The Most Underrated Song, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the song you think is the most underrated!

Updated on May 8, 2024 06:59

Music enthusiasts often debate the merits of various songs, particularly those that may not have climbed the charts but still resonate with a devoted audience. A song considered underrated can provide a unique listening experience, distinct from mainstream tracks. By focusing on these less celebrated gems, listeners can uncover new favorites and appreciate the breadth of musical creativity. This site empowers music fans to cast their votes for songs they believe deserve more recognition. Each vote helps to shape a live ranking, reflecting current public opinion on hidden musical treasures. Participation not only aids in giving these songs their due credit but also enriches the musical landscape for all users by bringing diverse tracks into the spotlight.

What Is the Most Underrated Song?

1

45
votes

"Kiss Me" by Sixpence None The Richer

This song is often dismissed as a cheesy, pop love song, but it has enduring popularity and has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows.
2

32
votes

"The Freshmen" by The Verve Pipe

This haunting ballad about the regrets of youth was a huge hit in the 90s, but is often overlooked today.
3

12
votes

"All the Small Things" by Blink-182

This catchy pop-punk anthem is often dismissed as juvenile, but it's a perfect example of the band's talent for writing memorable hooks.
4

23
votes
"Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman

Tracy Chapman

This poignant ballad about escaping poverty and hardship is often overlooked in favor of Chapman's more upbeat hits.
Fast Car by Tracy Chapman is a poignant and reflective folk-rock song that delves into the struggles of a young woman trying to escape her circumstances. The lyrics depict her dream of having a fast car to leave it all behind and find a better life. The song embodies themes of hope, ambition, and the desire for freedom, while also touching on issues like poverty, family dynamics, and the pursuit of happiness.

Lyrics: Tracy Chapman

Label: Elektra

Peak chart positions: Multiple national charts

Genre: Folk-rock

Album: Tracy Chapman (1988)
5

18
votes
"Slide" by Goo Goo Dolls

Goo Goo Dolls

This catchy, melodic song is often overshadowed by the band's massive hit "Iris," but it's a fan favorite and a great example of their songwriting skills.
"Slide" is a song by the American rock band Goo Goo Dolls. It was released as a single from their sixth studio album, Dizzy Up the Girl, in 1998. The song combines rock and pop elements with introspective lyrics, showcasing the band's ability to create catchy yet thought-provoking music. "Slide" is often regarded as one of the Goo Goo Dolls' most underrated songs, as it may not have received as much mainstream attention as some of their other hits, but it has remained a fan favorite.

Album: Dizzy Up the Girl

Release Year: 1998

Genre: Rock, Pop

Duration: 3 minutes, 33 seconds

Songwriters: Johnny Rzeznik
6

11
votes
"Friday I'm in Love" by The Cure

The Cure

This upbeat, poppy song is often dismissed as uncharacteristic of the band's dark, brooding sound, but it's a beloved classic.
'Friday I'm in Love' is a song by The Cure, a British rock band known for their unique blend of alternative and gothic rock. The track was released as a single in 1992 and is considered one of their most successful and popular songs. It combines catchy lyrics, an upbeat tempo, and a joyful melody, making it stand out from their typically moody and introspective style. 'Friday I'm in Love' is a celebration of the joy and excitement of being in love, capturing the feeling of anticipation and happiness that comes with the weekend and spending time with a loved one.

Genre: Alternative rock

Released: 1992

Album: Wish

Length: 3:35

Writer(s): Robert Smith, Perry Bamonte, Simon Gallup, Porl Thompson, Boris Williams
7

12
votes
"Come On Eileen" by Dexys Midnight Runners

Dexys Midnight Runners

This infectious, 80s pop hit is often dismissed as a novelty song, but it's a classic for a reason.
Come On Eileen is a popular one-hit wonder song released by Dexys Midnight Runners in 1982. It is a mix of pop, rock, and Celtic folk influences, known for its catchy melody and lyrical storytelling. The song is characterized by its energetic tempo, bouncy rhythm, and the dynamic vocals of lead singer Kevin Rowland. Come On Eileen became a massive hit worldwide, reaching number one on the charts in various countries.

Genre: Pop, rock, Celtic folk

Release Year: 1982

Chart Performance: Reached number one in multiple countries

Lead Singer: Kevin Rowland

Tempo: Energetic
"Come On Eileen" by Dexys Midnight Runners in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular one-hit wonder
8

11
votes

"Linger" by The Cranberries

This haunting, ethereal ballad is often overlooked in favor of the band's more upbeat hits, but it's a standout track on their debut album.
9

4
votes
"Flagpole Sitta" by Harvey Danger

Harvey Danger

This catchy, alt-rock song was a huge hit in the 90s, but is often overlooked today. It's a great example of the genre and a fan favorite.
Flagpole Sitta is a song by the American alternative rock band Harvey Danger. It was released as a single in 1997 and later included on their debut album, 'Where Have All the Merrymakers Gone?'. The song gained moderate popularity upon its release, but has since become critically acclaimed and beloved by fans for its catchy hooks, insightful lyrics, and infectious energy.

Genre: Alternative rock

Release Year: 1997

Album: Where Have All the Merrymakers Gone?

Length: 3:38

Writer(s): Sean Nelson
10

6
votes
"Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia

Natalie Imbruglia

This catchy pop song is often dismissed as a one-hit wonder, but it's a classic of the late 90s and remains a popular karaoke choice.
Torn is a popular Australian song performed by Natalie Imbruglia. It was released in 1997 as the lead single from her debut studio album 'Left of the Middle'. The song became one of Natalie Imbruglia's signature hits and achieved great success worldwide.

Release Date: 1997

Album: Left of the Middle

Genre: Pop

Length: 4 minutes and 5 seconds

Songwriter(s): Anne Preven, Scott Cutler, Phil Thornalley
"Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular Australian song

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Ranking factors for underrated song

Quality of the song

The overall quality of the song should be taken into account. This includes factors such as the lyrics, melody, composition, and arrangement.
Reception and popularity

The song's reception and popularity are also important. If a song has been overlooked by fans and critics despite being a great song, then it can be considered underrated.
Cultural or historical significance

Some songs may not have been popular when they were first released, but have since gained cultural or historical significance. These songs can also be considered underrated.
Timelessness

Songs that were released a long time ago and are still relevant and enjoyable today can also be considered underrated.
Influence on other artists

If a song has influenced other artists or genres, but isn't widely recognized for it, then it can be considered underrated.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most underrated 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

2291 views
173 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 underrated song

Music is one of the most universal forms of art, with a song for every mood and occasion. However, despite the plethora of songs available, some hidden gems tend to go unnoticed or underappreciated. These underrated songs may not have topped the charts or received mainstream attention, but they continue to resonate with a select group of listeners who appreciate their unique qualities. Underrated songs can be found in any genre, from pop to rock to hip-hop, and can be from any era, from the 1960s to the present day. Discovering the most underrated songs can be a truly rewarding experience for music lovers. So, let's explore some of the most underrated songs and give them the recognition they deserve.