If a song has reached one billion YouTube video plays, it’s a bona fide hit. Despacito by Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee is currently the highest viewed song of all time.
This track is known for its lyrical content and slow, smooth melody. It can bring a tear to anyone’s eye while listening to it.
1. Led Zeppelin – “Whole Lotta Love”
The classic riff from LED ZEPPELIN’s “Whole Lotta Love”has been named the greatest rock riff by Total Guitar and Guitar World magazines. The song pushed music into another decade and marked the arrival of the ’70s.
The sultry anthem was the opening track to Zeppelin’s second album, Led Zeppelin II. Lead guitarist Jimmy Page came up with the killer riff at his Pangbourne home in late 1968 and then worked on the rest of the song at Olympic Studios in Barnes.
The band’s record label boss, Atlantic’s Jerry Greenberg, knew that the song wouldn’t make it on Top 40 radio due to its lengthy length. Nonetheless it was a massive hit in the UK and established them as a worldwide act. The racy rock standard heaves with lascivious intentions, set to a throbbing rhythm and pulsating guitar riff.
2. The Rolling Stones – “Paint It Black”
Music has the power to connect with people and evoke emotions that we may not even be able to express ourselves. This is why it’s no surprise that so many songs have become timeless classics and are loved and appreciated by generations of fans all over the world.
With pounding drums and mind-blowing guitar solos, Paint It Black is an incredible song that showcases the creativity and talent of The Rolling Stones. This track is a true masterpiece and it’s no wonder that it’s considered to be one of the best rock songs of all time.
Although it caused controversy when it first came out due to its disturbing title, this song is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. It’s a must-listen for all music lovers!
3. The Bee Gees – “Stayin’ Alive”
One of the best-selling acts of all time, the Bee Gees were a hit-producing psychedelic group in the '60s, a huge disco band in the '70s and made a late comeback as adult contemporary crooners in the '90s. Brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb were top-notch singers and songwriters with a diverse catalog of hits.
The band found success in America with Saturday Night Fever and a string of chart-topping singles, including this one. It is noted for the fact that Barry sings in falsetto for the first time, and the song reaches a high point during the chorus.
It was also used in a study to train medical professionals on how to perform CPR. The song's 104 beats per minute are close to the optimal chest compression rate for someone in cardiac arrest. It is a song that has been covered many times, and has been featured in several films.
4. Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain’s teen-angst anthem exploded into the mainstream in the mid 90s, launching the grunge movement and capturing a generation’s discontent with conformity. But it was the song’s music video that gave it its iconic status.
Director Samuel Bayer took a simple all-American image of a high school gym and turned it into an anti-authoritarian rally. It was an immediate hit, and helped MTV break Nirvana the way their live shows could not. It also encapsulated the bands hatred for conformity and their love of youth culture, a message that resonated across America. MTV’s placement of the video made it the cultural touchstone that it is today. The song itself would only peak at #4 on the charts, but it made the band an overnight success.
5. Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean”
Michael Jackson had a way of making powerful songs that spoke for themselves. This track from his 1982 album Thriller is no exception.
Produced by Jackson and frequent collaborator Quincy Jones, this R&B and Funk song is about a woman named Billie Jean who claims that he’s her father. Jackson denies her claims and warns against getting involved with girls like Billie Jean.
This song is known the world over for introducing Jackson’s signature “moonwalk” dance move. It also topped the rhythm-and-blues and pop charts and spent 37 non-consecutive weeks on the top spot of the chart. The single’s music video is famous for featuring Jackson’s iconic Thriller jump and remains one of the highest-viewed videos on YouTube with over five billion views. This song is often seen as the pinnacle of Jackson’s musical career.
6. Come as you are to Beatles
The uplifting lyrics and catchy chorus of this track has made it an anthem for young people across the world. It has been covered by countless artists, including Madonna, Stevie Wonder and Lady Gaga and since 2005 has been played at the New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square, New York City.
This song by The Beatles is the first in a series of iconic songs that helped them achieve worldwide fame and success. Released in 1962, it was a breakthrough hit after their appearance on the Ed Sullivan show that opened up the US market to the Liverpool band. This triggered a phenomenon that is known as the British invasion.
7. Nirvana – “Stayin’ Alive”
When it comes to iconic rock songs, few can match the intensity of this anthem. Its powerful lyrics and soaring vocals made it one of the most popular songs ever recorded, inspiring generations to embrace their independence.
This iconic song by Nirvana was a huge hit in the ’90s and helped to usher in the grunge movement. Its dark, moody vibe and unforgettable guitar riff are still recognizable today.
Although Black Sabbath was a hard-rock band, their 1970s track “War Pigs” is an anti-establishment anthem that spoke out against the Vietnam War and its injustices. The song gained popularity due to its anti-establishment message and helped to boost the band’s reputation.
8. - “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles
Probably the most iconic song in the world, this is a true masterpiece that is timeless. It is a perfect combination of grace, beauty and power and features amazing guitar playing and creativity.
The Beatles had already become popular in the UK with songs like “Please Please Me” and “She Loves You” but with this single they became global sensations. This led to Beatlemania where fans screamed and rushed the stage at all their public appearances, musical or otherwise.
Marvin Gaye’s politically-charged 1971 release of this soulful Motown track helped send a message to the masses about the injustices occurring in America. It climbed to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was named one of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
9. - “Paint It Black” by The Rolling Stones
Music is a universal language that transcends time and cultures. Certain tracks have the ability to touch our hearts and evoke emotions we may not even be aware of. These tracks become timeless classics that are cherished and listened to by generations of listeners.
This song was a major hit in the 1970s, peaking at #1 on both the US and UK charts. It is considered to be one of the most famous songs in the world because it explores feelings of loss and despair.
This controversial song caused a stir among religious groups who claimed that the band were devil worshippers. However, this did not stop it from becoming a huge worldwide success and it is still a popular dance tune to this day. The Rolling Stones are no stranger to controversy with their music.
10. Michael Jackson – “Smooth Criminal”
The King of Pop made a lasting mark on music with his enigmatic persona and innovative talent. He was an incredibly gifted singer and dancer. He had a special love for children and even starred in a video for the song Beat It where he and his dancers performed an anti-gravity lean that lasted for nine minutes!
This was the sixth top ten single from Bad and received retrospective acclamations including as one of Jackson’s best songs by Rolling Stone. It is also known for the iconic music video featuring Jackson in a full body morph into a black panther.
Marvin Gaye’s socially conscious 1971 release What’s Going On is an enduring classic that was criticized as uncommercial at the time. It is now considered one of the most famous songs of all time. It has reached the top ten in several countries worldwide and has been listed on countless greatest songs of all time lists.
