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.
Steven Tyler of rock group Aerosmith posing with his 1956 Mercedes 220S at Jamaica Pond, Boston MA October 9, 1975
Julija Wolkowa und Jelena Katina von der russischen Mädchenband "t.A.T.u." bei einem Fotoshooting in Deutschland, 2003. Julija Wolkowa and Jelena Katina of the Russian girl band "t.A.T.u." during a promotional photo shooting in Germany, 2003. (Photo by Fryderyk Gabowicz/picture alliance via Getty Images)
American folk and pop performers Art Garfunkel (left) and Paul Simon stand on a street during the filming of a televison special called 'Songs of America,' which aired on November 30, 1969. (Photo by CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images)
INDIO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 25: (FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY) (NOT TO BE LICENSED FOR ANY STANDALONE OR SPECIAL INTEREST BOOK PUBLISHING USE CONCERNING THE COACHELLA MUSIC FESTIVAL AND/OR STAGECOACH MUSIC FESTIVAL) Singer S.G Goodman performs on the Palomino Stage during day 2 of Stagecoach Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 25, 2026 in Indio, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Stagecoach)
