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.
American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, performing in New York City, 7th December 1977. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)
Portrait of English Pop musicians Curt Smith (left) and Roland Orzabal, of the group Tears For Fears, Los Angeles, California, 1985. (Photo by John Kisch Archive/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – MAY 17: Josh Turner attends the 2009 Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony on May 17, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Ed Rode/WireImage)
Reba McEntire performs onstage at rehearsals for the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards week held at the Ford Center at The Star on May 07, 2025 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – FEBRUARY 11: Rock and roll band "The Beatles" perform onstage at the Washington Coliseum on February 11, 1964 in Washington, D.C. (L-R) Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, John Lennon. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
