Top 10 Best Songs of All Time

It's one of the greatest songs ever made, totally captivating lyrically and extremely innovative musically, all due credit to the Queen himself, Freddie Mercury. Simply put, this is the song with every element required.

When the writer of this song, the late Freddie Mercury, brought "Bohemian Rhapsody" into the studio, the rest of the band thought it was foolish, bizarre, and odd. However, they went along with the "Fred thing", and now it is a masterpiece that has withstood the test of time, even after more than thirty years. Nothing and no one has come close to recreating something so tongue-in-cheek, innovative, and that still makes teenagers want to bang their heads and air-guitar while driving. Simply the best.

It's daring, fun and doesn't fall short of bravado. Simply genius.

The poetic storytelling nature of Robert Plant's lyrics combined with Jimmy Page's brilliant musical composition places "Stairway to Heaven" as the number one rock song of all time. Mr. Page's arrangement of a dramatic crescendo-type development, with the song passing through stages along the way, lends to his (and John Paul Jones') influence by classical music. His guitar solo in this song is one of his greatest, played with undeniable passion and ease. "Stairway to Heaven" is a legendary song composed and performed by the greatest rock musicians of all time, Led Zeppelin.

Why do people think Bohemian Rhapsody is the best? I mean, it starts off good and then gets stupid towards the middle, whereas Stairway to Heaven stays perfect the whole way through, with immaculate guitar work from Page, sensational drums from Bonham, great bass by JPJ, and awesome vocals from Plant.

Hey you! It's totally incomprehensible that Bohemian Rhapsody is the first. Imagine is the song of all centuries. Queen and John Lennon aren't competitors because John Lennon is God, and Queen is just the queen. So Imagine is the first. It's objective reality.

How did Bohemian Rhapsody end up there? I don't even like that song! Stairway to Heaven, I can sort of understand because it's an awesome song, but it's still not in the same league as John Lennon. If Led Zeppelin walked up a stairway to heaven, John Lennon would be standing at the top. And Queen would be so far below him that they wouldn't be on Earth at all. They would be floating somewhere out in space, roughly in the direction of the other side of the planet. Imagine is definitely first. Its dreamy melody and powerful lyrics really make you imagine what John Lennon imagined.

I don't understand why people are so captivated by Bohemian Rhapsody. It doesn't hold a candle to Imagine. I don't care much about lyrics, so even if you fill them with an Eminem verse, the execution of the other songs on this list far surpasses Bohemian Rhapsody. I don't mean to offend anyone or insult the song or artist, but the catchy lines of "I Can't Get No," the groovy rhythm of "Billie Jean," the thrilling music of "Hotel California," and the intense intro of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" are, in my opinion, much better than Bohemian.

And let me tell you about Imagine—I can't even find the words to describe this song (literally can't, it's a legendary song in itself).

Best song ever, nothing else to say. Anyone who would vote for Bohemian Rhapsody or any random, boring Beatles song clearly has not listened to this song or any Nirvana in general. This is also, by far, the most recognizable song of all time.

Kurt was an absolute genius, and I miss him so much. R.I.P., gone but not forgotten.

This is the best song ever! Smells Like Teen Spirit is iconic and stands out from other songs. I love Nirvana. Nirvana, Nirvana, Nirvana! It's the best song that anyone can listen to. Nirvana is a part of rock history and deserves to be remembered from generation to generation. Smells Like Teen Spirit is a perfect, delicious song that deserves to be on this list. Kurt was such a genius. This song has so much meaning between the lines. It's awesome. I will always love Nirvana. This is the first time I voted for another song, but after listening to this song, I have changed my decision.

Based on the top 10 alone, my vote would be here. Everything from the dark yet meaningful themes and topics to the dual guitars, shredding, arpeggios, solos, instrumentation, lyrics, vocals... it's all there (well, without a bass, but oh well). This is one of the most important songs in all of metal and music in general. It's for fans of thrash metal, metal in general, rock in general, and of course all of music. Some of the lyricism is breathtaking as it intertwines with the music itself. Some of the more progressive thrash out there, and honestly, I love it. I love everything, from the energetic drumming to the aggressive riffs to the beautiful solos to the structuring and arrangements to the musicianship itself. It's a trademark song not just in Metallica but all music as a whole.

Man, this song is incredible and deserves 3rd place after Stairway to Heaven and The Unforgiven. This song is long, running for 7 minutes and 27 seconds, and it features beautiful guitar playing, including five guitar solos, one of which is considered among the greatest of all time. The lyrics are moving, focusing on the horrors of war and the story of a battle-injured individual. The song is divided into two parts: the first part is graceful and beautiful, while the second part is powerful and inspiring. Additionally, it showcases creativity with its machine-gun drumming, mind-blowing solos, and a powerful ending.

Don Felder's masterpiece melody - what a guitar combo Felder and Joe Walsh had, either on Hell Freezes Over or during all-electric performances. Henley and Frey nailed the lyrics, arrangement, and more. The Eagles were at their very best, with wonderful singers, great drums, and amazing guitar sounds. What an intro! It's the best of all time! And those dream-like lyrics! Let's not forget the ending... "You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave"... followed by the dueling guitars of these virtuoso musicians. How I hated it when ignorant DJs started talking nonsense over the final guitar solo. It must be played until the very last note... perfection!

Hotel California has a guitar melody that is addictive and memorable. The song will always rightfully be known as one of the most iconic and cinematic pieces of music. Haunting lyrics, like a scary story told through song.

This list is pretty good so far. Bohemian Rhapsody, Stairway to Heaven, Smells Like Teen Spirit, Hey Jude, and A Day in the Life are all great!

As my name is Jude, I get this song sung at me nearly every day by friends or family. Whenever I introduce myself, people always say to me, "You're Jude-like in that Beatles song." I think this says something about how great this song is if, years on from when the Beatles were big, it is still part of the collective consciousness, and people are very aware of it. Also, it was chosen to be sung in the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics.

This is just a masterpiece, simple as that. Nothing unites people like the "na-na-na" part, also great lyrics and lines such as "The movement you need is on your shoulder." I can't comprehend that this is all the way down at 8th while "Bohemian Rhapsody" tops the list. "Imagine," "Hey Jude," and "Yesterday" are songs that should compete for 1st place, in my opinion.

The Wall is, in my opinion, the best album ever made. Every song is made with a lot of feelings. Especially, this song is incredible!

One of the best Pink Floyd songs, I first heard of this song when I watched the movie The Wall. Just like the other songs on The Wall, Comfortably Numb tells a segment of the story about Pink, the album's protagonist. This song deals with Pink's struggle to cope with the world. The lyrics showcase an interplay between a doctor treating Pink (verses, sung by Waters) and Pink's thoughts (chorus, sung by Gilmour).

Gilmour and Waters share credits for this song. Gilmour composed the music, while Waters wrote the lyrics.

This song deserves to be higher than "You Raise Me Up". While other '70s songs like "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Hotel California", and "Stairway to Heaven" are great songs (although "Stairway" is extremely overplayed), "Comfortably Numb" is absolutely perfect. The opening notes are beautiful but melancholy and set the stage for Pink's story (the main character in the album, not the musician). The music shapes the journey of a troubled rockstar struggling to get through his everyday life. That, combined with brilliant lyrics, a heartfelt chorus - "I have become Comfortably Numb" - and a guitar solo that sends a shiver down your spine, makes this truly a song worthy of first place. I'll say it again, "Comfortably Numb" is absolutely perfect. Vote for it to be in the top ten when you see it on this list. By the way, forgive me if I made any spelling or grammatical errors. I'm making this comment on my phone and haven't checked it over.

I find it very distasteful that people talk about the innovation of songs like "Bohemian Rhapsody" when trying to justify its position at #1. Just be honest and say that you've never listened to practically any songs or genres other than modern pop and rap. I'm not saying that modern music is bad, but your ignorance doesn't make "Rhapsody" the best song ever. Its popularity is 95% due to its fun sing-along factor (see "Hey Jude" above). While everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I believe that truly great songs have no relevance to such things. "A Day in the Life" and many other songs truly broke the mold, utilizing completely different sounds and techniques from what was being done at the time. Most importantly, however, few people get inspired or emotionally moved when "Rhapsody" comes on the radio; they just sing along. When it plays, if you truly listen to it, you will get goosebumps and fall into deep thought, awestruck by its magnificence. That's what makes a song great.

I'm not much of a rap lover, but no one can disagree that Eminem's lyrics are superior, not only within rap but from an overall perspective. It's evident through one of the greatest songs, if not the greatest of all time. True inspiration.

Actually, I don't listen to rap music. Metal music is my life, and so whenever I get time to visit this page, I always vote for "One". But this is one song (also Stan) by one of my favorite artists (despite being in a genre I don't like). The lyrics are so beautiful. Eminem is the modern-day Dylan. Someone compared him to Robert Browning, and that's completely true. Motivating, inspiring, and breathless, "Success is my only mother******* option, failure is not". Such words are not child's play. I even urge metal fans to listen to this song because it is one song that's musically and lyrically brilliant. Hail to the oh! King Eminem.

Not many hip-hop songs, so I decided to vote for this because it's the first rap song I listened to and I liked it and that's why I am an Eminem fan.

Good lyrics which helped Eminem become successful worldwide with this big hit.

Most people remember this song that started his success.

This is definitely the best Metallica song ever written! I don't know why this isn't in the top 3 at least, but it should be #1. This is probably the best rock song that has ever been written and will be written. It's perfect. The vocals are incredible, and the instruments are even better. 20/10.

Definitely became a bigger hit because of Stranger Things. The interpretation of the song was spot on. I have to say this is one of my most favorite songs in the history of rock. I would still say "Bohemian Rhapsody" is better, but overall, it's an amazing song.

Most people think it's an "evil" song about selling your soul, but it's actually about the horrors of cocaine addiction. "Chop your breakfast on a mirror," "Taste me, you will see; more is all you need; dedicated to how I'm killing you." etc., etc. I think it's their best song ever, instrumentally speaking.

One of the few songs I can listen to on repeat and not get sick of it. The first song I learned on the acoustic guitar. It has the best guitar solo ever and is tied with November Rain as the greatest song of all time, and you cannot convince me otherwise.

It would make me really furious if this masterpiece wasn't considered one of the best songs ever made. It has one of the most mesmerizing intros you could find anywhere, deep meaning, and is breathtaking in every aspect. This is what music is about for me.

Deserves at least top 5! Much better than Sandman and slightly better than one. This song is an example of slow and beautiful guitar and epic riffs and solo! In my opinion, it's the very best song ever composed!

This is certainly the greatest song ever, not only because of its musical fascination but also because of its meaning for the society we live in!

Amazing song that's pure rock and roll. The Stones, possibly the greatest rock band ever, and here they are with their highest placed song at 48? While Green Day is ahead? Get real.

This should be way higher. It's one of the most iconic songs ever and one of the songs that shaped rock music into what it is today. How is it only 30 on the list?

This song just shows the talent of GNR at their peak. Every member in the band was very close to mastering their respective instrument at the time of recording.

My favorite GnR song is Sweet Child O' Mine. Slash's guitar solos are amazing as always and never fail to make me shed a tear. This is definitely a song I want to be played at my funeral.

One of the best songs I've heard in my life! The beautiful piano intro played by Axl is just mesmerizing. Later, the other band members come in with fantastic lyrics. Every time I hear this part:

I know it's hard to keep an open heart
When even friends seem out to harm you
But if you could heal a broken heart
Wouldn't time be out to charm you?

I get a tear on my cheek. It's such an awesome part that immediately reminds me of all the bad things I've experienced in the last few years and how this song has been there for me. Luckily, a few seconds later, there are three amazing solos by Slash in a row. In the video clip (which is insanely good too), we can see Slash standing on Axl's piano during the third solo and playing as skillfully as the devil. It's truly amazing how quickly eight minutes can pass by.

This song has some of the greatest guitar work we will ever get to hear. Just imagine how great the songs this amazing band would've written if it wasn't for that plane crash.

This song has a little sob story past with me. It was my beloved grandfather's favorite song. He was a pilot and a chef, and he loved flying. This song was his favorite. He was the Vice President Chef of Florida for a time (a bit fuzzy on the chef part, but he held a significant position in Florida's chef industry). The song played at his funeral. The slow beginning sounded like a typical funeral song, and then... BOOM! When the 4-minute mark passed, it was pure eargasm time! Oh, my God... I will miss that man. Rest in peace, Donald.

In all honesty, "Free Bird" is a masterpiece that greatly deserves the number one spot. It's a song that has stood the test of time since '73. Not to mention its entire history as a song itself. This song wasn't randomly thought up, nor was it a single person's dedication, but it was made over time. By a band that was also a family. It was made with love, sorrow, longing, hope, and the simple thrill of life. There is no better song in the world than this.

I understand that this isn't as well known as many of the songs above it (which are great in their own right), but let me explain why this is one of, if not arguably the greatest song of all time. First, let's look at the instruments, specifically the guitar. It starts off much like the ticking of a clock, which is symbolic of the limited time on Earth that the narrator has left. Then, it transitions into a medieval, divine-sounding riff that, to use a rather overused word, is truly epic and keeps getting more so as the song progresses. I could listen to it all day long. It climaxes in what can only be described as one of the greatest, most epic guitar solos of all time. It WILL send shivers down your spine and give you goosebumps.

Now for the lyrics. The lyrics are from the point of view of a man who has been sentenced to death, although it is never said what crime he has committed, if any. As he sits in his cell, waiting for the time of his execution, he is reflecting on his past life. He tries to comfort himself by saying that he isn't afraid of dying and that he believes that there "never is an end." He questions his existence and eventually comes to accept that he IS afraid of death, and the song ends with his final words: "Hallowed Be Thy Name." This means, at least from my perspective, that he must have accepted God as his last act on Earth before his death. Regardless of whether you are religious or not, this song carries a powerful message and is an account of a man's last thoughts and fears before he left this life, with hopes of receiving redemption for his soul. For this reason, I consider this to be the greatest song of all time.

I love this song. It's so fun to listen to. Whenever it comes on the radio, I'm just singing at the top of my lungs, "Billie Jean is not my lover, she's just a girl!" I hope you like this song as much as I do because I think it's great.

I was a kid when Billie Jean came out and a teenager when Teen Spirit came out. Both songs were mind-blowing in their respective eras, but Billie Jean was hugely bigger and covered the masses. Teen Spirit really hit me hard but it really was an American thing. Metallica was huge but doesn't deserve a top 10 rating at all. The masses are not metal fans although they pushed the limits and spread rock globally, they are not Michael Jackson. The Smiths deserve a vote for How Soon is Now because that is the most memorable song ever to come out of the U.K. U2 is lame and if you ever bought an album from them then you are definitely going to a hell without bacon.

This song is perfection and gold at its pure state. I've never heard a song so simple but so elaborate at the same time. The rhythm is purely composed for dancing on it, and this is one of the best songs to perform. For 35 years, it's the pop perfection. This drum is perfectly timed, and the bass line is absolutely unique in its own way. Like Michael said, this song is magical. It's definitely timeless and gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it.

The best band ever, Radioactive, should be number 1. Believer is number 2, Monster is 3, Demon is 4, Root is 5, Bad Liar is 6, and On Top of the World is 7. Agreed, there are so many great songs at the top that I really like. But when it comes to my dragons, they are incomparable. However, I think 2Pac's Changes should be in the top 10. Carry On and Some Nights by Fun deserve some credit. Anyway, this is a great list full of great songs, except Master of Puppets and One by Metallica. I hate those songs. In short, I don't care about any of their songs. They give me a headache, except for Nothing Else Matters, which is my favorite song of all time.

Okay. First, it's beautiful, and the beat is good. Good sound, and Dan Reynolds did a good job singing this song. But I agree that it's too overrated, and the fact that the line "Pain! You break me down, you build me up believer, believer" is what makes it beautiful for me. Nice job. But at the same time, it should be next to "Demons" and not in the top ten. So, the results are as follows:
Score: 8-10

This song is like a punch in the gut every time I ever hear it. Who doesn't know what this song is talking about? It's that life is every bit about losing, also, not just grasping and utilizing. In the end, if you remember your own name and have even one person who truly cares for you, or at least tries, then you're already ahead of the game. My ex-friend walked out on Bob in a club. He said he couldn't understand him. What an idiot. I would take him any way I could get him. My opinion, which equates to "Oh, this song is the greatest song ever written, so there." I dared say it and I don't give a bleep.

This song takes you on a hallucinatory third-eye journey, like all these songs do. Part of it could be about great beauty. "Go on, girl, take your chances." Picture her there, on her throne, haughty, naughty, and drunk on herself, as others are. How could she not be? Surrounded by legions of so-called friends and admirers.

Now, picture them there, 10 or so odd years later. Their throne is now a gutter, they're bloated, lying face down in it, like so many before. Nobody will know that you were a beauty, a sweet sweet beauty, but stone-cold! And all your so-called legions who cared, your blood is in their mouths. They had a front-row seat to the circus that was your life.

But the crowds have dispersed, and the tent must come down. Until the next beautiful circus (YOU) comes to town. Because you still have the devil to pay... And dear God, no, you can never go home again. It wasn't really that great there, at home in the first place, or you would have stayed there in the first place.

So now, how does it feel to be on your own, with no direction home? That notes can combine and express exactly a feeling is bizarre to me. I can hear a song like Glen Campbell's "Lineman" or "Solitary Man", and I can see and feel the empty miles of space in between, and the insanity of being a man in the world sometimes in the most perplexing way.

Here he is spat out to the world, coming without much say and will be spat back out again the same way with nothing at no given time. We're given this holy gift called life but we know we didn't really earn this gift so how can we appreciate this gift really? Surrounded by a billion people and as much technology yet he is lonesome and empty to his soul.

A. Huxley: "He knows he is a part of this world called history yet as wars rage in his backyard and historic decisions are being made even on his behalf yet he attends to his daily life." And not so many things affect him that he won't touch his dinner... more

You kind of just have to listen to the sheer meaningfulness of this. This song just speaks to me so much. The vocals and the raw power of this song are just astounding. Listen to it.

I would vote for a different song, but this is the only song I actually know and like that is near the top ten. I hate Queen, so I naturally hate Bohemian Rhapsody as well. I hate Eminem as well, so I hate Lose Yourself. I hate The Beatles, so I hate Imagine and Hey Jude. I don't have much against other bands, but I wouldn't choose Sweet Child O'Mine for GNR. Even though I have nothing against other songs above this (except for A Day in The Life, Beatles again) and Lynyrd Skynyrd, which I don't like either, I can even bear MJ and Bob Dylan, even though I don't really like them. I respect them as good singers. I would vote for Papa Roach or Seether or Breaking Benjamin, 3DG, Rise Against, Shinedown, Rammstein, Slipknot, whatever. But since Numb is the closest to the top ten, I voted for it. I'm a modern metal fan, not classic rock, so my list would naturally look very different. But I want at least one modern metal song around. And yeah, I HATE Smash Mouth and Green Day that are here. I'm glad there are at least SOME other modern metal songs around, like Bring me to Life and Chop Suey, for example.

Picking the best song of all time is not necessarily choosing your favorite song. To me, Beat It by Michael Jackson was a milestone in the music industry, and the sole reason for this was its dance-inducing music video that helped popularize MTV. Adding to that, Michael's vocal range during the song and a guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen, it's a match made in heaven. It might not be my favorite Michael Jackson song (probably Billie Jean), but I think it was a very important song all around.

Now this is what I absolutely desire and adore: a heavenly-made song by a heavenly person, the one and only Michael Joseph Jackson, the King of not only Pop but also the entire Music and Art. Because Michael is not just an artist, he himself is an art.

In sixth grade, I took a music and art class where my teacher made us listen to a lot of Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley. We had to listen to this song, and it turns out I enjoy 80s music (I believe that's the correct time period). I didn't pay much attention to the historical timelines she also taught.

This song really deserves a place in the top ten. Just listen to the lyrics, the slow, smooth melody, and shut your eyes, blocking out the rest of the world for a while. It makes you think and sometimes even takes you back to those moments in your life when you would wonder when and why you had to change things and view life differently. Even if you aren't a Pink Floyd fan, this song truly brings out something special. I, for one, believe that the lyrics can deeply resonate with almost anyone who remembers what transitions are like and how challenging they can be.

Plus, it's a nice song to slow dance to.

So much win!

It's such an intimate song in its context, yet it is nearly universally comprehensible with its emotionally aching lyrics and instrumentals that anyone can understand and relate to its message. The loss of someone you once loved and respected can be devastating, and there are times when you just want to cry out and, for lack of a better term, wish they were there.

This song understands the importance and impact of the visceral and all-too-human feelings of grief, loss, and sadness, something any conscious being can relate to.

From my viewpoint, I feel that it is the greatest song ever written.

In my honest opinion, Don't Stop Me Now really shows how music should be with the great lyrics, great guitar solo - everything about this song just shows what music is all about. Most people will say that Bohemian Rhapsody is the best Queen song and the best song of all time, but I just don't agree. Freddie Mercury's vocals also just amaze me, as this wonder makes you just want to sing along to it and jam out to it, giving vibes of happiness. When I first listened to this song, I was so excited as I finally found that one song that will always bring me joy.

This song is very close to me, my friends, and I sang it on our last music lesson in Year 8. It has been my favorite song since then. I still prefer another song over this, but I think this song will stay as a favorite for a long time. This song is apparently about Freddie's bisexuality, and that makes me like this song even more as I myself am bisexual. I prefer this song over Bohemian Rhapsody by a long shot, and I think it's even better. It deserves to be way higher than it is.

Story time: I was listening to this on the way to school, and then I was singing it to my friend. She joined in, and another Year 6 kid (this was when we were in Year 6) came and joined us, and then another, and pretty soon we had a huge, long line of Year 6 kids singing it at the bottom of the stairs (we were at the bottom of some very short stairs, like, only two or three stairs). These were the stairs to our Year 6 classroom, just in case you were wondering. All the little kids were staring at us because they had no clue what we were singing. It was hilarious.

No joke, but besides the meme, there is a very good moral to the song. It tells you that the world might be getting worse and more serious, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't stop living your life to the fullest, even though the media might say otherwise.

Seeing this song so low makes me cry. This song is just so awesome. I love it! So please, put it way higher than it is. I beg you...