1. “Imagine” by John Lennon

Simple yet profound, this piano-driven ballad dreams of a world united in peace. Released in 1971, "Imagine" has become an anthem of hope and idealism. Lennon’s evocative lyrics challenge listeners to envision a world free of divisions.  This was a time of views where rights were in question and beliefs led you to be free with songs of this caliber. 

2. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen

Part rock opera, part ballad, part headbanger’s delight, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a genre-defying masterpiece. Freddie Mercury’s theatrical vocals and Queen’s daring structure make this song an epic journey, released in 1975 but still thrilling audiences today.  The Queen fanatics enhance the popularity of this song making it a hum along favorite whenever one hears it. 

3. “Respect” by Aretha Franklin

Originally an Otis Redding song, Aretha Franklin’s version became the definitive anthem of empowerment. With her commanding voice and indomitable energy, Franklin turned "Respect" into a rallying cry for women and marginalized groups everywhere.  She gave women a voice as well as revolutionized the thought process on how men perceived women to be in that era.

4. “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin

Mysterious and mystical, this rock epic builds from a gentle acoustic intro to a powerful crescendo. Jimmy Page’s guitar solo alone secures its place among the greats, but it’s Robert Plant’s poetic lyrics that elevate "Stairway to Heaven" to legendary status.  This song creates an essence to think outwardly, emotionally, and spiritually. 

5. “Like a Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan

With its biting lyrics and revolutionary sound, Bob Dylan’s "Like a Rolling Stone" broke the mold in 1965. This six-minute song redefined what a pop single could be, blending folk and rock in a way that inspired countless artists.  This song was hailed as a Masterpiece throughout the rock community and brought out more musicians bringing music similar to this to life. 

6. “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye

A soulful plea for understanding and unity, Marvin Gaye’s "What’s Going On" addresses social and political turmoil with elegance and grace. Released in 1971, it remains a poignant and powerful call for change. This song has become an anthem for social justice movements and continues to resonate with listeners today, invoking artists like Stevie Wonder and Kendrick Lamar to continue to write about social injustices in our society.

7. “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson

A defining moment in pop music, "Billie Jean" showcased Michael Jackson’s unparalleled talent and innovation. From the iconic bassline to Jackson’s magnetic performance, this 1983 hit set a new standard for music videos and pop perfection. It topped the charts worldwide and became the first music video by a Black artist to receive heavy rotation on MTV.  This single was on the same album as Thriller, and many could argue that this was one of the most iconic albums ever!

8. “Hotel California” by Eagles

Haunting and enigmatic, "Hotel California" invites listeners into a surreal world of excess and mystery. Don Henley’s cryptic lyrics and the Eagles’ lush harmonies make this 1977 classic endlessly fascinating.  Some would say that this song was inspired by the fast life in California with fame, gluttony, and hardcore appeal being centered to these claims. The lyric “You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave” infers a cultural grip possibly on drugs, ambitions, and pleasures of the 70’s.

9. “Hey Jude” by The Beatles

A song that feels like a warm hug, "Hey Jude" starts as an intimate ballad and crescendos into a jubilant singalong. Paul McCartney’s empathetic lyrics and the uplifting melody have made this 1968 hit a universal favorite.  Rolling Stone names this song one of the greatest of all time, along with the record selling over 8 million albums worldwide.  The songs message of hope transcended its personal origins to become a rallying cry for positivity.

10. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana

A grunge anthem that shook the music world in 1991, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" captures the angst and rebellious spirit of a generation. Kurt Cobain’s raw vocals and Nirvana’s explosive energy made this a cultural phenomenon. The song became a rallying cry for disaffected youth, symbolizing rebellion and individuality. This allowed Kurt Cobain to introduce grunge to a global audience, turning Seattle into the epicenter of the alternative rock movement.

What Makes These Songs Great?

While each song on this list stands out for unique reasons, they all share a few key qualities:

1. Timelessness: These songs transcend the eras in which they were created, continuing to resonate with new generations.
2. Emotional Impact: Whether it’s joy, sadness, or nostalgia, these songs evoke deep feelings.
3. Cultural Significance: Many of these tracks became anthems of change, embodying the spirit of their times.