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.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 19: EDITORIAL USE ONLY George Strait speaks onstage during the 59th Annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on November 19, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/WireImage)
DEVORE, CALIFORNIA – MAY 29: Dutch-born American musician Eddie Van Halen, of the group Van Halen, plays guitar as he performs onstage during US Festival concert, Devore, California, May 29, 1983. (Photo by Getty Images/Bob Riha, Jr.)
LOS ANGELES – FEBRUARY 22: 31st Annual Grammy Awards. Broadcast February 22, 1989. Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, California. Pictured performing is Whitney Houston. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images)
