The Most Popular Single of All Time, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the single you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 24, 2024 07:37
Music has always had a profound effect on society, shaping cultural movements and connecting generations. The debate over the most popular single of all time is ongoing and subjective, with different eras valuing different sounds and storytelling techniques. By ranking these singles, we not only engage in a collective celebration of musical artistry but also trace the evolution of popular music through the years.
Each vote cast on this site helps to more accurately reflect the current public opinion and provides a snapshot of collective tastes spanning decades. This dynamic process ensures that the list adapts over time, incorporating new hits and acknowledging shifting musical landscapes. Your participation is essential; it adds depth to the ongoing discussion and helps in defining which single stands out across time and cultures.
What Is the Most Popular Single of All Time?
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177votes
"White Christmas" by Bing Crosby
Bing CrosbyThis classic Christmas song has sold over 50 million copies worldwide and is considered the best-selling single of all time.White Christmas is a classic holiday song that was originally performed by Bing Crosby. It was written by Irving Berlin and released in 1942. The song has become one of the most popular and beloved Christmas songs of all time, capturing the essence of the holiday season. Bing Crosby's warm and soothing voice, combined with the beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics, make White Christmas a timeless favorite that continues to resonate with audiences today.- Year of Release: 1942
- Writer: Irving Berlin
- Genre: Christmas, Pop
- Record Label: Decca Records
- Certifications: 10x Platinum
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235votes
"Candle in the Wind 1997" by Elton John
Elton JohnThis tribute song to Princess Diana sold over 33 million copies and is the second best-selling single of all time.Candle in the Wind 1997 is a tribute song originally written and performed by Elton John. It was released in 1997 as a dedication to the late Princess Diana. The song quickly became one of the most popular singles of all time, achieving immense global success.- Release Date: September 1997
- Genre: Soft Rock, Pop
- Length: 4:11
- Label: Rocket, A&M
- Chart Performance: Reached number one in multiple countries
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319votesThis early rock and roll hit helped to popularize the genre and has sold over 25 million copies."Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley & His Comets in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular rock-and-roll song of all time
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414votesThis powerful ballad from the movie The Bodyguard has sold over 20 million copies and won multiple awards."I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular cover song
- Position 3 of 10 in Most beautiful pop song
- Position 5 of 10 in Most difficult song to sing
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous song lyrics
- Position 7 of 10 in Most dramatic song
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular wedding hymn
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56votes
Queen · Public domainThis epic rock song is one of the most iconic and beloved singles of all time, selling over 15 million copies worldwide."Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous old songs
- Position 1 of 10 in Most dramatic song
- Position 2 of 10 in Most beautiful rock song
- Position 3 of 10 in Most fun Karaoke song
- Position 6 of 10 in Most beautiful lyrics of all time
- Position 6 of 10 in Most difficult song to sing
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69votes
"Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson
Michael JacksonThis classic pop hit from the King of Pop has sold over 10 million copies and won multiple awards.Billie Jean is a song by Michael Jackson, released in 1982 as the second single from his legendary album Thriller. It is widely regarded as one of the most successful and iconic songs of all time, and it solidified Jackson's status as a global pop superstar. The song combines elements of pop, funk, and disco, with a captivating bassline and infectious rhythm. Lyrically, Billie Jean tells the story of a woman who claims that Jackson is the father of her child, leading to a tale of denial, suspicion, and personal struggle. The song's strong beats, catchy melody, and Jackson's captivating vocals contribute to its timeless appeal.- Album: Thriller
- Release Date: January 2, 1983
- Genre: Pop, Funk, Disco
- Length: 4 minutes and 54 seconds
- Songwriter(s): Michael Jackson
"Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular MTV music video
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous song lyrics
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79votes
"Hey Jude" by The Beatles
The BeatlesThis timeless classic from the Beatles has sold over 8 million copies and is widely regarded as one of the greatest songs of all time.Hey Jude is a iconic song by The Beatles, released in 1968. It was written by Paul McCartney and is considered one of their most famous and successful tracks. With its heartfelt lyrics and catchy melody, the song has become an anthem for perseverance and support during difficult times. Hey Jude is characterized by its beautiful piano accompaniment, soulful vocals, and a stunning outro that features the repeated refrain 'na na na na'. The track has a runtime of approximately 7 minutes and 11 seconds.- Release Date: 1968
- Writer: Paul McCartney
- Genre: Rock
- Album: The Beatles (also known as the White Album)
- Runtime: 7:11
"Hey Jude" by The Beatles in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous song lyrics
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85votes
"Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers
The Righteous BrothersThis romantic ballad has been covered by many artists and has sold over 8 million copies.Unchained Melody is a classic romantic ballad by The Righteous Brothers. It was released in 1965 and has since become one of the most beloved and widely recognized love songs of all time. The song starts with a gentle piano melody accompanied by a haunting and soulful vocal performance. As the song progresses, the intensity builds, adding layers of orchestration and harmonies, creating a passionate and emotional atmosphere. The lyrics speak of longing, devotion, and the yearning for a deep connection with a loved one. The combination of heartfelt vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and sweeping musical arrangement makes Unchained Melody a timeless anthem of love and longing.- Release Date: 1965
- Genre: Pop, Rock
- Duration: 3 minutes 39 seconds
- Songwriters: Alex North, Hy Zaret
- Producer: Phil Spector
"Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular love song of all time
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular song sung at funerals
- Position 6 of 10 in Most beautiful pop song
- Position 8 of 10 in Most romantic music video
- Position 8 of 10 in Most beautiful song to sing
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99votesThis classic Elvis hit has sold over 5 million copies and is one of his most popular singles.
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109votesThis early Beatles hit helped to launch the British Invasion and has sold over 5 million copies."I Want to Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular rock-and-roll song of all time
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular single
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Sales figuresThe number of copies sold can be a good indicator of a song's popularity.
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Chart successA song's performance on various music charts, such as the Billboard Hot 100 or the UK Singles Chart, can also be used to determine its popularity.
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Streaming and digital downloadsIn the modern era, the number of streams and downloads a song receives can also be a good measure of its popularity.
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Cultural impactA song's influence on popular culture, including its use in movies, TV shows, commercials, and other media, can also be a factor in determining its popularity.
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LongevityA song's staying power and continued success over time can also be an important factor in its overall popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular single of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or single is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1834 views
- 190 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each single once every 24 hours. The rank of each single is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular single of all time
Background:
Music has the power to evoke emotions and bring people together. Throughout history, we have seen countless songs become cultural phenomena, influencing generations and standing the test of time. With so many iconic and memorable tracks to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which is the most popular single of all time.
Over the years, music fans have debated and analyzed the impact of numerous songs, but there are a few that consistently come out on top. Whether it's a catchy melody, relatable lyrics, or a groundbreaking sound, these tracks have captured the hearts and minds of millions around the world.
From classic rock anthems to pop ballads, the contenders for the title of "most popular single" are diverse and varied. Some have been around for decades, while others are more recent additions to the musical landscape. Regardless of their age, all of these songs have had a profound impact on the way we listen to and appreciate music.
So, what is the most popular single of all time? The answer may be subjective, but there are a few tracks that have secured their place in music history. Join us as we explore some of the most iconic and beloved songs ever recorded.
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