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.
CIRCA 1965: Rock and roll band "The Beatles" pose for a portrait in circa 1965. (L-R) Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
American singer-songwriter Harry Chapin (1942 – 1981) plays the guitar and sings on stage during a performance, 1970s. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 31: Lainey Wilson performs onstage during New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park on December 31, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Davis/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 28: Vince Gill attends the Grand Ole Opry 100th Anniversary Show at The Grand Ole Opry on November 28, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
