Music is one of the few things that can instantly change the atmosphere of a home. Whether you’re cooking dinner, relaxing after work, entertaining friends or tackling a weekend Smart Home Improvement People decided to do a article with a difference about 20 of the greatest songs ever written, as the right song can make all the difference.
But with millions of songs recorded throughout history, which ones deserve to be called the greatest ever written?
There is obviously no definitive answer. Great songwriting isn’t simply about record sales. Melody, lyrics, emotion, originality, influence and the ability to remain relevant decades after a song was first released all play a part.
So, with that in mind, here are 20 of the greatest songs ever written—a selection spanning rock, soul, pop, folk and beyond.
1. The Beatles – “Yesterday”
Few songs demonstrate the power of simplicity better than “Yesterday.”
Written primarily by Paul McCartney, the song strips away the conventional rock-band arrangement and relies on acoustic guitar, strings and one of the most recognisable melodies in popular music.
Its theme of lost love is universal, which helps explain why the song has remained popular across generations.
2. Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody”
“Bohemian Rhapsody” is perhaps the ultimate example of a songwriter refusing to follow the rules.
Freddie Mercury combined balladry, opera, hard rock and theatrical performance into a six-minute recording that should never have worked—but somehow became one of the most celebrated songs in music history.
It remains an extraordinary demonstration of ambition and creativity.
3. Aretha Franklin – “Respect”
Originally written and recorded by Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin’s version transformed “Respect” into something entirely different.
Her powerful performance turned the song into an anthem of independence and dignity, while the instantly recognisable arrangement helped make it one of soul music’s defining recordings.
4. John Lennon – “Imagine”
“Imagine” is built around an extraordinarily simple concept: imagining a world without the divisions that separate people.
Its gentle piano arrangement allows the message to remain at the centre of the song.
Whether listeners agree with every aspect of its message or not, its cultural impact is undeniable.
5. Bob Dylan – “Like a Rolling Stone”
Bob Dylan changed expectations about what popular songwriting could be.
“Like a Rolling Stone” combined Dylan’s distinctive vocal delivery with an ambitious lyric that challenged traditional ideas about pop songwriting.
Its influence can be heard across rock, folk and alternative music.
6. Marvin Gaye – “What’s Going On”
Marvin Gaye transformed social commentary into beautiful soul music with “What’s Going On.”
Rather than simply delivering a political message, Gaye created a song filled with warmth, uncertainty and compassion.
More than half a century later, its themes of conflict, division and social injustice remain remarkably relevant.
7. David Bowie – “Heroes”
David Bowie was one of music’s great innovators, and “Heroes” remains one of his most enduring recordings.
Produced with Brian Eno and Tony Visconti, the song builds gradually before Bowie’s vocal performance reaches an emotional climax.
It demonstrates how production, performance and songwriting can combine to create something greater than the individual components.
8. Stevie Wonder – “Superstition”
“Superstition” demonstrates Stevie Wonder’s extraordinary understanding of rhythm.
Driven by its instantly recognisable keyboard riff, the song combines funk, soul and pop into an irresistible groove.
It is one of those rare recordings where the opening seconds are enough to identify the song.
9. Fleetwood Mac – “Go Your Own Way”
Written by Lindsey Buckingham, “Go Your Own Way” captures the complicated emotions of a relationship falling apart.
The combination of anger, sadness and determination gives the song a raw quality that helped make it one of Fleetwood Mac’s most enduring tracks.
10. Simon & Garfunkel – “Bridge Over Troubled Water”
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” is a masterclass in emotional songwriting.
Paul Simon’s composition is complemented by Art Garfunkel’s extraordinary vocal performance, gradually building from an intimate beginning to a powerful finale.
Its message of support and friendship has helped it remain a favourite for generations.
11. The Rolling Stones – “Gimme Shelter”
“Gimme Shelter” captures a sense of uncertainty and danger that defined the era in which it was recorded.
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards created a dark, atmospheric piece of rock, while Merry Clayton’s extraordinary vocal contribution gives the recording much of its emotional intensity.
12. Otis Redding – “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”
Released shortly after Otis Redding’s death, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” became his signature song.
Its relaxed rhythm and reflective lyrics create an atmosphere of isolation and contemplation.
The whistled ending has become one of the most recognisable moments in popular music.
13. Fleetwood Mac – “Dreams”
Stevie Nicks wrote “Dreams” during a particularly turbulent period for Fleetwood Mac.
The song’s relatively simple arrangement allows her distinctive voice and lyrics to carry the emotional weight.
Its timeless quality was demonstrated again decades later when the song found a new audience through social media.
14. Bruce Springsteen – “Born to Run”
“Born to Run” captures the feeling of wanting something more from life.
Springsteen’s combination of huge production, romantic imagery and energetic performance helped create one of rock’s great anthems.
It remains a defining example of the American rock tradition.
15. Leonard Cohen – “Hallelujah”
“Hallelujah” has become one of the most covered songs in modern music.
Leonard Cohen spent years developing the song, and its combination of religious imagery, love, desire and vulnerability gives performers enormous interpretive possibilities.
Its many different versions demonstrate the strength of the underlying composition.
16. Dolly Parton – “Jolene”
“Jolene” proves that great songwriting doesn’t require complicated arrangements.
Dolly Parton’s plea to another woman not to take her partner is direct, vulnerable and unforgettable.
The repeated use of the name “Jolene” creates an immediate hook that stays with the listener long after the song ends.
17. Sam Cooke – “A Change Is Gonna Come”
Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” became one of the defining songs associated with the American civil-rights movement.
Its emotional power comes from the combination of personal struggle and hope for a better future.
It remains one of soul music’s most important recordings.
18. Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven”
“Stairway to Heaven” demonstrates Led Zeppelin’s ability to combine acoustic folk influences with powerful rock.
The song develops slowly before building towards one of Jimmy Page’s most celebrated guitar performances.
Its unusual structure helped establish it as one of rock’s most enduring compositions.
19. Amy Winehouse – “Back to Black”
“Back to Black” brought a classic soul and jazz sensibility into contemporary British music.
Winehouse’s distinctive voice and deeply personal songwriting created a song that feels intimate and painfully honest.
It remains one of the defining recordings of 21st-century British music.
20. Elton John – “Your Song”
Few love songs are as immediately warm and sincere as “Your Song.”
Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, the composition combines a beautiful melody with lyrics that feel conversational rather than overly polished.
Its simplicity is precisely what makes it so effective.
What Makes a Song Great?
The 20 of the Greatest Songs Ever Written on this list come from very different musical worlds.
Some are huge rock anthems. Others are quiet ballads. Some deal with politics and social change, while others simply tell stories about love, heartbreak and everyday life.
What connects them is their ability to make people feel something.
A great song can make you remember someone, transport you to another time or place, or simply make an ordinary evening at home feel special. And that’s perhaps why music remains such an important part of how we experience our homes.
Whether you’re relaxing in the living room, cooking in the kitchen or showing off the latest smart-home technology you’ve installed, there is always room for a great soundtrack.
The Final 20 of the Greatest Songs Ever Written
- The Beatles – Yesterday
- Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody
- Aretha Franklin – Respect
- John Lennon – Imagine
- Bob Dylan – Like a Rolling Stone
- Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On
- David Bowie – Heroes
- Stevie Wonder – Superstition
- Fleetwood Mac – Go Your Own Way
- Simon & Garfunkel – Bridge Over Troubled Water
- The Rolling Stones – Gimme Shelter
- Otis Redding – (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay
- Fleetwood Mac – Dreams
- Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run
- Leonard Cohen – Hallelujah
- Dolly Parton – Jolene
- Sam Cooke – A Change Is Gonna Come
- Led Zeppelin – Stairway to Heaven
- Amy Winehouse – Back to Black
- Elton John – Your Song
Of course, your own top 20 might look completely different—and that’s exactly how it should be.
The 20 greatest songs ever written isn’t necessarily the one critics rank highest. It may simply be the song that means the most to you.
