Searching for the "best songs ever YouTube" can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack – millions of videos, endless genres, and subjective opinions galore. But what if we could cut through the noise and unveil a curated list of timeless tunes guaranteed to elevate your mood, spark nostalgia, or simply provide the perfect soundtrack to your day? This isn't just a random collection of popular tracks; we've delved deep into YouTube's vast library, considering views, longevity, cultural impact, and, of course, sheer musical brilliance, to bring you an ultimate playlist of unforgettable hits. Whether you're rediscovering old favorites or seeking fresh inspiration, preparing for a party, or just need a boost of positivity, our hand-picked selection of the best songs ever on YouTube promises an auditory journey you won't soon forget. Get ready to rediscover your musical soul and add some phenomenal tracks to your ever-growing playlist!
| 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 (Ed Sheeran - 2025)
Sound: Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud" boasts a beautifully crafted acoustic soundscape, layered with subtle instrumentation that perfectly complements his vocals, making it instantly appealing to YouTube listeners.
Emotional Impact: The song's heartfelt lyrics about enduring love create a powerful emotional connection, resonating deeply with viewers seeking genuine emotional expression in their music.
Vocal Performance: Sheeran's emotive vocals are a standout element, showcasing his vocal range and raw talent, resulting in a performance that's both intimate and unforgettable, ideal for a "best songs ever" YouTube playlist.
2. Take on Me (Hunting High and Low)
Synth-Pop Pioneer: a-ha's "Take On Me" redefined the 80s synth-pop sound, establishing a benchmark for the genre's distinctive blend of catchy melodies and innovative instrumentation.
Iconic Music Video: The groundbreaking rotoscope animation of the music video remains a pop culture landmark, significantly impacting the visual landscape of music videos for decades to come and further cementing the song's legacy.
Enduring Popularity: Its instantly recognizable melody and undeniable energy have ensured "Take On Me" remains a beloved and frequently streamed track on YouTube, demonstrating its timeless appeal across generations.
3. Just the Way You Are (Doo-Wops & Hooligans - 2025)
Smooth Vocals: Bruno Mars' effortlessly soulful vocals are a hallmark of the song, making "Just the Way You Are" instantly recognizable and deeply appealing to YouTube listeners seeking timeless quality.
Uplifting Melody: The song's gentle melody and positive lyrics create an undeniably feel-good vibe perfect for sharing and rediscovering on YouTube's vast platform.
Enduring Popularity: Its consistent presence on various YouTube "best of" lists speaks to its enduring appeal and widespread recognition amongst a broad audience; a testament to its classic songwriting and timeless production.
4. Sweet Dreams - Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
Synth Soundscape: Eurythmics' signature synth-driven sound creates an instantly recognizable and iconic soundscape, perfect for a YouTube playlist of enduring classics.
Annie Lennox's Vocals: Lennox's haunting and powerful vocals deliver a captivating performance that continues to resonate with listeners decades later, making it a timeless choice for any "best of" list.
Enduring Popularity: Its memorable melody and evocative lyrics have cemented "Sweet Dreams" as a staple of YouTube's vast music library, proving its enduring appeal and making it a must-include in any collection of all-time greats.
5. I'm Yours (We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. - 2025)
Uplifting Melody: Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" boasts a relentlessly cheerful melody that's infectious and perfect for a feel-good YouTube playlist.
Unforgettable Vocals: Mraz's smooth, soulful vocals are instantly recognizable and add to the song's enduring appeal, making it a classic choice for any "best of" compilation.
Enduring Popularity: Its catchy tune and positive message have ensured "I'm Yours" remains a YouTube favorite, consistently racking up views and appearing in countless curated playlists.
6. Hotel California (1976)
Iconic Guitar Riff: Hotel California boasts one of the most recognizable and instantly captivating guitar riffs in rock history, making it perfect for any "best songs ever" YouTube playlist.
Haunting Vocals and Lyrics: The song's memorable melody, combined with Don Henley's distinctive vocals and the enigmatic lyrics about a mysterious hotel, creates a lasting impression, ensuring its place among YouTube's most-watched classics.
Enduring Pop Culture Impact: Its pervasive use in films, television, and countless other media ensures its continued relevance and memorability on platforms like YouTube, solidifying its status as a timeless hit.
7. I Want to Know What Love Is (1985)
Power Ballad Perfection: Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is" delivers a classic power ballad experience, hitting all the right emotional notes with soaring vocals and a memorable melody perfect for YouTube's "best of" compilations.
Enduring Appeal: Its iconic chorus and heartfelt lyrics resonate deeply, making it a timeless anthem that continues to capture listeners' hearts and earn its place among YouTube's most-viewed songs.
YouTube-Ready Production: The song's polished production and powerful instrumentation translate exceptionally well to the visual medium, making it ideal for impactful YouTube music videos and playlists.
8. Crazy (Gnarls Barkley)
Sound: Crazy's unconventional blend of soulful vocals, quirky instrumentation, and a driving beat creates an instantly catchy and unforgettable sonic landscape, perfect for repeat listens and YouTube discovery.
Vocals: CeeLo Green's distinctive voice delivers the lyrics with raw emotion and playful absurdity, making the song both captivating and hilarious, a combination that resonates well within YouTube's diverse musical landscape.
Pop Culture Impact: Its unique music video and memorable chorus propelled "Crazy" to viral fame, solidifying its place as a YouTube staple and a testament to the power of unconventional artistry to capture internet audiences.
9. Hurt - 2025
Johnny Cash's Vocals: Cash's gravelly baritone lends an unforgettable weight to "Hurt" transforming a Nine Inch Nails alt-rock anthem into a poignant reflection on aging and regret, perfectly suited for YouTube's vast and varied audience.
Emotional Resonance: The song's raw emotion transcends genre, striking a chord with listeners across generations and making it a timeless choice for YouTube playlists dedicated to powerful and moving music.
YouTube Context: Its powerful simplicity and evocative lyrics make "Hurt" easily shareable and highly engaging for YouTube viewers, leading to high view counts and a lasting impact on the platform's music culture.
10. Bad Day - 2025
Catchy Melody: "Bad Day" boasts an instantly memorable melody that gets stuck in your head in the best way, making it perfect for repeated listens and YouTube sharing.
Relatable Lyrics: The song's lyrics about overcoming difficult times resonate deeply with a wide audience, contributing to its enduring popularity on platforms like YouTube.
Emotional Resonance: Powter's emotive vocals perfectly capture the frustration and eventual hope of the lyrics, creating a powerful emotional connection with listeners that keeps them coming back for more on YouTube.
11Lose Yourself
Eminem
2002
2001
12Material Girl
Madonna
1984
True Blue
13Sound of Silence
Simon , Garfunkel
1964
14Rocket Man
Elton John
1972
Honky Chateau
15Stairway to Heaven
Led Zeppelin
1971
Led Zeppelin IV (Deluxe Edition)
16the Dock of the Bay
Otis Redding
1968
The Dock of the Bay (Mono)
17Stars
Simply Red
1991
Stars (Expanded Version)
18Fast Car
Tracy Chapman
1988
Tracy Chapman
19Respect
Aretha Franklin
1967
I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You
20Your Song
Elton John
1970
Elton John
21Edge of Seventeen
Stevie Nicks
1981
Bella Donna (2016 Remastered)
22Dreams
Fleetwood Mac
1977
Rumours (Super Deluxe)
23Yesterday
The Beatles
1965
Help! (Remastered)
24Baba O'Riley
The Who
1971
Who's Next (Deluxe Edition)
25Hungry Like the Wolf
Duran Duran
1982
Rio (Collector's Edition)
26Last Request
Paolo Nutini
2006
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