Everyone has a list of songs that shaped their life and influenced them in many different ways, but which ones are the most influential songs of all time? Well, we’ve attempted to answer that question with this countdown. However, as the term ‘influential’ is very difficult to define and music as an art form is inevitably appreciated with a good degree of subjectivity, we want to stress the fact that this is merely our choice of songs that have been influential; not only in the lives of their listeners, but on the music industry as a whole.
If you fancy a heated debate alongside your music, you should not miss our list on The 10 Most Controversial Songs Of All Time to Hit (and get Banned from) the Airwaves. As with the upcoming list, these controversial songs were often quite influential in their own ways, pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable to sing about and how. Is it possible some songs made both lists? Check them out to see.
Now then, let’s pump up the volume and take a look at our current countdown on the most influential songs of all time! And feel free to share your personal list of influential songs, welcome your comments and regards on the topic.
10. Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana’s 1991 song turned out to be Generation X’s anthem, as well as a presentation card of the Grunge genre. With both critical and commercial success, Nevermind’s success rocketed Alternative Rock into mainstream. Regarding the song’s somewhat cryptic meaning, Kurt Cobain said that “It’s just making fun of the thought of having a revolution”. After Cobain’s tragic death in 1994, “Smells like Teen Spirit” only expanded its effect and influenced more people, both inside and outside the music industry.
The nine most influential songs of all time are coming up on the next pages. Check them out!
9. La Bamba
Ritchie Valens’ 1958 version of the traditional Mexican song “La Bamba” represents the influence Latin Music has had in the United States. This song was a true breakthrough, sang entirely in Spanish and mixing Latin beats with rock ‘n’ roll. One example of its great influence is that it is the only non-English song featured in Rolling Stone magazine’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
8. Imagine
John Lennon’s 1971 album was, unsurprisingly, the best-selling single of his solo career. The lyrics are as straightforward as they are timeless; praising peace, tolerance, equality, brotherhood and non-attachment to material possessions. Lennon’s global anthem speaks of such universal issues that its message will be forever relevant and moving.
7. Livery Stable Blues
Most of you are probably not familiar with this 1917 jazz song, but its influence on music should be acknowledged and renowned. Written by Alcide Nunez and Ray Lopez, “Livery Stable Blues” was recorded by the Original Dixieland Jass Band on February 26, 1917, along with A-side “Dixie Jass Band One-Step”. Both its fame and weight rest on the fact that it was the first jazz recording to be commercially released; a milestone for the genre’s history and development.
6. Fight the Power
In the late 80’s, and at the request of film director Spike Lee, American hip-hop group Public Enemy conceived the incendiary song “Fight the Power”. Naturally, the song was so strong and influential that it transcended the Do the Right Thing soundtrack and ended up having enormous political impact; so much so that it became the anthem of the resurgent Black Power spirit of the younger generations.
5. Respect
“Respect” was originally written and recorded by Otis Redding in 1965, but Aretha Franklin’s 1967 version made it a hit and became her signature song. Franklin’s cover not only promoted Black Pride and the 60’s Civil Rights Movement in America, but it also became a feminist anthem, being a firm declaration of a strong and confident woman who demands to be respected.
4. Johnny B Goode
Many of the songs on this list wouldn’t even exist if it weren’t for rock ‘n’ roll’s founding father Chuck Berry. This 1958 tune is definitely one of the most renowned songs of classic rock, as well as one of the most influential; a major hit among black and white audiences equally.
3. What’s Going On
Marvin Gaye’s 1971 song was originally inspired by Renaldo ‘Obie’ Benson’s witnessing of Bloody Thursday, one of many examples of police brutality and violence against anti-war activists peacefully protesting at the time. After discussing his experience with songwriter Al Cleveland, both of them teamed up with Gaye and ended up shaping what we know nowadays as “What’s Going On”. Plenty was going on in America during the early 70’s, and Gaye’s song will forever remind us of that.
2. I Want To Hold Your Hand
Although “I Want to Hold Your Hand” is definitely not one the best Beatles’ songs, the 1963 tune was revolutionary as far as recording is concerned. The lyrics are simple and unexceptional; nevertheless it was the group’s first American number one hit. But this song’s significance is mainly due to the fact that it was the Fab Four’s first record to be made using four-track equipment. Without a doubt, multitrack recording has to be one of the most groundbreaking processes in music’s history, and “I Want to Hold your Hand” is a symbol of that revolution.
1. Like A Rolling Stone
Earlier this year, the handwritten lyrics to “Like a Rolling Stone” sold at an auction for $2 million, the highest price ever paid for a manuscript of popular music. This is not surprising at all, especially if you take into account the fact Bob Dylan’s rock anthem is at the top of our list. Bob Dylan’s entire songbook has been a great influence on musicians and civilians alike, but the 1965 record seems to be the best representation of his work as a whole.
