English is the most spoken language in the world, so it’s only natural that there would be tons of songs in this specific language. However, have you ever wondered what the absolute best songs to be made in the English language were? Because I have.
To finally answer the question of what the best English songs of all time are, I got busy. I scoured the internet, compiling a list of songs based on overall influence, awards won, and, of course, how they sound. While this list might not be ranked in any particular order, I can proudly show you my list of the 50 best English songs of all time.
Below are the 50 best English songs of all time
- Billie Jean (1983) – Michael Jackson
- Bohemian Rhapsody (1975) – Queen
- Hey Jude (1968) – The Beatles
- Perfect (2017) – Ed Sheeran
- Over the Rainbow (1939) – Judy Garland
- See You Again (2015) – Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth
- Like a Rolling Stone (1965) – Bob Dylan
- Smells Like Teen Spirit (1991) – Nirvana
- I Will Always Love You (1992) – Whitney Houston
- Sorry (2015) – Justin Bieber
- Hotel California (1976) – The Eagles
- My Heart Will Go On (1997) – Celine Dion
- Uptown Funk (2014) – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
- Stairway to Heaven (1971) – Led Zeppelin
- Like a Prayer (1989) – Madonna
- Somebody I Used To Know (2011) – Gotye, featuring Kimbra
- Stayin’ Alive (1977) – Bee Gees
- Hips Don’t Lie (2006) – Shakira
- Rolling in The Deep (2010) – Adele
- Can’t Help Falling in Love (1961) – Elvis Presley
- Take Me Home, Country Roads (1971) – John Denver
- Space Oddity (1969) – David Bowie
- Baby One More Time (1998) – Britney Spears
- We Didn’t Start the Fire (1989) – Billy Joel
- Shake It Off (2014) – Taylor Swift
- Rap God (2013) – Eminem
- Eye of the Tiger (1982) – Survivor
- Born to Be Wild (1968) – Steppenwolf
- I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing (1998) – Aerosmith
- In the End (2000) – Linkin Park
- I’ll Make Love To You (1994) – Boyz II Men
- Stand by Me (1961) – Ben E. King
- Roar (2013) – Katy Perry
- Love Me Like You Do (2015) – Ellie Goulding
- Rude (2013) – Magic!
- Hit The Road Jack (1961) – Ray Charles
- Wake Me Up (2013) – Avicii
- All of Me (2013) – John Legend
- Scar Tissue (1999) – Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Paradise City (1987) – Guns N’ Roses
- SexyBack (2006) – Justin Timberlake
- Faded (2015) – Alan Walker
- Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) (2008) – Beyoncé
- Hey Ya! (2003) – OutKast
- Thriller (1982) – Michael Jackson
- Paranoid Android (1997) – Radiohead
- Superstition (1972) – Stevie Wonder
- Señorita (2019) – Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello
- Closer (2016) – The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey
- My Way (1969) – Frank Sinatra
1. Billie Jean (1983) – Michael Jackson
Come on, you know we had to put the legendary “Billie Jean”, the song that popularized the Moon Walk, on this list. Performed by the equally legendary Michael Jackson, the lyrics speak of a woman who claims that the singer is the father of her child. Sounds weird? Well, that’s just the way King of Pop rolled.
Ah yes, how could we forget Michael Jackson’s historic GRAMMY night, when he won eight Grammys in a single day? “Billie Jean” won him two out of those eight Grammys, and those aren’t the only awards this song has won.
2. Bohemian Rhapsody (1975) – Queen
If we talk about songs that had a major influence on the overall music industry, then “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen has to be mentioned. This first of its kind song masterfully blended rock, opera, and even ballad elements to create something entirely new.
Not only has this song won a Grammy Award for Best Arrangement of Voices, but it was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Now that’s something you don’t see happening every day, right?
3. Hey Jude (1968) – The Beatles
Up next is “Hey Jude” by The Beatles. Any music enthusiast will know that this is one of, if not THE most influential and best English song of all time. After all, it spent a grand total of nine weeks taking the number one spot in America’s Billboard Hot 100 chart and also topped many other charts in other countries.
As for its awards, boy does it have a lot. My favorite awards, however, are when “Hey Jude” won the 1968 Grammy Award for Song of the Year and when it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame to cement its spot as a timeless classic.
4. Perfect (2017) – Ed Sheeran
Here’s another song that doesn’t need any introduction, especially if you’ve attended a wedding in your life. Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” gained worldwide recognition thanks to its heartfelt lyrics and heartwarming music video.
As for achievements, I think the biggest achievement this song has is that it played in every wedding I’ve been to. After all, what could be a bigger achievement than being part of so many people’s special days?
5. Over the Rainbow (1939) – Judy Garland
“Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland, who portrayed Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, instantly became a world renowned classic as soon as the movie first came out. The song, having a haunting melody, perfectly portrays Dorothy’s longing for a better world beyond her Kansas home.
Even though it’s quickly approaching a century since the song first came out, it still continues to be loved dearly by fans all around the world. As a matter of fact, back in 2001, the song placed number one on the “Songs of the Century” list compiled by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts.
6. See You Again (2015) – Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth
If you were around in 2015 then you definitely remember hearing “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth being played literally everywhere. The song became a cultural phenomenon worldwide practically overnight thanks to the connection people had with both the Fast and Furious movie franchise as well as the late Paul Walker.
When it comes to awards, this song has a lot to its name. Some of them include two Billboard Music Awards in 2016 for “Top Hot 100 Song” and “Top Rap Song” as well as being nominated for winning the Golden Globe Award and three Grammys.
7. Like a Rolling Stone (1965) – Bob Dylan
“Like a Rolling Stone” is a song that has influenced countless musicians over the years for being, well, so unique. Not only are the lyrics so poetic that they sit in your heart and mind even days after hearing them, but the song also played a pivotal role in shaping the folk-rock and counterculture movements of the 1960s.
Bob Dylan’s masterpiece earned him a Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance in 1991 when the song was rereleased. Additionally, it also ranked number four on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” Was this because they both have the term rolling stone in their names? We will never know.
8. Smells Like Teen Spirit (1991) – Nirvana
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana is considered by many rock fans to be the single best rock song of all time. Released as soon as the ’90s started, this song’s cultural impact cannot be put into words. I would even go as far as to say that this one song perfectly encapsulated that era and is therefore the perfect anthem for that time.
9. I Will Always Love You (1992) – Whitney Houston
While “I Will Always Love You” first hit shelves when it was sung by Dolly Parton in 1973, Whitney Houston was the one to truly take the song to the next level. It has now become a timeless ballad that people all over the world listen to religiously.
Perhaps the most notable thing about this song is just how many awards it has to its name. Two Grammy Awards in 1994, the Academy Award, Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, and Soul Train Music Awards. You name it, Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” has it.
10. Sorry (2015) – Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber is known for many songs throughout his long career. However, when he dropped “Sorry” in 2015, it was as if he was ruling the media for that year. The song had everyone hooked thanks to its catchy beat and very easy to sing along to lyrics.
Additionally, the song also has many wins and nominations to its name. From two Teen Choice Awards in 2016 to being nominated for the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2017, the song had some insane recognition.
11. Hotel California (1976) – The Eagles
“Hotel California” is one of, if not THE most popular song the legendary band, The Eagles, has come out with. Known for its mysterious yet intriguing lyrics and memorable beat, rock fans all over the world think of it as one of the best English songs of all time, and I do too.
After all, it isn’t every day a song wins the Grammy Award for Best Arrangement of Voices AND the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1978. The song also reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
12. My Heart Will Go On (1997) – Celine Dion
While Titanic was indeed a great game, I would personally say that “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion is what really made the movie as popular as it is. After all, the song resonated with audiences all over the world and is still seen as a legendary song more than two decades later.
If I went through all the awards this song won, we’d be here all day. The most notable ones it has won, however, are the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, and several Grammy Awards. Oh, it’s also one of the best-selling singles of all time so that should tell you just how loved it is.
13. Uptown Funk (2014) – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Released in 2014, “Uptown Funk” received critical acclaim thanks to its cheerful lyrics and a beat that just makes you want to get up and dance. The music video has millions upon millions of views, and people still listen to it today, despite it being almost a decade since the song came out. No wonder it won two Grammy Awards in 2016.
14. Stairway to Heaven (1971) – Led Zeppelin
Here’s a song that didn’t become an instant worldwide smash hit like so many other entries on this list. “Stairway to Heaven” didn’t win too many individual awards when it came out back in 1971. However, over five decades later, it’s now recognized as one of the best and most influential rock songs of all time.
15. Like a Prayer (1989) – Madonna
“Like a Prayer” might be Madonna’s controversial song, but it’s also her most iconic song by far. The lyrics of the song explore themes of love, desire, and spirituality. With Madonna’s powerful voice and a catchy melody, it’s no wonder the song is such a bop.
While “Like a Prayer” won and was nominated for multiple awards, my favorite one has to be when it won the Viewer’s Choice award at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards.
16. Somebody I Used To Know (2011) – Gotye, featuring Kimbra
“Somebody I Used To Know” practically CREATED the term one hit wonder. The singers dropped this song, captivated the entire world with their deep and emotional voice and lyrics, and then completely disappeared.
This song has won several, and I mean SEVERAL awards. Two Grammy Awards, an APRA Music Award, and number one on multiple country charts. What more could any artist ask for?
17. Stayin’ Alive (1977) – Bee Gees
“Stayin’ Alive” is one of the most popular English disco songs of all time. As a matter of fact, many claim that this song revived the disco genre thanks to its upbeat beat and lyrics that make you want to go to the nearest dance floor and just start killing it. What, just me?
Don’t believe me? Well, maybe the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals this song won in 1979 can convince you that “Stayin’ Alive” is one of the best English songs of all time.
18. Hips Don’t Lie (2006) – Shakira
“Hips Don’t Lie” is a song by Shakira that came out in 2006 and had everyone getting up and dancing. With the upbeat music featured in the song as well as Shakira’s powerful lyrics, this song was able to win several awards. Two of the most notable awards it won are the MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography in a Video in 2006 and the Billboard Latin Music Award for Hot Latin Song of the Year in 2007.
19. Rolling in The Deep (2010) – Adele
Adele has some of the best vocal chords in the entire music industry in my opinion, and no song displays this more than “Rolling in The Deep.” While this singer has multiple Grammy awards to her name, this song is considered to be the best of her thanks to the out of this world chorus and overall memorable lyrics.
20. Can’t Help Falling in Love (1961) – Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley is one of the most legendary singers of all time, and no song of his shows just why that is more than “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” This iconic ballad is best known for its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics, which explore the themes of love and commitment. As a matter of fact, many, including me, consider it to be Elvis’ best song.
21. Take Me Home, Country Roads (1971) – John Denver
Where are all of my fellow Fallout fans? “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is a timeless country classic that quickly became not only one of the best English songs of all time but also the anthem for West Virginia, where this song is set. The lyrics of this song perfectly encapsulate the beauty of rural life and nature as a whole.
22. Space Oddity (1969) – David Bowie
“Space Oddity” is a masterpiece released by David Bowie. It’s the type of song to make you shed a tear, not only because of how beautiful it is but also because of how heart wrenching the lyrics are. Although it didn’t receive too many awards, the fact that it perfectly conceded with the Apollo 11 moon landing captures that era’s fascination with space exploration.
23. Baby One More Time (1998) – Britney Spears
Pop songs weren’t nearly as popular in the 90s as they are now. However, most would say that Britney Spears was the one to bring pop to the mainstream music industry, and “Baby One More Time” is perhaps her best song. It’s as if the entire world was going “HIT ME BABY ONE MORE TIME” back when the song came out.
Today, the song is celebrated as the perfect anthem to capture the 90s. I mean, Britney’s schoolgirl outfit that she wore in the music video for this song is still one of the most iconic celebrity outfits ever.
24. We Didn’t Start the Fire (1989) – Billy Joel
“We Didn’t Start the Fire” by Billy Joel is known for its rapid-fire lyrics that chronicle various historical events and cultural references from the mid 20th century. This makes the song all the more engaging for listeners and makes it a sort of history lesson for people who were born after the events took place. I mean, what other song can claim to teach their listeners history?
25. Shake It Off (2014) – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is a cultural icon with many notable songs to her name. However, I believe the most memorable one has to be “Shake It Off.” Characterized by a blend of pop and synth pop elements, this song went on to top multiple charts and even won the Song of the Year at the 2015 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
26. Rap God (2013) – Eminem
“Rap God” is one of the best songs of the rapper Eminem, mostly because of the super fast delivery it has. When it first came out, everyone was trying to rap the fast part of the song without missing a beat, showing the influence this song has. As a matter of fact, it was entered in the Guinness Book of World Records 2015 edition for most words in a hit single.
27. Eye of the Tiger (1982) – Survivor
“Eye of the Tiger” is one of the most iconic songs of all time regardless of what language you’re talking about. Being part of the “Rocky III” movie soundtrack, the song is now an anthem for hard workers all over the world who are working and training hard to fulfill their dreams. Talk about cultural influence.
28. Born to Be Wild (1968) – Steppenwolf
“Born to Be Wild” is recognized as one of the best rock songs of all time. Capturing the rebellious feeling of being young perfectly, the upbeat but deep lyrics of the song resonate with the youth of every generation. I think it’s truly a timeless classic.
29. I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing (1998) – Aerosmith
This powerful ballad performed by Aerosmith was released as part of the soundtrack for the film “Armageddon.” As soon as it came out, it instantly reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The emotional and powerful lyrics and vocals just resonate perfectly with listeners and keep us coming back again and again.
30. In the End (2000) – Linkin Park
Linkin Park is the band that most ‘90s and early 2000s kids owe their childhood to, and “In the End” is their most iconic song. Whether you were listening to it in the dark while sitting alone in your room or if it was part of your favorite AMVs, this song has become a cultural anthem for kids of that era all over the world.
31. I’ll Make Love To You (1994) – Boyz II Men
The next one’s a big one. Spending 14 weeks in the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, “I’ll Make Love To You” is one of the most popular and best English songs about love. The harmonious and heartfelt lyrics made it the perfect choice for weddings all over the world, and it’s still seen as one of the most iconic love songs ever released.
32. Stand by Me (1961) – Ben E. King
Another extremely popular song that has also been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame is “Stand by Me.” While I understand that most youngsters might not recognize this song at first, it is still widely regarded as one of, if not THE best English song of all time because of how positive and upbeat the lyrics are.
33. Roar (2013) – Katy Perry
“Roar” is a massively hit song by singer Katy Perry. While she has had some major hit singles, “Roar” continues to be her most iconic and recognizable song thanks to it being an anthem of empowerment and self-confidence.
34. Love Me Like You Do (2015) – Ellie Goulding
Ellie Goulding has some incredible vocals, and no song showcases them better than “Love Me Like You Do.” This song, released as a soundtrack for the movie 50 Shades of Gray, gained worldwide recognition thanks to the sensual lyrics and insanely powerful vocals. I think this song solidified Ellie Goulding’s status as a prominent artist in the pop music scene.
35. Rude (2013) – Magic!
“Rude” has to be one of the catchiest English songs of all time. The reggae-infused sound and the lyrics have me dancing every time I listen to it. Although the lyrics are centered around the singer asking a father for permission to marry his daughter, most listeners tend to focus more on the extremely memorable chorus that put it on the map.
36. Hit The Road Jack (1961) – Ray Charles
One of the most timeless rhythm and blues songs has to be “Hit the Road Jack.” If you’re a travel enthusiast looking for a song to add to your collection to play when you’re on the road then this is the song for you. After all, the song won Ray Charles a Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording in 1961 so it has to be good, right?
37. Wake Me Up (2013) – Avicii
The late Avicii had a way with words, and “Wake Me Up” is where his talent for delivering heartfelt lyrics really shines. The song blends electronic dance music with folk and country elements to create something, well, different. The uplifting feel of the song has become an anthem for people going through hard times all over the world.
38. All of Me (2013) – John Legend
Released in 2013, “All of Me” instantly started receiving worldwide acclamation for its emotional and heartfelt lyrics. It eventually went on to become one of John Legend’s most iconic tracks and it won the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media in 2015.
39. Scar Tissue (1999) – Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Scar Tissue” remains, to this day, the most iconic track the super popular band Red Hot Chili Peppers has come out with. For all of the emotional depth the song has, it has won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song and the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. Two Grammys for one song? Talk about impressive.
40. Paradise City (1987) – Guns N’ Roses
Oh, do you want a song that has energy practically radiating from every second you listen? Well, then might I introduce to you, “Paradise City?” While this song hasn’t won any major award it’s still looked back as one of the most influential and iconic English songs of all time. Honestly, it’s such a bop that I kind of wish I was able to watch it live when it first came out.
41. SexyBack (2006) – Justin Timberlake
“SexyBack” is the song that put Justin Timberlake back on the map after his hiatus, and honestly, I don’t blame anyone for loving this song. With the super catchy electronic beat and lyrics that I can’t let my parents listen to, this is one of the best English songs to listen to while driving.
42. Faded (2015) – Alan Walker
If we’re talking about English songs that are iconic, then I can barely name any songs as identifiable as Alan Walker’s “Faded.” After all, this song used to be featured in every YouTube video in the mid 2010s. People just need one listen to the electronic beat of the song to instantly recognize the song, and I think that’s how you know a song is great.
43. Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) (2008) – Beyoncé
Come on, how could we make a list of the best English songs without mentioning the anthem of female empowerment? Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” is one of the most iconic and influential songs of all time, and the chorus is so catchy it won’t be getting out of your head any time soon.
44. Hey Ya! (2003) – OutKast
I know this is a list of the best English songs, but I don’t think you need to know English to enjoy this song. “Hey Ya!” has to be the most catchy and upbeat song ever made. I mean, every time I listen to it I start feeling all giddy inside.
45. Thriller (1982) – Michael Jackson
That’s right, Michael Jackson is the only singer to be mentioned on this list twice. There’s a reason he’s called The King of Pop after all, right? “Thriller” is another song he released that instantly became a worldwide smash hit.
The zombie dance in the music video alone is one of the most iconic and recognizable music video dances of all time, which showcases the star power of the late Michael Jackson.
46. Paranoid Android (1997) – Radiohead
“Paranoid Android” is Radiohead’s most innovative and complex song of all time. Not only is it over 6 minutes long, but its unconventional structure and challenging sound made it an instant hit with listeners all around the world. The impact this song has had on the music industry is still felt today, and I think it deserves all the love it gets.
47. Superstition (1972) – Stevie Wonder
“Superstition” is a funk and soul classic with a distinctive and catchy clavinet riff that’s instantly recognizable. With two Grammy awards to its name, this is one of the best songs released in the English language.
48. Señorita (2019) – Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello
The name of the song might be in Spanish, but the song itself is in English so I think it’s technically acceptable. “Señorita” is one of the best songs to come out in recent times. Not only was it nominated for a Grammy but it also ended up winning the MTV Video Music Award for Best Collaboration.
49. Closer (2016) – The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey
Being one of the most listened to songs of all time, how could I not mention “Closer” on this list? With its catchy melody, easy to remember lyrics, and Halsey’s beautiful voice added to the mix, how could anyone not like this song?
50. My Way (1969) – Frank Sinatra
Wrapping up this list of the best English songs of all time is an absolute classic. “My Way” by Frank Sinatra is one of this legendary singer’s most iconic songs right next to “Fly Me to the Moon.” It’s a timeless song that has received widespread critical acclaim and immense popularity.
FAQs
Which song is considered to be the most influential English song of all time?
“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen is widely considered to be one of, if not THE most influential English song of all time for its unique composition and timeless popularity.
Which English song is often considered one of the greatest pop songs of all time?
“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson, released in 1983, is often considered one of the greatest pop songs of all time.