Rolling Stone(d): The 500 Greatest Songs CORRECTED on a Song-for-Song Basis
In my previous correction of the Rolling Stone(d) alleged 500 Greatest Songs, I took some liberties with ties. Here, I have limited myself to 500 songs while correcting some serious snubs...
Rolling Stone(d): The 500 Greatest Songs CORRECTED on a Song-by-Song Basis
by Michael R. Burch
My methodology in this top 500 is to keep the original Rolling Stone(d) ranking as much as possible, and only correct the most obvious mistakes and snubs, such as leaving out Jackson Browne, Cream, Neil Diamond, ELO, Heart, Janis Joplin, Patti LaBelle, Styx, Barbra Streisand, Supertramp, Yes and other worthies entirely!
Keys:
→ MH → means that I am not demoting a song, but have ranked it Much Higher and am replacing the song at its Rolling Stone(d) vastly undervalued position.
(RS#) denotes where a song appeared in the 2021 version of the Rolling Stone(d) Top 500 Songs.
(RS-) means the song incomprehensibly did not appear in the RS500.
(H#) is the song’s highest position in three public polls I consulted: Ranker, Louisville Public Media, and Gold Radio (UK). The notation (H9) means a song’s highest ranking in a public poll was #9. The notation (H9x2) means the song’s highest ranking was #9 and that it appeared in the top 100s of two of the three public polls. If there is no “x” that means the song appeared in just one of the three public top 100s.
If you’re pushed for time, I suggest starting at the bottom, with the number one song, and working your way up.
Rolling Stone(d) Top 500 Songs (2021 version)
500 Kanye West, 'Stronger' 2007
499 Diana Ross and the Supremes, 'Baby Love' 1964
498 Townes Van Zandt, 'Pancho and Lefty' 1972
497 Lizzo, 'Truth Hurts' 2017
496 Harry Nilsson, 'Without You' 1971 → MH (Much Higher) → Un-Break My Heart (RS-) by Toni Braxton is a masterpiece and the #12 best-selling song of all time according to Billboard.
495 Carly Simon, 'You're So Vain' 1972
494 Cyndi Lauper, 'Time After Time' 1983
493 The Pixies, 'Where Is My Mind?' 1988 → S.O.S. as performed by Dimash Kudaibergen, the Six-Octave Man, in arguably the greatest male vocal performance of all time.
492 Miles Davis, 'So What' 1959
491 Guns N' Roses, 'Welcome to the Jungle' 1987
490 Lil Nas X, 'Old Town Road' 2019
489 The Breeders, 'Cannonball' 1993 → O Come O Come Emmanuel by Enya may be the most beautiful, haunting vocal performance by a female singer. Also be sure to check out Only Time, Orinoco Flow and Sail Away.
488 The Weeknd, 'House of Balloons' 2011
487 Solange, 'Cranes in the Sky' 2016 → The Load Out/Stay (RS-) or Rock Me on the Water (RS-) by Jackson Browne, who has no top 500 songs according to Rolling Stone(d).
486 Lil Wayne, 'A Milli' 2009 → War (What is it good for?) by Edwin Starr. Such a great song, but not top 500 according to Rolling Stone(d).
485 Azealia Banks, '212' 2011 → Israelites (RS-) by Desmond Dekker & the Aces. So good! I put everything on hold whenever I hear this masterpiece playing.
484 Weezer, 'Buddy Holly' 1994 (???) —> Does this qualify as singing? → Twist and Shout by the Isley Brothers and as covered by the Beatles.
483 The Four Tops, 'I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)' 1965
482 Lady Gaga, 'Bad Romance' 2009
481 Robert Johnson, 'Cross Road Blues' 1937 gets my vote as the first rock song due to the guitar work, the attitude, and the infamous “deal with the devil.”
480 Biz Markie, 'Just a Friend' 1989 → The rapping is good, but the singing is terrible. → The Thunder Rolls, Shameless (written by Billy Joel), Friends in Low Places or The Dance by Garth Brooks.
479 Santana, 'Oye Como Va' 1970, so good!
478 Juvenile feat. Lil Wayne and Mannie Fresh, 'Back That Azz Up' 1998 has a catchy beat and amusing lyrics if you don’t mind sexist smack talk.
477 The Go-Gos, 'Our Lips Are Sealed' 1981 → The Boxer (RS-, H115) by Simon & Garfunkel.
476 Kris Kristofferson, 'Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down' 1970
475 Janet Jackson, 'Rhythm Nation' 1989 → Big Yellow Taxi (RS-) by Joni Mitchell.
474 Curtis Mayfield, 'Move On Up' 1970
473 Tammy Wynette, 'Stand by Your Man' 1968
472 Peter Gabriel, 'Solsbury Hill' 1977
471 The Animals, 'The House of the Rising Sun' 1964 → MH → I'm Not in Love (RS-) by 10CC.
470 Gladys Knight and the Pips, 'Midnight Train to Georgia' 1973
469 Dixie Chicks, 'Goodbye Earl' 2000 → Tainted Love (RS-) by Soft Cell.
468 Mazzy Star, 'Fade Into You' 1993 → Roxanne (RS-) by the Police.
467 Nirvana, 'Come as You Are' 1991 → Come on Eileen (RS-, H58) by Dexy's Midnight Runners.
466 Luther Vandross, 'Never Too Much' 1981
465 Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams, 'Get Lucky' 2013
464 Joni Mitchell, 'Help Me' 1974 → Mad World (RS-) as performed by Adam Lambert (originally performed by Tears for Fears). If any contemporary male singer can rival the young Elvis Presley, it may be Adam Lambert. His cover of "Mad World" by Tears for Fears is scary-good. Brian May of Queen said that Lambert is the only male singer who can hit those crazy high notes that Freddie Mercury was famous for. But "Mad World" is more of a sad lament, beautifully and tenderly sung by an amazing vocalist.
463 John Lee Hooker, 'Boom Boom' 1962
462 Van Morrison, 'Into the Mystic' 1970
461 Roy Orbison, 'Crying' 1962 → MH → I Have Nothing (RS-) by Whitney Houston.
460 Steel Pulse, 'Ku Klux Klan' 1978 → Hurt (RS-) by Johnny Cash.
459 Sade, 'No Ordinary Love' 1992
458 Beck, 'Loser' 1993
457 Bon Jovi, 'Livin' on a Prayer' 1986
456 Lana Del Rey, 'Summertime Sadness' 2012
455 Jefferson Airplane, 'White Rabbit' 1967
454 Sister Nancy, 'Bam Bam' 1982 → Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End medley (RS-) by the Beatles.
453 Missy Elliot, 'The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)' 1997
452 Toto, 'Africa' 1982
451 Migos feat. Lil Uzi Vert, 'Bad and Boujee' 2016 → As (RS-, H40), Lately, Overjoyed or Living for the City, by Stevie Wonder.
450 Neil Young, 'Powderfinger' 1979 → Neil Young has better songs like The Needle and the Damage Done, Old Man, Heart of Gold and After the Gold Rush. → I Want To Know What Love Is (RS-) by Foreigner.
449 Blue Öyster Cult, '(Don’t Fear) The Reaper' 1976 (H36) is one of the most popular songs of all time and should be ranked higher.
448 Erykah Badu, 'Tyrone' 1997 is an amusing song with wicked female humor.
447 The Beatles, 'Help!' 1965 but as covered so marvelously by the Australian powerhouse singer John Farnham.
446 Bruce Springsteen, 'Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)' 1973 is a great song that should rank much higher.
445 T. Rex, 'Cosmic Dancer' 1971 → Knockin' on Heaven's Door (RS-) was written by Bob Dylan and performed most notably by Guns 'n' Roses. A great song became even greater when Guns n' Roses covered it in 1987. The song was originally written by Dylan for the movie Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid. It was later covered in reggae versions by Eric Clapton and Bob Marley. It must surely be the only song to have been recorded by the Boss, Boy George, The Grateful Dead, The Sisters of Mercy, Warren Zevon, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Dolly Parton!
444 50 Cent, 'In Da Club' 2003
443 Fall Out Boy, 'Sugar, We’re Goin Down' 2005 → That’s the Way of the World (RS-) by Earth, Wind & Fire.
442 Motörhead, 'Ace of Spades' 1980 → One Sweet Day by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men was #1 for 16 weeks in 1995.
441 Miranda Lambert, 'The House That Built Me' 2010 → All By Myself (RS-) written by Eric Carmen, as performed by Eric Carmen, Celine Dion and Mariah Carey. I like Eric Carmen’s original the best, despite the stratospheric vocals of the great divas.
440 Alicia Keys, 'If I Ain't Got You' 2003
439 Celia Cruz, 'La Vida Es un Carnaval' 1998
438 Megan Thee Stallion feat. Beyoncé, 'Savage (Remix)' 2020
437 Lucinda Williams, 'Passionate Kisses' 1988 → The Duke of Earl (RS-) by Gene Chandler.
436 Carly Rae Jepsen, 'Call Me Maybe' 2012 → Somebody that I Used to Know (RS-) by Gotye ft. Kimbra is the #29 best-selling song of all time according to Billboard.
435 Rush, 'Limelight' 1981
434 Ramones, 'Sheena Is a Punk Rocker' 1977 → Take on Me (RS-) by A-ha.
433 Pet Shop Boys, 'West End Girls' 1984
432 Eddie Cochran, 'Summertime Blues' 1958
431 Prince, 'Adore' 1987
430 Pete Rock and CL Smooth, 'They Reminisce Over You' 1992 → Pretty Woman (RS-, H25x2), I Drove All Night, In Dreams, Leah or Only the Lonely by Roy Orbison. How good was Orbison? So good that Elvis Presley refused to go on stage with him or to cover any of his songs!
429 Queen and David Bowie, 'Under Pressure' 1981 should be ranked much higher.
428 Harry Styles, 'Sign of the Times' 2017, so good!
427 Sugar Hill Gang, 'Rapper's Delight' 1979 helped create a major music genre.
426 Nicki Minaj, 'Super Bass' 2010 → Holding Back the Years (RS-) or If You Don’t Know Me By Now (RS-) by Simply Red.
425 Muddy Waters, 'Mannish Boy' 1955
424 Blackstreet feat. Dr. Dre and Queen Pen, 'No Diggity' 1996 → Blackbird (RS-, H62) by the Beatles.
423 Fiona Apple, 'Criminal' 1996
422 Craig Mack feat. Notorious B.I.G., LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, Rampage, 'Flava in Ya Ear (Remix)' 1994 → Riders on the Storm (RS-, H55) by Jim Morrison and the Doors. So eerie, so good!
421 The Smiths, 'How Soon Is Now?' 1984 → Jeremy (RS-, H182) or Black by Pearl Jam.
420 The Mamas and the Papas, 'California Dreamin' ' 1965 → MH → Holy Diver (RS-) and Rainbow in the Dark (RS-) by Ronnie James Dio.
419 Mariah Carey, 'Fantasy' 1995
418 Booker T. and the MGs, 'Green Onions' 1962
417 Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars, 'Uptown Funk' 2015 should be ranked higher as one of the biggest hits of the 21st century.
416 Pearl Jam, 'Alive' 1991
415 Depeche Mode, 'Enjoy the Silence' 1990 → Dance to the Music (RS-) by Sly and the Family Stone.
414 Blondie, 'Dreaming' 1979
413 Them, 'Gloria' 1965 should be ranked higher.
412 Neneh Cherry, 'Buffalo Stance' 1988 sounds like rap with pinball machine effects, but I like it.
411 Wilco, 'Heavy Metal Drummer' 2002 → Rock Me Amadeus (RS-) by Falco. So good! I drop everything when this song starts playing.
410 Allman Brothers Band, 'Whipping Post' 1969
409 Foo Fighters, 'Everlong' 1997 → Papa Don't Preach (RS-) by Madonna.
408 Cat Stevens/Yusuf, 'Father and Son' 1970
407 Lynyrd Skynyrd, 'Free Bird' 1973 (H56) should be ranked higher.
406 Run-DMC, 'Sucker MC's' 1984 → Oh Very Young (RS-) by Cat Stevens is a lovely, tender, touching song by a master songwriter.
405 Selena, 'Amor Prohibido' 1994 → Suffragette City (RS-) by David Bowie.
404 Kiss, 'Rock and Roll All Nite' 1975 → Take Me to Church (RS-) by Hozier.
403 Rufus and Chaka Khan, 'Ain’t Nobody' 1983, so good!
402 Bill Withers, 'Lovely Day' 1977
401 Fleetwood Mac, 'Go Your Own Way' 1977
400 David Bowie, 'Station to Station' 1976 → Not one of his best songs in my opinion. → Once in a Lifetime (RS#28) by the Talking Heads.
399 Sylvester, 'You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)' 1978 → Eagle When She Flies (RS-) by Dolly Parton.
398 Duran Duran, 'Hungry Like the Wolf' 1982 → Sultans of Swing (H57) by Dire Straits.
397 Public Enemy, 'Bring the Noise' 1987
396 Elvis Costello, 'Alison' 1977
395 Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force, 'Planet Rock' 1982 → I Am I Said, Solitary Man, Cracklin’ Rosie, Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show or Sweet Caroline (H9) by Neil Diamond. Also Red Red Wine in a marvelous reggae version by UB40.
394 Jeff Buckley, 'Grace' 1994
393 James Brown, 'Say It Loud (I’m Black and I’m Proud)' 1968
392 Coldplay, 'Fix You' 2005
391 Eric Church, 'Springsteen' 2011 → Just Give Me A Reason, What About Us or Try by P!nk.
390 Metallica, 'Enter Sandman' 1991
389 Pretenders, 'Brass in Pocket' 1979
388 DMX, 'Party Up (Up in Here)' 1999 → Please Don’t Let Me Be Understood (RS-) by Nina Simone.
387 New York Dolls, 'Personality Crisis' 1973 → That's the Way I've Always Heard It Should Be (RS-) by Carly Simon is a masterpiece of songwriting superbly arranged and performed.
386 The Kinks, 'Lola' 1970 → MH → While My Guitar Gently Weeps (RS-, H11x2) by the Beatles, written by George Harrison.
385 Diana Ross, 'I'm Coming Out' 1980 → With a Little Help from My Friends (H114) by the Beatles and the even better Joe Cocker cover.
384 Cardi B, J Balvin, and Bad Bunny, 'I Like It' 2018
383 Childish Gambino, 'Redbone' 2016 → Skyfall (RS-) by Adele.
382 Fiona Apple, 'Paper Bag' 1999 → The Freshmen (RS-) written by Brian Vander Ark; performed by The Verve Pipe.
381 The Slits, 'Typical Girls' 1979 → Vincent (RS-) by Don McLean gets my vote as the best rock poem of all time, based strictly on lyrics, because it tells a moving story and also carries us somewhere "beyond" by making us feel a strong kinship with the troubled Dutch painter, Vincent Van Gogh. The best poems and songs create a sort of spiritual "communion" between writer, subject and audience ...
380 Fountains of Wayne, 'Radiation Vibe' 1996 → Diamonds and Rust by Joan Baez, a song she wrote about her relationship with Bob Dylan. Also the Judas Priest cover.
379 D’Angelo, 'Untitled (How Does It Feel)' 2000 is a wonderfully melodic song.
378 The Killers, 'Mr. Brightside' 2003 → You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ (RS-, H75) by the Righteous Brothers was the most-played song of the 20th century according to BMI.
377 The Cure, 'Pictures of You' 1989
376 Merle Haggard, 'Mama Tried' 1968
375 The Drifters, 'Up on the Roof' 1964 written by the great Carole King.
374 William DeVaughn, 'Be Thankful for What You Got' 1974, so good!
373 Drake, 'Hotline Bling' 2015 → Standing in the Shadows of Love, Bernadette, or Baby I Need Your Lovin’ by the Four Tops.
372 Bonnie Raitt, 'I Can't Make You Love Me' 1991
371 Elton John, 'Bennie and the Jets' 1973
370 Buddy Holly, 'Peggy Sue' 1958 → Rave On (RS-) and Not Fade Away (RS-) in a tie for my favorite song by Buddy Holly and the Crickets.
369 The Cars, 'Just What I Needed' 1978 → Shallow by Lady Gaga with Bradley Cooper.
368 Soundgarden, 'Black Hole Sun' 1994 → How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (RS-) or Words (RS-) by the Bee Gees.
367 Frank Ocean, 'Thinkin Bout You' 2012 → Zombie (RS-, H87) or Linger (RS-) by the Cranberries.
366 The Crystals, 'Da Doo Ron Ron' 1963 → Black Magic Woman (RS-, H176) by Santana.
365 Sex Pistols, 'God Save the Queen' 1977 → You're the Voice (RS-) by John Farnham, an outstanding Australian vocalist who flew under the rock world’s radar for decades. This may be the most inspirational song of all time, when Farnham performs it live. And it’s not a bit sappy.
364 The Grateful Dead, 'Box of Rain' 1970 → Dust in the Wind (H94) by Kansas.
363 Bob Marley and the Wailers, 'Could You Be Loved' 1980
362 Kacey Musgraves, 'Merry Go 'Round' 2013 → Been to Canaan (RS-), Nightingale and I Feel the Earth Move (Under My Feet) by Carole King.
361 Jimmy Cliff, 'The Harder They Come' 1972 → Peace Train (RS-) or Moonshadow (RS-) by Cat Stevens.
360 Prince, 'Little Red Corvette' 1982 → MH → Sherry (RS-), Walk Like a Man (RS-), Rag Doll (RS-) and Big Girls Don’t Cry (RS-, H198) by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, who have no top 500 songs according to Rolling Stone(d).
359 Fugees, 'Killing Me Softly With His Song' 1996 → Stony End (RS-) by Barbra Streisand.
358 Patti Smith, 'Because the Night' 1978
357 Taylor Swift, 'Blank Space' 2014
356 Cheap Trick, 'Surrender' 1978
355 Thelma Houston, 'Don't Leave Me This Way' 1976 → For Your Love (H243) by the Yardbirds.
354 Michael Jackson, 'Rock With You' 1979 → MJ has better songs. → Wheel in the Sky (RS-), Faithfully (RS-), Only The Young (RS-), Separate Ways (RS-), Send Her My Love (RS-), Lights (RS-) and Open Arms (RS-) by Journey, who have only one top 500 song according to Rolling Stone(d).
353 Eurythmics, 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)' 1983
352 Ice Cube, 'It Was a Good Day' 1992
351 Jorge Ben, 'Ponta de Lança Africano (Umbabarauma)' 1976 → Go Rest High on that Mountain (RS-) by Vince Gill, a song he wrote for the brother he lost. I’m not normally a country music fan, but this song, a modern hymn, is wonderfully moving and exquisitely sung by Vince Gill, a former lead singer of Pure Prairie League.
350 John Prine, 'Angel From Montgomery' 1971
349 The Zombies, 'Time of the Season' 1968 → MH → Time of the Season (RS#349, H35x2) by the Zombies is yet another insanely low ranking by Rolling Stone(d).
348 Roxy Music, 'Virginia Plain' 1972 → On My Own (RS-) by Patti Labelle and Michael McDonald in a marvelous, soulful duet. Also, Oh People (RS-) by Patti Labelle.
347 Elvis Presley, 'Heartbreak Hotel' 1958
346 BTS, 'Dynamite' 2020 → Leah (RS-), In Dreams (RS-) or Only the Lonely (RS-) by Roy Orbison.
345 Carole King, 'It’s Too Late' 1971
344 Black Sabbath, 'Iron Man' 1971
343 The Doobie Brothers, 'What a Fool Believes' 1979
342 Chuck Berry, 'Promised Land' 1964
341 The Monkees, 'I'm a Believer' 1966, written by Neil Diamond.
340 The Clash, '(White Man) in Hammersmith Palais' 1978 → Private Dancer (RS-) or We Don’t Need Another Hero (RS-) by Tina Turner.
339 Prince, '1999' 1982
338 Black Sabbath, 'Paranoid' 1970
337 Cher, 'Believe' 1998
336 Hall and Oates, 'She’s Gone' 1973
335 Marshall Jefferson, 'Move Your Body (The House Music Anthem)' 1986 → Roll Over Beethoven (RS-) by Chuck Berry, the Shakespeare of early rock ’n’ roll, and the splendid covers by the Beatles and ELO.
334 The Grateful Dead, 'Ripple' 1970 → Who’ll Stop the Rain (RS-, H85), Have You Ever Seen the Rain (RS-) or Bad Moon Rising (RS-, H45) by Creedence Clearwater Revival, all written by John Fogerty.
333 The Temptations, 'Papa Was a Rollin' Stone' 1972
332 Rihanna feat. Jay-Z, 'Umbrella' 2007
331 The Marvelettes, 'Please Mr. Postman' 1961 → Lay Down (Candles in the Rain) or Brand New Key by Melanie.
330 The Notorious B.I.G., 'Big Poppa' 1994
329 Bad Bunny, 'Safaera' 2020 → 25 or 6 to 4 (RS-, H130) by Chicago.
328 Red Hot Chili Peppers, 'Under the Bridge' 1964 → Captain Jack (RS-), Goodnight Saigon, Vienna and/or Until the Night by Billy Joel. The latter is Joel’s most underrated song, in my opinion.
327 Mary J. Blige, 'Real Love' 1992
326 Rilo Kiley, 'Portions for Foxes' 2004 → Blue Suede Shoes (RS-) American Trilogy (RS-) or Love Me Tender (RS-, H112) by Elvis Presley.
325 Iggy Pop, 'Lust for Life' 1977 → Smoke on the Water (H173) or Child in Time by Deep Purple.
324 Billy Joel, 'Scenes From an Italian Restaurant' 1977
323 Everly Brothers, 'All I Have to Do Is Dream' 1958
322 Neil Young, 'After the Gold Rush' 1970
321 U2, 'I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For' 1987
320 2Pac, 'California Love' 1995
319 Tears for Fears, 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World' 1985
318 Big Mama Thornton, 'Hound Dog' 1953
317 Bob Dylan, 'Visions of Johanna' 1966
316 The Shangri-Las, 'Leader of the Pack' 1964
315 John Coltrane, 'Pt. 1-Acknowledgement' 1965
314 The Stooges, 'I Wanna Be Your Dog' 1969
313 Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, 'The Tears of a Clown' 1967
312 Isaac Hayes, 'Walk on By' 1969
311 The Eagles, 'Hotel California' 1976
310 The Doors, 'Light My Fire' 1967
309 Bill Withers, 'Ain't No Sunshine' 1971
308 Liz Phair, 'Divorce Song' 1993
307 Gnarls Barkley, 'Crazy' 2006
306 Aretha Franklin, 'Chain of Fools' 1967
305 The Police, 'Every Breath You Take' 1983
304 Kraftwerk, 'Trans-Europe Express' 1977
303 TLC, 'No Scrubs' 1999
302 Pink Floyd, 'Wish You Were Here' 1975
301 Bob Seger, 'Night Moves' 1976
300 The B-52's, 'Rock Lobster' 1978
299 Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, 'I Put a Spell on You' 1956
298 Bruce Springsteen, 'Jungleland' 1975
297 Beach Boys, 'Wouldn’t It Be Nice' 1966
296 Bikini Kill, 'Rebel Girl' 1993
295 The Who, 'Won't Get Fooled Again' 1971
294 The Velvet Underground, 'Sweet Jane' 1970
293 Alice Cooper, 'School’s Out' 1972
292 A Tribe Called Quest, 'Can I Kick It?' 1990
291 Phil Collins, 'In the Air Tonight' 1981
290 Usher feat. Lil Jon and Ludacris, 'Yeah!' 2004
289 Bruce Springsteen, 'Atlantic City' 1982
288 The Funky 4 + 1, 'That's the Joint' 1980
287 AC/DC, 'You Shook Me All Night Long' 1980
286 ABBA, 'Dancing Queen' 1976
285 Destiny’s Child, 'Say My Name' 1999
284 Leonard Cohen, 'Suzanne' 1967
283 Ray Charles, 'Georgia on My Mind' 1960
282 INXS, 'Never Tear Us Apart' 1988
281 Clipse, 'Grindin'' 2002
280 The Beatles, 'Penny Lane' 1967
279 Radiohead, 'Karma Police' 1997
278 Toots and the Maytals, 'Pressure Drop' 1973
277 Bo Diddley, 'Bo Diddley' 1955
276 Buzzcocks, 'Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)' 1978
275 Randy Newman, 'Sail Away' 1972
274 Al Green, 'Love and Happiness' 1972
273 Roberta Flack, 'Killing Me Softly With His Song' 1973
272 Thin Lizzy, 'The Boys Are Back in Town' 1976
271 Procol Harum, 'A Whiter Shade of Pale' 1967
270 Nine Inch Nails, 'Closer' 1994
269 The Righteous Brothers, 'Unchained Melody' 1965
268 The Isley Brothers, 'Shout (Parts 1 and 2)' 1959
267 Drake feat. Rihanna, 'Take Care' 2011
266 Augustus Pablo, 'King Tubby Meets the Rockers Uptown' 1974
265 The Replacements, 'Left of the Dial' 1985 → The Logical Song (RS-) by Supertramp, who illogically have no top 500 songs according to Rolling Stone(d).
264 Marvin Gaye, 'Let's Get It On' 1973
263 Dolly Parton, 'Coat of Many Colors' 1971
262 Paul Simon, 'American Tune' 1973
261 Curtis Mayfield, 'Pusherman' 1972
260 Bob Marley and the Wailers, 'Get Up, Stand Up' 1973
259 Neil Young, 'Heart of Gold' 1972
258 Gil-Scott Heron, 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised' 1971
257 Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, 'Heat Wave' 1963
256 Metallica, 'Master of Puppets' 1986
255 Loretta Lynn, 'Coal Miner’s Daughter' 1970
254 The Supremes, 'Stop! In the Name of Love' 1965
253 Willie Nelson, 'Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain' 1975
252 Parliament, 'Flash Light' 1977
251 Gloria Gaynor, 'I Will Survive' 1978
250 The Jimi Hendrix Experience, 'Purple Haze' 1967
249 Joan Jett, 'Bad Reputation' 1980
248 N.W.A, 'Straight Outta Compton' 1988
247 Joni Mitchell, 'River' 1971
246 Faces, 'Ooh La La' 1973
245 Beastie Boys, 'Sabotage' 1994 → Somebody to Love (H82) by Grace Slick and Jefferson Airplane.
244 Pavement, 'Summer Babe (Winter Version)' 1992 → Lady Marmalade (RS-) by Patti Labelle, who has no top 500 songs according to Rolling Stone(d).
243 The Beatles, 'Eleanor Rigby' 1966 is vastly underrated by Rolling Stone(d).
242 Jerry Lee Lewis, 'Great Balls of Fire' 1957
241 Digital Underground, 'The Humpty Dance' 1990 → Dog and Butterfly (RS-) by Heart, who have no top 500 songs according to Rolling Stone(d).
240 Backstreet Boys, 'I Want It That Way' 1999
239 Big Star, 'September Gurls' 1974 → Mr. Blue Sky (RS-, H7) by Electric Light Orchestra, aka ELO, headed by the great Jeff Lynne. ELO has no top 500 songs according to Rolling Stone(d).
238 Aaliyah, 'Are You That Somebody?' 1998 → American Pie (RS-) by Don McLean. How could Rolling Stone(d) leave this classic song out of its top 500?
237 Hank Williams, 'Your Cheatin' Heart' 1953
236 Bill Withers, 'Lean on Me' 1972
235 New Order, 'Blue Monday' 1983 → Blinding Lights (RS-) by The Weeknd is the best-performing song of the 21st century, per Billboard. "Blinding Lights" is also the most-streamed song on Spotify and has gone platinum seven times.
234 The Supremes, 'You Keep Me Hangin’ On' 1966
233 Deee-Lite, 'Groove Is in the Heart' 1990
232 The Who, 'My Generation' 1965 is not a personal favorite.
231 Whitney Houston, 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)' 1987
230 The Byrds, 'Mr. Tambourine Man' 1965
229 Woody Guthrie, 'This Land Is Your Land' 1951
228 Beyoncé, 'Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)' 2008
227 Creedence Clearwater Revival, 'Fortunate Son' 1969 → MH → Lola (RS#386, H54) by the Kinks.
226 The Smiths, 'There Is a Light That Never Goes Out' 1986 → That's Alright Mama (RS-) by Elvis Presley.
225 Joni Mitchell, 'Both Sides Now' 1969, also as performed by Judy Collins.
224 Derek and the Dominos, 'Layla' 1970 → MH → Halo (RS-) by Beyonce is my favorite song of hers.
223 Eminem feat. Dido, 'Stan' 2000 is ranked too low.
222 Crosby, Stills, and Nash, 'Suite: Judy Blue Eyes' 1969
221 Ike and Tina Turner, 'River Deep, Mountain High' 1966 → MH → Halo (RS-) by Beyonce is my favorite song of hers.
220 New Order, 'Bizarre Love Triangle' 1986 → Wishing Well (RS-) by the marvelously talented Terence Trent D'Arby.
219 Tom Petty, 'Free Fallin'' 1989
218 Wilson Pickett, 'In the Midnight Hour' 1965
217 Stevie Nicks, 'Edge of Seventeen' 1981
216 Elvis Presley, 'Jailhouse Rock' 1957
215 Mobb Deep, 'Shook Ones, Pt. II' 1995 → Piano Man (RS-, H66) by Billy Joel is not a top 500 song according to Rolling Stone(d).
214 Steely Dan, 'Deacon Blues' 1977
213 The Rolling Stones, 'Paint It, Black' 1966 → MH → Feel It Still (RS-) by Portugal the Man. So good!
212 Boston, 'More Than a Feeling' 1976
211 U2, 'With or Without You' 1987
210 Funkadelic, 'One Nation Under a Groove' 1978 is, indeed, funkadelic.
209 Don Henley, 'Boys of Summer' 1984
208 Hole, 'Doll Parts' 1994
207 Rage Against the Machine, 'Killing in the Name' 1992 → Little Red Corvette (RS#360) by Prince and the Revolution.
206 Glen Campbell, 'Wichita Lineman' 1968 is ranked too low.
205 Britney Spears, '...Baby One More Time' 1998 → Love Hurts (RS-) by Nazareth is one of the all-time great covers, of a song first recorded by the Everly Brothers. Talk about a contrast in styles, and decibels! It was written by Boudleaux Bryant. The great Roy Orbison covered the song before Nazareth.
204 David Bowie, 'Young Americans' 1975
203 Stevie Wonder, 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours' 1970
202 Elton John, 'Your Song' 1970
201 Johnny Cash, 'Ring of Fire' 1963
200 David Bowie, 'Changes' 1971
199 Aerosmith, 'Dream On' 1973 → MH → Fortunate Son (RS#227, H38) by Creedence Clearwater Revival, a great Vietnam War protest song written by John Fogerty.
198 Marvin Gaye, 'Sexual Healing' 1982
197 Ann Peebles, 'I Can't Stand the Rain' 1973, so good!
196 James Brown, 'Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine' 1970
195 Patsy Cline, 'Crazy' 1961 is ranked way too low.
194 PJ Harvey, 'Rid of Me' 1993
193 The Rolling Stones, 'Wild Horses' 1971 → MH → (Flying in Winchester) Cathedral (RS-) by Crosby, Stills, Nash and (sometimes) Young.
192 Geto Boys, 'Mind Playing Tricks on Me' 1991 → She’s Not There (RS-) or Tell Her No (RS-) by the Zombies.
191 Bobbie Gentry, 'Ode to Billie Joe' 1967
190 N.W.A, 'Fuck tha Police' 1988
189 David Bowie, 'Space Oddity' 1969 → MH → Havana (RS-) by Camila Cabello ft. Young Thug. So rhythmic, so good!
188 The Jimi Hendrix Experience, 'Little Wing' 1967
187 Bob Dylan, 'Subterranean Homesick Blues' 1965
186 The Staple Singers, 'I'll Take You There' 1972, so good!
185 Michael Jackson, 'Beat It' 1982
184 Sinéad O’Connor, 'Nothing Compares 2 U' 1990, written by Prince and ranked way too low.
183 Stevie Wonder, 'You Are the Sunshine of My Life' 1972
182 Simon and Garfunkel, 'The Sounds of Silence' 1964 is ranked way too low.
181 The Byrds, 'Eight Miles High' 1966 → Here Comes the Sun (RS-, H7x2) by the Beatles, written by George Harrison.
180 Lou Reed, 'Walk on the Wild Side' 1972
179 Pink Floyd, 'Comfortably Numb' 1979 → MH → Crying (RS#461, H149) by Roy Orbison. Another insane Rolling Stone(d) ranking. "Crying" is an absolute masterpiece―covered ably by K. D. Lang and Don McLean, among others―but no one can duplicate Orbison's unique voice and delivery.
178 Billie Eilish, 'Bad Guy' 2019
177 Van Halen, 'Jump' 1983 → I’d Rather Go Blind (RS-) by Etta James.
176 The Kinks, 'You Really Got Me' 1964
175 The Flamingos, 'I Only Have Eyes for You' 1959
174 R.E.M., 'Radio Free Europe' 1983
173 Television, 'Marquee Moon' 1977 → Wild Horses (RS#193) by the Rolling Stones.
172 Nina Simone, 'Mississippi Goddam' 1964
171 Louis Armstrong, 'What a Wonderful World' 1967 written by the great Sam Cooke.
170 The Five Satins, 'In the Still of the Night' 1956
169 Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, 'American Girl' 1976
168 Dusty Springfield, 'Son of a Preacher Man' 1968
167 Eminem, 'Lose Yourself' 2002 is ranked too low.
166 Mott the Hoople, 'All the Young Dudes' 1972
165 Hank Williams, 'I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry' 1949 → MH →
164 Bob Dylan, 'Mr. Tambourine Man' 1965 is a great song but the Byrds sang it much better and are in the RS500. → Man in the Mirror (RS-) by Michael Jackson.
163 Fleetwood Mac, 'Landslide' 1975 → MH → Angie (RS-) by the Rolling Stones.
The Stones have many great songs but "Angie" is my favorite song of theirs, a haunting song of love and loss.
162 Nick Drake, 'Pink Moon' 1972 → Taxi (RS-) by Harry Chapin. This is a ghost story in which both ghosts are still partially alive. I saw Chapin in concert, and he was a wonderful storyteller: both in his songs and in his interactions with the audience.
161 Madonna, 'Into the Groove' 1985
160 R.E.M., 'Nightswimming' 1992 → I Drove All Night (RS-, H73) written by Roy Orbison, as performed by Orbison, Celine Dion and Cyndi Lauper. As great as Orbison was, and as fantastically as Lauper sang this song, I have to give the gold star to Dion for what may have been the greatest powerhouse female vocal performance of all time. It’s hard to imagine anything better.
159 The Who, 'Baba O'Riley' 1971
158 The Meters, 'Cissy Strut' 1969 → I Put a Spell on You (RS-) by Nina Simone, who had just one Rolling Stone top 500 song with Mississippi Goddam (RS#172).
157 Sonic Youth, 'Teenage Riot' 1988 → aaa
156 The Kingsmen, 'Louie Louie' 1963
155 The Strokes, 'Last Nite' 2001 → Mercy Mercy Me (RS-) by Marvin Gaye. Another incomprehensible blank by Rolling Stone(d).
154 Howlin’ Wolf, 'Spoonful' 1960
153 Rick James, 'Super Freak' 1981
152 Creedence Clearwater Revival, 'Proud Mary' 1969 and the Ike & Tina Turner version.
151 The Shirelles, 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow' 1960
150 Green Day, 'Basket Case' 1994 → Who Wants to Live Forever (RS-) and The Show Must Go On (RS-) by Queen.
149 Elton John, 'Rocket Man' 1972
148 Led Zeppelin, 'Kashmir' 1975
147 Fats Domino, 'Blueberry Hill' 1956
146 James Taylor, 'Fire and Rain' 1970
145 Outkast, 'Ms. Jackson' 2000, so good!
144 The Rolling Stones, 'Jumpin’ Jack Flash' 1968
143 The Clash, 'London Calling' 1980
142 George Jones, 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' 1980, a masterpiece of country music is ranked way too low here.
141 Rod Stewart, 'Maggie May' 1971
140 Bob Marley and the Wailers, 'No Woman No Cry' 1975, so good!
139 Madonna, 'Vogue' 1990
138 Blondie, 'Heart of Glass' 1979
137 Ariana Grande, 'Thank U, Next' 2019
136 Otis Redding, 'Try a Little Tenderness' 1966
135 The Beatles, 'She Loves You' 1964 is a very nice song, but a bit overrated here.
134 Tina Turner, 'What's Love Got to Do With It' 1984
133 Journey, 'Don’t Stop Believin’' 1981 is the only Journey song in the RS500, an outrage!
132 Eric B. and Rakim, 'Paid in Full' 1987 → Immigrant Song (RS-, H26) by Led Zeppelin.
131 Ben E. King, 'Stand by Me' 1961
130 Martha and the Vandellas, 'Dancing in the Street' 1964
129 Drake feat. Majid Jordan, 'Hold On, We're Going Home' 2013
128 Led Zeppelin, 'Whole Lotta Love' 1969
127 TLC, 'Waterfalls' 1995
126 George Michael, 'Freedom! '90' 1990
125 Sex Pistols, 'Anarchy in the U.K.' 1977 → Comfortably Numb (RS#179, H72) by Pink Floyd. This absurdly low ranking by Rolling Stone proves they are actually Rolling Stoned. I have it in my top 50.
124 Buddy Holly, 'That’ll Be the Day' 1957
123 Talking Heads, 'This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)' 1983 → Human Nature (RS-) by Michael Jackson is his best song, in my opinion.
122 The Impressions, 'People Get Ready' 1965, so good!
121 The Beatles, 'Let It Be' 1970
120 X-Ray Spex, 'Oh Bondage! Up Yours!' 1977 → Stand! (RS-) by Sly and the Family Stone. Sly Stone was a musical genius and this is my favorite song of his.
119 Marvin Gaye, 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine' 1968
118 Radiohead, 'Creep' 1992
117 Aretha Franklin, 'I Say a Little Prayer' 1968
116 Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock, 'It Takes Two' 1988 →
115 Etta James, 'At Last' 1960 → MH → House of the Rising Sun (RS#471, H18) by the Animals. This is another insanely low ranking by Rolling Stone(d).
114 Britney Spears, 'Toxic' 2003 seems a bit high, but I think it’s her best song.
113 Stevie Wonder, 'Higher Ground' 1973
112 R.E.M., 'Losing My Religion' 1991
111 Bruce Springsteen, 'Thunder Road' 1975
110 The Beatles, 'Something' 1969
109 Sly and the Family Stone, 'Everyday People' 1968
108 The Cure, 'Just Like Heaven' 1987
107 Wu-Tang Clan, 'C.R.E.A.M.' 1994
106 The Rolling Stones, 'Sympathy for the Devil' 1968
105 David Bowie, 'Life on Mars?' 1971
104 The Jackson 5, 'I Want You Back' 1969
103 Alanis Morissette, 'You Oughta Know' 1995
102 Chuck Berry, 'Maybelline' 1955
101 Yeah Yeah Yeahs, 'Maps' 2003 → California Dreamin’ (RS#420, Ranker#18, H18x2) by The Mamas & The Papas. This is one of the most-streamed songs of the 1960s. So good!
100 Bob Dylan, 'Blowin' in the Wind' 1963 is a masterpiece and ranked way too low.
99 Bee Gees, 'Stayin' Alive' 1977
98 The Beatles, 'In My Life' → Nights in White Satin (RS-, H37) by the Moody Blues, who have no top 500 songs according to Rolling Stone(d).
97 Patti Smith, 'Gloria' 1975
96 Jay-Z, '99 Problems' 2003 → Landslide (RS#163, H46) by Fleetwood Mac., written by Stevie Nicks.
95 Oasis, 'Wonderwall' 1995 → This song might better be titled “Caterwaul.” →
94 Whitney Houston, 'I Will Always Love You' 1992
93 Kelly Clarkson, 'Since U Been Gone' 2004
92 Little Richard, 'Good Golly, Miss Molly' 1958
91 UGK feat. Outkast, 'Int'l Players Anthem (I Choose You)' 2007
90 Aretha Franklin, '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman' 1967
89 The Beatles, 'Hey Jude' 1968
88 Guns N' Roses, 'Sweet Child O' Mine' 1987
87 LCD Soundsystem, 'All My Friends' 2007 → Dream On (RS#199, H31x2) by Aerosmith.
86 The Rolling Stones, 'Tumbling Dice' 1972
85 Prince, 'Kiss' 1986
84 Al Green, 'Let's Stay Together' 1971
83 Bob Dylan, 'Desolation Row' 1965
82 Adele, 'Rolling in the Deep' 2011
81 The Velvet Underground, 'I’m Waiting for the Man' 1967 is not a personal favorite.
80 Ray Charles, 'What'd I Say' 1957
79 Amy Winehouse, 'Back to Black' 2006
78 The Four Tops, 'Reach Out (I'll Be There)' 1967
77 The Modern Lovers, 'Roadrunner' 1976 → Spanish Harlem (RS-) by Ben E. King and Aretha Franklin, with the edge to Aretha.
76 Johnny Cash, 'I Walk the Line' 1956
75 Pulp, 'Common People' 1996 is a good song, but a bit high for me.
74 Leonard Cohen, 'Hallelujah' 1984 → MH → Space Oddity (RS#189, H21) by David Bowie.
73 Beyoncé, 'Formation' 2016
72 The Beatles, 'Yesterday' 1965
71 Tracy Chapman, 'Fast Car' 1988
70 Elvis Presley, 'Suspicious Minds' 1969
69 Taylor Swift, 'All Too Well' 2012 is a bit high for me, but this is a damn good song and she has other songs I consider even better.
68 Chic, 'Good Times' 1979 is a great song, but a bit high for me.
67 Bob Dylan, 'Tangled Up in Blue' 1975
66 Simon and Garfunkel, 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' 1970 → MH → Paint It Black (RS#213, Ranker#11, H11x2) by the Rolling Stones.
65 Earth, Wind, and Fire, 'September' 1978
64 Ramones, 'Blitzkrieg Bop' 1976 seems a bit high to me.
63 Dolly Parton, 'Jolene' 1974
62 U2, 'One' 1992 → MH → Somewhere Over the Rainbow (H29) by Judy Garland. Also, the amazing covers by Patti LaBelle, Eva Cassidy, Ariana Grande, Sam Harris, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and Sam Smith.
61 Led Zeppelin, 'Stairway to Heaven' 1971 → MH → I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry (RS#165) by Hank Williams Sr., the father of country music.
60 Kate Bush, 'Running Up That Hill' 1985
59 Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, 'The Message' 1982
58 The Band, 'The Weight' 1968, a masterpiece.
57 Sly and the Family Stone, 'Family Affair' 1971. Sly Stone was a musical genius.
56 Missy Elliott, 'Work It' 2000 seems a bit high to me.
55 Madonna, 'Like a Prayer' 1989
54 Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, 'The Tracks of My Tears' 1965
53 The Beach Boys, 'Good Vibrations' 1966
52 Donna Summer, 'I Feel Love' 1977 → At Last (RS#115, H51x2) by Etta James, nicknamed "The Matriarch of R&B" and an obvious influence on many modern divas. Rolling Stone(d) ranked her #22 on its list of the Greatest Singers of All Time, but then dropped the ball with this vocal masterclass.
51 Dionne Warwick, 'Walk on By' 1964 is a great song, but a bit high for me. → My Immortal (RS-) and Bring Me to Life (RS-) by Evanescence, who had no top 500 songs according to Rolling Stone(d)!
50 Daddy Yankee feat. Glory, 'Gasolina' 2010 → River Deep, Mountain High (RS#221) by Ike & Tina Turner. Another rank ranking by Rolling Stone(d).
49 Lauryn Hill, 'Doo Wop (That Thing)' 1998
48 Radiohead, 'Idioteque' 2000 → One (RS#62, H6) by U2. Yet another fumble by Rolling Stone(d).
47 Elton John, 'Tiny Dancer' 1972
46 M.I.A., 'Paper Planes' 2008 → Unchained Melody (RS#269, H20) as performed by the Righteous Brothers with vocals by Bobby Hatfield. Rolling Stone(d) has obviously lost its collective mind and soul with its absurd ranking of this masterpiece.
45 Kendrick Lamar, 'Alright' 2015 → Tennessee (RS-) by Arrested Development has long been one of my favorite rap songs. So good!
44 Michael Jackson, 'Billie Jean' 1982
43 The Temptations, 'My Girl' 1965 is a bit high for me. → White Room (RS-, H167) and Sunshine of Your Love (RS-) by Cream, in a tie because I can’t pick one over the other.
42 Bob Marley and the Wailers, 'Redemption Song' 1980, so good!
41 Joy Division, 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' 1980 → Wicked Game (RS-, H310) by Chris Isaak. Leaving this masterpiece out of a top 500 is the unforgivable sin!
40 The Jimi Hendrix Experience, 'All Along the Watchtower' 1968 is a masterpiece collaboration between two very dissimilar musical geniuses; written by Bob Dylan.
39 Outkast, 'B.O.B.' 2000
38 Otis Redding, '(Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay' 1967
37 Prince and the Revolution, 'When Doves Cry' 1984 is a masterpiece that I rank even higher.
36 The White Stripes, 'Seven Nation Army' 2003
35 Little Richard, 'Tutti-Frutti' 1955
34 James Brown, 'Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag' 1966 → It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World (RS-) by James Brown.
33 Chuck Berry, 'Johnny B. Goode' 1958
32 Notorious B.I.G., 'Juicy' 1994 → Hallelujah (RS#74, H33x2) written by Leonard Cohen; as performed by Cohen and many other artists (my favorite performers of the song include Jeff Buckley, Alexandra Burke, John Cale, K. D. Lang, Regina Spektor, Lucy Thomas, and Rufus Wainwright for the Shrek soundtrack).
31 The Rolling Stones, '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction' 1965
30 Lorde, 'Royals' 2011 seems high to me, although I love the song. → Respect (RS#1, Ranker#32, H17x2) by Aretha Franklin.
29 Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Doggy Dogg, 'Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang' 1992
28 Talking Heads, 'Once in a Lifetime' 1980 → Without You (RS#497) written by Pete Ham and Tom Evans of Badfinger; as performed by Harry Nilsson. How can anyone with ears rank this masterpiece 497th?
27 Bruce Springsteen, 'Born to Run' 1975
26 Joni Mitchell, 'A Case of You' 1971 is a great song, but I would go with Yellow Taxi or River as Joni Mitchell’s best song.
25 Kanye West feat. Pusha T, 'Runaway' 2010 → Layla (RS#224) by Eric Clapton; as performed by Derek and the Dominoes. The Rolling Stone(d) ranking is absurdly low.
24 The Beatles, 'A Day in the Life' 1967
23 David Bowie, 'Heroes' 1977 seems a bit high but not unreasonable.
22 The Ronettes, 'Be My Baby' 1963
21 Billie Holiday, 'Strange Fruit' 1939
20 Robyn, 'Dancing on My Own' 2010 → Fever (RS-) and Blue Moon (RS-) were early Sun/RCA recordings by Elvis Presley. Robyn has a nice song, but not it’s not top 100 in my opinion.
19 John Lennon, 'Imagine' 1971
18 Prince and the Revolution, 'Purple Rain' 1984
17 Queen, 'Bohemian Rhapsody' 1975 → MH → Loves Lies Bleeding/Funeral for a Friend (RS-) by Sir Elton John with lyrics by Bernie Taupin.
16 Beyoncé feat. Jay-Z, 'Crazy in Love' 2003 is a bit overrated in my opinion.
15 The Beatles, 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' 1963 → Bridge Over Troubled Water (RS#66, Ranker#9, H4x3) written by Paul Simon; performed by Simon & Garfunkel with lead vocals by Art Garfunkel. In my opinion 'I Want to Hold Your Hand' is vastly overrated and certainly not better than A Day in the Life, Eleanor Rigby, Hey Jude, etc.
14 The Kinks, 'Waterloo Sunset' 1967 → Piece of My Heart (RS-, H74) by Janis Joplin and Big Brother and the Holding Company. Rolling Stone(d) nominated "Piece of My Heart" as just the 344th greatest song of the modern era, then left it out of their top 500 entirely, which only illustrates the dark, murky depths to which music "experts" are capable of sinking. This may be the greatest all-out rock/blues performance by a female singer, or by any rock/blues singer, male or female. And how is possible that the great Janis Joplin didn’t have a single song in the RS500?
13 The Rolling Stones, 'Gimme Shelter' 1969
12 Stevie Wonder, 'Superstition' 1972
11 The Beach Boys, 'God Only Knows' 1966
10 Outkast, 'Hey Ya!' 2003 is my favorite rap song by my favorite rap group, so no major argument here.
9 Fleetwood Mac, 'Dreams' 1977 is ranked a bit high, but is not unreasonable.
8 Missy Elliott, 'Get Ur Freak On' 2001 → Love Reign O'er Me (RS-) by the Who.
7 The Beatles, 'Strawberry Fields Forever' 1967 → A Whiter Shade of Pale (RS#57, H6) by Procol Harum. I like the Beatles song but consider it overrated.
6 Marvin Gaye, 'What’s Going On' 1971
5 Nirvana, 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' 1991
4 Bob Dylan, 'Like a Rolling Stone' 1965
3 Sam Cooke, 'A Change Is Gonna Come' 1964
2 Public Enemy, 'Fight the Power' 1989 → Bohemian Rhapsody (RS#17, Ranker#5, H1x3) by Queen.
1 Aretha Franklin, 'Respect' 1967 → Stairway to Heaven (RS#61, Ranker#1, H1x3) by Led Zeppelin. I admire 'Respect' and it has a great message, but it’s not the greatest song of all time. It will appear later in my ranking.