What Are the Best Songs of All Time? These 10

In September 2021, Rolling Stone released an update of its 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It’s undoubtedly a fun exercise, and the publication did a phenomenal job of making sure its panel represented different backgrounds. That said, it’s pretty easy to poke a few holes in the ranking. First off, the oldest song is from 1937, indicating that all time actually means less than 100 years. Secondly, “Hotline Bling” by Drake is on there, but Beethoven is not. Finally, Asia and Africa—together comprising 75 percent of the world—were largely overlooked. So what are the best songs of all time? Try these 10. Representing five continents (sorry Oceania and Antarctica), they’re listed in chronological order and based on completely subjective methodology. None made the Rolling Stone list.

 

“Symphony No. 25” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1773)

Mozart was obviously a musical genius, and his stuff was amazingly catchy. Be prepared to hum this one for a while.

https://youtu.be/7lC1lRz5Z_s

 

 

“Symphony No. 5” by Ludwig van Beethoven (1808)

Perhaps the most-played piece of classical music, it’s hard to do this work justice. Here’s an excerpt.

 

 

“Take Five” by The Dave Brubeck Quartet (1959)

This tune is arguably the best-known jazz single, unique at the time of release for using the then uncommon 5/4 time signature.

 

 

“Tala Sawari” by Ravi Shankar (1965)

Whittling Ravi Shankar’s catalog down to one song is nearly impossible, but it’s hard to argue with this jam. As per Shankar’s custom, it takes a while to develop, but the absolutely insane tabla won’t let you down.

 

 

“Chameleon” by Herbie Hancock (1973)

If you weren’t aware, Herbie Hancock is pretty decent on the keys. And if you were wondering what jazz-funk is, here’s your answer.

 

 

“Water No Get Enemy” by Fela Kuti (1975)

The Nigerian legend Fela Kuti was never shy about engaging in a little political commentary. This track is a great representation of his work.

 

 

“Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson (1988)

Who better than the King of Pop to represent pop music? Even in a portfolio full of masterpieces, the groove of this tune stands out.

 

 

“Paranoid Android” by Radiohead (1997)

One rock song had to make the list, and few are as textured as this classic from the always complicated Radiohead.

 

 

“1977” by Ana Tijoux (2010)

What happens when a Chilean grows up in France and discovers hip hop? Ana Tijoux. Granted, rhyming in Spanish might be slightly easier than average, but the flow of this piece is hard to match.

 

 

“Drip” by Tigran Hamasyan (2013)

This song made a prior appearance in our post on Asia. Tigran Hamasyan combines his complete domination of the piano with folk sounds from his native Armenia, somehow managing to make it all sound like a pop song.

 

 

Feel free to add, subtract, or ridicule in the comments below.