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Music

24th Nov 2021

The top 10 ‘greatest of all time’ songs have been revealed

Dave Hanratty

Do you agree?

Following on from the triumphant crowning of a brand new number one song of all time on Tuesday, the full top 10 has now been unveiled.

The Weeknd’s ‘Blinding Lights’ was named the most successful song of all time by Billboard, toppling Chubby Checker’s ‘The Twist’, which previously reigned on top for almost 60 years.

The date comes from “historical performance” on the weekly Billboard Hot 100 from its inception in August of 1958 until November of 2021.

Songs are ranked based on an inverse point system, with weeks at number one earning the greatest value and weeks at lower spots earning the least.

Due to changes in chart methodology over the years, eras are weighted differently to account for chart turnover rates during various periods. Artists are ranked based on a “formula blending performance”, as a result.

Now, with all that jargon out of the way, let’s see how the top 10 looks…

10. Ed Sheeran | ‘Shape of You’

9. Los Del Rio | ‘Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)’

8. The Black Eyed Peas | ‘I Gotta Feeling’

7. LMFAO ft. Lauren Bennett and GoonRock | ‘Party Rock Anthem’

6. LeAnn Rimes | ‘How Do I Live’

5. Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars | ‘Uptown Funk!’

4. Bobby Darin | ‘Mack the Knife’

3. Santana ft. Rob Thomas | ‘Smooth’

2. Chubby Checker | ‘The Twist’

1. The Weeknd | ‘Blinding Lights’

If that wasn’t enough, Billboard has also put together their top 10 greatest artists of all time.

That list is below.

10. Rihanna

9. Whitney Houston

8. Michael Jackson

7. Janet Jackson

6. Stevie Wonder

5. Mariah Carey

4. Elvis Presley

3. Elton John

2. Madonna

1. The Beatles

For a full breakdown, check out the official Billboard methodology here.

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