An impressive list of the 500 greatest songs of all time has recently been released.
The entertainment giants at Rolling Stone have rebooted their original list of top 500 tracks that they released in 2004.
But back then, we didn’t have unlimited access to music on streaming services, the technology revolution had just begun and many international artists where still in their infancy.
Now, 17 years later, the new version the top 500 list boasts more than 250 artists, musicians, and producers form every niche genre.
Over 4,000 people voted for the new list, with over half of the songs featured not being present in the 2004 list.
While many of the tracks are from newer artists that have made their mark on the industry, most of the top 25 are classic tunes from the 20th century.
The top 25 tracks range from pop classics from The Beach Boys, to punk rock angst tracks from Nirvana, and folk rhythms from Fleetwood Mac.
The most featured artist in the top 25 was The Beatles, who appeared three times (or four if you include John Lennon’s solo hit).
Topping the list was the 1967 classic Respect by Aretha Franklin, which has become known by music fans all over the world and become an anthem for women everywhere.
Check out the top 25 list below.
25. Runaway – Kanye West ft. Pusha T (2010)
24. A Day in the Life – The Beatles (1967)
23. Heroes – David Bowie (1977)
22. Be My Baby – The Ronettes (1963)
21. Strange Fruit – Billie Holiday (1939)
20. Dancing on my Own – Robyn (2010)
19. Imagine – John Lennon (1971)
18. Purple Rain – Prince and the Revolution (1984)
17. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen (1975)
16. Crazy in Love – Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z (2003)
15. I Want to Hold Your Hand – The Beatles (1963)
14. Waterloo Sunset – The Kinks (1967)
13. Gimme Shelter – The Rolling Stones (1969)
12. Superstition – Stevie Wonder (1972)
11. God Only Knows – The Beach Boys (1966)
10. Hey Ya! – Outkast (2003)
9. Dreams – Fleetwood Mac (1977)
8. Get Ur Freak On – Missy Elliot (2001)
7. Strawberry Fields Forever – The Beatles (1967)
6. What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye (1971)
5. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana (1991)
4. Like a Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan (1965)
3. A Change is Gonna Come – Sam Cooke (1964)
2. Fight the Power – Public Enemy (1989)
1. Respect – Aretha Franklin (1967)
Image credits: Getty Images
This article first appeared on Over60.