra and Cher’s backing vocals. “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

‘Born To Run’ — Bruce Springsteen

The most ambitious song Bruce Springsteen ever made was the title song of his 1975 album, “Born to Run.” He shared with Rolling Stone, “I wanted to make the greatest rock record I’d ever heard.” This was his first international single, but it only charted in the top 20 in the US. It was a cult hit, according to The Atlantic. It was so popular in Philadelphia that it was broadcast several times a day on a top-40 morning station.

‘Born To Run’ — Bruce Springsteen

‘Behind Blue Eyes’ — The Who

The Who released “Behind Blue Eyes” in 1971, and it was said to be inspired by an incident at a concert. Pete Townshend was allegedly tempted by one of the groupies the year before! Instead of succumbing to temptation, he went back to his hotel room to write a prayer. It all began with the following phrase: “When my fist clenches, crack it open.” You will find that line in the song. It was featured on the fifth album of the band: “Who’s Next.” Various artists have covered the song over the years.

‘Behind Blue Eyes’ — The Who

‘La Bamba’ — Ritchie Valens

The Los Lobos covered “La Bamba,” a Mexican folk song that was also the title track of a 1987 film starring Lou Diamond Phillips as Ritchie Valens. That has to be the most well-known rendition of the song! However, Valens’ 1958 adaptation is included in both the Rolling Stone Top 500 and the Ranker chart. This is the only song on the list sung in a language other than English. “La Bamba” is one of the most well-known songs from the early days of rock ‘n’ roll.

‘La Bamba’ — Ritchie Valens

‘Hound Dog’ — Elvis Presley

Willie Mae’s “Big Mama” Thornton had already had a hit with this song before Elvis Presley covered it. The King of Rock and Roll version, on the other hand, made it to number 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, on the Steve Allen Show, Presley famously serenaded a dog dressed in a top hat. He revealed, “It was a ridiculous appearance I ever did, and I regret ever doing it.” At any rate, “Hound Dog” became his best-selling single. It is now one of the best-selling singles in history.

‘Hound Dog’ — Elvis Presley

‘Rock Around The Clock’ — Bill Haley And The Comets

While this is a rock ‘n’ roll classic, Bill Haley’s version and the Comets are the most popular and well-known. The band released it to great acclaim in 1954. It came out on top in both the U.K. and the U.S., as well as charts from the United States. This is partly due to the fact that it was featured in the opening credits of The Blackboard Jungle. The song was dubbed “the world’s first rock anthem” by The Guardian, and it sparked riots in cinemas and schools. It could even be said to have paved the way for pop music as we know it today.

‘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 called “Break on Through (To the Other Side).” It did not perform well when it was first released, reaching only No. 126 on the US charts. Regardless, it’s one of their most popular songs. Jim Morrison told Hit Parader that he wrote the song while walking through Venice’s canals. “I was walking over a bridge,” he shared. “I guess it’s one girl, a girl I knew at the time.” Elektra Records, the band’s label, removed the “high” from “she gets high” because they knew it might affect its radio airplay. The truth is that until the 1990s, every re-release of the song came without the word.

‘Break On Through (To The Other Side)’ — The Doors

‘Here Comes The Sun’ — The Beatles

The Beatles featured “Here Comes the Sun” on the 1969 album called “Abbey Road.” The majority of their songs were written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, but George Harrison deserves credit for this smash hit. At the time, it was also clear that the lead guitarist was influenced by Indian classical music. He is said to have written the song at Eric Clapton’s house in order to avoid attending a meeting at the band’s Apple Corps organization. Among the band’s fans, this is one of their most popular songs. It was even the most-streamed Beatles song in the United Kingdom by January 2020.

‘Here Comes The Sun’ — The Beatles

‘Rebel Rebel’ — David Bowie

David Bowie was considered a pioneer in the glam rock movement. “Rebel Rebel” was allegedly his farewell to it. The song was released in 1974. It’s about a young 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 reached No. 5 in the United Kingdom and is still considered a “glam anthem” today. This is one of his most popular covers. It’s been covered by the Smashing Pumpkins, Bryan Adams, and others.

‘Rebel Rebel’ — David Bowie

‘You Really Got Me’ — The Kinks

This song was written by Ray Davies for the Kinks’ third single. In the United Kingdom, “You Really Got Me” reached No. 1 on the singles chart. in the year 1964, It peaked at No. 7 in the United Kingdom. According to Rolling Stone, Dave Davies’ guitarist used a razor on his amp’s speaker cone to create the incredible sound on the riff. “The song came out of a working-class environment,” he explained. “People fighting for something.”

‘You Really Got Me’ — The Kinks

‘Purple Haze’ — The Jimi Hendrix Experience

On Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest songs, “Purple Haze” is ranked No. 17. 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 is credited with introducing many people to his unique psychedelic rock sound. It frequently appears on lists of the greatest guitar songs, including Q magazine’s No. 1 and Rolling Stone’s No. 2. It was voted the fifth-best Jimi Hendrix song by Rolling Stone readers in 2013. In case you did not know, the lyrics go, “Excuse me while I kiss the sky.” He did not say, “Excuse me while I kiss this guy.” The more you know!

‘Purple Haze’ — The Jimi Hendrix Experience

‘London Calling’ — The Clash

The Clash wrote one of their most iconic songs while going through personal difficulties and being concerned about global events. They had no management at the time but a lot of debt. “We felt that we were struggling,” said lead vocalist Joe Strummer, “about to slip down a slope or something, grasping with our fingernails. And there was no one there to help us.” This came out as the only single in the UK from the eponymous album. In 1980, it climbed to No. 11 in the charts and became the highest-charting single band until they released “Should I Stay or Should I Go” a decade after that.

‘London Calling’ — The Clash

‘What A Wonderful World’ — Louis Armstrong

On the Ranker list, “What a Wonderful World” earned the No. 15 spots. This was written by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele under George Douglas. The song reached number one in the United Kingdom after being recorded by Louis Armstrong. In 1967, there was a pop chart. However, it was only ranked No. 32 in the United Kingdom. Regardless, in 1999, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Throughout the years, many artists have covered the song. Tony Bennett, Katie Melua, The Flaming Lips, Joey Ramone, Nick Cave, Shane MacGowan, Katie Melua, and Eva Cassidy are just a few of the artists who have covered this timeless song.

‘What A Wonderful World’ — Louis Armstrong

‘A Change Is Gonna Come’ — Sam Cooke

In 1964, “A Change is Gonna Come” came out as the B-side of his posthumous single “Shake.” Only a few days after he was laid to rest in December 1964, the song was released. Sam Cooke was tragically killed by a woman at a Los Angeles motel. It was used as an anthem of the civil rights movement, despite its lackluster chart performance. It was even chosen for preservation by the National Recording Registry in 2007. It was selected because it is a “culturally, historically, or aesthetically important” song.

‘A Change Is Gonna Come’ — Sam Cooke

‘The Sound Of Silence’ — Simon & Garfunkel

We bet that you are familiar with this song. “The Sound of Silence” earned the 10th spot in the Ranker community. It was recorded as part of the debut album by Simon & Garfunkel in 1964: “Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.” In January 1966, it earned the top spot of the Billboard Hot 100 and joined the top 10 in other countries like Austria, Australia, the Netherlands, West Germany, and Japan. It was featured in The Graduate, but the duo wrote “Mrs. Robinson” for it. 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’ dramatic conclusion to their 1967 album, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” was “A Day in the Life.” Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” has been covered by a number of artists, including Bary Gibb, Jeff Beck, The Fall, and Phish. Paul McCartney has been performing the song live since 2008. Rolling Stone dubbed it the Beatles’ greatest song three years later. According to Acclaimed Music, it is the third most popular song in the history of popular music. It’s easy to understand why this is the case.

‘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. It was also ranked 13th on VH1’s list of the 100 Greatest Rock & Roll Songs and 37th on its list of the Greatest Hard Rock Songs. NME included it in their list of the 100 Best Songs of the 1960s, stating, “Taking in a timeless sense of youthful disaffection via a countercultural, Mod lens, Pete Townshend’s age-defying ditty distilled what it feels like to be young, energized and in the prime of life into 3:18 minutes of bristling hedonism.”

‘My Generation’ — The Who

‘Light My Fire’ — The Doors

The Doors’ “Light My Fire” took 16th place on Ranker’s list. It was included on the band’s self-titled album in 1967. The edited single topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for three weeks. It deserves credit for propelling the band to even greater heights. They were also invited to perform on The Ed Sullivan Show as a result of the song, though Jim Morrison was asked not to sing a particular line. It was the part where it said, “Girl, we couldn’t get much higher.” Despite this, he went on to sing it. This might be the reason this became both their first and last appearance on the show.

‘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 in 1958. They had some spare time, so he wrote one of the all-time great songs. “I said to the guys, ‘Hey, whatever I do, just follow me,’” he shared with David Letterman. He added, “And I said the same thing to the girls, I said, ‘Whatever I say, just repeat it, I don’t care what it is.’” The audience enthusiastically obeyed. The song went on to become his first top ten pop hit. This song was always played at the end of his shows. It was added to the National Recording Registry in 2002, which was created to archive tracks that “are culturally, historically, or aesthetically important, and/or inform or reflect life in the United States.”

‘What’d I Say’ — Ray Charles

‘Paint It Black’ — The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black” is currently ranked fifth on Ranker. The single was released in 1966 and was a huge hit. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and in the United Kingdom. Chart of singles The band’s third No. 1 hit single in the United States and their sixth in the United Kingdom. Rolling Stone readers voted it the band’s third-best single, behind only “Sympathy for the Devil” and “Gimme Shelter.” In 2004, Keith Richards said that Bill Wyman’s organ was instrumental in the song’s success. He said, “It didn’t sound anything like the finished record until Bill said, ‘You go like this.’”

‘Paint It Black’ — The Rolling Stones

‘Respect’ — Aretha Franklin

Otis Redding wrote and recorded this song 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 mixed it up a bit by adding 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. It’s one of her most well-known songs. She won two Grammys for it in 1968. The first was for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording, and the second was for Best Rhythm & Blues Solo Vocal Performance, Female. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1987.

‘Respect’ — Aretha Franklin

‘All Along The Watchtower’ — The Jimi Hendrix Experience

Although Bob Dylan wrote “All Along the Watchtower,” The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s version was voted the fourth greatest song in history by the Ranker voters. It first appeared on Bob Dylan’s album “John Wesley Harding,” which was released in 1967. Hendrix covered it six months later for “Electric Ladyland,” and it reached the top 20 in 1968. His version was ranked as the 47th greatest song of all time by Rolling Stone. In the past, U2, Eddie Vedder, and Neil Young have all covered the song in question.

‘All Along The Watchtower’ — The Jimi Hendrix Experience

‘What’s Going On’ — Marvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye’s song “What’s Going On” was inspired by all of the police brutality cases reported in California in 1971. It didn’t do well commercially at first. It did, however, go on to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is one of the star’s most successful Motown records. Rolling Stone called it an “exquisite plea for peace on Earth.” It is fourth on its list of the best songs in history.

‘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. It was named the seventh greatest song in history by them. It was the top song of all time for Planet Rock readers. They gave it twice as many votes as the nearest competitor. Despite the fact that it was not released as a commercial single in the United Kingdom, the song was voted as the country’s favorite rock anthem. In the 1970s, it was the most requested song on the radio. What a turn of events!

‘Stairway To Heaven’ — Led Zeppelin

‘Like A Rolling Stone’ — Bob Dylan

According to Rolling Stone, the greatest song was “Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan. It said, “No other pop song has so thoroughly challenged and transformed the commercial laws and artistic conventions of its time, for all time.” The track was a little longer than usual, clocking in at six minutes and thirteen seconds. This is why radio stations were initially hesitant to play the song. Despite this, it became a worldwide hit, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Green Day and the Jimi Hendrix Experience have both covered the song. According to Acclaimed Music, it is the most acclaimed song in history based on statistics. Dylan’s handwritten lyrics were auctioned off for $2 million dollars in 2014.

‘Like A Rolling Stone’ — Bob Dylan

‘God Only Knows’ — The Beach Boys

“God Only Knows” was voted the 19th greatest song ever by the Ranker community, while it was ranked 25th by Rolling Stone. This song is also included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, as well as Pitchfork Media’s list of the best 1960s songs. Despite the fact that it was a B-side track on “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” “God Only Knows” was not the Beach Boys’ top chart hit, it remains popular among their fans. In fact, readers of Rolling Stone magazine voted it their favorite song. It was Paul McCartney’s favorite song!

‘God Only Knows’ — The Beach Boys

‘Blowin’ In The Wind’ — Bob Dylan

This song was once referred to as “Dylan’s first important composition,” and it is arguably the most well-known protest song in history. Bob Dylan is best known for his song “Blowin’ in the Wind,” which became an anthem for the civil rights movement. This song’s inclusion on this list is unsurprising! Apart from that, it was a huge hit for Peter, Paul, and Mary, a popular folk band, in 1963. The song was enshrined in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1994. It was ranked No. 14 on Rolling Stone’s 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 a lot of great songs, and this is one of them. In 1963, the Beatles released “I Wanted to Hold Your Hand.” It was their first No. 1 song in the United States, but it didn’t chart in the United Kingdom. For the past 21 weeks, I’ve been in the top 50. John Lennon explained that he and Paul McCartney collaborated on the song “eyeball to eyeball.” “I remember when we got the chord that made the song,” he said. “We were in Jane Asher’s house, downstairs in the cellar playing on the piano at the same time. And we had, ‘Oh you-u-u/ got that something…’ And Paul hits this chord, and I turn to him and say, ‘That’s it!’ I said, ‘Do that again!’ In those days, we really used to write like that absolutely — both playing into each other’s noses.”

‘I Want To Hold Your Hand’ — The Beatles

‘Johnny B. Goode’ — Chuck Berry

In 1958, Chuck Berry released “Johnny B. Goode.” Rolling Stone said that it was “the first rock & roll hit about rock & roll stardom,” as well as “the greatest rock & 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,” peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Because of its influence, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. The rock ‘n’ roll single is ranked No. 1 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time. Ranker, on the other hand, had it at No. 11.

‘Johnny B. Goode’ — Chuck Berry

‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ — Nirvana

The only song on this list that was released in the 1990s is this one. The song “Smells Like Teen Spirit” became an anthem for that jaded 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. “There are many other songs that I have written that are as good, if not better,” Kurt Cobain said. The song reached No. 9 on the Rolling Stone list.

‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ — Nirvana

‘Good Vibrations’ — The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys’ song “Good Vibrations” was a huge hit in 1966, reaching the top of the charts in both the United Kingdom and the United States. and the United States of America It was the most expensive single ever recorded at the time. The studio spent $50,000 on it! Brian Wilson wrote and produced the song, which was inspired by his fascination with cosmic vibrations. His mother tried to explain to him why dogs barked at some people but not others when he was a kid. He explained, “A dog would pick up vibrations from these people that you can’t see, but you can feel. And the same thing happened with people.” One of his goals was to make a better song than “You’ve Lost That Lovin Feelin’.” He did exactly that. It is No. 6 on Rolling Stone’s list, while Ranker put it at No. 8 instead.

‘Good Vibrations’ — The Beach Boys

‘Yesterday’ — The Beatles

This has to be the Beatles’ most well-known ballad. The readers of Ranker 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, BBC Radio 2 named it the greatest song of the twentieth century in 1999. It featured only Paul McCartney on vocals, accompanied by a string quartet. According to him, it was “one of the most instinctive songs I’ve ever written.” He said that he came up with the melody in a dream while staying with Jane Asher, his girlfriend at the time. At first, the band felt “a little embarrassed” about the song since it was different from their typical tracks.

‘Yesterday’ — The Beatles

‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction — The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones named their song “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” the second greatest song in history. Despite being initially limited to pirate radio stations across the pond due to its suggestive content, this track helped the band achieve their first No. 1 in the United States. Despite this, it went on to become the most popular song in the world. Keith Richards received the song’s riff in a dream. While on the band’s third U.S. tour, he was staying in a motel in Clearwater, Florida. “He woke up and grabbed a guitar and a cassette machine. Richards played the run of notes once, then fell back to sleep. “On the tape,” he said later, “you can hear me drop the pick, and the rest is snoring,” said Rolling Stone.

‘(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 at No. 8. This was the band’s first single to be released on the Apple label. It was number one in many countries around the world. It was the best-selling single in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia in 1968. It has a powerful and personal message. Paul McCartney reportedly wrote it while visiting Cynthia, John Lennon’s former wife, and their son Julian. He said that the opening line was meant to be “a hopeful message for Julian: ‘Come on, man, your parents got divorced. I know you’re not happy, but you’ll be OK.’” He ended up changing “Jules” to Jude” in the end.

‘Hey Jude’ — The Beatles

‘The Times They Are A-Changin” — Bob Dylan

The title track of Bob Dylan’s 1964 album, “The Times They Are a-Changin,” became an instant hit 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. It has been covered by a number of artists. The Beach Boys, Bruce Springsteen, Nina Simone, and Simon & Garfunkel are among them. His connection to this song appears to be tumultuous. 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

‘Imagine’ — John Lennon

We are finally reaching the end of the list. The Ranker community ranked “Imagine” in second place, while Rolling Stone Magazine ranked it in third place. John Lennon’s “Imagination” was first released in the United States in October 1971 and in October 1975 it finally hit Europe. This is the best-selling solo single in his personal music career. It is also one of the most popular songs of the 20th century. Over the years, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Madonna, Lady Gaga and others have covered it. Since 2005, it has always been played just before the New Year’s Times Square ball drop. The Recording Industry Association of America ranks it as the 30th place among the 365 songs of the century list. Shortly before his assassination, he said that Yoko Ono influenced a lot of content and lyrics. In 2017, she finally won the honor of being credited as a co-author.

‘Imagine’ — John Lennon

‘Shop Around’ – Smokey Robinson And The Miracles

According to Robinson, Barrett Strong should record “Wandering Around”, but Gordy convinced Smokey that he was the perfect candidate for the job. Gordy heard this on the radio after the release and thought it was too slow. He wakes Robinson at 3 in the morning and calls him back to the studio to edit it again-quicker, with more emphasis on Robinson’s singing. That one was quite well-received.

Smokey Robinson And The Miracles

‘Miss You’ – The Rolling Stones

The Stones are all in Toronto, preparing for their legendary performance at the El Mocambo Club. At that time, Jagger came up with “Miss You” and also collaborated with R&B legend Billy Preston. This is the band’s first hit song in five years, with disco rhythm and blues provided by a harmonica player they found in the Paris subway. “It’s not about a girl,” Jagger explained. “This song is about a feeling of longing.”

‘Miss You’ The Rolling Stones

‘The Rising’ – Bruce Springsteen

Springsteen composed a song about 9/11, depicting a firefighter trying to enter one of the twin towers before eventually entering into gospel-influenced chorus (“Nothing can be seen in front of me…”). This is the title song of the album, designed to help his fans mourn and overcome their grief. In 2002, he told Rolling Stone magazine, “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

Browne’s big experiment, Running on Empty, includes a new collection of songs recorded on stage, hotels, and tour buses. Browne wrote the title song during his daily drive to the studio to work on The Pretender. He admitted, “I always drive when there is no gas in the car.” “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 Rolling Stones are famous for the important topics they’ve explored: Slavery, sadomasochism and interracial sex to name a few. They also do this in a catchy way. Mick Jagger wrote some verses on a notepad at Muscle Shoals Studios with Richards assisting with a raunchy riff. Add some cheerful punctuation and you have a classic Stones concert.

‘Brown Sugar’ The Rolling Stones

‘Ignition (Remix)’ – R. Kelly

R. Kelly’s industrial metaphor for ‘booty-knocking’ in “Ignition” is more complicated than initially intended; at the request of Radio Chicago, the lyrics were minimised. The first release of the song was followed by a popular remix on Chocolate Factory.

‘Ignition (Remix)’ R. Kelly

‘Time to Pretend’ – MGMT

The creeping movements of the praying mantis that Van Wyngarden and Goldwasser raised at the university helped to stimulate the rhythm. Van Wyngarden decided to compose lyrics about some rock star desires (“I will move to Paris and shoot some heroin”), although it is difficult to determine how ironically he meant it. “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

1979 was the start of a downward spiral in terms of success for Gaynor’s professional career. Having already been over shone as the top disco diver by Donna Summer, the 32 year old Gaynor had lost her mother not long before and was the recipient of spinal surgery. These conditions we are sure were what brought the extra attitude seen within “I Will Survive”. Originally a B side, it became a smash hit whence it was played at discos and by DJs.

‘I Will Survive’ Gloria Gaynor

‘I Love Rock ‘N Roll’ – Joan Jett And The Blackhearts

Jett sent her demo for “I Love Rock ‘N Roll’ to 23 record labels, just for all to reject it. Following her time with the Runaways, this was her first attempt at launching a solo career. Eventually it was finally taken on board by Tiny Boardwalk Records, though she had to pay $2500 to obtain the radio rights for the song. As of today, the song is worth $20 million; money well spent.

‘I Love Rock ‘N Roll’ Joan Jett And The Blackhearts

‘Clocks’ – Coldplay

Coldplay was in a hurry to complete their second album and sought to save “Clocks,” which features a churning piano riff influenced by Muse, for a later release. Fortunately, a friend stepped in 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.’

Coldplay was eager to complete their second album and tried to save “Clocks”, which contains the tossing piano improvisation influenced by Muse for later release. Luckily, a friend put forward the thought that would in turn 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

Since its release, “Under the Boardwalk” has been a summertime staple of beach-town jukeboxes. It captures the carefree sounds of the shore. But it wasn’t a day at the beach when it was recorded. Because the track’s initial singer, Rudy Lewis, did die of a drug overdose in his accommodation room the night before the session, Johnny Moore was drafted to sing lead.

Since it was released, “Under the Boardwalk” has been the summer title song of any beach town jukebox. It depicts the carefree sounds of the shore. But the recording was not from a day spent on the beach. Since Rudy Lewis, the original singer of the track, died from a drug overdose in his accommodation room the night before the meeting, Johnny Moore was selected as the lead singer.

‘Under The Boardwalk’ The Drifters

‘I’m Eighteen’ – Alice Cooper

Before “I’m eighteen”, Cooper was another furry rock and roll fool. However, as Cooper said, this proto-punk smash classifies you as “old enough to be drafted but not old enough to vote”. A few years later, Johnny Rotten started singing the song during his sex pistol audition. Cooper was a guest of The Muppet Show at the time.

‘I’m Eighteen’ Alice Cooper

‘Young Americans’ – David Bowie

In 1975, Bowie gave up his sparkly Ziggy Stardust image and went into what he called a “plastic soul” journey. However, this R&B tribute, recorded in Philadelphia, with the unknown Luther Van der Ross as the background vocal, and David Sanborn grooving on the saxophone, is one of his sweetest and wildest stories. “It’s about a newlywed couple who aren’t sure if they love each other,” Bowie explained.

‘Young Americans’ David Bowie

‘Lady Marmalade’ – LaBelle

This No. 1 hit about a New Orleans streetwalker is still in rotation 35 years later. The band was from Philadelphia, but the horrible groove was straight out of New Orleans, thanks to producer Toussaint and his house band, the Meters, who are legendary R&B legends. Every disco fan now knows at least one line of French, thanks to the ladies of LaBelle: “Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?”

Thirty-five years later, the number one for street walkers in New Orleans is still popular. The band is from Philadelphia, but because producer Toussaint and his family band The Meters are legendary R&B legends, this horrible groove comes directly from New Orleans. Thank you LaBelle ladies: “Voulez-vous coucher avec moi?”. For now, every disco fan knows at least one sentence in French.

‘Lady Marmalade’ LaBelle

‘Cry Me a River’ – Justin Timberlake

Breakup aria was the most memorable theme marking a seemingly perfect match in Timberlake-Timbaland. Pop fans would have been ecstatic to see a combination of the two, and Timberlake was seemingly proud of it, telling the Rolling Stone, “It’s a badass video.” “I didn’t want anyone to smell like roses when they left”. The video features Justin chasing an actress dressed like ex-girlfriend, Britney Spears. Without the video we would never have really known the true inspiration for the song.

‘Cry Me A River’ Justin Timberlake

‘Crazy’- Gnarles Barkley

The 2000s brought more legendary hits, which are still in rotation to this day. Time brings changes in genres and breaks down top tracks into more specific market segments. However, when Gnarles Barkley released this popular song, it seemed to appeal to everybody and brought back the concept that something can be relevant to anyone.

‘Crazy’- Gnarles Barkley

’99 Problems’- Jay-Z

The song, “99 Problems” is still ragingly popular today, and this is evidence that it will certainly be in musical rotation for time to come. Rick Rubin influenced, the track was one of the most successful things that Rubin had worked on since the 1980s. The song also dominated the charts for some time also.

’99 Problems’- Jay-Z

‘Crazy In Love’- Beyoncé

If you think of Beyonce after Destiny’s Child, there is a high chance that the first song you will think of will be ‘Crazy In Love’. Beyonce was doing an excellent job of establishing herself as an individual, under a new name and identity. She did everything on a bigger scale, with more sass and excelling. The song remained in the top ten of the charts for 15 weeks, staying in the charts for 27 weeks all in all.

‘Crazy In Love’- Beyoncé

‘Hey Ya!’- OutKast

A timeless classic, the song is just as exciting and catchy now than it was at the beginning of the 21st century. It is possible that within another 50 years, the children of that time will be asking just what a polaroid picture is. Filled with excellent acoustics, guitars among other sounds, it was fantastic.

‘Hey Ya!’- OutKast

‘Paper Planes’- M.I.A

M.I.A’s ‘Paper Planes’ was released in 2008 and was a global success. Written and co-produced by Diplo, the song was debatably M.I.A’s most successful record of her whole career. It achieved serious accolades worldwide, including going multi-platinum in Canada and the United States. It also got platinum in the UK as well as gold in New Zealand. It remained on billboard charts for ten weeks in the States, getting as high as 3rd place.

‘Paper Planes’- M.I.A

‘Seven Nation Army’- The White Stripes

Widely considered the top riff of the decade, the song features bass effects produced by Jack White’s guitar. The misrepresented lyrics and overall regular tune led to a small revival of rock in many ways, well it helped the cause for sure. The song was the recipient of a Grammy for ‘Best Rock Song’, going on to win also for best editing.

‘Seven Nation Army’- The White Stripes

‘Rehab’- Amy Winehouse

A timeless classic, this record is suitable for any moment, mood or time of the day. A real talent, she is surely one of the greatest losses of our time, taken far too soon. The recipient of Best Record of The Year, 2008; the song peaked in the UK and US, and was her only track to make it into the top 10.

‘Rehab’- Amy Winehouse

‘Beautiful Day’- U2

U2 seemed to achieve success almost effortlessly; success just happened to anything they touched and ‘Beautiful Day’ was no exception. The song was the first song on their 10th album and it was certainly a success. The winner of Song of the Year, Best Record and Best Rock Song at the Grammys, it fell just short of a number one spot on the UK singles chart; peaking at number 2.

‘Beautiful Day’- U2

‘Lose Yourself’- Eminem

Surely one of the most popular rappers of his generation, Eminem will always be remembered for the truth and honesty seen behind his rap style, and general style of music. The song featured as the main soundtrack to the globally adored film, 8 mile. ‘Lose Yourself’ remained in the Hot 100 for 12 weeks and was featured on charts in over 19 further countries.

‘Lose Yourself’- Eminem

‘In Da Club’- 50 Cent

To be honest, we have all found ourselves breaking it down or supporting it to this point, which is a must-have for any party playlist! “In Da Club” has been at the top of the rankings for nine consecutive weeks and has been among the best in the global rankings, including New Zealand, Ireland, Switzerland, Canada, Australia and even Denmark- among numerous others. This is 50 Cent’s first single to achieve the top spot.

‘In Da Club’- 50 Cent

‘Get Ur Freak On’- Missy Elliott

After receiving a revival on TikTok as a popular remix, this only serves as prime evidence that this is a legendary song. It did peak however on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 7, but will surely always be considered one of the top tracks in R&BB music. Missy Elliot is not shy of her fair share, and has been living a slightly lower-key life than most people, but Adidas sportswear will always be her staple clothing.

‘Get Ur Freak On’- Missy Elliott

‘Last Nite’- The Strokes

Surely not the band’s best song, it is definitely one of the more memorable ones . A 2001 release, the band received a lot of exposure with ‘Last Nite’. The song is a twist on ‘American Girl’. The band admitted this and it even had a turnaround to the extent that it reached the UK charts. Inspired by Freddie King, the guitarist riffs are certainly acceptable in quality.

‘Last Nite’- The Strokes

‘Hurt’- Johnny Cash

This song was actually redone by Nine Inch Nails in his later years. He also achieved success and was nominated for six awards! However, Johnny Cash received 5 VMA nominations for this song and was the winner of two of them. This song won the Country Music Annual Single Award and was named one of the 100 greatest country music songs. If this doesn’t make this song a legend, then nothing can. Johnny Cash himself is simply a legend in the industry.

‘Hurt’- Johnny Cash

‘Baby I Need Your Loving’ – The Four Tops

The Four Tops were performing in a Detroit nightclub when Brian Holland called and said he had a song ready for them. They arrived at Hitsville at 2 a.m. after their gig to record “Baby I Need Your Loving,” which would become their first Motown song.

‘Just My Imagination’ – The Temptations

Eddie Kendricks, who sang lead on the Temptations’ debut song, “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” in 1964, sang his final lead as a member of the group. Kendricks had departed the group for a solo career by the time the song reached Number One. But he gave it his best on this one: The night they cut it, Tempt Otis Williams said he left the studio at 6 a.m., and Kendricks was still there, working on his part.

‘Roxanne’ – The Police

Stewart Copeland told Rolling Stone, “That song has been the turnaround for us.” Sting came up with the song’s concept while strolling around Paris’ red-light district after a cancelled gig, imagining what it would be like to fall in love with a prostitute. The title was inspired by a banner in the band’s Paris hotel lobby for the play Cyrano de Bergerac, which featured a heroine named Roxanne.

‘Tiny Dancer’ – Elton John

This 1971 song was written by lyricist Taupin about his first wife, Maxine Feibelman, who worked as a seamstress for John’s band and obviously married a musician. John’s soaring melody was aided by Paul Buckmaster’s strings and Rick Wakeman, who would shortly join prog-rockers Yes and play organ. In the 2000 film Almost Famous, the song “Tiny Dancer” was revived.

‘Know You Got Soul’ – Eric B. and Rakim

Rakim was the steam-dripping microphone fiend. The James Brown samples were provided by Eric B., the DJ. Before they even released a single, they were New York superstars (“Eric B. was driving a Rolls-Royce before he ever put out a record,” Chris Rock famously told Rolling Stone). “My man was gangsta”), but this track, which was named after a 1971 song by Brown sideman Bobby Byrd, drew worldwide attention.

‘Ohio’ – Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young

Four demonstrators were killed by the National Guard at Kent State University in Ohio on May 4, 1970. Young penned a ferocious denunciation of the shootings, and CSNY cut their version just 11 days after the tragedy, then rush-released it, knocking their own song “Teach Your Children” off the charts. “We finished this take and David Crosby sobbed,” Young added.

‘Ticket to Ride’ – The Beatles

This song, according to Lennon, was the first heavy metal tune ever written. McCartney, for one, played lead guitar. “On the fade-out, we practically invented the idea of a new bit of a song,” he stated of “Ticket.” “At the time, it was pretty innovative.”

‘Whipping Post’ – The Allman Brothers Band

Allman wrote this anthem on an ironing board in a gloomy Florida bedroom. The song is best appreciated in its 23-minute iteration on At Fillmore East, which is punctuated by Duane Allman’s knifelike guitar incisions.

‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’ – The Verve

This song was billed to Jagger–Richards since it included a sample from an orchestral rendition of the Rolling Stones’ “The Last Time.” However, the owner of the “Last Time” rights, Allen Klein, breached the arrangement and wanted 100% of the royalties. It was the best Stones song in 20 years, according to Ashcroft.

‘Tell It Like It Is’ – Aaron Neville

“When I heard ‘Tell It Like It Is,’ I thought to myself, ‘Bro, this is the shit right here,'” Art Neville explained. When Aaron wrote this magnificent ballad, he was working as a longshoreman. In an era of gritty R&B, he thought anything so lovely wouldn’t catch on. He noted, “A lot of people come up to me and say, ‘That song brought me and my wife together.'” “Others say, ‘It broke my wife and I up.'”

‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ – Elton John

John and lyricist Taupin flew to Kingston, Jamaica, to record John’s sixth album, which was inspired by the Rolling Stones’ Goats Head Soup. “The studio was surrounded by barbed wire, and there were guys with machine guns,” Taupin recalled. The duo wrote 21 songs in three days because they were too afraid to leave their hotel, including “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”

‘Radio Free Europe’ – R.E.M.

“We hated it,” Peter Buck remarked of the sound on the initial version of “Europe,” which was released on the independent label Hib-Tone. “It was supposedly mastered by a deaf man.” R.E.M. rerecorded it for Murmur with a richer melody and tighter rhythm, describing it as “like Motown.” Michael Stipe muttered his lyrics, which were a hazy riff on US cultural imperialism, because he hadn’t completed composing them by the time the session began.