The Most Popular Cantonese Song, Ranked

Choose the song you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:32
In the heart of bustling streets in Hong Kong, amidst the chatter and the vibrant market sounds, there lies a melodious pulse that keeps the culture thriving — Cantonese songs. Each melody tells a story, some of love and others of the everyday struggle, resonating with listeners from all walks of life. By ranking these songs, we offer a unique glimpse into which tunes strike a chord most powerfully with the audience. This dynamic ranking adjusts with each vote, reflecting real-time changes in music preferences. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Cantonese music or a newcomer eager to delve into its rhythms, your votes help paint a clearer picture of current trends. By participating, you not only discover new music but also influence which songs rise to prominence.

What Is the Most Popular Cantonese Song?

  1. 1
    80
    votes
    This is the theme song for the popular TVB drama of the same name, and is known for its powerful and emotive lyrics.
    Beyond the Realm of Conscience (宮心計) is a popular Cantonese theme song for the Hong Kong television drama series of the same name. The series focuses on the power struggle and intrigues within the imperial court during the Ming Dynasty. The song reflects the complex emotions and ambitions of the characters in the show.
    • Language: Cantonese
    • Genre: Theme Song
    • Composer: Joseph Koo
    • Lyricist: Yip Siu-dak
    • Year of Release: 2009
  2. 2
    30
    votes
    This classic love ballad has been covered by many artists and is a popular choice at karaoke bars.
    Lovers' Tears (情人淚) is a popular Cantonese song performed by Alan Tam, a renowned Hong Kong singer and actor. The song was released in 1984 and quickly gained widespread popularity in the Cantonese music scene. It is a heart-wrenching ballad that depicts the emotional struggle and tears of lovers who have to part ways.
    • Release Year: 1984
    • Genre: Cantonese Pop
    • Language: Cantonese
    • Length: 4:17
    • Album: 赤地雪
  3. 3
    33
    votes
    This iconic rock anthem is considered one of the greatest Cantonese songs of all time, with its powerful lyrics and catchy melody.
  4. 4
    20
    votes
    Although originally sung in Mandarin, this romantic ballad has been translated into Cantonese and is beloved by many.
    The Moon Represents My Heart (月亮代表我的心) is a popular Cantonese song originally sung by Taiwanese singer Teresa Teng in the 1970s. It is a romantic ballad that has become an enduring classic in Chinese music. The song is known for its soft melody and heartfelt lyrics, which revolve around the moon symbolizing the singer's deep love and yearning for someone. It has been covered by various artists and remains one of Teresa Teng's most beloved songs.
    • Duration: 3:23
    • Language: Cantonese
    • Genre: Ballad
    • Year of Release: 1977
    • Original Recording Label: Polydor
  5. 5
    12
    votes
    This melancholic ballad is known for its beautiful melody and touching lyrics about the passing of time.
    The Song of Sunset (夕陽之歌) is a popular Cantonese song performed by Roman Tam (羅文). It was released in 1971 and has since become one of his most iconic and enduring songs. The lyrics, written by James Wong (黃霑), evoke feelings of nostalgia and longing as they depict a beautiful sunset and its emotional impact on the singer.
    • Year of release: 1971
    • Genre: Cantonese Pop
    • Lyrics: James Wong (黃霑)
    • Language: Cantonese
    • Length: 3 minutes 37 seconds
  6. 6
    14
    votes
    This patriotic song has become an unofficial anthem for Hong Kong, with its lyrics about the resilience and strength of the people.
    Under the Lion Rock (獅子山下) is a popular Cantonese song written by Joseph Koo. It is considered an anthem of Hong Kong and is recognized as one of the most iconic and enduring songs in Cantopop history. The song was first performed in 1975 as the theme song for the TV drama series of the same name, which became a massive success and resonated with the Hong Kong people due to its portrayal of the challenges and resilience of ordinary citizens living beneath Lion Rock, a famous landmark mountain in Hong Kong.
    • Language: Cantonese
    • Year of Release: 1975
    • Theme: Resilience and unity
    • Associated TV Series: Under the Lion Rock
    • Lyricist: James Wong
  7. 7
    5
    votes
    This heartfelt ballad is a tribute to the importance of friendship, and has become a popular song for graduations and farewells.
    朋友 (Friends) is a popular Cantonese song performed by Faye Wong. It was originally released in 1994 and quickly became one of her signature songs. The song is a heartfelt ballad about friendship and has resonated with audiences for its emotional lyrics and Faye Wong's distinctive vocals. It has since become a classic in Mandopop and frequently performed at concerts and karaoke sessions.
    • Year of Release: 1994
    • Genre: Cantonese Pop
    • Language: Cantonese
    • Duration: 4 minutes 50 seconds
    • Album: Coming Home
  8. 8
    8
    votes
    This powerful rock song is a commentary on the social and political issues facing Hong Kong, and has become an anthem for the city's youth.
  9. 9
    6
    votes
    This emotional ballad is known for its powerful vocals and moving lyrics about the pain of lost love.
    Love Without Regrets (愛無可戀) is a popular Cantonese song by Andy Lau. Released in 1990, it is a heartfelt ballad that explores themes of love and longing. The song showcases Lau's emotive vocals and has resonated with listeners for decades.
    • Year of Release: 1990
    • Genre: Cantonese ballad
    • Language: Cantonese
    • Length: 4 minutes and 15 seconds
    • Album: The Days We Stood Still
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    This upbeat song is a celebration of the energy and spirit of Hong Kong, and has become a beloved classic.
    Red Sun (紅日) is a popular Cantonese song written and performed by Sam Hui, a renowned Hong Kong singer-songwriter. The song was released in 1979 and has since become one of Hui's most iconic and enduring hits. It is known for its catchy melody, heartfelt lyrics, and powerful vocals, making it a beloved anthem for many Cantonese-speaking communities. Red Sun reflects on the complexities of life, the pursuit of dreams, and the importance of staying hopeful and strong in the face of challenges.
    • Title: Red Sun (紅日)
    • Year of Release: 1979
    • Language: Cantonese
    • Genre: Cantopop
    • Lyricist: Sam Hui

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Ranking factors for popular song

  1. Number of streams and downloads
    Track the number of times the song has been streamed or downloaded on various music platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, and YouTube.
  2. Radio airplay
    Monitor how frequently the song is being played on radio stations, both local and international.
  3. Chart performance
    Check the song's position on relevant music charts, such as the Hong Kong Top 10 or the Chinese Music Chart.
  4. Social media activity
    Measure the level of engagement the song has on social media, including likes, shares, and comments on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
  5. Music video views
    Consider the number of views the song's music video has on platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.
  6. Awards and nominations
    Evaluate the song's success in terms of awards or nominations it has received from music organizations or competitions.
  7. Public opinion
    Take into account the general public's opinion about the song, gathered through reviews, comments, and feedback on various platforms.
  8. Longevity
    Assess how long the song has remained popular and relevant in the Cantonese music scene.
  9. Collaborations and endorsements
    Evaluate the popularity of the artists who have collaborated on the song or endorsed it, as well as the brands or products associated with it.
  10. Cultural impact
    Consider the song's impact on popular culture, showcasing influence on other artists, trends, or styles in the Cantonese music scene.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Cantonese song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 3473 views
  • 202 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular cantonese song

Cantonese music has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. It is a genre that blends traditional Chinese music with Western influences, resulting in a unique sound that is popular not only in Hong Kong but also in other Chinese-speaking regions. Cantonese music has evolved over the years, from the classic ballads of the 1950s and 1960s to the more modern and upbeat pop songs of today. Some of the most popular Cantonese songs are known for their catchy melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and emotional performances. With such a vast repertoire of songs to choose from, it's no wonder that people continue to enjoy and appreciate Cantonese music to this day.

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