What are the most popular ukulele songs of all time? Evoking serenity, perhaps America’s most spectacular nature, and the mindset of throwing caution to the wind, Hawaii and ukulele songs alike are akin to midlife puberty. The most popular ukulele songs of all time includes some classics and some that we hope will be classics. Considering taking up the instrument? Or do you just love listening to the beautiful instrument? Either way, these are the songs that first pop up when talk of the ukulele arises.
The four-stringed instrument might have originated in Hawaii, but thanks to pop music and popular culture it has made its presence all over the world. With ukulele making its way into modern pop, some recent songs played on the ukulele have become massively popular even though the instrument has been alive and kicking as far back as the 1920s. Many ukulele classics, however, still remain extremely popular today, proving it true that real classics never go out of vogue. No wonder, just like the 10 Most Popular Songs of All Time, the list of most popular ukulele songs also consist of an interest mix of old and new songs alike.
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Our list includes songs that have essentially been played on the instrument and the songs that are most requested of ukulele players. If you are a ukulele player, chances are, these are the song request you get bombarded with. To prepare the list of the most popular ukulele songs of all time Insider Monkey has sampled through 10 ukulele lesson websites and songbooks for most requested songs of all time. The rankings have been created upon the frequency of the songs showing up on those lists and their ranks respectively. There are many songs that have simple chord structures and suitable rhythms for being played on the ukulele, and we have included the ones which have either actually been played on the instrument in popular versions or the original version has string sections sampled similar to a ukulele. Read on to unveil the ukulele songs on the list!
11. Longing to Belong – Eddie Vedder,
Eddie Vedder might be better known as the frontman of Pearl Jam, but he also has an album of ukulele songs under his belt. 2 of our sources have suggested this song. And, it is most definitely Vedder’s most known ukulele number.
10. Tonight You Belong To Me – Lennon Sisters,
The American song has been around since 1926, but, it was Steve Martin who really popularized it as a ukulele song when it was used in the movie The Jerk . The ukulele was played by jazz ukulele player Lyle Ritz. Since then a lot of artists have covered the song on the ukulele including Eddie Vedder.
9. When I’m Cleaning Windows – George Formby,
Some classic ukulele lovers swear by George Formby but his songs might be considered somewhat of an acquired. 2 out of the 10 sources we referred to suggested When I’m Cleaning Windows as a popular ukulele song. It’s hard to ignore Formby in a list of ukulele song and this song seems to be the most popular ukulele songs of all time by him.
8. The Lazy Song- Bruno Mars,
The Lazy Song wasn’t actually recorded on an acoustic guitar but its rhythm and feel makes it a perfect song for playing it on the ukulele. In fact, over 5 of our source sites have suggested it as a ukulele song.
7. Five Foot Two Eyes of Blue (Has Anybody Seen My Gal?),
Five Foot Two Eyes of Blue was popularized as an ukulele song by Lucille Ball by performing it on I Love Lucy and it has kind of stuck around since then as a perfect ukulele song. The rhythm and groove are well suited for ukulele playing after all.
6. Aloha Oe – Queen Lili’uokalani,
Though Hawaiian songs are the best when it comes to the use of ukulele, sadly not many of them get popularized. But thanks to the Lilo and Stitch movie this old Hawaiian gem has found its way into the most popular area.
5. Ain’t She Sweet,
The Beatles song seems to be tailor made for the ukulele thought the original version has little use of it. There is a version of Paul McCartney and Ringo jamming on it on the ukulele that has very well established it as a
perfect ukulele song.
4. Riptide – Vance Joy,
Riptide by Australian singer Vance Joy is one of the recent songs to get popularized on the ukulele because of its beautiful use of the instrument on the original recording. The song has sparked a number a ukulele covers on Youtube.
3. I’m Yours – Jason Mraz,
Jason Mraz’s breakthrough single has become a ukulele staple thanks to its spot on groove and melody. Almost all of our sources have ranked the song in its top 5. The song is also Mraz’s biggest selling single till date.
2. Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Israël Kamakawiwo’ole,
Hawaiian musician Israël Kamakawiwo’ole’s ukulele rendition of this timeless classic will transport you right to the beaches of Hawaii. Every ukulele player and enthusiast has heard this rendition and it has also been extensively covered.
1.Hey, Soul Sister – Train,
And, the song that changed the fate of ukulele in the world of pop has to be Train’s Hey, Soul Sister. No wonder, all of our sources have suggested it as their top choice for the most popular ukulele songs in all time. Its massive popularity is hard to ignore, that has caused so many to take up learning and playing the instrument.
