How is it possible to define or select the best song ever performed?
In the history of the world there have been literally millions of songs composed, so it is necessary to limit the range of songs for consideration.
And there is always a problem when selecting anything which carries the word “best” attached to it. This is a superlative adjective which can only be applied in certain specific areas where it is possible to measure “best.” For example, in sport an athlete can run the fastest or jump the highest, so the achievement can be measured in time or meters.
But, even there, records don’t last forever. What is best at one time can be changed subsequently.
So what criteria can we use to define the “best”song? We considered this very carefully, and our Life Daily team has come up with a solution. While it may not satisfy everyone, we think it is a practical way of dealing with the problem.
In the music industry there are a number or recognized and respected publications which make selections of songs, including – as far as they are concerned – best songs.
We have studied the results of their surveys and we decided that we will list the number one song from each of the sources and in each of the various categories.
You can browse through our choices in a few moments and make your own decision as to which is the best song ever – for you!
1. Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”
“Like a Rolling Stone” – Bob Dylan
2. Q magazine’s “1001 Best Songs Ever”
“One” – U2
3. New Musical Express’ “Global Best Song Ever Poll”
“We Are the Champions” – Queen
4. MAX TV’s “1000 Greatest Songs of All Time”
“Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen
5. Faith and Entertainment’s “101 Best Christian Songs of All Time”
“Amazing Grace” – John Newton
6. KZOK-FM’s “Top 1000 Classic Rock Songs of All Time
“Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (Reprise)/”A Day in the Life” – The Beatles
7. Billboard’s “Top 100 Pop Songs 1992–2012”
“Iris” – Goo Goo Dolls
8. Country Music Television’s “100 Greatest Songs of Country Music”
“Stand by Your Man” – Tammy Wynette
9. National Public Radio’s “100 Quintessential Jazz Songs”
“Take Five” – The Dave Brubeck Quartet
10. Soul Bounce’s “100 Greatest Soul/R&B Songs of All Time”
“A Song for You” – Donny Hathaway
11. Folk Alley’s “100 Most Essential Folk Songs”
“This Land Is Your Land” – Woody Guthrie
12. “VH1 – Greatest Hard Rock Songs”
“Welcome To The Jungle” – Guns N’ Roses
13. Gibson’s “Top 50 Metal Songs of All Time”
“Master of Puppets” – Metallica
14. VH1’s “100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs Ever”
“Fight the Power” – Public Enemy
15. Recording Industry Association of America’s “Best Songs of the Century”
“Over the Rainbow” – Judy Garland
16. Broadcast Music, Inc.’s “Top 100 Songs of the Century”
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” – The Righteous Brothers
17. New Musical Express’ “100 Best Songs of the 50s”
“Johnny B. Goode” – Chuck Berry
18. Rate Your Music’s “250 Best Singles of the 60s”
“Strawberry Fields Forever” – The Beatles
19. Sounds Entertainment’s “250 Greatest Songs of the 70s”
“Stairway to Heaven” – Led Zeppelin
20. VH1’s “100 Greatest Songs of the 80s”
“Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi
21. VH1’s “100 Greatest Songs of the 90s”
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” – Nirvana
22. Rolling Stone’s “100 Best Songs of the 2000s”
“Crazy” – Gnarls Barkley
23. Billboard’s “50 Sexiest Songs of All Time”
“Physical” – Olivia Newton-John
Was your personal best song ever included in our list?
As we already pointed out, the choice is necessarily subjective. If you think there is another song we should have included, then share your thoughts with our readers. It’s simple, you only have to use the comments feed below.
