Rolling Stone updates 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list with big changes, new No. 1

[demmiblue]

Rolling Stone updated its list of the 500 greatest songs of all-time – its first update in 17 years.

The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, took home the top spot for her version of "Respect," which was originally recorded by Otis Redding. Snagging second place was Public Enemy's "Fight the Power."

The magazine noted that its list was created from over 250 artists, writers and industry figures who participated in a poll of over 4,000 songs.

Rolling Stone's original list came in 2004, but a measurable amount of change was evidenced in the revised list, with nearly half the songs new to the ranking. There's far more hip hop, country music, Latin pop, reggae and R&B in the latest list. Outkast's "Hey Ya!," for instance, checked in at No. 10, while Kanye West's "Stronger" took the final spot at No. 500.

The top 20 are listed below, with the full list of 500 available on Rolling Stone's website.

20. Robyn: "Dancing on My Own"
19. John Lennon: "Imagine"
18. Prince and the Revolution: "Purple Rain"
17. Queen: "Bohemian Rhapsody"
16. Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z: "Crazy in Love"
15. The Beatles: "I Want to Hold Your Hand"
14. The Kinks: "Waterloo Sunset"
13. The Rolling Stones: "Gimme Shelter"
12. Stevie Wonder: "Superstition"
11. The Beach Boys: "God Only Knows"
10. Outkast: "Hey Ya!"
9. Fleetwood Mac: "Dreams"
8. Missy Elliott: "Get Ur Freak On"
7. The Beatles: "Strawberry Fields Forever"
6. Marvin Gaye: "What’s Going On"
5. Nirvana: "Smells Like Teen Spirit"
4. Bob Dylan: "Like a Rolling Stone"
3. Sam Cooke: "A Change Is Gonna Come"
2. Public Enemy: "Fight the Power"
1. Aretha Franklin: "Respect"

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2021/09/16/rolling-stone-updates-500-greatest-songs-all-time-list-new-no-1/8361150002/


https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-songs-of-all-time-1224767/kanye-west-stronger-1224837/

[hibbing]

1. Interesting

Don't want to start a flame war, but one of these is from the most overrated bands in the history of music!

Peace

[abqtommy]

8. No flaming from me. It's obvious that the two of us were not consulted

Last edited Thu Sep 16, 2021, 02:10 PM - Edit history (1)

on this by Rolling Stone. It is interesting info so thanks for the original op here.

[hibbing]

19. It's an outrage!! hehe

[RobinA]

197. I Wasn't Consulted Either

Had I been I would have mentioned that mixing genres is a terrible idea.

[NNadir]

18. That's OK. Rolling Stone is one of the most overrated publications in history.

[Dakota Flint]

51. It died 40 years ago and became total irrelevant, IMHO

[CrackityJones75]

66. Agreed. Nirvana is the most overrated of all time.

[Mr. Evil]

72. I'm thinking #5.

Never could wrap my head around how such depressing, heroin-fueled music quickly became so popular and thankfully, so quickly died. Rock & Roll is supposed to be over-the-top, larger than life, flamboyant and the concerts are supposed to raise the roof! I absolutely hate that grunge shit!

*I had to repost this as I originally replied to the wrong post. My apologies!*

[BannonsLiver]

138. Music is super subjective

For example, I think Anthrax and Motorhead both suck.

[Ahpook]

193. Motley Crue

and the rest of those bands were squeaky clean, angelic alter boys?

Not enjoying the message is one thing, but the heroin fuel has been very present in quite a few rock bands from way back.

I'll agree that Nirvana didn't age well, but AIC and Soundgarden wrote fantastic songs.

[Amishman]

186. The most overrated band ever has two songs on that list by my count

But music is subjective

[True Dough]

2. Nothing at all by Led Zeppelin?

Stairway to Heaven is usually top 5. This list isn't for me!

[Aristus]

3. No Stairway?

Denied!

[True Dough]

10. How many years have you been plotting to use that clip, Aristus?

Glad to provide you a prime opportunity!

[Aristus]

12. Many, many years.

My dream has been fulfilled...

Thank you...

[True Dough]

15. Just one other thing to add...

[demmiblue]

7. Stairway to Heaven is #61. n/t

[Happy Hoosier]

25. surius. NT

[Johonny]

196. They hate and have always hated Led Zeppelin

Same with The Who.

Rolling Stone has huge biases and always have. The literally hated Queen until Mercury died of Aids. Sad but true.

[ProfessorGAC]

4. Seems Ok, Except...

...for #8.
There are songs on the list that have had tremendous staying power.
There are others that became nearly ubiquitous.
I don't think that Elliott song has the latter, and I'm betting it won't have the former.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

22. Disagree. It was a worldwide crossover hit with a visionary video, it's spawned countless remixes

that have been big hits in their own rights, it's musically rich and complex. As for entertainment, it's a banger. Missy should be up high and seeing this song at 8 was a pleasant surprise.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

28. I love it, but Top 10?

The biggest offront for me is God Only Knows missing the Top 10. Actually, I think it should be Top 5.
But I can't complain too much about the ones included. I appreciate that they've moved on from classic rock and added a lot of diversity to their list.

[Polybius]

200. How about Hallelujah?

I think it should be #1.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

202. They put Cohen's version on the list

Personally I think Buckley’s should’ve been used instead. And I wouldn’t argue it in the Top 10.

[Polybius]

204. I meant in the top 20

And Cohen's version isn't even in the 2nd best anymore. Pentatonix did a truly outstanding version in 2016.

[ProfessorGAC]

37. We'll Agree To Disagree

Music is all about taste anyway.
I'm sure there are songs I think are all-time greats that you wouldn't like, and vice versa.
That's why there are dozens of genres.
Is her song my taste? No. But, there are others on that list that aren't my taste, but I can easily see the impact.
And, being sampled doesn't work for me as evidence of staying power. For you & others, it may be. Again, we're influenced by our tastes.
But, there are songs on that list 40, 50, 60+ years old. I'm just not able to see people remembering her hit in 50 years.
If I'm wrong, I'll admit I was wrong.

[Polybius]

199. "Work It" by Missy was 1,000 times better

#10 is the biggest joke on that list.

[BComplex]

5. Boy. Did Rolling Stone blow that, or what?

Fail. Total fail.

[highplainsdem]

11. I'd agree that "Respect" and "Gimme Shelter" probably belong in the top 20. Doubts about

the other 18.

[llmart]

151. Oh, I think Marvin Gaye's should be even higher than it is.

But I'll disagree with you that it shouldn't be on the list. Also, Sam Cooke. Those songs are impactful.

[LakeArenal]

6. Waterloo Sunset. #14. What a fantastic song.

Lots I have never listened too.

Edit:
https://m.

[underpants]

14. I'd never heard of it

Thanks

[WhiskeyGrinder]

16. Lol, I had never heard this song.

[TexasTowelie]

20. Same here

and I listened to the complete Village Green Preservation Society album less than two weeks ago.

[Tom Rinaldo]

38. I bought the single when I first heard it on the radio in 1967

Waterloo Sunset was released as the follow up single to "Sunny Afternoon" in America. I think it barely cracked the top 40 briefly, if at all. I played that single all of the time because I absolutely loved the song. It's actually a rare 45 now (which makes it worth all of about ten bucks, lol). I still have it but it but the song is included in some "Greatest Hits" type Kinks CDs. I never understood why it wasn't a hit, before the world finally caught up to how beautiful a song Waterloo Sunset is. I read that when the UK voted on Brexit, London was the only part of England proper that voted to stay in the EU. As a result a major London radio station ran a contest for listeners to nominate a "London National Anthem" as if London were leaving England. Waterloo Sunset was the winner. At the 2012 Olympics Ray Davies performed a live version as part of the closing ceremony. Inexplicably NBC didn't include it in their coverage. There is relatively poor video of it on YouTube, but you can still tell it was a great performance.

[TheDemsshouldhireme]

57. Over 50 classic rock fan

have never heard this song, it isnt even a top 5 kinks song imho.

[LakeArenal]

73. That's why I'm amazed it was #14.

It along with many others I don’t think people listened to made this list. Songs I would have thought definitely did not.

However, it is my favorite Kinks song. Major Kinks fan.

[maxsolomon]

142. I was lucky to see Elliot Smith cover it shortly before his suicide.

Those mid 60s Kinks LPs (Something Else, Village Green) are treasures, but they never really broke on this side of the Atlantic. Hence the ignorance of WS on this thread I think. I'd never heard those LPs until my mid-20s, when I picked them up in a Cincy thrift store on Spanish-label cassettes. Still have those versions!

My stepdaughter, a major Elliot Smith fan in her teens, loves that song - because of that cover, it might be the best-known Kinks song to many Millenials.

[LakeArenal]

144. This whole list is bs.

We’d be better off compiling our own top 20 songs.

There really is no such thing as best song
ever... Music is so subjective.

[maxsolomon]

148. Well, if the purpose is clickbait (it usually is these days)

and getting Boomers worked up, then it worked very well.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

149. It is overlooked now, but I do think it is Ray's finest songwriting

I was so angry when they cut away from him performing it at the London Olympics.
It's not my favorite (That's "Days" or "Celluloid Heroes&quot , but "Waterloo Sunset" is a perfect song.

[LakeArenal]

150. I agree. Well Respected Man is also great.

WS is my fav for some reason. Apparently someone at RS thinks do too.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

152. The Kinks' album run from Something Else through Muswell Hillbillies....

Is as good as any block of albums from the bigger bands like the Who and the Stones

[LakeArenal]

156. Yep. I was fortunate to see them in the 70's

That Village Green Preservation Society is a great album. That could be on my album list.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

158. Top 20 album for me for sure

[LakeArenal]

161. Kindred 🎶 spirit.

[Goodheart]

74. Good song, but when we're talking "great" I imagine the metrics should be...

how popular, how influential, how many times covered, how innovative. On each of those, "Waterloo" by ABBA is far greater than Waterloo Sunset.

This list is dumb.

[LakeArenal]

76. Lola, Well Respected Man, or Apeman before WS

We do agree this list isn’t pleasing anyone.

[bullwinkle428]

112. "Death of a Clown"??

[AZSkiffyGeek]

153. Strangers is my favorite Dave song

"Living on a Thin Line" from the 80s is also really good, but I think the Brexiteers co-opted that one...

[Norbert]

81. The Kinks could have had many more on it

including about half the songs on 'Villiage Green' masterpiece. Happy this was so well placed though.

[LakeArenal]

84. Amazed even.

[Otto_Harper]

9. Its the "Of All Time" claim that is both annoying and comical

While I haven't reviewed the entire list, how could one ever leave off the 16th century hit "La Mantovana", which spread throughout Europe and underlies at least 2 national anthems, a major piece of symphonic music and dozens of familiar folk melodies.

We can start in Italy with "Fuggi Fuggi Fuggi" in the 16th century, and make it to "Hatikvah" in the 20th.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

30. Richard Thompson does a "1000 Years of Popular Music" show

Inspired by this exact point.
He starts with "Summer Is Icumen In" and works his way through to Britney Spears.

[geardaddy]

64. Yes!

Plus it's so Euro/Anglo-centric it's laughable.

[Champp]

13. What about Leader of the Laundromat? Not ranked? Unfair

This has got to be a Republican-RollingStoner plot to undervalue Leader of the Laundromat. I won't have it.

[nilram]

52. I'd say that brings back memories but really

It just gave me memories I’d rather not have.

[llmart]

159. LOL

I'm a little p.o.'ed that the Chipmunks weren't even mentioned.

[TexasTowelie]

17. I'm getting old. I only like one of the top ten songs. nt

[radicalleft]

21. Nirvana?!

Oh please...hated them when they came out and hate them still!

[Happy Hoosier]

26. Yeah, that's fine. Lots of us don't agree with you. NT

[USALiberal]

29. Lol

[LanternWaste]

62. Incredibly insightful.

As always!

Goodness gracious.

[C Moon]

55. It appears some songs are ones that had an impact on future music

like I Want to Hold Your Hand: not the band’s best, but it turned the music scene around almost over night.

Like them or not, Nirvana’s impact with that song and album was huge.

[Mr. Evil]

77. I agree with you 100%!

Music is supposed to make you feel good. Not make you more depressed than you already are. I'm so glad that grunge shit died a quick death!

[FreeState]

95. Totally disagree - music does not have to make you feel good

Some great artist are not “happy” artist and their music is just as magical and impactful as “feel good” music.

[Mr. Evil]

96. Music can be many things but,

most musicians (including myself) I've ever known prefer to make a positive impact. Yes, there are sad songs about lost love and that kind of shit but, an entire genre built on being down and depressed is only impactful if you need music to do heroin by. And how much is it really enjoyed when you're practically in a coma? Going to one of those concerts was painful. Barely anything remotely exciting. Just some dudes playing, looking like they haven't had a shower in over a month.

Sorry, but, there's absolutely nothing musically inspiring about that genre of music.

[Happy Hoosier]

166. Wow.... how analytical.

There is lots of music throughout history that explore dark emotions. It's shocking to me you'd call yourself a musician and not be able to acknowledge that, even if you don't personally prefer it.

YOU may not like grunge, but a lot of people do, especially of my generation. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Soundgarden... I think it's pretty hard to argue these groups didn't offer a significant contribution to music, even if you don't like it all that much. For example, I don't much care for R&B, but I certainly recognize that there are great R&B songs. I mean I wouldn't pick "Respect" as the best song of all time, but I can certainly appreciate the argument for it.

[Celerity]

103. +1

[Bongo Prophet]

98. Yeah, I can see how these songs can make you feel good

"Forced out, brave and mighty
Stolen land, they can't fight it
Hold on to pride and tradition
Even though they know
How much their lives are really missing
We're dissing them
On reservations
A hopeless situation"
-- Indians by Anthrax

or

"They dedicate their lives to running all of his
He tries to please them all, this bitter man he is
Throughout his life the same, he's battled constantly
This fight he cannot win, a tired man they see no longer cares
The old man then prepares to die regretfully
That old man here is me, yeah
[Chorus]
What I've felt, what I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never be, never see
Won't see what might have been
What I've felt, what I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never free, never me
So I dub thee 'Unforgiven' "
---- Unforgiven by Metallica

Now these random examples are arguably depressing, hardly making one 'feel good'.
Songs about racial injustice and religious bigotry probably shouldn't.

Just a thought.
I could go on and on with other examples, from metal to punk to prog to hiphop, but prefer to be brief, ha ha.

Oh, were you being sarcastic and I missed it?

[Mr. Evil]

99. The presentations and productions are vastly different.

You ever see Anthrax or Metallica live. I've seen both multiple times. Indians isn't depressing, it's angry about a system fucking over indigenous people. Yes, shedding much needed light on an injustice. Very intense and brutal live.
Great musicianship and presentation. Anthrax always brings their A-game.
Metallica; always an unforgettable show. Unforgiven is intense in its presentation especially during Kirk's lead break. You can't just stand there and play a song, you have to also express the song.
Grunge just had no presentation. No intensity or long lasting entertainment value. All the bands wore the same slovenly flannel shirts and dirty pants. Boring.

We're just different. I'm a lifelong Metalhead and obviously biased toward that genre. I like the intensity, the flames, the bombs, the lights. It's all part of the production and presentation and it's exciting! If you really want to see the difference, watch the entire Motley Crue Carnival of Sins show on Blu-Ray or whatever. Have a few beers and enjoy! It's an extravaganza! I saw that show live twice (New Orleans and in Baton Rouge after they extended the tour). Quite possibly two of the best shows I've ever seen live. Definitely the most fun! Give it a try. You'll see what I mean.

[Celerity]

102. 'Music is supposed to make you feel good.'

I am sure Nirvana and

that grunge shit

does make many feel good.

I can almost guarantee some of the music you think is the dog's bollocks will make me want to wretch.

Different tastes and all that.

[Celerity]

101. list your favourite bands please

[radicalleft]

114. Well as a Gen Xer, heavy metal from the 70's and 80's ranks up there

and as I've gotten older, country from the same era is enjoyable. As others have pointed out, Nirvana and most of the west coast grunge scene IMHO was lazy, hack talent that was depressing and quite frankly, baffling in it's appeal to MTV...

[ruet]

177. As A Gen Xer Who Was Deeply Entrenched In The 80's-90's Metal Scene;...

you're wrong. I don't think I'd call anyone in Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Pearljam or even Nirvana "hacks" or lazy. Chris Novoselic is a great bassist. Dave Grohl is one of the most diverse and prolific musical artists of all time. You may not appreciate Curt Cobain's playing but it fit in with what the band was doing musically and he was, actually, quite solid. His writing was off the charts.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

181. I wonder if there will be a new version of that old joke

"Did you know Dave Grohl had a band before Foo Fighters?"

[Polybius]

203. I'm an Xer, and while I hated them too, it belongs there

"Smells Like Teen Spirit" was a revolution song: It truly sparked a musical revolution, even though I didn't like the outcome.

[Happy Hoosier]

23. Well, opinions and all, but NOPE. NT

[gratuitous]

24. No "My Pal Foot Foot"? No Peace!

I confess I just checked the last 50 entries, so if that dreck (My Pal Foot Foot) made the list, then the list is even more bogus than if it didn't.

[geardaddy]

60. Oh man, that and It's Halloween

definitely need to be on the list somewhere!

[LeftInTX]

27. Now I will have that annoying, Fleetwood Mac: "Dreams" earworm

It's so ubiquitous

[Goodheart]

63. I really dislike that song.

[tinymontgomery]

97. Fleetwood mac had so many better songs

Songs off of Bare Tree, Future Games, Hero’s are Hard to Find and Mystery to Me.
The song “Why” sung by Christine McVie is beautiful in my opinion. Here is a live version
which makes it a little raw. Saw them in 75’ in Philadelphia.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

145. That's at the bottom of Stevie Nicks Mac tunes for me

I can't see how it scored higher than "Landslide," (or "Silver Spring," but that song is always overlooked) and I don't even think that should be Top 10.

And it's DEFINITELY not better than "God Only Knows" or "Waterloo Sunset."

[sop]

31. A lot of the folks who liked Rolling Stone's 500GSAT from 17 years ago are probably dead now.

[Cartoonist]

32. For me, the Beatles take the top ten spots.

And half of the next ten.

[Celerity]

104. no

[Poiuyt]

108. I agree

[Mike Nelson]

33. I think...

... Rolling Stone should do a list of the songs they've dropped or omitted from past lists - and call it THE NOT-SO-GREAT SONGS LIST. I have a lot of Respect for Aretha, but Chain of Fools is greater. Also, I wouldn't give Creedence to any list that doesn't include Jessie's Girl.

[link:

|

[Moostache]

34. Just mistakes from the Beatles tracks alone...

Really? Ugh...very pedestrian effort from a formerly great resource...

19. John Lennon: "Imagine"
(OK...not a Beatles track but John's best solo record and well worth this or higher slot)

15. The Beatles: "I Want to Hold Your Hand"
(Help!, We Can Work It Out, Love Me Do...all are superior Beatles records!!!)

7. The Beatles: "Strawberry Fields Forever"
(In My Life, A Day In The Life, All You Need Is Love, Come Together...sheesh...you have to wonder if the list was made by throwing darts at a board while blindfolded!!!

Total lack of inclusion of possibly the three most iconic Beatles records of all time?
? Hey Jude
? Yesterday
? Let It Be

Rolling Stone has gone full cos-play apparently!

And my bias is clear with this statement - any top 20 list of all-time songs that does not feature "One" by U2 is wholly unreliable!!! LOL!

[xmas74]

130. While I agree there are better Beatles songs

I Want to Hold Your Hand set everything off, not just for The Beatles but the entire British Invasion. That's why it's usually their highest on any top chart. The initial impact sets it apart.

[Mysterian]

35. These lists are stupid and annoying

Art is a matter of taste and subjective.

[Jansen]

58. Absolutely, yes. YES!

[Celerity]

107. yes, and the same can be said about many of the replies here (NOT yours)

[Roland99]

36. Outkast at #10 with "Hey Ya"?!?! WTMF???

[maxsolomon]

85. Been to a wedding in the last 20 years?

Hey Ya is beloved. It gets the ladies on the dance floor.

Shake it like a polaroid pictcha!

[Roland99]

87. Popularity is not quality

By that standard, mambo #5 and the electric slide would be top 25

[AZSkiffyGeek]

154. Except that "Hey Ya" is good.

Top 10 good? I don't think so, but it is a good song.

[Roland99]

169. No. It's bad. Real bad

[AZSkiffyGeek]

170. Nah, but it's not as good as BOB or Ms. Jackson

It's absolutely not top 10 material, but I wouldn't argue it being included in the top 500.

[llmart]

163. So is "All the Single Ladies" at most wedding receptions.

That doesn't mean it should be in the Top 10.

[maxsolomon]

172. YES IT DOES.

[Mr. Evil]

86. IKR!?

That, among a few others on that list, gave me a good laugh. I could probably rattle off a few dozen songs right off the top of my head that are much more worthy than that footnote in pop history.

[NightWatcher]

39. So much Nope! 2, 3, 7, 8, 10, 14, 16, & 20 don't belong that high up at all.

Now let's fight about it. (or not).

[ecstatic]

115. 🙄 nt

[marie999]

40. Un bel di vedremo Giacomo Puccini Maria Callas

[MissMillie]

41. Who the heck is Robyn and where is The Boss? (n/t)

.

[msongs]

43. dancing on my own sung by callum scott on britain's got talent. chilling

[Rosco T.]

45. I prefer her version

[edhopper]

127. What a terribly

derivative, mediocre song.
#20?
This list is just embarrassing.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

180. I just listened to this song...

It's very good. It's not Top 20 material, but it is a very good pop song. The Swedes know how to write/produce a catchy tune.

[Casady1]

42. I love Respect

but anyone growing up in the sixties would put "Like a Rolling stone" above it. Dylan was transformational and that was the first 6 minute song on the radio( not bohemian rhapsody which has always bored me). This song revolutionized radio and ushered in long form songs.

[Brother Buzz]

44. Here's the BEST road trip songlist

In no particular order, except that, as any intelligent person knows, any decent road trip will start with ZZ Top.

1. ZZ Top, "Sharp-Dressed Man"

2. ZZ Top, "Legs"

3. Wilson Pickett, "Mustang Sally"

4. Crash Test Dummies, "Superman's Song"

5. David Essex, "Rock On"

6. Golden Earring, "Radar Love"

7. Blondie, "Heart of Glass"

8. Jefferson Airplane, "White Rabbit"

9. Jefferson Airplane, "Somebody to Love"

10. Derek and the Dominoes, "Layla"

11. Doors, "Roadhouse Blues"

12. Animals, "House of the Rising Sun"

13. Aerosmith, "Sweet Emotion"

14. Aerosmith, "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)"

15. Bruce Springsteen, "Dancing in the Dark"

16. Bruce Springsteen, "Born to Run"

17. Bruce Springsteen, "Thunder Road"

18. Police, "Every Breath You Take"

19. Tom Waits, "Heart of Saturday Night"

20. Van Halen, "Hot for Teacher"

21. Who, "Won’t Get Fooled Again"

22. Gipsy Kings, "Hotel California"

23. Tracy Chapman, "Give Me One Reason"

24. Creedence Clearwater Revival, "Down on the Corner"

25. Eagles, "Lyin' Eyes"

26. Eagles, "Life in the Fast Lane"

27. Dire Straits, "Skateaway"

28. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, "Mary Jane's Last Dance"

29. Janis Joplin, "Me 'n Bobby McGee"

30. The Doobie Brothers, "Black Water"

31. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, "I Love Rock 'n Roll"

22. John Mellencamp, "Jack and Diane"

33. Pink Floyd, "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)"

34. Pink Floyd, "Money"

35. Billy Joel, "Piano Man"

36. Eric Clapton, "After Midnight"

37. Eric Clapton, "Lay Down Sally"

38. AC/DC, "You Shook Me All Night Long"

39. AC/DC, "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap"

40. The Hollies, "Long Cool Woman (in a Black Dress)"

41. Bob Dylan, "Like a Rolling Stone"

42. Bob Dylan, "Knockin' on Heaven’s Door"

43. Bob Dylan, "Subterranean Homesick Blues"

44. The Rolling Stones, "Satisfaction"

45. The Rolling Stones, "Brown Sugar"

46. The Rolling Stones, "Sympathy for the Devil"

47. Sex Pistols, "Anarchy in the UK"

48. Grateful Dead, "Sugar Magnolia"

49. The Pointer Sisters, "Slow Hand"

50. Eurythmics, "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)"

51. Elvis Presley, "Jailhouse Rock"

52. David Bowie, "Ziggy Stardust"

53. Bob Seger, "Night Moves"

54. The Everly Brothers, "Bye Bye Love"

55. Jimi Hendrix, "Purple Haze"

56. The Kinks, "Lola"

57. Jackson Browne, "Tender is the Night"

58. The Kingsmen, "Louie Louie"

59. George Thorogood and the Destroyers, "Bad to the Bone"

60. Metallica, "Turn the Page"

61. Lynryd Skynyrd, "Sweet Home Alabama"

62. Queen, "We Will Rock You"

63. The Allman Brothers Band, "Ramblin’ Man"

64. Led Zeppelin, "Rock 'n Roll"

65. Tina Turner, "What’s Love Got to Do With It"

66. Steppenwolf, "Born to Be Wild"

67. U2, "With or Without You"

68. Black Sabbath, "Paranoid"

69. Foreigner, "Blue Morning, Blue Day"

70. Billy Idol, "White Wedding"

71. Guns 'n Roses, "Sweet Child o’ Mine"

72. Guns 'n Roses, "Paradise City"

73. Guns 'n Roses, " Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door"*

74. Lou Reed, "Walk on the Wild Side"

75. Bad Company, "Feel Like Makin' Love"

76. Def Leppard, "Rock of Ages"

77. Van Morrison, "Brown Eyed Girl"

78. Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, "Devil With a Blue Dress On"

79. Aretha Franklin, "Respect"

80. John Lee Hooker and Bonnie Raitt, "I'm in the Mood"

81. James Brown, "I Got You (I Feel Good)"

82. The Righteous Brothers, "Unchained Melody"

83. Prince, "Little Red Corvette"

84. Chuck Berry, "Roll Over Beethoven"

85. The Byrds, "Mr. Tambourine Man"

86. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, "Ohio"

87. Buddy Holly, "Peggy Sue"

88. Jerry Lee Lewis, "Great Balls of Fire"

89. Roy Orbison, "Oh, Pretty Woman"

90. Del Shannon, "Runaway"

91. Run-DMC, "Walk This Way"

92. Otis Redding, " (Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay"

93. Nirvana, "Smells Like Teen Spirit"

94. Paul Simon, "Still Crazy After All These Years"

95. Bo Diddley, "Who Do You Love? "

96. Brewer and Shipley, "One Toke Over the Line"

97. Ramones, "I Wanna Be Sedated"

98. The Clash, "Should I Stay or Should I Go"

99. Talking Heads, "Burning Down the House"

100. Dmitri Shostakovich, "Jazz Suite No. 2: Waltz 2"

* Yeah, yeah, I know it's on the list twice.

Note: This playlist should be edited to include the Beach Boys if you're traveling the Pacific Coast Highway. And before you complain there are no Beatles on the list I should point out every seasoned traveler already has a complete Beatles songlist ready to go

Oh, and a hat tip to Lucus Davenport for the list, and I'm still waiting for Fucking Flowers to come up with his.

[sop]

46. That's a hell of a road trip list, but I'd replace the Heartbreakers "Mary Jane's Last Dance" with

"Runnin' Down a Dream." What the hell, keep both and dump something else.

[left-of-center2012]

53. "any intelligent person knows any decent road trip will start with ZZ Top"

Never liked ZZ Top, so I guess I'm ignorant?

Each of us would come up with our own list, based on our own taste in music.
Doesn't make those disagreeing ignorant.

[ShazzieB]

191. Totally agree.

I never cared for ZZ Top, either, or a lot of other stuff that some regard as absolutely essental.

My ideal road trip play list would be heavy on Beatles, Beach Boys, CCR, Eagles, John Denver, and who knows what else. There would be no heavy metal, rap, or disco. Does that mean I'm ignorant, or that I think people whose play lists are full of stuff I don't like are ignorant? Hell, no.

Music is a very subjective thing. We all respond to different things.

[left-of-center2012]

192. I like your music

Except for the Beatles. I thought they were OK, but I was not a BIG fan.
Felt the same about Elvis.

I'd want some Fleetwood Mac.

[Klaralven]

93. Have a Cigar

[Princess Turandot]

140. LOL But after he lost the original list, did he come up with the same one the second time around?

[Brother Buzz]

155. Life would be boring if things didn't change

Think of it as a work in progress.

Curious, I found my songlist from the sixties, but a lot of the songs, as spectular as they are, didn't make the road trip list. I'm thinking I need to insert a little more Creedence Clearwater Revival, and shoehorn in the Sons of Champlin.

If you remember the '60s, you really weren't there.

[LexVegas]

47. Fight the Power isn't even a top 5 Public Enemy song. nt

[left-of-center2012]

48. Some I never heard of -- Some I never liked

I think each of us could come up with our own list.

I'm reminded of a recent DU thread about the 'Greatest Era !"
I think we of differing ages may have had other eras we thought were greater.

[DFW]

49. But WHICH version of Respect?

What about this one from just after the 2016 election?

[geardaddy]

50. I'm surprised that Purple Rain isn't in the top 10

But Hey Ya is?

SMH

[MontanaMama]

59. THIS!!!

Total snub.

[geardaddy]

61. Yep.

Prince was robbed.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

188. I'm listening through the list right now

From the top 10 I'd pull Fight the Power, Get Ur Freak On, Dreams and Hey Ya.
I'd move God Only Knows, Gimme Shelter, Waterloo Sunset and Purple Rain into the top 10.
Strange Fruit should be MUCH higher also. Maybe replace Waterloo Sunset in the Top 10.

[geardaddy]

195. Great call on Strange Fruit!

I like the way you think!

[Roy Rolling]

54. Perfect

A printed magazine popular in the 1960s takes a poll of whoever to rate songs most of them never heard.

This isn’t just a waste of time, it’s a fucking disservice to music artists who create masterpieces as works of art, not to be winners of a music poll.

[Goodheart]

56. That list is embarrassingly bad.

[left-of-center2012]

67. It is laughable

[Goodheart]

71. Want to know just how ridiculous it is?

Joni Mitchell's "Case of You" is listed at #26 or so.... it's a fine song, but remarkably obscure, while her best know work, "Both Sides Now", is one of the most covered songs of all time... like "Yesterday" or "Bridge Over Troubled Water".

Just what do they mean by "great", anyway? Some current staffer voted for his favorites, that's what.

[left-of-center2012]

75. "Bridge Over Troubled Water"

That would be my #1 -- love that song.

[llmart]

165. Don't know if I'd make it #1...

but it should be up in the top 10.

[GusBob]

79. Both sides now was written and first recorded by Judy Collins

But I agree the list is bogus

Free Man in Paris was a better JM choice

[Goodheart]

82. It was written by Joni Mitchell, first recorded by Judy Collins.

[LeftInTX]

89. Now that's confusing...LOL

[Goodheart]

90. Even more so when you learn that Joni didn't like the way Judy sang it. LOL

[USALiberal]

118. Thanks for the detailed review. Nt

[Goodheart]

65. Bizarre Love Triangle is certainly the greatest song of all time.

Rolling Stone, KMA.

[Celerity]

106. for New Order, I would go with Temptation

New Order: Temptation - 7" and 12" (Continuous mix)

In 1982 New Order released FAC 63, a new song called Temptation, on 7" and 12". Despite the fact that both versions claimed to be the original, they were different recordings. The rumor was that since the 7" version ended with a fade out, and the 12" version began with a fade-in, that the two songs were in fact two halves of a 14-minute long original version. I've always wanted to test this theory out, so here's the two versions of the track faded together to form the longest version of "Temptation" out there.

You'll notice that the production sound changes around the 5 minute mark as the 7" version transitions into the 12". So are they two halves of the same recording or are they just two entirely different takes?

[Goodheart]

133. My favorite New Order song changes from day to day

Yesterday it was Bizarre Love Triangle, today it's Temptation, tomorrow it will probably be True Faith.

[Goodheart]

134. Did you fuse these two personally?

If so, thanks!

[Celerity]

136. No, I do not post on YT. nt

[AZSkiffyGeek]

146. I like both Temptation and Bizzare Love Triangle

But "Perfect Kiss," "True Faith," and "Blue Monday" are better. Temptation and Triangle are 4 and 5 though.

[Iggo]

68. They're fucking high.

Ace Of Spades is the greatest rock song of all time, bar none.

[Celerity]

105. the Bat's cover from 1984 shreds

BATTALION OF SAINTS ~ ACE OF SPADES

[bronxiteforever]

69. Bruce rules Rolling Stone drools

Last edited Thu Sep 16, 2021, 05:04 PM - Edit history (1)

[USALiberal]

120. He never had a number 1 hit! Nt

[bronxiteforever]

143. Lol! Marconi played the mamba. N.t.

[themaguffin]

78. This list is "sort of" greatest songs, but more so cultural impact songs. For example...

Missy Elliott's song is certainly catchy - it was (and is) popular and the video really was something....

but its place on the list is more about her and the video.

The Beatles I want to Hold Your Hand is iconic, but more so because of their Ed Sullivan appearance.

Most people would dozens of Beatles songs above it.

Dreams is great. It was a number one hit and popular as far back as I can remember... but never thought of it as one of THE best songs ever - yeah, it's great, but top ten all time great?

That's RS curating the list for the Tiktok crowd.

[maxrandb]

80. How are My Generation, Baba O'Reilly, or Won't Get Fooled Again

not in the top 20?

At least one of those from the Greatest Live Band in the effing world should be there

[deurbano]

83. Having a song written by Otis Redding in the top 20 is great and all (especially that song, sung by

that artist), but surely he deserves a top 20 spot as a performer in his own right. I mean, I chose his music to play in the background as I was giving BIRTH. That's how strong my love is (for him).

[lpbk2713]

88. Me and Bobby McGee

Should have been higher. Kris and Janis both had outstanding versions.
Roger Miller did good with the original.

[GoodRaisin]

91. None of those make my top 20. My number 1 of all time

In Memory of Elizabeth Reed - Fillmore East Version

[ThunderRoad]

92. Where is Thunder Road?

Only question I have is, where is Thunder Road?

[AZSkiffyGeek]

157. It is on the list, but lower

I think Born to Run is Springsteen's highest, then Thunder Road, Jungleland and Rosalita. There may be others, but those are the ones that stood out to me.

[maxsolomon]

94. RS is trying to diversify.

It won't work: they're a Rockist Boomer magazine.

My local alt-rock station, KEXP, did the same after BLM protests. They added African-American DJs who play Hip Hop and what I call "Alt-R&B". I don't like melismatic singing, never have, but I'm a late-era Boomer ('63), so I know they're not playing music for me anyway. They want the youth to tune in.

I remember Missy guesting on Katy Perry's Superbowl show (2016), and my (now 30 year old) niece calling me up "Missy's on! No one here knows who she is except me, because you put her on a mix CD for me!" Holla!

[yardwork]

111. This list shows how little they understand, really.

[USALiberal]

121. Lol, so they know nothing about music? Nt

[edhopper]

129. Those who voted don't

apparently.

[LeftInTX]

171. They're trying to appeal to a difference audience

But I don't think it will work

[maxsolomon]

141. Every one of us would make a different list.

There will never be consensus on something as absurd as the "500 greatest songs of all time".

De Gustibus non Disputadem.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

189. Current musicians and industry figures are the ones who voted on the songs

Rolling Stone writers just compiled the list and blurbed the songs.

[Demovictory9]

100. this was number one on some list a few years ago

[tavernier]

113. Freddie is looking down at this self important publication list

and loudly laughing. (Although Aretha was his #1 as well)

[ecstatic]

116. No Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey or Boyz II Men?

gmafb.

[Calista241]

119. I've never even heard 1/2 these songs.

And while I've heard Respect, it doesn't really do it for me.

[Dirty Socialist]

122. Where is "Making Love in A Subaru"?

By Damaskas 1977:
https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=AwrDQykylkRh0xAA2BW3mWRH;_ylu=c2VjA3NyBHNsawN2aWQEdnRpZAMEZ3BvcwMx?p=making+love+in+a+subaru&vid=3d9a24fdfd1558eb3d5acb41bfafc4b2&turl=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOVP.RbnvdZ8jWTVtM9ef8bnlnwHgFo%26pid%3DApi%26h%3D150%26w%3D250%26c%3D7%26rs%3D1&rurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DMXYKVfoJ2Gs&tit=Making+Love+In+A+Subaru+%281977+Demo+Version%29&c=0&h=150&w=250&l=133&sigr=Jkd6buorGp5H&sigt=unjfbTG117RB&sigi=ux_RGr96fYbv&age=1324345299&fr2=p%3As%2Cv%3Av&fr=yfp-hrmob&tt=b

[fescuerescue]

123. I'm kinda surprised that there's quite a few I've never heard of

I would have thought all the top 20 would be instantly recognizable.

[Roisin Ni Fiachra]

124. No Bob Marley? WTF? Opinions are like a$$holes. Everybody has one. nt

[Dirty Socialist]

125. I hate to open a can of worms, but

This list looks overly PC to me. Rap, Latino pop, and Country are not Rock And Roll.

[AZSkiffyGeek]

160. The list doesn't specify Rock and Roll

And why is it "PC" to include songs by AA and Latino artists?

[panader0]

126. Bah! Humbug!

[edhopper]

132. Quite embarsssing

but not unexpected from the folks behind the "Rock and Roll" Hall of Fame.

[SYFROYH]

135. Robyn's Dancing on my Own?1!! Not as good as the worst ABBA song.

Last edited Fri Sep 17, 2021, 11:57 AM - Edit history (1)

If the editors felt that they had to make a nod to our nordic brothers and sisters, I can't believe they chose Robyn over ABBA.

[leftyladyfrommo]

173. I really like that song. Maybe it depends on whose

Covering it.

[BannonsLiver]

137. Hey Ya! sucks.

It sucked in 2004 and it sucks now. Also, that Missy Elliott song sucks too. Annoyingly so. My ears are bleeding just thinking about those songs. And Robyn? What the ever loving f***?

[jalan48]

147. No Jimi Hendrix?

[Happy Hoosier]

167. He is in the top 500...

But not very high on the list. Traditional "rock and roll" took a beating in this list. I do not agree, obviously.

[jalan48]

178. I was thinking they would lean toward the most influential artists. Oh well, The Best always

generates controversy and increases readership.

[Lucinda]

162. My definition of greatest and theirs is much different ...

Thanks for posting the list!

[albacore]

164. Whaaaattt? No Nicki Menaj? A poet and wordsmith like her left off? Shame!!!

She brought us this brilliant set of lyrics, full of insight and pathos:
You a stupid hoe, you a, you a stupid hoe
You a stupid hoe, you a, you a stupid hoe
You a stupid hoe, you a, you a stupid hoe
You a stupid hoe, yeah, you a, you a stupid hoe
You a stupid hoe, you a, you a stupid hoe (you stupid, stupid)
You a stupid hoe, you a, you a stupid hoe (you stupid, stupid)
You a stupid hoe, you a, you a stupid hoe (you stupid, stupid)
You a stupid hoe, yeah, you a, you a stupid hoe (you stupid, stupid)

[llmart]

168. Rolling Stone magazine came out in 1967

I think I had the first issue. It was geared towards boomers like myself. I see this list as them trying to remain relevant as my generation dies off.

[leftyladyfrommo]

174. Was Disturbed's Sound of Silence on there?

[ruet]

175. Disturbed?

The faux-metal hacks? I sure hope not.

[leftyladyfrommo]

176. David Draiman is wonderful when he's not doing

Heavy Metal. He has an incredible voice. He is classically trained. I don't like heavy metal. It's too violent for me.

Go on YouTube and listen to this cover that he did on Conan's show. Do the live version.

At least give it a chance.

[ruet]

179. Just Watched It. If I Heard it Without Knowing Anything Else About It,...

I'd say it was a competent, if not slightly insulting, cover. I say "slightly insulting" because I not a huge fan of covers. ...not because of who it is.

[leftyladyfrommo]

184. At least you tried. I am kind 8f surprised

because even the classically trained musicians thought
It was wonderful. I am classically trained.

[ruet]

185. An Internal Bias I Can't Correct For. -NT-

[leftyladyfrommo]

187. David Draiman is an incredible person.

His grandfather was an Hasidic Jew. He was the cantor at rhe largest synagogue in Chicago. David grew up Orthodox and went to Talmudic schools and he trained to be a cantor. But of course it was a terrible fit. They are so ultra conservative and he wasn't. He is very protective of his Jewish history. I really admire him for that. He had a really difficult time.

Voice coaches are amazed by his voice. He has about a three octave range and he has perfect pitch. His voice floats right on the top of rhe notes and he never misses. And he never pushes. His control is amazing. He moves through that entire range just effortlessly. He can move from that pure simple sound to that gritty sound and back again just like it's no big deal. That is incredibly difficult to do.

The heavy metal people all know him and they were so surprised that he can actually sing like that. It's funny to hear their reactions.

[orleans]

182. sad to say i do not know all of these songs nt

[LeftInTX]

183. Why is "Don't Fear the Reaper" 446, while Hall and Oates, "She's Gone" 336?

With regards to Don't Fear the Reaper: "Rolling Stone voted this the best of 1976"...,

Then I see, "She's Gone" by Hall and Oates at 336.

How did a lame annoying, flip the dial, song beat out "Don't Fear the Reaper"?

"Welcome to the Jungle" is 491 and "Stand by Your Man" is 473..WTF???

[AZSkiffyGeek]

190. The whole lsit on Spotify...

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7LtxGgDhu79gOBYwLQaKwS?si=9814406a216245b6

[Shellback Squid]

194. uugh

[Polybius]

198. Seriously, "Hey Ya" by Outcast is 10?!?

That is absolutely insane. It's an ok song but not even top 20 of of the early 2000's. And where is Hallelujah? That's a top 3 song. And no American Pie? Putrid top 20 list.

[miyazaki]

201. That rag has sucked for half a century.

[Captain Stern]

205. Great list. I love it.

Of course, It's not the same as my list, but it's still great.

Musical taste is subjective. I appreciate seeing songs listed that I'd never listened to...and that I will now make a point of listening too.

That said...WTF?!?..no 'Happy Birthday' (most famous song ever), and where the fuck is 'Baby Shark'?, and the Beatles should have like 100 songs on this list. And how is 'Dreams' by Fleetwood Mac #9 when it isn't even the best song by Fleetwood Mac?!?