Top 30 Songs Everyone Has to Hear at Least Once

#30: “Purple Rain” (1984)

Prince

As a true virtuoso, Prince captivated audiences with his musical output. Most people point to this rock ballad as the highest point for this commercial artist. “Purple Rain” is something more than a song. As the cornerstone of an amazing soundtrack, the hit single soars to incredible heights. It seems to channel every subdued emotion before letting the musician unleash a guitar solo. Few people can say they wrote, sang, and played on one of the best songs of a decade. An exceptional performer at every level, the Purple One dishes out a truly spellbinding work.

#29: “What a Wonderful World” (1967)

Louis Armstrong

When you imagine this musician, you probably think of vintage, black and white footage. It’s hard to imagine that the same man released this track in the late 1960s. “What a Wonderful World” seems like a standard that’s always existed. In reality, it came at the tail end of Louis Armstrong’s inspiring career. It’s a peaceful and somewhat poignant look at the planet as we know it. Embracing the positivity of life, Armstrong sings his way through a message of genuine hope. The jazz great defied the odds with a recording that went from flop to 20th century essential.

#28: “Once in a Lifetime” (1980)

Talking Heads

To start off the 1980s, David Byrne and Talking Heads seemed to offer up a statement about the American dream and personal crisis. “Once in a Lifetime” eventually broke through with its funky beats and Byrne’s preacher-like lyrics. With a few simple questions, the words echo through a generation of lost souls. Its success might seem unlikely given its unusual blend of musical genres or the input of experimental producer Brian Eno. Speaking to countless listeners, there’s more than a few kernels of wisdom buried within this satire. It also finds a way to make you want to dance.

#27: “California Dreamin’” (1965)

The Mamas & the Papas

Synonymous with the flower power era, “California Dreamin’” speaks to the mystical quality of the Golden State. The pop rock track comes with all the sunshine, rainbows, and exciting imagery of the West Coast. It’s still an amazing song whether or not you’re pining for warmer weather. You don’t have to have any connection to hippie culture to embrace the Mamas & the Papas hit. Like a burst of happiness, the opening riff gives way to a cheerful assembly of voices. Mama Cass Elliot, Denny Doherty, and the Phillips worked wonders together in their defining hit.

#26: “Tiny Dancer” (1971)

Elton John

How do you sum up the career of a champion pianist and his talented lyricist? “Tiny Dancer” might be your best bet to capture the majesty of Elton John. Powered by Bernie Taupin’s poetic lines, the track showcases the singer’s ability to find the slickest melody for the job. This one reads like a short story with its intricate details. As John dishes out one of his signature performances, he describes the whimsical journey of the central hero. It’s a widely celebrated work that’s also been immortalized by films like “Almost Famous.” For anyone unsure of this guy’s musical abilities, they should look no further than this gem.

#25: “At Last” (1960)

Etta James

Among the artist’s most iconic songs, “At Last” sounds hand-crafted for Etta James. It’s among the smoothest vocals ever recorded in R&B history. The latter singer provided the defining cover for her 1960 album. Many others have tried to redefine the track, but few have the same power as James. She can elevate a word to a heavenly place or dial back her vocals for a delicate phrase. Finding an incredible balance, the vocalist essentially raises the bar for an entire genre in three minutes. It’s since become a highly-ranked historical document that started a revolutionary decade.

#24: “Heroes” (1977)

David Bowie

In his Berlin Trilogy, David Bowie experimented with his sound until songs like “Heroes” came out of him. Thanks to the likes of Tony Visconti and Brian Eno, the artist put out one of his greatest musical statements. The song sounds futuristic with the help of guitarist Robert Fripp’s stunning work. As anthemic as anything he ever did, Bowie entered the 1970s with a towering performance. Each verse lets him up the volume until his vocal reaches a blistering yell. Always ahead of his time, the central performer exemplifies the spirit of a musical genius.

#23: “Wish You Were Here” (1975)

Pink Floyd

Deep into an impressive run, Pink Floyd released another masterwork. This classic track blends an acoustic guitar with some of the band’s most sobering words. With David Gilmour singing, “Wish You Were Here” tells an open-ended tale about grief, love, and existence. The song feels both epic in scope and intimate in its emotional content. You can’t help but get swept away by it, with the group in top form during one of their greatest decades. It’s also a production that’s packed with musical flourishes just like their other masterpieces. Blending progressive roots with a nice hook, this folk number washes over you with its soulful core.

#22: “Gimme Shelter” (1969)

The Rolling Stones

If ever there was a song that was worthy of bringing the free-living ways of the ‘60s to an end, it was The Rolling Stones’ 1969 classic “Gimme Shelter.” There was no upbeat, carefree, fun-loving preachery happening here. “Gimme Shelter” is a dark and pessimistic track. But man, does it rock hard. Bolstered by guest vocalist Merry Clayton’s powerful singing, Jagger and company managed to redefine rock music all over again with this bona fide masterpiece. Every single part of this song is iconic. And to this day, it remains an unmissable part of rock history!

#21: “Born to Run” (1975)

Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen was, in many ways, the artist who best defined the American working-class experience in the 1970s and ‘80s. And out of all of his finest moments, “Born to Run” is as good as it gets. Backed by the iconic E-Street Band, Bruce delivered an anthem that feels completely timeless. From its opening notes, this song hits its stride almost immediately, setting a pace that only continues to increase during its four-and-a-half-minute runtime. Springsteen had perfected his sound in the mid-’70s – and though his catalogue has many other undeniable high points, “Born to Run” is probably his creative peak.

#20: “Bridge over Troubled Water” (1970)

Simon & Garfunkel

In their final studio release, Simon & Garfunkel went out on a high note. This ode to love and friendship seemed like a perfect way to cap off the duo’s original run. “Bridge over Troubled Water” has a gospel foundation that speaks to its almost otherworldly sound. Taking the lead vocal, Art Garfunkel delivers what could be his finest performance. Paul Simon’s lyrics could apply to any listener in need of support or looking to reach out to a loved one. As an example of Simon’s songwriting and the impact of this iconic partnership, this hit still rings true today.

#19: “Straight Outta Compton” (1989)

N.W.A.

N.W.A. took the hip-hop formula and totally flipped it on its head with “Straight Outta Compton.” Music, as we know it today, changed forever the second Ice Cube uttered those now iconic opening bars. By the end of the 1980s, hip-hop was evolving at a steady rate, but N.W.A. cranked the genre’s formula up to eleven. There’s an urgency to “Straight Outta Compton” that was unmistakable, compounded by the fact that N.W.A. were genuinely angry. Their debut album is littered with classics, but it was the title track that truly managed to capture the public’s imagination.

#18: “Imagine” (1971)John Lennon

John Lennon had more than a few personal demons to battle through during the second half of his career. But to say he kicked off his solo career with a bang would be an understatement. “Imagine” might just be the most essential post-Beatles song there is. The underlying message of peace calls on the listener to do away with materialism, which is as relevant a message today as it was then. But it’s the chorus that truly takes this one home. It’s John Lennon at his very best, delivering a timeless piece of music.

#17: “Like a Rolling Stone” (1965)

Bob Dylan

We very easily could’ve picked ten other Bob Dylan songs here, and “Blowin’ In The Wind” would have been at the very front of that list. But no song shook up the world of rock ‘n’ roll quite like “Like a Rolling Stone.” From its opening snare hit onwards, Dylan and his band dragged the folk genre into a new era. Not only does it possess some of Dylan’s sharpest lyrics, but also some of his catchiest melodies. It was the song that totally justified his transition from folk hero to full-band musician, and it is without question one of the defining songs of the 1960s.

#16: “I Will Always Love You” (1992)

Whitney Houston

Delivering a cover that outshines the original is one of the hardest things to do as a musician. Though people might be split down the middle when comparing Dolly Parton and Whitney Houston’s versions of “I Will Always Love You,” both are undeniably classics. For our money, Houston’s powerful delivery is enough to give it the edge. The song was released in 1992 as part of the soundtrack for the film “The Bodyguard,” which had Houston in a starring role. Whereas Parton’s original was a subtle country ballad, Whitney blows the roof off with one of the most unmissable vocal performances in pop history.

#15: “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (1991)

Nirvana

Hair metal had grown tiresome by the time the 1990s came around – and rock music was in need of a major shake-up. Enter Nirvana, and the release of one of the most immediate and hard-hitting songs of the decade. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was described by lead singer Kurt Cobain as the band’s attempt at writing a Pixies song. But the end product is something truly unique. Nirvana were right at the forefront of the grunge movement of the ‘90s; and this song was the anthem that best summed-up the entire ethos of the genre. Though Cobain’s life was cut short at the age of 27, the fact that Nirvana’s music remains as relevant as ever today says it all.

#14: “Fight the Power” (1989)

Public Enemy

Hip-hop was truly never the same after Public Enemy put out “Fight The Power” in 1989. Chuck D was the king of socially-conscious rapping, and this intense and unmissable call-to-action might just be his masterpiece. It’s a song that demands your attention from its opening verse, refusing to let go until it’s done. Samples range from church services and civil rights exhortations, to the music of James Brown, coming together to create the perfect encapsulation of everything that made Public Enemy great. To this day, it’s their best known song, and with good reason.

#13: “Fast Car” (1988)

Tracy Chapman

To this day, this track carries some timeless songwriting that crosses generations and cultures. “Fast Car” is arguably the most famous track from singer Tracy Chapman. Younger viewers might know it better as a cover song by Luke Combs, but they should know the original version as well. It floats between genres and styles, giving listeners a pristine guitar part to push things along. Chapman’s lyrics feature glimpses into the lives of people hoping to escape and follow their dreams. With the performer’s signature voice, she charts a beautiful journey that’s among the greatest of any era.

#12: “Hurt” (2002)

Johnny Cash

This cover proves that anything can be reborn by another artist. When Trent Reznor wrote this song for his band Nine Inch Nails, he never could’ve imagined his somber alternative track becoming a country eulogy. Johnny Cash then put his own spin on “Hurt” in the early 2000s. The result was one of the singer’s last big releases, giving the lyrics a new context considering Cash’s age and health status. A music video also enhanced the experience as the Man in Black’s life played out with some moving visuals. The older performer’s voice added even more emotion to the piece, giving everyone another reason to appreciate his status as a music icon.

#11: “A Change Is Gonna Come” (1964)

Sam Cooke

Sam Cooke sensed that a change in the weather was coming when he penned “A Change is Gonna Come” in the early 1960s. The song was inspired by his own personal experiences with racial discrimination, particularly a time when he and his entourage were turned away from a “white-only” motel. It could be argued that Cooke paints a more vivid picture of this period in American history than any of his contemporaries. But even when you remove all of the lyrical importance of the track, it’s one of the most beautiful songs of its time. Cooke’s voice, the masterfully woven melodies, and the gorgeous instrumentation make this one song you simply cannot afford to miss.

#10: “Billie Jean” (1982)

Michael Jackson

Look, they called him the King of Pop for more than a few reasons. Just having written, co-produced, and performed this song would probably be enough for Jackson to justifiably claim that title. Building on the disco- and funk-inspired sounds of “Off the Wall,” Jackson’s previous record, the former Jackson 5 member and producer Quincy Jones unknowingly stumbled upon the future of pop music with “Billie Jean.” A cautionary tale about the trials and tribulations of fame, “Billie Jean” is not only one of the best-selling singles of all time. But its iconic video helped to establish MTV as a major force in the music world. Try not to tap your foot as you listen along.

#9: “Everywhere” (1987)

Fleetwood Mac

Are there any other songs that sound as much like pure bliss as “Everywhere” by Fleetwood? Admittedly, we were tempted to go with the group’s earlier hit “Dreams,” from the iconic 1977 record “Rumours.” Whatever internal tensions had plagued the band seem to all but disappear on “Everywhere,” on which singer Christine McVie describes the unexpected effects that love can have. “Everywhere” is remarkable not only for its exquisitely dreamy vibe and pitch-perfect take on pop music production, but for its seamless merging of disparate musical elements into a cohesive whole. These are songs everyone should hear at least once, but good luck playing this Fleetwood Mac classic a single time.

#8: “Respect” (1967)

Aretha Franklin

Would it surprise you to learn that the Queen of Soul’s signature song is actually a cover? Originally written and sung by Otis Redding in 1965, “Respect” was part of Franklin’s live repertoire before appearing on the 1967 album “I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You.” While Redding was, of course, no slouch, it’s hard to deny that Franklin’s is the definitive version of the song, significantly altered not only musically, but lyrically. Rewritten to comment on issues of gender disparity, “Respect” has emerged as a self-empowerment anthem for women, defined by that inimitable spelling-out of its title through Franklin’s unmistakable vocals.

#7: “Stand by Me” (1961)

Ben E. King

Later recording artists like The Beatles and Queen opened the recording studio up to new possibilities. But it’s important to remember that musical complexity and technical proficiency don’t necessarily make a great song in themselves. Take “Stand by Me,” for example! Inspired by the gospel hymn of the same name by Charles Albert Tindley, singer King nearly missed recording what would come to be known as his defining hit. King’s powerfully expressive vocals are guaranteed to send a unique chill down your spine. Like the best ballads of its time, “Stand by Me” poses a simple request, but its stirring, heartfelt arrangement reinforces the scale of the emotions attached to it.

#6: “Unchained Melody” (1965)

The Righteous Brothers

Sometimes, above all, all you want is to know that someone cares. That’s the message behind “Unchained Melody,” a pop standard that has been more-or-less claimed by the Righteous Brothers. Appearing on their 1965 album “Just Once in My Life,” “Unchained Melody” describes the universal feeling of longing while in a romantic relationship. The raw, soulful Righteous Brothers rendition of “Unchained Melody” benefits significantly from singer Bobby Hatfield’s soaring, pristine vocals. It’s impossible not to hear the conviction in his voice. “Unchained Melody” makes no secret of its narrator’s heartsick pain, its relatively simple composition hitting you right in the gut. This, combined with its grandiose sound, will have you fumbling for tissues in no time.

#5: “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (1961)

Elvis Presley

The King of Rock and Roll was probably better known for animated hip-shaking and stage presence than for mellow ballads like this one. However, that didn’t stop “Can’t Help Falling in Love” from becoming one of Presley’s signature songs. Inspired by the French love song “Plaisir d’amour,” this sweet, open-hearted love song may very well be the greatest of its kind. If you need a pick-me-up, you could do a lot worse than this pure, unfiltered expression of romantic love. As written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore and George David Weiss, the King’s unmistakable vocals elevate “Can’t Help Falling in Love” to one of the all-time great ballads.

#4: “Let It Be” (1970)

The Beatles

Any chance you’re familiar with the Fab Four from Liverpool? All jokes aside, there are probably a dozen Beatles songs we could’ve put on our list. But in the end, we had to go with “Let It Be.” That would be for its virtually perfect encapsulation of everything that made The Beatles… Well, The Beatles. Inspired by a dream McCartney had in which he was visited by his late mother Mary, “Let It Be” takes on an almost religious gospel quality. Its message is simple, and harkens back to a theme that the Beatles hammered home countless times, but was never quite as succinct as in this song: all you need is love.

#3: “God Only Knows” (1966)

The Beach Boys

Leave it to Brian Wilson to take one of the most feared words in pop music — “God” — and turn it into a veritable smash hit for the ages. Songwriters had had an aversion to using the word to avoid any possible offense. But “God Only Knows” wouldn’t work any other way. Far from challenging religious dogma, Wilson and Tony Asher’s song invokes God as a way of expressing a love so powerful that it’d take the Almighty’s wisdom to imagine the alternative. “God Only Knows” exemplifies the best of the Beach Boys’ knack for mixing enduring deceptively simple pop hooks with subtly complex arrangements and songcraft. Listen to “God Only Knows” for a taste of what music is capable of.

#2: “What’s Going On” (1971)

Marvin Gaye

In just under four minutes, Marvin Gaye issued what might be the most meaningful commentary on the Vietnam War. Gaye, who’d previously been well-known for his sentimental, romantic ballads, found himself disillusioned with the direction that America was taking at the time, and felt that he couldn’t not speak up. “What’s Going On” was the result, inspired by conversations with Gaye’s younger brother Frankie, who’d spent three years fighting the aforementioned war. Although Motown founder Berry Gordy vigorously discouraged Gaye from releasing the song due to its political implications, the musician won out, and “What’s Going On” became a huge hit and one of his signature songs. The song remains a powerful anti-conflict statement, over 50 years since its debut.

#1: “Bohemian Rhapsody” (1975)

Queen

Look, maybe you saw this one coming. But can you really blame us? A crowning achievement in studio recording at the time, it’s pretty much impossible to hear any other song with multiple sections and not compare it to “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Met with a decidedly mixed reception at the time of its 1975 release, “Bohemian Rhapsody” has since become renowned for its complex, nontraditional structure, intricate musicianship, and allusions to opera. With this song, Freddie Mercury and the rest of Queen blew the doors off of the music industry, causing countless musicians to rethink what could be made possible in the studio. If you’ve never listened to “Bohemian Rhapsody…” What are you doing watching this video?! Go put it on.

Did we forget another sumptuous single that defined music? Let us know in the comments below.