Top 10 Gen X Songs That Are STILL Popular

#10: “Sweet Child o' Mine” (1988)Guns N’ Roses

That guitar solo intro alone has a legendary appeal that will never, ever get old! Slash’s immaculate shredding aside, “Sweet Child o’ Mine” has continued to remain in the public consciousness, thanks to its nostalgic and heartfelt lyrics, as well as numerous appearances in media over the years. New generations have experienced its greatness through things like “Guitar Hero” or featuring in various movies. It’s no wonder why its music video has over a billion views online and the song continues to appear on Billboard charts worldwide. Whether the guitar fans play is real, plastic, or air, we can’t stop imitating this sweetest of songs.

#9: “Back in Black” (1980)AC/DC

While this Australian rock band has had plenty of legendary hits, few of them have the kind of instant recognition that “Back in Black” does. Its unmitigated swagger and charisma is evident in practically every note. And, much like black clothing, it has never gone out of style! The song’s appearances in movies, TV, and pop culture are so frequent that it’s practically become an audio shorthand for a long-awaited return, or else for someone being cool. If ever “Back in Black”’s popularity does wane though, we can definitely see it making a comeback for the ages - set to itself, of course.

#8: “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (1991)Nirvana

Often viewed as the apathetic anthem of Gen X, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” distills grunge, rock, pop, and some nonsensical lyrics into a sound that’s one of a kind. In addition to maintaining its acclaim in mainstream music outlets, Nirvana’s masterpiece continues to tap into the cultural zeitgeist. Teenage angst and dissatisfaction with the establishment are as relevant now as they were in the early ‘90s - if not more so. Plus, now that TikTok has gotten a hold of it, the “scent of adolescence” has spread throughout the internet like never before.

#7: “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” (1983)Cyndi Lauper

While originally written by Robert Hazard, it took Cyndi Lauper’s version to turn this bubblegum pop number into a Platinum mega-hit. “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” has become an ode to feminine joy over the years, with its feminist themes and relentlessly catchy lyrics. And sure, it has shown up in parody versions, movies, and video games, and the original version has been viewed billions of times. But girls’ and women’s desire for fun is perhaps what truly keeps Lauper’s song so evergreen. Or maybe the reason they keep listening to it is right there in the words - “they just wanna’, they just wanna’~!”

#6: “Take On Me” (1984)

a-ha

This iconic synth-pop song has had an incredible legacy. Whether you attribute its continued success to its amazingly creative music video, with its rotoscoped, sketchy visuals, or one of the greatest keyboard riffs ever and that impossible high note, “Take On Me” has endured to connect with generations after X. It’s received hundreds of parodies and tributes over the decades, and has been tied to many popular memes. Contrary to its lyrics, the song has lasted for far longer than “a day or two,” and “today is another day to find” it.

#5: “Dancing Queen” (1976)ABBA

Disco never died - or at least ABBA never has. The Swedish group has had many unstoppably catchy pop tunes, but none have had quite the staying power as “Dancing Queen.” A mainstay of dance venues, radio, movies and TV, the song continues to connect with new audiences through videos on social media and memes. In fact, it’s still showing up on Billboard charts around the world today. “Dancing Queen”’s infectious positivity and earworm-worthy lyrics have never left the public consciousness - not that some of us haven’t tried to forget.

#4: “Don’t Stop Believin’” (1981)

Journey

Belief, whether it’s in yourself, others, or a higher power, is something everybody can relate to. That kind of universal messaging is just one of many reasons why Journey’s signature song has lasted as long as it has. The lyrics of “Don’t Stop Believin’” are so catchy that you just can’t help but want to sing along. It’s no wonder why it’s often people’s go-to karaoke number. That, plus the song’s frequent and prominent appearances in TV shows, such as in the much-discussed final scene of “The Sopranos,” and it’s easy to see why we’ve never stopped believin’ in “Don’t Stop Believin.’”

#3: “Never Gonna Give You Up” (1987)

Rick Astley

No, we’re not Rickrolling you. In fact, while the popular online practice of redirecting people to the video of Rick Astley’s cheesy ‘80s pop hit may have started out as a prank, it ironically led to everyone reevaluating and appreciating it even more than during its initial debut. “Never Gonna Give You Up” still appears in the occasional leg-pulling, but movies and TV have embraced it as a genuinely good song too. However you choose to enjoy it though, this is a song that we’re “never gonna say goodbye” to.

#2: “Billie Jean” (1983)Michael Jackson

The King of Pop had many smash hit songs to choose from. However, our pick for the MJ song to have the biggest impact even today is “Billie Jean.” First of all, it’s a track that practically demands you dance or move while listening to it, thanks to its insistent, thumping bass and Jackson’s electric vocals. However, despite all our best efforts, nobody can pull off its dance moves quite like Michael Jackson himself. His live performance solidified iconic parts of his image that are still being imitated today - the rhinestone glove, the high pants, the jacket, and of course the moonwalk. It’s the King of Pop distilled to his very essence, and new generations continue to discover its and his greatness today.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Eye of the Tiger,” Survivor

Every Bit as “Thrilling” Today

“Carry on Wayward Son,” Kansas

“Supernatural” Ensured a Whole New Generation Will Try (& Fail) Not to “Cry No More”

“Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” Tears for Fears

Movies, Social Media, & Timeless Lyrics Have Helped This Song Reign Supreme

“Don’t You (Forget About Me),” Simple Minds

They Asked Us Not to Forget & We Haven’t!

“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” The Eurythmics

With a Dream This Sweet, We Haven’t Wanted to Wake Up For Decades!

#1: “We Will Rock You” (1977)Queen

Honestly, we could have chosen any and every song by Queen to top our list. [xref] The band simply does not miss and generations continue to love practically all their music. However, to explain why we chose “We Will Rock You,” ask yourself this - have you BEEN to a sporting event in like, the last 50 years? This mostly acapella masterpiece of stomping and clapping was practically tailormade to cheer on whatever athletes and/or teams you support! “We Will Rock You” has been rocking our minds and intimidating visiting teams since the ‘70s and if you think it’s going away, then you’ve “got mud on their face, you big disgrace.”

Is there a Generation X song you still hear today that we forgot? We’d love to “take on” your favorites in the comments!