Top 10 Best Songs of All Time

Music is one of the most powerful forms of expression, and songs are the embodiment of that. Songs can make us laugh, cry, dance, or think. They can inspire us, comfort us, challenge us, or entertain us. Songs can capture the essence of a moment, a feeling, or a story. They can transcend time and space, and connect us with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

But what are the best songs of all time? How do we measure the greatness of a song? Is it by its popularity, its influence, its originality, its quality, or its impact? There is no definitive answer to this question, as different songs appeal to different people for different reasons. However, there are some songs that have been widely recognized as masterpieces of music, and have earned a place in the history of sound.

In this list, you will find some of the best songs of all time, according to various sources and criteria. These songs span across genres, eras, and styles, but they all have something in common: they are loved by millions of people around the world.
The Top Ten
1 Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

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.

2 Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin

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.

3 Imagine - John Lennon

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.

4 Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana

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.

5 One - Metallica

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.

6 Hotel California - Eagles

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!

7 Hey Jude - The Beatles

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.

8 Comfortably Numb - Pink Floyd

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.

9 A Day in the Life - The Beatles

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.

10 Sweet Child O'Mine - Guns N' Roses

Nothing comes close to this song. Every member of the band is one of the best at their respective instrument. Slash's solos are fabulous, and nobody can come close to the sheer power of Axl's vocals. Also, I've never heard a bassist as creative as Duff, or a drummer with the same groove as Steven. Also, we can't forget Izzy's amazing playing.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is that Sweet Child o' Mine is the best song of all time, with the best vocals and greatest guitar solo. It definitely deserves to be in front of Bohemian Rhapsody and Stairway to Heaven.

The Newcomers

? Resolution - Linkin Park
? Chowder Theme Song - Chowder
The Contenders
11 Lose Yourself - Eminem

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.

12 Master of Puppets - Metallica

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 ever will be. 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.

13 Fade to Black - Metallica

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, a deep meaning, and is breathtaking in every aspect. This is what music is about for me.

14 (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones

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?

15 Hallowed Be Thy Name - Iron Maiden

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.

16 November Rain - Guns N' Roses

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.

17 Free Bird - Lynyrd Skynyrd

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.

18 Believer - Imagine Dragons

The best band ever, Imagine Dragons, should be number 1. Believer is number 2, Monster is 3, Demons is 4, Roots 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 Imagine 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.

19 Billie Jean - Michael Jackson

I was a kid when Billie Jean came out and a teenager when Smells Like Teen Spirit came out. Both songs were mind-blowing in their respective eras, but Billie Jean was hugely bigger and covered the masses. Smells Like Teen Spirit really hit me hard, but it was mostly 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.

20 Like a Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan

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.

21 Beat It - Michael Jackson

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. 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 make it 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.

22 Numb - Linkin Park

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 Guns N' Roses. 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 Michael Jackson and Bob Dylan, even though I don't really like them. I respect them as good singers.

I would vote for Papa Roach, Seether, Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, Rise Against, Shinedown, Rammstein, Slipknot, or whatever. But since Numb is the closest to the top ten, I voted for it. I'm a modern metal fan, not a classic rock fan, 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.

23 Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd

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!

24 Don't Stop Me Now - Queen

In my honest opinion, Don't Stop Me Now really shows how music should be with the great lyrics, a 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 amaze me, as this wonder makes you just want to sing along 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.

25 All Star - Smash Mouth

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...

The song can clearly be recognized from Shrek, but it is a really fun and head-banging motivational song.

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