Some songs fade away quickly, but others become timeless classics. These enduring songs don’t always need deep lyrics; sometimes, a catchy beat or a memorable dance is enough. Here are ten songs that have truly stood the test of time and can be found on playlists everywhere.
“All Shook Up” – Elvis Presley
The story behind Elvis Presley’s “All Shook Up” is quite interesting. It’s said that songwriter Otis Blackwell wrote it after seeing someone shake a Pepsi bottle, inspiring him to write a song about being ‘all shook up.’
Another story claims that Presley had a dream in which he woke up “all shook up.” He called a friend, and together they wrote the song. Recorded in January 1957, it topped the Billboard Top 100 for eight weeks and was Presley’s first UK number one, selling over two million copies. This song helped break down racial barriers in the USA during the rock and roll revolution of the 50s.
“The Loco-Motion” – Little Eva
Dance crazes didn’t start with the Macarena; they began in the 50s. “The Loco-Motion,” released in 1962, continued this trend. Written by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, the song wasn’t inspired by Eva Boyd dancing while doing chores, but Boyd was chosen to record it after Dee Dee Sharp declined.
“The Loco-Motion” sparked a line dance craze and hit the American Top 3 three times in different decades. Eva Boyd became Little Eva and created dance steps for live performances. In 1987, Kylie Minogue covered the song, leading to a record deal with PWL Records.
“The Twist” – Chubby Checker
Speaking of dance crazes, Chubby Checker’s version of Hank Ballard & The Midnighters’ “The Twist” still gets people twisting after more than 60 years. Released in 1960 and again in 1962, it topped the Hot 100 both times.
In a 2020 interview, Checker said the song’s popularity came from “dancing apart to the beat because we don’t touch each other…because of the style of the dance.” Sounds perfect for social distancing!
“Hotel California” – The Eagles
The 70s were a decade of disco, bell-bottoms, and peace. Music thrived with ABBA, Fleetwood Mac, and Diana Ross releasing hits. Rock also left its mark with songs like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
In 1976, The Eagles released “Hotel California,” originally called “Mexican Reggae.” The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame credited it as shaping rock and roll, inducting the band in 1998. It remains their most famous song, performed live over a thousand times.
“When Doves Cry” – Prince
The 80s are considered a golden age for movies, TV, and music. Great songs like “Sweet Child O’Mine” and “Billie Jean” were released. And who could forget Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up?”
One standout from this era is Prince’s “When Doves Cry.” Film director Albert Magnoli asked Prince to write a song reflecting parental issues and love for the movie, Purple Rain. Prince created two songs, including “When Doves Cry,” which became his first Billboard Hot 100 number one hit and a worldwide sensation.
“(I’ve had) The Time of My Life” – Bill Medley, Jennifer Warnes
The 80s are known for fantastic movie soundtracks, like Top Gun, Flashdance, and Footloose.
Dirty Dancing is one of the most popular movies with an iconic soundtrack. Songs from The Ronettes and Bruce Channel are featured, but the most karaoke-d tune is the one from the final dance scene. “The Time of My Life” won awards, including an Oscar for Best Original Song, and remains a frequently played radio hit worldwide.
Donna Summer and Joe Esposito were originally supposed to record the song, but Summer was turned off by the film’s title.
“Black or White” – Michael Jackson
For those who grew up in the 90s, it might be surprising that it’s been over 30 years. But let’s focus on the great music! While the 90s introduced pop stars like Britney Spears and the Spice Girls, it was also the era of Nirvana, Radiohead, and Oasis.
By the 90s, Michael Jackson was a superstar with the best-selling album of all time, Thriller. In 1991, he released the catchy “Black or White,” a ‘rock dance song about racial harmony.’ It quickly climbed the Billboard Hot 100 and became the best-selling single worldwide in 1992.
“Joyride” – Roxette
Also in 1991, Swedish pop rock duo Roxette released their third album, featuring “Joyride” as the lead single. The song became one of their biggest hits, topping charts in Europe and the USA.
Roxette drew inspiration from 60s rock and had 19 top 40 hits in the UK and four number ones in America. Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson were honored with their own stamps in Sweden. The band is the country’s second best-selling music act, after ABBA.
“I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” – Meat Loaf
The 90s were also the decade of power ballads, with releases like “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” and “Wind of Change.”
A power ballad that has stood the test of time is Meat Loaf’s 12-minute “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).” The song was a massive hit, reaching number 1 in 28 countries and earning Meat Loaf a Grammy.
The line “But I Won’t Do That” caused confusion among fans. In 2014, Meat Loaf explained that the words refer to the line before each chorus.
“Mr Brightside” – The Killers
By the early 2000s, boy bands were fading, and R&B took over the charts. Post-punk and alternative rock were popular, and country music remained strong.
Between 2000 and 2009, many memorable songs were released, including “Rehab” by Amy Winehouse and “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga.
One of the best songs from this decade is The Killers’ “Mr Brightside.” This upbeat song about jealousy became a sing-along favorite after its release in 2003 and holds the record for one of the longest-charting songs in UK history, with 208 weeks.
These ten songs have proven their staying power, continuing to resonate with listeners across generations. From Elvis Presley’s rock and roll energy to The Killers’ modern rock anthem, these tunes remain relevant and beloved.
Which of these timeless songs is your absolute favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
