Cole Porter. The name itself conjures images of smoky jazz clubs, shimmering gowns, and witty, sophisticated lyrics. But beyond the glamorous image lies a catalog of songs that continue to resonate with audiences decades after they were written. If you're searching for the crème de la crème of his impressive oeuvre, you've come to the right place. This definitive list tackles the question everyone asks: what are the best songs by Cole Porter? We've delved deep into his remarkable songwriting career to curate a collection of his most iconic and enduring works, perfect for seasoned Porter fans and newcomers alike. Whether you're looking to add some timeless elegance to your playlist, understand the evolution of American popular music, or simply enjoy beautifully crafted melodies and lyrics, discovering the best songs by Cole Porter is a journey worth taking. Prepare to be swept away by his unmatched wit, charm, and undeniable musical genius.
| Song | Listens |
|---|---|
| 1. I Love Paris | 12M+ |
| 2. Blow, Gabriel, Blow | 2M+ |
| 3. Night and Day | 2M+ |
| 4. You're the Top | 1M+ |
| 5. Begin the Beguine | 969K+ |
| 6. Let's Do It, Let's Fall in Love | 852K+ |
| 7. So In Love | 730K+ |
1. I Love Paris - 2025
Sophisticated Melody: "I Love Paris" boasts a delightfully sophisticated melody, characteristic of Porter's elegant style, making it instantly recognizable and memorable.
Lyrical Wit: The lyrics are brimming with Porter's signature witty and romantic observations about Parisian life, capturing its charm with effortless grace.
Enduring Appeal: Its timeless quality ensures "I Love Paris" remains a beloved standard in the Cole Porter repertoire, showcasing his masterful ability to craft enduringly popular songs.
2. Blow, Gabriel, Blow
Lyrical Sophistication: "Blow, Gabriel, Blow" showcases Porter's signature wit and wordplay, creating a sophisticated yet accessible narrative within its lyrical structure.
Swinging Rhythm: The song boasts an irresistible swing rhythm that's both danceable and undeniably catchy, perfectly embodying the spirit of the era.
Enduring Appeal: Its clever lyrics and infectious melody have ensured its place as a classic, frequently performed and beloved by audiences for generations, solidifying its position among Porter's best.
3. Night and Day
Sophisticated Melody: "Night and Day" showcases Porter's masterful ability to craft a melody both instantly catchy and endlessly sophisticated, a hallmark of his best work.
Unforgettable Lyricism: The lyrics, filled with yearning and a touch of melancholic wit, are as memorable as the tune itself, perfectly capturing the bittersweet nature of love and longing.
Enduring Popularity: Its enduring appeal is a testament to Porter's genius; "Night and Day" remains a staple in the Great American Songbook, continually captivating audiences across generations.
4. You're the Top (Cole Porter - 2025)
Upbeat Tempo and Rhythm: "You're the Top" boasts a relentlessly cheerful tempo and a driving rhythm that's impossible not to tap your foot to, perfectly embodying Porter's knack for creating infectious melodies.
Satirical Lyrics and Clever Wordplay: The song's witty lyrics, filled with playful comparisons and escalating hyperbole, showcase Porter's masterful command of language and his ability to create a sophisticated yet accessible sound.
Enduring Popularity: Its enduring appeal is a testament to Porter's genius, securing its place as a classic among his best-loved works and a staple in musical theater history.
5. Begin the Beguine (Cole Porter)
Sophisticated Melody: "Begin the Beguine" showcases Cole Porter's masterful ability to craft a melody that is both instantly catchy and sophisticatedly complex, a hallmark of his best work.
Unforgettable Rhythm: The song's rhythmic drive is irresistible, making it perfect for dancing and ensuring its enduring appeal across generations. It's a rhythmic masterpiece that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.
Vocal Performance Potential: The song's structure provides ample opportunities for vocalists to showcase their range and phrasing, contributing to its enduring popularity among performers and listeners alike.
6. Let's Do It, Let's Fall in Love (1928)
Sophisticated Melody: "Let's Do It, Let's Fall in Love" showcases Porter's signature blend of sophisticated melody and playful innuendo, a hallmark of his most celebrated works.
Irresistible Rhythm: The song's irresistible rhythm and upbeat tempo make it instantly captivating and perfect for a celebratory mood, embodying the carefree spirit often associated with Porter's best-known compositions.
Enduring Appeal: Its enduring appeal stems from a clever combination of witty lyrics and a timeless musicality that continues to resonate with listeners across generations, securing its place among Porter's most enduring classics.
7. So In Love (Cole Porter - 2025)
Lyrical Sophistication: "So In Love" showcases Porter's signature wit and romanticism, crafting a lyrical tapestry of elegant yearning and playful affection.
Unforgettable Melody: The song's instantly recognizable melody is both sophisticated and instantly hummable, a testament to Porter's masterful songwriting.
Enduring Appeal: Its timeless appeal continues to resonate with listeners, securing its place as a classic of the Great American Songbook and a highlight in any Cole Porter collection.
8. You've Got That Thing
Sophisticated Melody: "You've Got That Thing" showcases Porter's signature sophisticated melody, instantly recognizable and utterly charming.
Irresistible Rhythm: The song boasts a captivating rhythm that's both elegant and subtly infectious, making it perfect for dancing or simply swaying along to.
Timeless Appeal: Its enduring popularity speaks to the song's timeless quality; a testament to Porter's masterful songwriting and the song's inherent appeal.
9. I Get a Kick Out of You (Cole Porter)
Sophisticated Melody: "I Get a Kick Out of You" showcases Porter's masterful command of melody, creating an instantly memorable and undeniably catchy tune that stays with you long after the song ends.
Witty Lyrics: The lyrics are brimming with Porter's signature wit and clever wordplay, making the song as engaging intellectually as it is musically. It's a perfect example of his ability to blend sophisticated charm with playful innuendo.
Enduring Appeal: Its timeless appeal speaks to Porter's genius; the song remains a standard in the Great American Songbook, continually reinterpreted and enjoyed across generations.
10. From This Moment On (Cole Porter - 2025)
Sophisticated Melody: "From This Moment On" showcases Porter's signature blend of elegant melody and sophisticated harmonic structure, a hallmark of his best-known works.
Timeless Lyrical Themes: The lyrics explore enduring themes of love and commitment, resonating with listeners across generations and making it a classic choice among Porter's extensive catalog.
Vocal Performance Potential: This song offers a rewarding challenge for vocalists, demanding both technical skill and emotional depth, making it a popular selection for jazz singers.
11Anything Goes
Cole Porter
1934
12You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To
Cole Porter
1943
13Love for Sale
Cole Porter
1930