The 100 Greatest Songs of All Time

Ranked #12 in Music, #237 overall

Welcome!

I started tinkering with this list around five years ago, when my local classic rock station played a list of the five hundred greatest classic rock songs of all time. I didn't agree with the list at all; it hardly reflected what I considered to be the best of the classic rock genre, and considering many of the greatest songs of all time do fall under the heading of so-called "classic rock," the station's list did an even poorer job of representing the greatest songs of all time, which I found frustrating at the time. So I made a list of my own, comprised mostly of classic rock songs and some other favorites from different genres. But the emphasis was, for the most part, on what commonly can be heard on classic rock radio. I published the list right here at this very web address in the spring of 2006, and I didn't touch it again until now.

At the time classic rock was still relatively new to me, as I had spent the previous five or so years listening to the steadily eroding alternative rock genre until I became so frustrated by the lack of talent and innovation that I decided to, for the most part, give up completely on the contemporary music scene. I went the one place I could go: the past. I then spent another five years "mastering" classic rock radio, listening to it every time I was in the car and researching everything they played until I could instantly recognize every song. But then something happened I didn't expect: about three years ago I picked up the guitar, and I haven't put it down since. This has given me a much fresher perspective on music.

I grew tired of classic rock, since classic rock really is just '70s era rock music, with some exceptions from the '60s and '80s. While the term "rock and roll" includes rock music from the mid-'50s to the end of the '80s, classic rock is actually much more specific, focusing almost entirely on guitar-driven rock music from 1970s. I then went even farther back into the past, learning as much as I could about the blues and early rock and roll. The blues, like jazz, is hard to get into if you've only listened to popular music, because the blues, unlike rock, isn't articulate. Real blues, like jazz, relies heavily on improvisation and, in many ways, is much more pure. However, to those who aren't familiar with it, the blues is neither interesting nor compelling at first. It takes time to get into it and it takes real effort to actually understand it, but once you're through the door you'll find that the blues is some of the most rewarding music you'll ever hear.

About a year and a half ago I read Eric Clapton's autobiography and I was struck by his description of the blues: "The blues is a style of music that was born from the union between African and European folk cultures, conceived in slavery, and fostered in the Mississippi delta. It has its own scale, its own laws and traditions, and its own language. In my view it's a celebration of triumph over adversity, full of humor, double entendre, and irony, and it's very rarely, if ever, depressing to listen to. It can be, and usually is, the most uplifting music you will ever hear." Clapton really is something of an ambassador for the blues. Most think of him as a rock musician, but at heart, he's really a blues man, and he's been a lot of people's entry point into the blues, myself included. Whenever I tell people to listen to the blues and they ask me where to start, my response has always been the same: Clapton.

When I decided that it was time to update this list, I had a much improved perspective than I didn't have the first time around. I had a better understanding of what made songs work, of how they were played, of what their specific influences were, of what they influenced, and what was actually original. There are a lot of earlier rock and roll and blues songs that didn't used to make the list that I think are of much higher quality than I used to believe and were highly influential in shaping the sound of rock and roll. Yeah, there's still a lot of those classic rock songs on the list, but is that really a surprise? Some of them are just too good to leave off.

The word "great" is a bit non-specific when used in this kind of situation, and many have asked me whether I lean towards influence, quality, popularity, etc. when I determine the rankings. The truth is, this is a pretty subjective process, and this list is entirely my opinion. I don't pretend to be objective here, but one thing I do want to make clear is that this is by no means a list of favorites, although if I made a similar list of favorites many of the same songs would appear on it. I would like to point out that this list is not called the most influential, best or popular songs of all time, because I think those imply that there is some kind of exact science to ranking songs, when there is none, at least in the case of this list.

I was truly startled recently to discover that the original list was getting over 30,000 visitors a week. Sure enough, when I typed in "greatest songs of all time" into Google earlier today, this page was first on the results list, which I also couldn't believe. It's been amazing to get such wonderful feedback. I had to finally admit to myself, "Okay, this thing has done quite well. Maybe I should update it." On the original list, I provided a lot of rather poorly written commentary (hey, I was in high school) and some lyric samples to go along with the songs, but since that took a while to do and I wasn't very happy with the results anyway, I've decided to just let the songs speak for themselves this time. However, Squidoo has recently provided an iTunes module that lets you play a 30 second clip and download the song directly from this page into your iTunes account (just click the price). Unfortunately, the Beatles aren't on iTunes, but you can rock out to almost all the rest of 'em. I've tried to include as many original album versions of the songs as possible.

Finally, if you want to contact me, you can always read my consistently entertaining Twitter page @EricMackAttacks or view my underutilized blog, ericmackattacks.wordpress.com. Also, feel free to comment on the guestbook thing at the bottom. I'll try to respond to as many of your comments as I can.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy!

Eric
August 2010

EDIT: Hi, everybody. Thanks for your continued support over the past year. I've actually undertaken a much more ambitious project on my personal website, ericmackattacks.com. I'm currently in the midst of counting down my 100 favorite albums! Feel free to drop by and say hello. Thanks!

Eric
January 2012

Links to Some of My Other Pages

Want to learn more about me? Check these out:
My Twitter
Only read it if you like to be entertained.
My Blog
Check out my 100 Favorite Albums list.
My BLIP.fm Station
Kind of like my own personal radio station. If you like the songs I've chosen for this list, you'll love this.
The 100 Greatest Alternative Rock Songs
A must read for any alternative rock fan.
My 100 Favorite Songs of the 2000s
With commentary.

#100: "Heroes" by David Bowie

1977

Track Artist Album  
Heroes David Bowie Heroes (Remastered)

#99: "I Fought the Law" by Bobby Fuller Four

1966

Track Artist Album  
I Fought the Law Bobby Fuller Four I Fought the Law - The Best of Bobby Fuller Four

#98: "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bill Withers

1971

Track Artist Album  
Ain't No Sunshine Bill Withers Just As I Am

#97: "House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals

1964

Track Artist Album  
House of the Rising Sun The Animals The Best of The Animals

#96: "Mr. Tambourine Man" by The Byrds

1965

Track Artist Album  
Mr. Tambourine Man The Byrds Mr. Tambourine Man

#95: "Whole Lotta Love" by Led Zeppelin

1969

Track Artist Album  
Whole Lotta Love Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin II (Remastered)

#94: "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield

1967

Track Artist Album  
For What It's Worth Buffalo Springfield Buffalo Springfield

#93: "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival

1969

Track Artist Album  
Fortunate Son Creedence Clearwater Revival Willy and the Poor Boys (40th Anniversary Edition) [Remastered]

#92: "You Can't Always Get What You Want" by The Rolling Stones

1969

Track Artist Album  
You Can't Always Get What You Want The Rolling Stones Let It Bleed

#91: "White Rabbit" by Jefferson Airplane

1967

Track Artist Album  
White Rabbit Jefferson Airplane Surrealistic Pillow

#90: "California Dreamin'" by The Mamas & the Papas

1965

Track Artist Album  
California Dreamin' (Single) The Mamas & The Papas If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears (The Mamas and The Papas)

#89: "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green

1971

Track Artist Album  
Let's Stay Together Al Green Let's Stay Together

#88: "Higher Ground" by Stevie Wonder

1973

Track Artist Album  
Higher Ground Stevie Wonder Innervisions (Reissue)

#87: "Purple Haze" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience

1967

Track Artist Album  
Purple Haze The Jimi Hendrix Experience Are You Experienced

#86: "Losing My Religion" by R.E.M.

1991

Track Artist Album  
Losing My Religion R.E.M. Out of Time

#85: "The Boxer" by Simon & Garfunkel

1970

Track Artist Album  
The Boxer Simon & Garfunkel Bridge Over Troubled Water

#84: "Fire and Rain" by James Taylor

1970

Track Artist Album  
Fire and Rain James Taylor Sweet Baby James

#83: "White Room" by Cream

1968

Track Artist Album  
White Room Cream Wheels of Fire (Remastered)

#82: "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac

1977

Track Artist Album  
Go Your Own Way Fleetwood Mac Rumours

#81: "Baba O'Riley" by The Who

1971

Track Artist Album  
Baba O'Riley The Who Who's Next (Remastered)

#80: "Everyday People" by Sly & the Family Stone

1969

Track Artist Album  
Everyday People (Single Version) Sly & the Family Stone Stand! (Bonus Version)

#79: "Sixty Minute Man" by The Dominoes

1951

Track Artist Album  
Sixty Minute Man The Dominoes Rhythm & Blues 1945-1951 - Music Sampler Vol. 1

#78: "Falling Slowly" by Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová

2006

Track Artist Album  
Falling Slowly Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova The Swell Season (with Marja Tuhkanen & Bertrand Galen)

#77: "I Got You (I Feel Good)" by James Brown

1965

Track Artist Album  
I Got You (I Feel Good) James Brown 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of James Brown

#76: "Smokestack Lightnin'" by Howlin' Wolf

1956

Track Artist Album  
Smokestack Lightnin' (Single Version) Howlin' Wolf The Definitive Collection

#75: "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" by The Beatles

1965

Track Artist Album  
Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) The Beatles The Beatles Box Set

#74: "Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley

1957

Track Artist Album  
Jailhouse Rock Elvis Presley Elvis: 30 #1 Hits

#73: "Dream On" by Aerosmith

1973

Track Artist Album  
Dream On Aerosmith Aerosmith

#72: "Respect" by Aretha Franklin

1965

Track Artist Album  
Respect Aretha Franklin Aretha Franklin: 30 Greatest Hits

#71: "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty

1989

Track Artist Album  
Free Fallin' Tom Petty Full Moon Fever

#70: "Redemption Song" by Bob Marley & the Wailers

1980

Track Artist Album  
Redemption Song Bob Marley Uprising (Bonus Tracks)

#69: "Paranoid" by Black Sabbath

1970

NOTE: The album version is not available on iTunes.

Track Artist Album  
Paranoid Black Sabbath Dazed and Confused (Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Paranoid (Live) Black Sabbath Reunion (Live)

#68: "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder

1974

Track Artist Album  
Superstition Stevie Wonder The Complete Stevie Wonder

#67: "The End" by The Doors

1967

Track Artist Album  
The End The Doors The Doors

#66: "With or Without You" by U2

1987

Track Artist Album  
With or Without You U2 The Joshua Tree (Remastered)

#65: "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel

1970

Track Artist Album  
Bridge Over Troubled Water Simon & Garfunkel Bridge Over Troubled Water

#64: "Boom Boom" by John Lee Hooker

1962

Track Artist Album  
Boom Boom John Lee Hooker Urban Blues (Bonus Tracks)

#63: "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five

1982

Track Artist Album  
The Message Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five The Message

#62: "Louie Louie" by The Kingsmen

1963

Track Artist Album  
Louie Louie The Kingsmen The Best of the Kingsmen

#61: "London Calling" by The Clash

1979

Track Artist Album  
London Calling The Clash London Calling

#60: "Sultans of Swing" by Dire Straits

1978

Track Artist Album  
Sultans of Swing Dire Straits Dire Straits

#59: "Shake, Rattle and Roll" by Big Joe Turner

1954

Track Artist Album  
Shake, Rattle and Roll Big Joe Turner Greatest Hits

#58: "Somebody to Love" by Jefferson Airplane

1967

Track Artist Album  
Somebody to Love Jefferson Airplane Surrealistic Pillow

#57: "A Day in the Life" by The Beatles

1967

Track Artist Album  
A Day In the Life The Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

#56: "Purple Rain" by Prince and The Revolution

1984

Track Artist Album  
Purple Rain Prince & The Revolution Purple Rain (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture)

#55: "Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan

1963

Track Artist Album  
Blowin' In the Wind (2010 Mono Version) Bob Dylan The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan (2010 Mono Version)

#54: "Thunder Road" by Bruce Springsteen

1975

Track Artist Album  

#53: "Tutti Frutti" by Little Richard

1956

Track Artist Album  
Tutti Frutti Little Richard Here's Little Richard

#52: "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson

1982

Track Artist Album  
Billie Jean Michael Jackson Thriller

#51: "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones

1965

Track Artist Album  
(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction The Rolling Stones Out of Our Heads (Remastered)

#50: "Maybellene" by Chuck Berry

1955

Track Artist Album  
Maybellene Chuck Berry 20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of Chuck Berry

#49: "The Times They Are A-Changin'" by Bob Dylan

1964

Track Artist Album  
The Times They Are A-Changin' Bob Dylan The Times They Are A-Changin'

#48: "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience

1967

Track Artist Album  
Voodoo Child (Slight Return) The Jimi Hendrix Experience Electric Ladyland

#47: "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin

1975

Track Artist Album  
Kashmir Led Zeppelin Physical Graffiti (Remastered)

#46: "Proud Mary" by Creedence Clearwater Revival

1969

Track Artist Album  
Proud Mary Creedence Clearwater Revival Bayou Country (40th Anniversary Edition) [Remastered]

#45: "Light My Fire" by The Doors

1967

Track Artist Album  
Light My Fire The Doors The Doors

#44: "God Only Knows" by The Beach Boys

1966

Track Artist Album  
God Only Knows (Stereo Version) The Beach Boys Pet Sounds (Mono / Stereo)

#43: "The Weight" by The Band

1968

Track Artist Album  
The Weight The Band Music From Big Pink (Remastered)

#42: "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" by The Beatles

1968

Track Artist Album  
While My Guitar Gently Weeps The Beatles The Beatles Box Set

#41: "Black" by Pearl Jam

1991

Track Artist Album  
Black Pearl Jam Ten

#40: "Dancing in the Street" by Martha and the Vandellas

1964

Track Artist Album  
Dancing In the Street Martha & The Vandellas 202 Motown Songs: The Complete No. 1s

#39: "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2

1987

Track Artist Album  
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For U2 The Joshua Tree (Remastered)

#38: "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd

1974

Track Artist Album  
Free Bird Lynyrd Skynyrd Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd

#37: "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding

1968

Track Artist Album  
(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay Otis Redding Dock of the Bay

#36: "Bo Diddley" by Bo Diddley

1955

Track Artist Album  
Bo Diddley Bo Diddley Bo Diddley: The Definitive Collection

#35: "Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who

1971

Track Artist Album  
Won't Get Fooled Again The Who Who's Next (Remastered)

#34: "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen

1975

Track Artist Album  
Bohemian Rhapsody Queen A Night At the Opera

#33: "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" by James Brown

1966

Track Artist Album  
Papa's Got a Brand New Bag James Brown Gold: James Brown

#32: "The Tracks of My Tears" by The Miracles

1965

Track Artist Album  
The Tracks of My Tears The Miracles A Collection of 16 Big Hits, Vol. 5

#31: "You Really Got Me" by The Kinks

1964

Track Artist Album  
You Really Got Me The Kinks How to Lose Friends and Alienate People (Original Movie Soundtrack)

#30: "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana

1991

Track Artist Album  

#29: "Hound Dog" by Elvis Presley

1956

Track Artist Album  
Hound Dog Elvis Presley Elvis: 30 #1 Hits

#28: "In My Life" by The Beatles

1965

Track Artist Album  
In My Life The Beatles Rubber Soul

#27: "Sunshine of Your Love" by Cream

1967

Track Artist Album  
Sunshine of Your Love Cream Disraeli Gears (Remastered)

#26: "Sympathy for the Devil" by The Rolling Stones

1968

Track Artist Album  
Sympathy for the Devil The Rolling Stones Beggars Banquet

#25: "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd

1979

Track Artist Album  
Comfortably Numb Pink Floyd The Wall (Remastered)

#24: "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye

1968

Track Artist Album  
I Heard It Through the Grapevine Marvin Gaye In the Groove (I Heard It Through the Grapevine)

#23: "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes

1963

Track Artist Album  
Be My Baby The Ronettes The Phil Spector Collection

#22: "My Generation" by The Who

1965

Track Artist Album  
My Generation (Original Mono Version) The Who The Who Sings My Generation

#21: "That'll Be the Day" by The Crickets

1957

Track Artist Album  
That'll Be the Day The Crickets The Definitive Collection (Single Version)

#20: "What'd I Say" by Ray Charles

1959

Track Artist Album  
What'd I Say, Pts. I & 2 Ray Charles The Best of Ray Charles: The Atlantic Years

#19: "No Woman, No Cry" by Bob Marley and the Wailers

1974

NOTE: The live version is more well-known than the studio version, so that is the version I have included here.

Track Artist Album  
No Woman, No Cry (Live) Bob Marley Bob Marley & The Wailers: Live!

#18: "Good Vibrations" by The Beach Boys

1966

Track Artist Album  
Good Vibrations The Beach Boys The Beach Boys: 20 Good Vibrations - The Greatest Hits, Vol. 1

#17: "All Along the Watchtower" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience

1968

Track Artist Album  
All Along the Watchtower The Jimi Hendrix Experience Electric Ladyland

#16: "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd

1975

Track Artist Album  
Wish You Were Here Pink Floyd Wish You Were Here (Remastered)

#15: "Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley

1956

Track Artist Album  
Heartbreak Hotel Elvis Presley Elvis: 30 #1 Hits

#14: "Yesterday" by The Beatles

1965

Track Artist Album  
Yesterday The Beatles The Beatles Box Set

#13: "Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones

1969

Track Artist Album  
Gimme Shelter The Rolling Stones Let It Bleed

#12: "Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen

1975

Track Artist Album  

#11: "Oh, Pretty Woman" by Roy Orbison

1964

Track Artist Album  

#10: "Hey Jude" by The Beatles

1968

Track Artist Album  
Hey Jude The Beatles The Beatles 1967–1970 (The Blue Album)

#9: "One" by U2

1991

Track Artist Album  

#8: "Hotel California" by The Eagles

1976

Track Artist Album  
Hotel California Eagles Hotel California

#7: "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye

1971

Track Artist Album  
What's Going On Marvin Gaye What's Going On (Remastered)

#6: "Let It Be" by The Beatles

1970

Track Artist Album  
Let It Be The Beatles Let It Be

#5: "Like a Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan

1965

Track Artist Album  
Like a Rolling Stone Bob Dylan Highway 61 Revisited

#4: "Layla" by Derek & the Dominos

1970

Track Artist Album  
Layla Derek & The Dominos Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (40th Anniversary Version) [Remastered]

#3: "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry

1957

Track Artist Album  
Johnny B. Goode Chuck Berry Chuck Berry Is On Top

#2: "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin

1971

Track Artist Album  
Stairway to Heaven Led Zeppelin Led Zeppelin IV (Remastered)

#1: "Imagine" by John Lennon

1971

Track Artist Album  
Imagine John Lennon Imagine (Remastered)

Guestbook

Thanks for giving me such wonderful feedback on this list. I have been asked if I plan to update this list, and for right now the answer is no. I am actually in the middle of unveiling my 100 favorite albums on my personal website, ericmackattacks.com, so check that out if you want to keep up with my work. I have written in-depth commentary for each album and have embedded YouTube clips of several songs per album so you can listen as you read. It's by far my favorite list that I've done. Be sure to stop by and say hello.

Eric

ericmackattacks.com

  • imawesome May 22, 2012 @ 11:17 pm | delete
    Journey- Dont stop believing? Its the only one of these songs you would hear every night at a pub or bar and the number one karaoke song. If everyone wants to sing it wouldnt you call it influential?
  • JaySing May 21, 2012 @ 2:05 pm | delete
    Great list. You should run a radio station lol. I am almost always disapointed by top song lists, but yours is great - well done.
  • SaMga92 May 18, 2012 @ 7:01 pm | delete
    For the greatest reggae songs go to :

    http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAAE8E19F648D6A86

    and enjoy!
  • danish-singh May 18, 2012 @ 1:51 pm | delete
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    website design - Nutcracker Design and Marketing are based in Birmingham the West Midlands and offers the following services - Graphic Design - Strategic Marketing - Website Design - Search Engine Optimisation and Exhibition Design
  • Austin Casey May 17, 2012 @ 2:41 am | delete
    Missing from this list: Louis Armstrong - Stardust & Bill Kenny & The Ink Spots - If I Didn't Care
  • danish-singh May 16, 2012 @ 1:10 am | delete
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  • G May 14, 2012 @ 2:39 am | delete
    You are musically illiterate if you pan this list, and you're overtly optimistic if you believe it's perfect. You can't possibly create a universal list that covers the greatest songs of all time. These types of things are 'for fun' or 'informational'; I have no problems with this list, because it is based on personal opinion. My opinion differs as does every other person who reads this post. So, be realistic when it comes to this kind of list. You will never be satisfied with one until you make your own, so please, be my guest to back up your criticism with work. As far as this specific list is concerned, it hits many high points in music, but obviously, many are going to be left out as well. I love many of the songs on the list, however, and I am always happy to see people promoting music from decades past. In my opinion, I have a very difficult time deciding on what my favorite songs are or even, what the greatest songs are (which are different questions, entirely). How can you possibly decide on the greatest songs by artists like: The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Bob Marley, Frank Sinatra, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Elvis Presley, etc.. There are simply too many great songs by these types of artists to decide on any sort of "best song" standard. The only song I will list, from my personal opinion, that is missing is "American Pie" by Don Mclean. I just love that song from start to finish... Other than that, there are a lot of great songs here. Good work. Maybe, I'll make my own list someday. . .
  • G May 14, 2012 @ 2:39 am | delete
    You are musically illiterate if you pan this list, and you're overtly optimistic if you believe it's perfect. You can't possibly create a universal list that covers the greatest songs of all time. These types of things are 'for fun' or 'informational'; I have no problems with this list, because it is based on personal opinion. My opinion differs as does every other person who reads this post. So, be realistic when it comes to this kind of list. You will never be satisfied with one until you make your own, so please, be my guest to back up your criticism with work. As far as this specific list is concerned, it hits many high points in music, but obviously, many are going to be left out as well. I love many of the songs on the list, however, and I am always happy to see people promoting music from decades past. In my opinion, I have a very difficult time deciding on what my favorite songs are or even, what the greatest songs are (which are different questions, entirely). How can you possibly decide on the greatest songs by artists like: The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Bob Marley, Frank Sinatra, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Elvis Presley, etc.. There are simply too many great songs by these types of artists to decide on any sort of "best song" standard. The only song I will list, from my personal opinion, that is missing is "American Pie" by Don Mclean. I just love that song from start to finish... Other than that, there are a lot of great songs here. Good work. Maybe, I'll make my own list someday. . .
  • Forklin May 16, 2012 @ 12:27 pm | delete
    American Pie? Obvious troll is obvious. Fuck off effeminate idiot
  • G May 18, 2012 @ 2:55 am | delete
    How is your comment to my post even slightly relevant...I'm trolling? I wrote one post on this subject. That is all.
  • G May 18, 2012 @ 2:55 am | delete
    How is your comment to my post even slightly relevant...I'm trolling? I wrote one post on this subject. That is all.
  • joogerbee May 13, 2012 @ 10:46 pm | delete
    Imagine.............really? Just how is it better than Stairway? Listens? Oh and Chuck Berry at number 3? He could barely play guitar and this is a 3 chord ditty..
  • duckytucky May 13, 2012 @ 10:43 pm | delete
    " Imagine' REALLY? that beats Stairway in what way?
  • max May 12, 2012 @ 7:37 am | delete
    'imagine' by lennon is your #1 song of all time?!... could you rationalize your pick?
  • logie May 11, 2012 @ 8:28 pm | delete
    Excellent list!
  • Hihaho May 11, 2012 @ 6:58 am | delete
    No King Crimson :(
    And only two Pink Floyd songs, ignoring Echoes and Shine on You Crazy Diamond ;l
  • DDD May 10, 2012 @ 5:14 pm | delete
    ........
  • DD-Not-Need-Translation May 10, 2012 @ 5:13 pm | delete
    ............
  • danish-singh May 9, 2012 @ 3:13 am | delete
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  • tom May 8, 2012 @ 2:17 pm | delete
    I would have added November Rain but still a decent list
  • anonymous May 8, 2012 @ 11:57 am | delete
    this is your opinion and im ok with it i just completely disagree in sevral areas. more pink floyd, Eric Clapton sang Layla, and i didnt see any bad company.
  • Jack May 10, 2012 @ 8:51 pm | delete
    Eric Clapton was the front man of Derek and the Dominoes...
  • G May 14, 2012 @ 2:08 am | delete
    Yep, the "Derek and the Dominos" label will throw off the casual Clapton fan. . .
  • Mike May 7, 2012 @ 8:03 am | delete
    What! No 10cc?
  • Debrascorpio May 5, 2012 @ 9:23 pm | delete
    Where is it?
  • Debrascorpio May 5, 2012 @ 9:23 pm | delete
    Where is it?
  • Debrascorpio May 5, 2012 @ 9:22 pm | delete
    Unusual Nuber one pic.. Where is Elvis?
  • visitor May 5, 2012 @ 1:20 pm | delete
    three little birds bob marley?
  • ewjhwu4ofrq43enbuio May 4, 2012 @ 3:47 pm | delete
    Gangsta's Paradise
  • apollosan May 3, 2012 @ 6:14 pm | delete
    that was really good...Thanks for sharing this... tenant background check
  • Norwegianguy123 May 3, 2012 @ 8:34 am | delete
    Where the fuck is A-HA - Take on me?
  • scarfbarf May 1, 2012 @ 6:01 pm | delete
    only problem, where is johnny cash?
  • Sushree Vaish Apr 30, 2012 @ 8:14 pm | delete
    Amazing songs! I loved them :)
  • ed Apr 30, 2012 @ 10:56 am | delete
    1 word awesome.
  • ed Apr 30, 2012 @ 10:56 am | delete
    1 word awesome.
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  • Dark Fire931 Apr 29, 2012 @ 9:37 am | delete
    I would have put "Wish You Were Here" first, kept "Stairway To Heaven" second, and "Sympathy For The Devil" third.
    "Little wing" by Jimi Hendrix would have to be on there somewhere
  • livinglargeandhappy Apr 24, 2012 @ 8:25 am | delete
    Ha. Visiting again. Quite a list.
  • jinggaberseri Apr 23, 2012 @ 9:37 pm | delete
    i love jhon lennon song.
  • Patt Apr 23, 2012 @ 6:23 pm | delete
    Good list but terrible choice for number 1 compared to others on there, come on man
  • fuck you Apr 26, 2012 @ 12:08 am | delete
    Asshole write a song better than imagine then talk like a hitch unfilled then shut it
  • TLStahling Apr 23, 2012 @ 2:25 pm | delete
    Love your song list. My all time favorite "Dream On" is #73 on your list. People like different songs for different reasons, but you've listed some of greatest ever.
  • faye_durham Apr 23, 2012 @ 10:59 am | delete
    What a wonderful list of great music! Thanks for organizing these classic songs.
  • your very own mustache buddy Apr 22, 2012 @ 6:29 pm | delete
    thats a pretty cool list you got there.
  • pmacman Apr 22, 2012 @ 9:53 am | delete
    Hi Eric enjoyed your list..........attempted to list them all on a Ipod playlist from my own collection........Managed to have 78 of the 100........realised the gaps missing in my own collection mainly 50-60s stuff....shortly to be filled you can forget what great iconic music came from Rock and Roll !!!!
    I could add a few to your 100 but on a whole it makes good listening
    Cheers paul
  • Starter from Peoria Apr 21, 2012 @ 9:26 am | delete
    I like this list of songs although the order is all wrong. It's a great mix of music that makes an effort to cover a variety of artists and eras. Kudos to you, Eric.
    Everyone slants things a little differently so here's how I'd reshape the same group of songs:
    Links to Some of My Other Pages#100: "Heroes" by David Bowie#99: "I Fought the Law" by Bob...#98: "Ain't No Sunshine" by Bi...#97: "Come Fly with Me" by Frank Sinatra..#96: "Mr. Tambourine Man" by T...#95: "Gimme Some Lovin'" by Spencer Davis Group.#94: "For What It's Worth" by...#93: "Fortunate Son" by Creede...#92: "You Can't Always Get What You...#91: "White Rabbit" by Jeffers...#90: "California Dreamin'" by...#89: "Let's Stay Together" by...#88: "Higher Ground" by Stevie...#87: "Purple Haze" by The Jimi...#86: "Losing My Religion" by R...#85: "The Boxer" by Simon &...#84: "Fire and Rain" by James...#83:"96 Tears" by ? & Mysterians #82: "Go Your Own Way" by Flee...#81: "Baba O'Riley" by The Who#80: "Everyday People" by Sly...#79: "Sixty Minute Man" by The...#78: "Falling Slowly" by Glen...#77: "I Got You (I Feel Good)"...#76: "Smokestack Lightnin'" by...#75: "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has...#74: "Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis...#73:"Rock and Roll" by Mott the Hoople #72:"Tobacco Road" by the Nashville Teens #71: "Free Fallin'" by Tom Pet...#70: "Redemption Song" by Bob...#69: "Paranoid" by Black Sabba...#68: "Superstition" by Stevie...#67: "The End" by The Doors#66: "With or Without You" by...#65: "Hazy Shade of Winter" by Simon & Garfunkle..#64: "Boom Boom" by John Lee H...#63: "The Message" by Grandmas...#62: "Louie Louie" by The King...#61: "London Calling" by The C...#60: "Sultans of Swing" by Dir...#59: "Shake, Rattle and Roll"...#58: "Somebody to Love" by Jef...#57: "Suite: Judy Blue Eyes" by Crosby, Stills & Nash #56: "Purple Rain" by Prince a...#55: "Blowin' in the Wind" by...#54: "Thunder Road" by Bruce S...#53: "Tutti Frutti" by Little...#52: "Billie Jean" by Michael...#51: "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction...#50: "Maybellene" by Chuck Ber...#49: "The Times They Are A-Changin'...#48: "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)&...#47: "Dancing Days" by Led Zeppelin#46: "Proud Mary" by Creedence...#45: "Light My Fire" by The Do...#44: "God Only Knows" by The B...#43: "The Weight" by The Band #42: "While My Guitar Gently Weeps&...#41: "Black" by Pearl Jam#40: "Dancing in the Street" b...#39: "I Still Haven't Found What I'...#38: "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Sky...#37: "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the...#36: "Bo Diddley" by Bo Diddle...#35: "Won't Get Fooled Again"...#34: "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Qu...#33: "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag&qu...#32: "The Tracks of My Tears"...#31: "You Really Got Me" by Th...#30: "Smells Like Teen Spirit"...#29: "Hound Dog" by Elvis Pres...#28: "In My Life" by The Beatl...#27: "Sunshine of Your Love" b...#26: "Sympathy for the Devil"...#25:"House of the Rising Sun" by the Animals #24:"Day in the Life" by the Beatles #23: "Be My Baby" by The Ronet...#22: "My Generation" by The Wh...#21: "That'll Be the Day" by T...#20: "What'd I Say" by Ray Cha...#19: "No Woman, No Cry" by Bob...#18: "Good Vibrations" by The...#17: "All Along the Watchtower"...#16: "Wish You Were Here" by P...#15: "Heartbreak Hotel" by Elv...#14: "Yesterday" by The Beatle...#13:"Daytripper" by the Beatles .#12: "White Room" by Cream #11: "Oh, Pretty Woman" by Roy...#10: "Respect" by Aretha Franklin #9: "One" by U2 #8:"Mrs. Robinson by Simon & Garfunkle.#7: "Hey Jude" by the Beatles #6: "I Am the Walrus" by The Beatles#5: "Like a Rolling Stone" by...#4: ""Heard it Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye...#3: "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck...#2: "Rock and Roll" by Le...#1: "Gimme Shelter" by the Rolling Stones
    (A few minor changes with a few additions--you got to have Frank in there somewhere and "Hotel California" is definitely out. The Dude would have wanted it that way.
  • bwet Apr 17, 2012 @ 9:47 am | delete
    what a wonderful lists of songs! gotta check some of them out as I've never heard of them before.
  • apollosan Apr 12, 2012 @ 1:43 pm | delete
    this is such a wonderful thing to know "So I made a list of my own, comprised mostly of classic rock songs and some other favorites from different genres. But the emphasis was, for the most part, on what commonly can be heard on classic rock radio"..more power
    tenant background check
  • CraftaholicVeteran1 Apr 11, 2012 @ 11:00 pm | delete
    Awesome list, nevertheless where they are, they are great songs that we should never lose. There were a few I didn't know, but overall, it is a great list. I am glad you made it. Although, I think the song" Used to Love you" by John Legend and "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele should be added.
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  • cbhackler Apr 9, 2012 @ 6:54 pm | delete
    I don't want to be "that guy" but bohemian rhapsody should be in the top five, that is the most beautiful song ever made.
  • iD7my May 14, 2012 @ 6:37 am | delete
    you should be that guy we all should be that guy it is the greatest song of all time. i still can't understand how the press to this day don't give queen there much deserved respect.
    Bohemian Rhapsody is better lyrically and Musically than any song on this list.
    i understand that its a matter of opinion but come on 34!!
  • iD7my May 14, 2012 @ 6:37 am | delete
    you should be that guy we all should be that guy it is the greatest song of all time. i still can't understand how the press to this day don't give queen there much deserved respect.
    Bohemian Rhapsody is better lyrically and Musically than any song on this list.
    i understand that its a matter of opinion but come on 34!!
  • guy-henry Apr 7, 2012 @ 4:03 pm | delete
    No list is gonna please everyone. The nitpickers should quit bitching and make their own list.
  • zackjohnson3423 Apr 4, 2012 @ 4:52 pm | delete
    extremely narrow list. contains many songs from few artists and completely neglects other massive hits...absolutely brutal
  • squirrelmunk14 Apr 1, 2012 @ 6:16 pm | delete
    Here comes the sun, come together, dont stop believin, eye of the tiger,hard days night,help,sweet home alabama
  • MindPowerProofs Apr 1, 2012 @ 1:24 pm | delete
    I enjoy most of your choices. It is hard for me to make a top 100 list of my favorites. Thanks for sharing
  • MindPowerProofs Apr 1, 2012 @ 1:24 pm | delete
    I enjoy most of your choices. It is hard for me to make a top 100 list of my favorites. Thanks for sharing
  • apollosan Mar 18, 2012 @ 9:20 am | delete
    this is really a great thing to know "I grew tired of classic rock, since classic rock really is just '70s era rock music, with some exceptions from the '60s and '80s. While the term "rock and roll" includes rock music from the mid-'50s to the end of the '80s, classic rock is actually much more specific, focusing almost entirely on guitar-driven rock music from 1970s."...more power
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  • AllNamesWereOccupied Mar 12, 2012 @ 8:12 am | delete
    I do not know how anyone can put U2 in their top 10, other than that, well it is your list.

    My list would contain more Dire Straits.
  • MelonyVaughan Feb 29, 2012 @ 7:44 pm | delete
    Great choices!
  • Drummer Feb 29, 2012 @ 7:10 pm | delete
    Awesome list! Sure, I might have a few different songs, but your list is great!
  • navalava Feb 25, 2012 @ 1:20 pm | delete
    Imagine is not really my no.1, but I agree with most of it. It was fun reading it, thanks for sharing.
  • alexaa7x Feb 25, 2012 @ 12:08 am | delete
    very good list! agree with a bit but some i disagree :)
  • chrisssy Feb 24, 2012 @ 1:54 pm | delete
    Great lens, I agree with about 80% but I enjoyed it
  • YellowHammer Feb 24, 2012 @ 11:18 am | delete
    I always find it extremely hard to make top 100 music lists like this due to the fact that I always seem to love each and every song. I'm sure it was just as tough for you. Solid list of music.
  • livinglargeandhappy Feb 21, 2012 @ 8:51 pm | delete
    What a great idea for a page. I really like your suggestions/collection and the way you set this up.
  • PBJasen Feb 20, 2012 @ 12:57 pm | delete
    Fabulous list & great lens!
  • baseballbrains Feb 15, 2012 @ 8:32 pm | delete
    What a list! Nicely done, I made a list recently called The Best Sports Songs Ever, check it out. It's not 100 songs, but it's a few of the greatest songs associated with sports. There's a few of the same artists on my list, Bruce Springsteen is one of them. Keep up the good work.
  • Lorymer Feb 10, 2012 @ 3:10 pm | delete
    Excellent list & work! My favorite all time song is Hotel California, Eagles.
  • apollosan Feb 6, 2012 @ 3:47 pm | delete
    this is such a great list....i really like imagine.........
    background check
  • Brizzio Feb 6, 2012 @ 2:42 pm | delete
    as a music pro. I am always taking the pulse of the public , which is how I ended up here.
    I jazz want say good job ! caught several of what I too consider major milestones that change everything that comes after for performers and the listening public alike ... also coming from a jazz corner I might have looked into the P.Butterfield , Tower of Power, Rufus or some Blood Sweat & Tears influences on the music mainline ... Thanks for your efforts. B.
  • Brizzio Feb 6, 2012 @ 2:42 pm | delete
    as a music pro. I am always taking the pulse of the public , which is how I ended up here.
    I jazz want say good job ! caught several of what I too consider major milestones that change everything that comes after for performers and the listening public alike ... also coming from a jazz corner I might have looked into the P.Butterfield , Tower of Power, Rufus or some Blood Sweat & Tears influences on the music mainline ... Thanks for your efforts. B.
  • Steph_Tietjen Feb 5, 2012 @ 10:27 pm | delete
    What a fabulous list! Many of my favorites included here. I enjoyed your story as well. Thank you. Will look at the Alternatiive Rock list now...
  • ekogde Feb 5, 2012 @ 1:47 am | delete
    Great lens..I love Hotel California!
  • NeverTooLate2012 Jan 31, 2012 @ 12:50 pm | delete
    What an awesome lens! Thanks for all the hard work.
  • NeverTooLate2012 Jan 31, 2012 @ 12:49 pm | delete
    What an awesome lens! Thanks for all the hard work.
  • Edutopia Jan 30, 2012 @ 5:39 pm | delete
    Good list. Like any list there is some things on there that I wouldn't agree with but also like any list take with a grain of salt and all.
  • RandomChuck Jan 29, 2012 @ 3:38 pm | delete
    Numbers 86, 73, 69, 68, 47, 41, 24, 8, 3, 2. I'm sure there's more, but that's all I got for now. :) Nice lens.
  • emmakeynes Jan 25, 2012 @ 7:04 pm | delete
    Need more Simon & Garfunkel and Paul Simon!
  • SecondHandJoe Jan 25, 2012 @ 5:02 pm | delete
    Oh my god, how did David Bowie get in there. And you have more than one Simon and Garfunkel and no Zappa?? Something's wrong here!!! lol Had fun thanks!
  • bryanjohns Jan 25, 2012 @ 4:09 am | delete
    old songs always in my heart. 1 like from me for this great lens.
  • bryanjohns Jan 25, 2012 @ 4:08 am | delete
    old songs always in my heart. 1 like from me for this great lens.
  • CodyMD Jan 24, 2012 @ 8:47 pm | delete
    u2 at #9..absurd
  • booklover2 Jan 23, 2012 @ 6:10 pm | delete
    I must say you have pretty good taste when it comes to music. :)
  • VKumar Jan 21, 2012 @ 3:05 pm | delete
    Great collection. Thanks for sharing.
  • VKumar Jan 21, 2012 @ 2:56 pm | delete
    Great Collection. Thanks for sharing.
  • artyfax Jan 20, 2012 @ 6:42 pm | delete
    I do think this is a very good lens and may well represent the best ROCK songs ( and must have taken some effort to compile) but very sorry, the list cannot be said to represent the best songs of all time. Great lens, shame about the title, LOL.
  • jimmyworldstar Jan 19, 2012 @ 11:43 am | delete
    Good list, I like how you included old rock and roll along with other forms through the 50s to 90s. I have to say though that most of those are already well recognized, it'd be interesting to have a list made of lesser known songs.
  • tomazs Jan 14, 2012 @ 1:13 pm | delete
    Interesting choice indeed
  • stevenk Jan 13, 2012 @ 9:56 am | delete
    Funny how I know almost all of these songs. Great lens.
  • apollosan Jan 12, 2012 @ 1:16 pm | delete
    this is such a great thing to know 'There are a lot of earlier rock and roll and blues songs that didn't used to make the list that I think are of much higher quality than I used to believe and were highly influential in shaping the sound of rock and roll. Yeah, there's still a lot of those classic rock songs on the list, but is that really a surprise? Some of them are just too good to leave off."..keep it up... background check
  • Terrie_Schultz Jan 4, 2012 @ 6:06 pm | delete
    Awesome list. I was delighted to see Bohemian Rhapsody on there as well as some of my all time favorites by Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin, and Jimi Hendrix.
  • GiselleToner Jan 4, 2012 @ 4:11 am | delete
    Good Compilation, nice to see Pink Floyd here, they are my favorite band. Thanks for sharing
  • nyclittleitaly Dec 31, 2011 @ 2:22 am | delete
    Imagine a great song
  • mowug1776 Dec 30, 2011 @ 4:52 am | delete
    interesting lens. lots of great info
  • lilblackdress Dec 29, 2011 @ 12:24 pm | delete
    All I can say is wow. Lots of great info here. And the song list is amazing.
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Eric_Mack

23 years old. University of Miami alum. Movie aficionado. Music enthusiast. Wannabe guitarist. Part-time philosopher. Occasional humorist.

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