Delving into the world of music often leads us to explore the captivating soundscapes created by individual artists. Some artists leave an indelible mark on the industry, their influence echoing through generations. To celebrate the enduring power of exceptional musicianship and introduce their captivating work to new listeners, we've compiled a list of their best songs. These tracks showcase a remarkable range, from soulful ballads that resonate deeply to upbeat dance anthems that fill you with energy. Think of the infectious rhythms and irresistible hooks that have soundtracked countless moments, or the heart-wrenching melodies that perfectly capture raw emotion.
This collection features tracks that have earned global recognition and critical acclaim, representing a significant portion of the artist's impressive discography. From the instantly catchy melodies to the deeply personal lyrics, each song tells a story – a testament to the artist's unwavering dedication to their craft. This list is more than just a playlist; it's an invitation to experience the breadth of the artist's talent and to discover why their music continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Whether you're a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, prepare to be swept away by the undeniable power of their music.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Shape of You | Ed Sheeran | ÷ (Deluxe) | 6B+ |
| 2. Uptown Funk | Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars | 5B+ | |
| 3. Rolling in the Deep | Adele | 21 | 3B+ |
| 4. All of Me | John Legend | Love In The Future (Expanded Edition) | 2B+ |
| 5. Wake Me Up | Avicii | True | 2B+ |
| 6. Someone Like You | Adele | 21 | 2B+ |
| 7. Smells Like Teen Spirit | Nirvana | Nevermind (Remastered) | 2B+ |
1. Shape of You (Ed Sheeran - 2024)
Released in 2017 as part of Ed Sheeran's ÷ (Divide) album, "Shape of You" quickly became a global phenomenon. This infectious track, co-written with Steve Mac and Johnny McDaid, blends a catchy tropical house beat with lyrics detailing a chance encounter blossoming into something more. Its initial reception may have been mixed, but the song's undeniable charm won over listeners worldwide, leading to record-breaking chart success, including a twelve-week reign at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and billions of streams on Spotify. The song garnered numerous accolades, culminating in a Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance, cementing its place as one of Sheeran's most iconic and beloved hits. Interestingly, Sheeran initially considered Rihanna for the song before ultimately deciding to record it himself.
2. Uptown Funk
Mark Ronson's "Uptown Funk" featuring Bruno Mars, was a global phenomenon in the mid-2010s. Its infectious groove and irresistible energy dominated airwaves and charts worldwide, becoming a viral sensation with millions of streams. The song's success is partly attributed to Mars' already burgeoning stardom, built on years of hard work, as well as the track's undeniable catchiness. "Uptown Funk" served as a quintessential summer anthem, its playful lyrics and dynamic performance resonating across diverse audiences, solidifying its place as an unforgettable hit of the era. The song's enduring legacy is cemented by its widespread cultural impact, transcending generations and playing a significant role in shaping the soundscape of the 2010s.
3. Rolling in the Deep (21 - 2024)
Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" the lead single from her acclaimed album 21, is a powerhouse of raw emotion. Born from a painful breakup, the song's gospel-tinged blues and disco rhythms perfectly encapsulate the fiery anger and simmering sorrow of betrayal. Its lyrics, detailing the speaker's transformation from hurt to empowered defiance, resonated deeply with listeners worldwide, propelling it to the top of charts globally and earning numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards. The song's enduring popularity, evident in its continued streams and cultural impact a decade later, solidifies its place as a defining track in Adele's illustrious career.
4. All of Me (John Legend)
John Legend's "All of Me" released in 2013, transcends the typical love song. A heartfelt ballad inspired by his wife, Chrissy Teigen, the song's enduring appeal is evident in its continued popularity and numerous accolades, including a Grammy nomination and 14x Platinum certification. Its simple yet powerful lyrics resonate deeply with listeners, becoming a soundtrack to countless significant life events, from proposals and weddings to the joys and anxieties of parenthood, as evidenced by numerous listener comments spanning a decade. The song's timeless quality and emotional resonance have solidified its status as a modern classic.
5. Wake Me Up (Avicii)
Avicii's "Wake Me Up" the lead single from his album True, blended electronic dance music with folk and soul influences, a departure that initially surprised some fans. Featuring Aloe Blacc's soulful vocals and acoustic guitar, the song achieved remarkable global success, topping charts in over 22 countries. Its uplifting melody and positive message resonated deeply with listeners, making it a viral sensation and solidifying its place as a dance-floor anthem. The song's success reflects a broader shift in popular music, demonstrating the appeal of genre-bending tracks with emotive lyrics.
6Someone Like You
Adele
2011
21
7Smells Like Teen Spirit
Nirvana
1991
Nevermind (Remastered)
8Bohemian Rhapsody
Queen
1975
A Night At The Opera (Deluxe Remastered Version)
9Sweet Child O' Mine
Guns N' Roses
1987
Appetite For Destruction
10Billie Jean
Michael Jackson
1982
Thriller
11I Will Always Love You
Whitney Houston
1993
The Bodyguard - Original Soundtrack Album
12Radioactive
Imagine Dragons
2013
13Firework
Katy Perry
2010
Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection
14Happy
Pharrell Williams
2013
G I R L
15Old Town Road
Billy Ray Cyrus,Lil Nas X
2019
16Blinding Lights
The Weeknd
2019
After Hours
17Hey Ya!
Outkast
2003
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
18Wonderwall
Oasis
1995
(What's The Story) Morning Glory? (Deluxe Remastered Edition)
19Hotel California
The Eagles
1976
20Hey Jude
The Beatles
1968
With The Beatles (Remastered)
21Imagine
John Lennon
1971
Imagine
22Under the Bridge
Red Hot Chili Peppers
1991
Blood Sugar Sex Magik (Deluxe Edition)
23Purple Rain
Prince
1984
Purple Rain
24Let It Be
The Beatles
1970
Let It Be (Remastered)
25One
U2
1991
Achtung Baby (Deluxe Edition)
26Satisfaction
The Rolling Stones
1965
Out Of Our Heads
27Stairway to Heaven
Led Zeppelin
1971
Led Zeppelin IV (Deluxe Edition)
28What's Going On
Marvin Gaye
1971
What's Going On
29Like a Rolling Stone
Bob Dylan
1965
Highway 61 Revisited