With The List, American Songwriter details the best, the brightest, the most enduring, the worst, the most hated, and the most surprising songs ever–among many other qualifiers. If you’re looking for our definitive rankings on music, you’ll find them below.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – Dave Matthews performs during the 2025 Boston Calling Music Festival at Harvard Athletic Complex on May 25, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images for Boston Calling)
Kyu Sakamoto. (1941-1985) Japanese singer, best known outside Japan for his international hit song "Ue o Muite Aruko" (known as "Sukiyaki" in English-speaking markets), which was sung in Japanese and sold over 13 million copies. It reached number one in the United States Billboard Hot 100 in June 1963, making Sakamoto the first Asian recording artist to have a number one song on the chart. (Photo by Sjöberg Bildbyrå/ullstein bild via Getty Images)
British rock group the Beatles pose outside Abbey Road Studios in London, after John Lennon passed his driving test, UK, 16th February 1965. From left to right, George Harrison, John Lennon, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney. (Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
