With all the new songs and artists with different genres and styles entering the music industry, it is difficult to keep a song in the minds and hearts of listeners, especially the younger generation. However, some songs still manage to fit in the changing music taste of the 21st century. Here is a list of 12 songs that are still constantly listened to despite the changing times.
12. Bridge Over Troubled Water
The song was by the American music duo Simon and Garfunkel, it has become their biggest hit single. Bridge Over Troubled Water was the last song they recorded for their final album and is considered to be the duo’s signature song.
It topped the charts during its release and is one of the most performed songs of the 20th century, with one of the versions done by Elvis Presley.
11. Hey Jude
Hey Jude was sung by the famous classic English rock band the Beatles. This single was released in 1968, and has topped the charts from its original release and even until now. It is said to have sold up to 8 million copies, and Billboard magazine even listed it as the 10th biggest song of all time in 2013.
10. Don’t Stop Believin’
This song is one of Journey’s most famous songs and is definitely the most enduring among all their tracks. The song became a hit in the charts during its first release and has become part of the top lists during its resurgences. Don’t Stop Believin’ has been used in several movies and shows even in the 21st century – from the harmonized covers by Glee to the unique twist given by the Alvin and the Chipmunks movie.
9. Let It Be
Another famous song by the classic four, this was one of the songs in the band’s 12th and final album, Let It Be. It was released in 1970 with the album, and also as a single. The song reached number 1 in several charts, some including the UK and the US. Despite the band’s breakup after this final album, the song has remained popular until now and is sung by contestants in a lot of music competitions.
8. Somewhere Over the Rainbow
This song was originally written for the movie Wizard of Oz in 1939 and has become a huge part of the music industry ever since. The American Film Institute has dubbed this as the Greatest Movie Song of All Time. It has been used in a number of big events, such as the Second World War and the STS-88 Space Shuttle Mission.
7. Hallelujah
Unlike other hits that immediately became popular upon release, Hallelujah did not have a pretty great start. This was written by singer Leonard Cohen and was released in his album in 1984.
However, the song started to achieve fame only when John Cale recorded his version, which was then followed by Jeff Buckley’s. It became even more popular when it was used for the 2001 Shrek film, and is now being used in contests, soundtracks, and online covers.
6. Stand by Me
Performed by Ben E. King, Stand by Me was released in 1961 and has ranked high in the charts since its release. The song was one of the highest earning songs of 2012, and has been performed by several artists like John Lennon, Prince Royce, and even Florence + the Machine in 2016.
5. Imagine
Written and performed by John Lennon, this song is his best-selling single and has been declared as one of the most performed songs of 2016. It topped off the charts and earned a Grammy Hall of Fame award. Famous artists have also done their rendition of this song, including Madonna, Stevie Wonder, and Emilie Sande.
4. Bohemian Rhapsody
This song by the British rock band Queen topped the charts for weeks when it was released as a single, and is still popular even until today. What makes the song interesting is its lyrics. The words were written by Freddie Mercury, and up until now, there is still a lot of speculations from its listeners about the meaning of the song.
3. Man in the Mirror
Man in the mirror was performed by Michael Jackson and it ranked highly in the US charts during its release. The song is about making a change in this world and starting that change with yourself. It reentered the charts after the death of MJ, and is now one of the most legendary songs of all time.
2. Like a Prayer
This song was performed by famous American singer Madonna. Like a Prayer is said to be the first song sung by a popular artist to be used in a commercial before being released in to the public. What made this even more interesting was how the music video was first released. Instead of showing an extension of the commercial as its video for MTV, Madonna hijacked it and showed the music video that we all came to know now.
1. We Are the World
We are the World was originally recorded by the United Support of Artists (USA) as a benefit single for Africa. The funds raised were given to people in various parts of Africa who are victims of famine and poverty.
The song was recreated in 2010 by the supergroup of artists for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. The song has made a great impact, especially in helping those who are in need, and will always be one of the best songs in history.
The list shows us how music could impact the lives of many people, and how some tunes and words never get old, despite the changing times.
