What makes a song one of the best songs of all time? Is it how many people bought it? How long it stayed on the charts? Or is it how deeply it touches people, even after decades?
In this list, we’ll look at the top songs ever made, from different eras, styles, and artists. These legendary songs of all time are not just popular — they are timeless music classics. Each has a story, a voice, and an impact that made it part of music history. Along with the stories, we’ve included easy-to-read tables to help you see the facts that made these songs unforgettable.
1. “Like a Rolling Stone” – Bob Dylan (1965)
🎧 Listen here: YouTube
This song changed how people thought about lyrics in rock music. Bob Dylan made poetry sound powerful and personal. It wasn’t just a song — it was a message, that’s why it in the list of Best songs of all time. His voice was rough, but the words cut deep.
It was six minutes long — a bold move in 1965. Yet it became a hit and inspired future artists to write songs with real meaning.
| Attribute | Details |
| Artist | Bob Dylan |
| Release Year | 1965 |
| Producer | Tom Wilson |
| Billboard Rank | #2 in US |
| Global Sales | 1+ million (US only) |
| Impact | Inspired generations of songwriters |
2. “Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen (1975)
🎧 Listen here: YouTube
This is one of the most creative songs ever made. It mixed rock, opera, and ballad in one piece. Freddie Mercury wrote it without any chorus, but it still became a world hit and makes 2nd place in best songs of all time.
Its music video was also groundbreaking and became one of the first of its kind. Today, even young fans know this song word for word.
| Attribute | Details |
| Artist | Queen |
| Release Year | 1975 |
| Producer | Roy Thomas Baker |
| Billboard Rank | #2 in US, #1 in UK |
| Global Sales | 10+ million copies |
| Notable Fact | Over 2 billion views on YouTube |
3. “Imagine” – John Lennon (1971)
🎧 Listen here: Spotify
After leaving The Beatles, John Lennon gave the world a hopeful message. “Imagine” invites people to think of a world without war or greed. The simple piano melody makes it soft but powerful.
The song has been played at Olympics, peace rallies, and global events. It’s not just music — it’s a dream shared worldwide.
| Attribute | Details |
| Artist | John Lennon |
| Release Year | 1971 |
| Producer | Phil Spector, Lennon, Yoko Ono |
| Billboard Rank | #3 in US |
| Global Sales | 1.6+ million in US (3× Platinum) |
| Legacy | Global peace anthem |
4. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” – Nirvana (1991)
🎧 Listen here: YouTube
This song made grunge music popular around the world. Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl, and Krist Novoselic created a raw, powerful sound that felt real and loud.
Teenagers in the ’90s felt the emotion and anger in the lyrics. The music video became iconic and made Nirvana the face of a new music generation.
| Attribute | Details |
| Artist | Nirvana |
| Release Year | 1991 |
| Producer | Butch Vig |
| Billboard Rank | #6 in US |
| Global Sales | Over 8 million |
| Impact | Introduced grunge to the mainstream |
5. “What’s Going On” – Marvin Gaye (1971)
🎧 Listen here: YouTube
Marvin Gaye sang about war, injustice, and love for humanity. In the early ’70s, this was not common in soul music. His smooth voice carried powerful questions.
The song’s message still matters today, over 50 years later. That’s why it’s one of the most influential songs in music history and in best songs of all time.
| Attribute | Details |
| Artist | Marvin Gaye |
| Release Year | 1971 |
| Producer | Marvin Gaye |
| Billboard Rank | #2 in US |
| Global Sales | 2+ million (US) |
| Legacy | Voice of protest and change |
6. “Stairway to Heaven” – Led Zeppelin (1971)
🎧 Listen here: YouTube
Though never released as a single, this song became one of the most played on radio. It starts slow and gentle, then builds into an explosive rock finish.
Jimmy Page and Robert Plant crafted lyrics that felt like fantasy. It’s loved by both musicians and casual fans.
| Attribute | Details |
| Artist | Led Zeppelin |
| Release Year | 1971 |
| Producer | Jimmy Page |
| Billboard Rank | Not released as a single |
| Global Reach | Over 37M albums sold with this track included |
| Fun Fact | Features one of the most famous guitar solos |
7. “Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson (1983)
🎧 Listen here: YouTube
“Billie Jean” had a beat that made everyone move. Michael Jackson performed it with his signature moonwalk and sharp fashion. The story behind the lyrics kept fans guessing.
It helped Jackson become the King of Pop and opened the door for Black artists on MTV.
| Attribute | Details |
| Artist | Michael Jackson |
| Release Year | 1983 |
| Producer | Quincy Jones |
| Billboard Rank | #1 for 7 weeks |
| Global Sales | Over 10 million |
| Legacy | First Black artist heavily featured on MTV |
8. “Hey Jude” – The Beatles (1968)
🎧 Listen here: Spotify
This Beatles hit was personal. Paul McCartney wrote it to comfort Julian Lennon, John Lennon’s son. Its ending — with the famous “na-na-na” chorus — became a crowd favorite.
It was the band’s longest song and one of their biggest US hits which makes its place in list of best songs of all time.
| Attribute | Details |
| Artist | The Beatles |
| Release Year | 1968 |
| Producer | George Martin |
| Billboard Rank | #1 for 9 weeks |
| Global Sales | Over 8 million |
| Cultural Role | Known for its participatory concert endings |
9. “I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston (1992)
🎧 Listen here: YouTube
Originally by Dolly Parton, this version became Whitney Houston’s biggest hit. It showed her range and emotion, especially in the movie The Bodyguard.
It stayed at #1 for 14 weeks and touched hearts all around the world and still maintain 9th position in the list of top 10 best songs of all time.
| Attribute | Details |
| Artist | Whitney Houston |
| Release Year | 1992 |
| Producer | David Foster |
| Billboard Rank | #1 for 14 weeks |
| Global Sales | Over 20 million |
| Trivia | One of the best-selling singles of all time |
10. “Respect” – Aretha Franklin (1967)
🎧 Listen here: YouTube
Aretha Franklin took Otis Redding’s original and turned it into a female empowerment anthem. Her version became iconic — full of attitude, strength, and soul.
It won 2 Grammys and still echoes in movements for justice and rights and ranked 10 in the list of best songs of all time.
| Attribute | Details |
| Artist | Aretha Franklin |
| Release Year | 1967 |
| Producer | Jerry Wexler |
| Billboard Rank | #1 (US) |
| Global Sales | Over 1 million (Gold Certified) |
| Recognition | #1 on Rolling Stone’s 2021 top songs list |
Conclusion: A Playlist for the Ages
These best songs of all time are more than just chart-toppers. They are award-winning songs, Grammy legends, and timeless songs everyone loves. Whether it’s Dylan’s lyrics, Whitney’s voice, or Queen’s bold creativity, these tracks shaped the way we listen to music today.
From the top 100 songs of all time to the most top 10 best songs of all time streamed songs globally, these are the all-time best music hits. Play them again — they’ll never grow old.
Sources:
1: 500 Greatest Songs of All Time
