In July 2017, I published a list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It’s not terrible, but I don’t exactly agree with it anymore. Plus, a list of a 1,000 songs offers much more variety and leaves me feeling better about not excluding a ton of great music. In this list, you’ll find foundational songs for just about every genre spanning nearly the last 100 years.
As hefty as the list is, the 1,000 Greatest Songs of All Time will be released in four parts: 1,000-751, 750-501, 500-251 & 250-1.
1000. Paul & Linda McCartney – “Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey” (1971)
999. The Beta Band – “Dry the Rain” (1997)
998. The Whispers – “And the Beat Goes On” (1979)
997. Broadcast – “Come On Let’s Go” (2000)
996. Charli XCX – “Track 10” (2017)
995. Faust – “It’s a Rainy Day, Sunshine Girl” (1972)
994. Barry White – “Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up” (1973)
993. Van Halen – “Runnin’ with the Devil” (1978)
992. Anderson .Paak (ft. ScHoolboy Q) – “Am I Wrong” (2015)
991. Eagles – “One of These Nights” (1975)
990. Real Estate – “It’s Real” (2011)
989. The Ink Spots – “If I Didn’t Care” (1939)
988. Anita Baker – “Sweet Love” (1986)
987. Interpol – “Obstacle 1” (2002)
986. Minnie Riperton – “Les Fleurs” (1970)
985. Billy Joel – “Vienna” (1977)
984. Cut Copy – “Hearts on Fire” (2007)
983. Cybotron – “Clear” (1983)
982. William DeVaughn – “Be Thankful for What You Got” (1974)
981. Death Cab for Cutie – “A Movie Script Ending” (2001)
980. Pulp – “Sunrise” (2001)
979. Ramones – “Sheena Is a Punk Rocker” (1977)
978. CHIC – “I Want Your Love” (1978)
977. Whitney Houston – “How Will I Know” (1985)
976. EPMD – “You Gots to Chill” (1988)
975. Jorge Ben – “Taj Mahal” (1976)
974. Nelly Furtado – “Maneater” (2006)
973. Giorgio Moroder – “Chase” (1978)
972. Bill Withers – “Use Me” (1972)
971. Glen Campbell – “Southern Nights” (1977)
970. Japandroids – “Younger Us” (2010)
969. Sister Rosetta Tharpe – “This Train” (1930s)
968. Minor Threat – “Minor Threat” (1981)
967. Massive Attack – “Angel” (1998)
966. The Chi-Lites – “Have You Seen Her” (1971)
965. Muddy Waters – “Rollin’ Stone” (1950)
964. Jay Reatard – “My Shadow” (2006)
963. Steve Reich – “It’s Gonna Rain” (1965)
962. Green Day – “Longview” (1994)
961. Mitski – “Nobody” (2018)
960. Cerrone – “Supernature” (1977)
959. Alicia Keys – “Fallin'” (2001)
958. Rick James – “Give It to Me Baby” (1981)
957. Zoo Kid – “Out Getting Ribs” (2010)
956. Paul Simon – “Graceland” (1986)
955. The Marvelettes – “Please Mr. Postman” (1961)
954. Tenor Saw – “Ring the Alarm” (1985)
953. David Byrne / Brian Eno – “Strange Overtones” (2008)
952. Leroy Carr – “How Long, How Long Blues” (1928)
951. Los Campesinos! – “You! Me! Dancing!” (2007)
Bitter Melodies 