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.
(L-R) Rick Danko, Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Richard Manuel and Garth Hudson of The Band pose for a group portrait in London in 1971. (Photo by Gijsbert Hanekroot/Redferns)
(MANDATORY CREDIT David Tan/Shinko Music/Getty Images) Bruce Springsteen Born in the USA Tour, unknown, September 1984. (Photo by David Tan/Shinko Music/Getty Images)
Country-western singer stars Willie Nelson (left) and Waylon Jennings celebrate at a party at the Rainbow Room in honor of their new album, "Waylon and Willie." (Photo by Bettman/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 19: EDITORIAL USE ONLY Chris Stapleton performs onstage during the 59th Annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on November 19, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/WireImage)
UNITED STATES – JANUARY 01: Photo of FLEETWOOD MAC; L-R. Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, John McVie, Mick Fleetwood – onstage, group shot (Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns)
CIRCA 1977: Singer Stevie Nicks and guitarist Lindsey Buckingham of the rock group "Fleetwood Mac" perform onstage in circa 1977. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
LONDON – 23rd NOVEMBER: Singer Robert Plant of British rock band Led Zeppelin performing on stage at the Wembley Empire Pool in London, England on 23rd November 1971. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)
