Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Songs Of All Time
Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time
The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time was first published by Rolling Stone magazine published in 2004 and was updated in 2010. It was chosen based on votes by musicians, critics, and industry figures. Instead of focusing on the quality and lyrics of the songs, the list credits songs based on their success and impact upon the world. It is argued that in some cases songs were included for the sake of the artist, rather than for the song itself. As with numerous such lists, the choices are a source of debate for many.
The list is composed largely of American and British artists: out of the 500 songs, 357 are from the US and 117 from the UK; the third most represented country is Canada with 10 entries, then Ireland with 8. The list includes just one song not in English (La Bamba by Ritchie Valens) and only three songs from the 21st century. The oldest song on the list is Muddy Waters' "Rollin' Stone" from 1948 (ranked #459). The only other song from the 1940s is Hank Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" from 1949 (#111). The most recent is OutKast's 2003 hit "Hey Ya!" (#180) - the other songs from the current millennium being "Lose Yourself" and "Stan" by Eminem. With 23 songs on the list, The Beatles are the most represented musical act. John Lennon is the only artist to place multiple songs in the top 10 (as a member of the Beatles and as an individual). The Beatles are followed by The Rolling Stones (14 entries); Bob Dylan, who also topped the list with "Like a Rolling Stone" (12 entries); Elvis Presley (11 entries); The Beach Boys and Jimi Hendrix (seven entries each) and Chuck Berry, U2, James Brown, Prince, Led Zeppelin and Sly & The Family Stone (six entries each).
The Top 100 in 4 Minutes
Do you think the list is a good reflection of the greatest songs of all time.
Rolling Stone Magazine's Top 500
This is the special edition of the issue of the magazine in which the list was originally printed.
1. Like a Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan
Like a Rolling Stone was released in 1965.
2. Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones
3. Imagine - John Lennon
4. What's Going On - Marvin Gaye
5. Respect - Aretha Franklin
6. Good Vibrations - The Beach Boys
7. Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry
This video includes John Lennon, what could be better than 2 rock legends?
8. Hey Jude - The Beatles
9. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana
10. What'd I Say - Ray Charles
11. My Generation - The Who
12. A Change Is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke
13. Yesterday - The Beatles
14. Blowin' in the Wind - Bob Dylan
I don't know bob, the wind never said anything to me. Why don't we just go with 42?
15. London Calling -The Clash
16. I Want to Hold Your Hand -The Beatles
17. Purple Haze - Jimi Hendrix
18. Maybellene - Chuck Berry
19. Hound Dog - Elvis Presley
20. Let It Be -The Beatles
21. Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen
22. Be My Baby -The Ronettes
23. In My Life - The Beatles
24. People Get Ready - The Impressions
25. God Only Knows - The Beach Boys
26. A Day in the Life -The Beatles
27. Layla - Derek and the Dominos
The number of people who don't know this song disturbs me greatly.
28. (Sittin on) the Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding
29. Help! - The Beatles
30. I Walk the Line - Johnny Cash
31. Stairway To Heaven - Led Zeppelin
32. Sympathy for the Devil - The Rolling Stones
33. River Deep & Mountain High - Ike and Tina Turner
34. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' - The Righteous Brothers
35. Light My Fire - The Doors
36. One - U2
37. No Woman, No Cry - Bob Marley and the Wailers
38. Gimme Shelter - The Rolling Stones
39. That'll Be the Day - Buddy Holly and the Crickets
40. Dancing in the Street - Martha and the Vandellas
41. The Weight - The Band
42. Waterloo Sunset - The Kinks
43. Tutti-Frutti - Little Richard
44. Georgia on My Mind - Ray Charles
45. Heartbreak Hotel - Elvis Presley
46. Heroes - David Bowie
47. Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon and Garfunkel
48. All Along the Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix
49. Hotel California - The Eagles
50. The Tracks of My Tears - Smokey Robinson and the Miracles
Music on Amazon
61. Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin On - Jerry Lee Lewis
62. Bo Diddley - Bo Diddley
63. For What It's Worth - Buffalo Springfield
64. She Loves You - The Beatles
65. Sunshine of Your Love - Cream
66. Redemption Song - Bob Marley
67. Jailhouse Rock - Elvis Presley
68. Tangled Up In Blue - Bob Dylan
69. Crying - Roy Orbison
70. Walk On By - Dionne Warwick
71. California Girls - The Beach Boys
72. Papa's Got A Brand New Bag, Pt.1 - James Brown
73. Summertime Blues - Cochran Eddie
74. Superstition - Stevie Wonder
75. Whole Lotta Love - Led Zeppelin
76. Strawberry Fields Forever - The Beatles
77. Mystery Train - Elvis Presley
78. I Feel Good - James Brown
79. Mr. Tambourine Man - The Byrds
80. I Heard It Through The Grapevine - Marvin Gaye
81. Blueberry Hill - Fats Domino
82. You Really Got Me - The Kinks
83. Norwegian Wood - The Beatles
84. Every Breath You Take - The Police
85. Crazy - Patsy Cline
86. Thunder Road - Bruce Springsteen
87. Ring Of Fire - Johnny Cash
88. My Girl - The Temptations
89. California Dreamin' - The Mamas & The Papas
90. In The Still Of The Night - The Five Satins
91. Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley
92. Blitzkrieg Bop - The Ramones
93. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - U2
94. Good Golly Miss Molly - Little Richard
95. Blue Suede Shoes - Carl Perkins
96. Great Balls Of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis
97. Roll Over Beethoven - Chuck Berry
98. Love And Happiness - Al Green
99. Fortunate Son - Creedence Clearwater Revival
100. You Can't Always Get What You Want - Rolling Stones
91. Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley
92. Blitzkrieg Bop - The Ramones
93. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - U2
94. Good Golly Miss Molly - Little Richard
95. Blue Suede Shoes - Carl Perkins
96. Great Balls Of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis
97. Roll Over Beethoven - Chuck Berry
98. Love And Happiness - Al Green
99. Fortunate Son - Creedence Clearwater Revival
100. You Can't Always Get What You Want - Rolling Stones
The Top 100 Songs
Well, that's the top 100. I'll be continuing 200 - 300 on another lens I think the lens is getting a bit long. I'll post a link once I get the list going. I hope you've enjoyed watching these videos I know I have (mostly).
Is the list good? What would you have done different?
Are there any songs you think should be in the top 100 that aren't.
