What is considered the greatest song ever written?

There's no single "best song ever," as it's subjective, but Aretha Franklin's "Respect" often tops lists like Rolling Stone's, while others praise Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody", Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone", The Beatles' "In My Life", and The Beach Boys' "God Only Knows", with Paul McCartney calling the latter "the greatest song ever written". Other contenders include Prince's "When Doves Cry", Stevie Wonder's "Sir Duke", and even Glen Campbell's "Wichita Lineman", which Bob Dylan called the greatest ever.

What is the #1 song of all time?

There's no single "#1 song of all time" as it depends on the criteria (sales, cultural impact, chart performance), but popular contenders include Aretha Franklin's "Respect" (Rolling Stone's pick for greatest song), The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" (Billboard's all-time Hot 100 #1), and Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" (best-selling single globally). Different lists highlight different metrics, from critical acclaim to commercial success. 

What is considered the greatest song of all time?

There's no single "greatest song," as it's subjective, but Aretha Franklin's "Respect" often tops lists like Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs, followed by classics like Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" and Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come". Other contenders frequently mentioned include Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven," and hits by The Beatles, Marvin Gaye, and Michael Jackson, reflecting diverse tastes from rock to R&B. 

What is the most successful song ever written?

The most successful song of all time, by physical sales, is generally considered Bing Crosby's "White Christmas," with estimated sales over 50 million copies worldwide, according to Guinness World Records and Wikipedia and iHeart, though exact figures are debated due to older recording eras. In the modern era, Elton John's "Candle in the Wind 1997" and Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" are also top contenders for best-selling singles. 

What did Bob Dylan say was the best song ever written?

Bob Dylan called Jimmy Webb's "Wichita Lineman" the "greatest song ever written," praising its profound emotional depth, poetic honesty, and universal themes of loneliness and longing, often citing its sparse imagery and powerful yearning as reasons for his high regard for the 1968 Glen Campbell classic. 

Why 'Bohemian Rhapsody' Is The Best Song Ever Written | The Art Of Film

What was Paul McCartney's favorite Bob Dylan song?

The former Beatle chose Dylan's “Mr. Tambourine Man,” and yes, he's aware that some people might think it's not the coolest choice…but he doesn't seem to care. In true McCartney form, he makes a joke and is slightly self-deprecating in his write-up, beginning his comments by admitting, “I know it's corny.”

What is the saddest song ever?

A recent survey by OnePoll, R.E.M. now holds the top spot for the “Saddest Song of All Time,” with their 1992 hit “Everybody Hurts,” Followed by Sinead O'Connor's “Nothing Compares 2 U” and Eric Clapton's “Tears in Heaven,” in the number two and three slots, respectively, the band's Automatic for the People hit is ...

Who is the #1 greatest singer of all time?

In January 2023, Rolling Stone announced American singer, songwriter, and pianist Aretha Franklin as the greatest singer of all time.

What song has the longest #1 hit?

Don McLean, the singer of the nearly nine-minute-long hit "American Pie," has held the record for longest song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart since 1972. However, Swift unseated him with her ten- minute version of "All Too Well," which was released in November and hit No.

What is the biggest hit in music history?

According to Guinness World Records, Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" (1942) is the best-selling single worldwide, with estimated sales of over 50 million copies. The song's success was before the existence of certification system, hence the accuracy is often disputed.

Which songwriters wrote the most #1 hits?

1 singles by a songwriter. Sir Paul McCartney (UK) has achieved 32 No.

What is the number one covered song of all time?

🎤🌍 Yesterday” by The Beatles is widely considered the most covered song in music history. According to the Guinness World Records, "Yesterday" has over 2,200 recorded cover versions, making it the most covered song ever.

What's the highest grossing song of all time?

Bing Crosby sits proudly in first place with 'White Christmas', which has sold 50 million copies worldwide since 1944. Lower down, we have Mariah Carey's festive earworm, 'All I Want for Christmas is You', and Gene Autry's 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' to get us in the mood for some eggnog.

Who is the #1 streamed artist ever?

American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift is the most-streamed artist in Spotify's history. Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny is the most-streamed male artist in Spotify's history.

Who holds the most #1 songs?

1 song in 2025, tying Michael Jackson and Drake for fifth place. The Beatles have the most No. 1 songs ever (20), followed closely by Mariah Carey (19).

What's one song everyone knows?

Songs Everyone Knows

• Mamma Mia. ABBA.
• Livin' On A Prayer. Bon Jovi.
• Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Mono Version. Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell.
• Rock And Roll All Nite. KISS.
• Mercy. Duffy.
• Scream & Shout. E. will.i.am, Britney Spears.
• On The Floor - Radio Edit. Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull.
• Love Yourself. Justin Bieber.

Who is the #1 artist of all time?

1. The Beatles. The Beatles were an English rock band that became arguably the most successful act of the 20th century. They contributed to music, film, literature, art, and fashion, made a continuous impact on popular culture and the lifestyle of several generations.

What is the best hype up song ever?

Pumped Up & Motivated

• One More Time. Daft Punk. 05:20.
• Don't Stop Me Now - Remastered 2011. Queen. 03:29.
• Whatever It Takes. Imagine Dragons. 03:21.
• Uptown Funk (feat. Bruno Mars) ...
• Pump It Up. Elvis Costello & The Attractions. ...
• Play Your Part (Pt. EGirl Talk. ...
• Best Day Of My Life. American Authors. ...
• Sorry Not Sorry. Demi Lovato.

Who is the richest songwriter of all time?

English singer, songwriter, and record producer, Paul McCartney had the most successful songwriting career when he was a member of the Beatles and partnered with John Lennon. He is the richest songwriter of all time, though he is tied with Andrew Lloyd Webber with the same net worth.

What is the 80 20 rule in songwriting?

The 80/20 Principle

He wasn't a songwriter, but his “Pareto Principle” — also known as the 80/20 rule — has changed the game in business, sports, and yes, even songwriting. Here's the basic idea: 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. That means most of what you're doing might not be moving the needle.