Ready to embark on a sonic journey through time? We've all been there – scrolling endlessly through YouTube, searching for that perfect playlist to soundtrack our lives. Forget generic mixes; this isn't just any collection of tunes. We've curated the ultimate "best songs ever YouTube playlist," a meticulously crafted selection guaranteed to ignite your passions and awaken your soul. In a world saturated with fleeting trends, the quest for timeless music remains a constant. This playlist transcends genres and decades, offering a diverse range of songs that have stood the test of time, proven their staying power, and continue to resonate with listeners worldwide. Whether you're looking for background music for work, a soundtrack for a party, or simply a captivating auditory experience, this expertly chosen compilation delivers unforgettable moments. Prepare to discover new favorites and rediscover old loves – your search for the perfect playlist ends here.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Thinking out Loud | Ed Sheeran | x (Deluxe Edition) | 4B+ |
| 2. Take on Me | a-ha | Hunting High and Low | 2B+ |
| 3. Just the Way You Are | Bruno Mars | Doo-Wops & Hooligans | 2B+ |
| 4. Sweet Dreams |
Eurythmics Annie Lennox Dave Stewart | Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) | 948M+ |
| 5. I'm Yours | Jason Mraz | We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. | 812M+ |
| 6. Hotel California | Eagles | Hotel California (2013 Remaster) | 397M+ |
| 7. I Want to Know What Love Is | Foreigner | Agent Provocateur | 367M+ |
1. Thinking out Loud - x (Deluxe Edition)
Sound: Thinking Out Loud boasts a rich, acoustic sound with a mellow, romantic vibe perfectly suited for a "best songs ever" playlist, offering a timeless feel that transcends fleeting trends.
Vocals: Ed Sheeran's emotive vocals are a highlight, conveying vulnerability and heartfelt emotion that resonates deeply with listeners, making it a truly unforgettable addition to any feel-good compilation.
Emotional Impact: Its themes of enduring love and commitment create a powerful emotional connection, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a song that evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth, thus fitting seamlessly into your playlist's overall mood.
2. Take on Me (Hunting High and Low)
Synth-Pop Perfection: a-ha's "Take On Me" masterfully blends catchy synth melodies with a driving beat, creating an undeniably infectious sound that's perfect for any "best of" playlist.
Iconic Music Video: The innovative and groundbreaking music video, seamlessly blending animation and live action, cemented its place in pop culture history, guaranteeing its continued relevance.
Enduring Appeal: Its timeless appeal transcends generations; the memorable chorus and unique sound ensure it remains a singalong staple for YouTube playlists and beyond.
3. Just the Way You Are (2011)
Smooth Vocals: Bruno Mars' signature velvety vocals are perfectly showcased in "Just the Way You Are" making it instantly recognizable and incredibly pleasing to listen to, a hallmark of timeless pop.
Uplifting Melody: The song's gentle rhythm and optimistic melody create an undeniably feel-good vibe, perfect for adding to any "best songs ever" playlist and ensuring a positive listening experience.
Enduring Appeal: Its classic pop structure and heartfelt lyrics have cemented "Just the Way You Are" as a modern standard, guaranteeing its place on any truly comprehensive "best of" collection for years to come.
4. Sweet Dreams - Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Synth-Pop Prowess: Eurythmics' signature blend of cutting-edge synthesizers and driving rhythms creates an instantly recognizable and undeniably catchy sound, perfect for any "best of" playlist.
Annie Lennox's Vocals: Lennox's haunting yet powerful vocals deliver a memorable performance, showcasing the emotional depth that elevates "Sweet Dreams" beyond a simple pop song.
Enduring Popularity: Its iconic status and enduring appeal across generations ensure it remains a staple in any curated "best songs ever" YouTube playlist, guaranteeing high engagement.
5. I'm Yours (We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.)
Sound: I'm Yours boasts a breezy, reggae-infused acoustic sound that's instantly catchy and perfect for a feel-good playlist.
Vocals: Jason Mraz's smooth, soulful vocals are incredibly memorable and contribute to the song's laid-back, optimistic vibe, making it a classic choice for any "best of" collection.
Emotional Impact: Its message of unwavering devotion and effortless charm makes it an enduring favorite for its uplifting and romantic feel, guaranteed to get many YouTube views.
6. Hotel California
Iconic Guitar Riff: Hotel California boasts one of the most recognizable and instantly captivating guitar riffs in rock history, instantly adding it to any "best of" playlist.
Haunting Vocals and Lyrics: Don Henley's smooth vocals perfectly complement the song's mysterious and slightly unsettling lyrics, creating a captivating listening experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Enduring Popularity: Its timeless appeal transcends generations, ensuring its continued place among the best songs ever, making it a must-have addition to any YouTube playlist dedicated to classic rock.
7. I Want to Know What Love Is (Foreigner - 1985)
Power Ballad Perfection: Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is" delivers a soaring, anthemic chorus that's impossible to resist, making it a perfect addition to any "best of" playlist.
Unforgettable Vocals: Lou Gramm's emotive vocals are the heart of this track, conveying raw vulnerability and powerful passion.
Enduring Appeal: This timeless classic transcends generations, consistently resonating with listeners due to its emotional honesty and undeniable catchiness, guaranteeing a spot on any ultimate YouTube playlist.
8. Crazy (St. Elsewhere)
Sound: Crazy's distinctive, heavily distorted bassline and driving beat instantly grab your attention and provide an irresistible groove, perfect for any "best of" playlist.
Vocals: CeeLo Green's unique vocal performance, blending soulful crooning with erratic shouts, is iconic and unforgettable, adding to the song's overall energy and appeal.
Emotional Impact: The song's blend of chaotic energy and heartfelt vulnerability creates a captivating listening experience that resonates deeply, making it a timeless addition to any collection of all-time favorites.
9. Hurt (2002)
Johnny Cash's Vocals: Cash's gravely voice delivers a raw, emotionally resonant performance that perfectly encapsulates the song's themes of heartbreak and regret, making it unforgettable for YouTube playlist listeners.
Haunting Melody: The simple yet haunting melody of "Hurt" is instantly memorable and emotionally powerful, creating a lasting impact ideal for repeated listens on a "best songs ever" playlist.
Cover Song Impact: While originally by Nine Inch Nails, Cash's version transcended the original, becoming a standalone classic and demonstrating the power of a truly impactful cover, perfect for showcasing diverse musical styles within a playlist.
10. Bad Day
Sound: Daniel Powter's "Bad Day" features a distinctive piano melody that anchors the song's emotional core, creating a sound both instantly recognizable and deeply affecting for YouTube playlist listeners.
Vocals: Powter's emotive vocals perfectly convey the song's relatable feelings of frustration and despair, making it resonate deeply with a wide audience and earning its place on "best of" lists.
Emotional Impact: Its universal theme of having a bad day makes it incredibly relatable and perfect for those moments when you need an anthem of cathartic release – a perfect addition to any feel-good playlist.
11The Best
Tina Turner
1989
Foreign Affair
12Lose Yourself
Eminem
2002
2001
13Material Girl
Madonna
1984
True Blue
14Sound of Silence
Simon , Garfunkel
1964
15Rocket Man
Elton John
1972
Honky Chateau
16Stairway to Heaven
Led Zeppelin
1971
Led Zeppelin IV (Deluxe Edition)
17the Dock of the Bay
Otis Redding
1968
The Dock of the Bay (Mono)
18Stars
Simply Red
1991
Stars (Expanded Version)
19Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
1988
Tracy Chapman
20Respect
Aretha Franklin
1967
I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
21Your Song
Elton John
1970
Elton John
22Edge of Seventeen
Stevie Nicks
1981
Bella Donna (2016 Remastered)
23Dreams
Fleetwood Mac
1977
Rumours (Super Deluxe)
24Yesterday
The Beatles
1965
Help! (Remastered)
25Baba O'Riley
The Who
1971
Who's Next (Deluxe Edition)
26Hungry Like the Wolf
Duran Duran
1982
Rio (Collector's Edition)
27Stand By Me
Ben E. King
1961
Don't Play That Song (Mono)
28You're So Vain
Carly Simon
1972
No Secrets
29I Walk the Line
Johnny Cash
1956
30Blame Game
Kanye West,John Legend
2010
My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy