“Can’t Help Falling In Love” was recorded in 1960 and first released in “Blue Hawaii.”

Despite the fact that neither one of my parents really like the King, I can still appreciate the music he brought into the world. This is one of my favorite Elvis songs (with “Jailhouse Rock” being a close second) and I listen to it on a constant basis.

Listen to “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” here.

“Dazed and Confused” was based off of a song from Jimmy Page’s earlier band Yardbirds which was also based on a track by Jake Holmes. In 2010, Holmes sued Led Zeppelin for copyright. It was dismissed and Holmes was credited as a writer.

I chose this song because it was the beginning of the more experimental age of rock ‘n roll music. I enjoy this song immensely.

Listen to “Dazed and Confused” here.

“Stand By Me” was written by Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller. It was released in April of 1961 and many artists have done covers of it, including John Lennon. It is also in the soundtrack of the 1986 film “Stand By Me” starring River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Wil Wheaton, and Jerry O’Connell.

I chose this song because it has influenced many artists over the years and it is also a really good song.

Listen to “Stand By Me” here.

“I’m A Believer” was written by Neil Diamond. It was on the Monkees album “More of the Monkees” and released in 1966. It was also covered by Smash Mouth and featured in the iconic animated film “Shrek.”

I chose this song because of its relevance today, even though this relevance is mostly due to its appearance in “Shrek.”

Listen to “I’m A Believer” here.

“Sympathy For the Devil” is a song that Mick Jagger sings from the point of view of none other than Satan himself. It was originally intended to show the major flaws of mankind, not as a devil worship. In 1975, there was a rumor floating around that “Sympathy For the Devil” was playing when a fan died at one of their concerts. It was not this song, however, but it was “Under My Thumb.” Nevertheless, the Stones didn’t play this song on tour for another five years.

I chose this song because it has a unique history and it’s an all around unique song. I like the idea of pointing out the flaws in mankind through song. Of the limited amount of Rolling Stones songs I have listened to, this is by far one of my favorites.

Listen to “Sympathy For the Devil” here.

“Sound of Silence” was originally written for Simon & Garfunkel’s debut and it’s about their lack of emotional communication skills. Originally, it was an acoustic song but then Tom Wilson, who was the producer of Bob Dylan’s “Like A Rolling Stone,” asked members of his studio band to add electric guitar and drums to back it. It then became of the top selling remixes of all time.

I chose this song because it is a great song to listen to and I can relate to the lack of emotional communication skills. It has also had a great impact on music today and many artists have done covers of this song, including heavy metal band Disturbed.

Listen to “Sound of Silence” here.

“Brown Eyed Girl” appears on Van Morrison’s first solo studio album and it one of his most well known songs. By 2010, it had received over 10 million hours of radio air time.

I chose this song because I really enjoy it and it is a very well known song. It also has a unique story behind it.

Listen to “Brown Eyed Girl” here.

“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” was the song that brought the Rolling Stones to their superstardom. It is one of their most well known songs and the iconic riff is very recognizable. Which is also one of the reasons I chose this song for this list.

Listen to “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” here.

“Respect” was a women empowerment song that originated from Otis Redding’s song “Respect” which he used as euphemism for sex. This song gave Aretha Franklin the title of “Lady Soul” and in 2004, “Respect” was #5 on Rolling Stones magazine The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

I chose this song because of its large impact of the civil rights movement and push towards gender equality. It has a lot of elements in it that qualify it for this list.

Listen to “Respect” here.

Honorable Mentions:

Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Save The Last Dance For Me by The Drifters

Happy Together by The Turtles

Twist and Shout by The Beatles

My Girl by The Temptations

While My Guitar Gently Weeps by The Beatles

I Am A Rock by Simon and Garfunkel

This song was written by Paul McCartney and is a haunting melody of lost love. It is sung by Paul McCartney as well and if you watch a live video from when the song was first released, you can barely hear the band over screaming fangirls.

“Yesterday” is one of the best Beatles songs, in my not-so-humble opinion. It is also one of their most recognizable ballads and it is relatable no matter the generation.

Listen to “Yesterday” here.

Know a song you think I should have included? Let me know in the comments!