Ratings · Songs
Rock ratings
Bohemian Rhapsody to Heat Waves, taking in stadium rock, grunge, indie and whatever the 2020s are calling it now. Six decades, and the only genre here where the 70s pool is arguably the strongest one.
How these ratings are built
Every song is rated on its lifetime Spotify play count as published by kworb.net, then ranked against the other rock songs of its own decade and curved onto 40-99. Rock is the genre where the absolute numbers mislead most in the other direction: catalogue rock keeps accumulating plays for fifty years, so ranking within the decade stops a 1975 song from being measured against a 2023 one on a metric that has had five decades' head start. The all-time pool re-spreads the best of every decade among themselves.
Every rating in this category runs on the same 40 to 99 scale the rest of the game uses. There are 220 entries here across 7 pools. In the game itself these numbers stay hidden until the verdict screen, which is the whole point of the auction; this page is the reference copy, for settling arguments after the fact.
Jump to: The 70s and before · The 1980s · The 1990s · The 2000s · The 2010s · The 2020s · All-time
The 70s and before
30 in this pool, from Bohemian Rhapsody at 99 down to Don't Go Breaking My Heart at 40.
| Rating | Entry | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 99 | Bohemian RhapsodyQueen · 1975A multi-part suite about guilt, a murder confession, and fate colliding. | Spotify plays: 3,272,884,878 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 98 | DreamsFleetwood Mac · 1977A breakup wrapped in weather metaphors and quiet resignation. | Spotify plays: 2,941,169,278 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 97 | Don't Stop Me NowQueen · 1978A joyride of cosmic euphoria and reckless self-celebration. | Spotify plays: 2,768,550,173 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 96 | Have You Ever Seen The RainCreedence Clearwater Revival · 1970Sunny days shadowed by an unnamed coming storm. | Spotify plays: 2,566,749,211 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 95 | Highway to HellAC/DC · 1979A defiant ode to living fast and answering to no one. | Spotify plays: 2,432,391,937 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 94 | Hotel CaliforniaEagles · 1976A dreamlike check-in you can never actually leave. | Spotify plays: 2,334,200,144 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 93 | Fortunate SonCreedence Clearwater Revival · 1969A working-class shout against privilege dodging the draft. | Spotify plays: 1,993,210,055 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 91 | Here Comes The SunThe Beatles · 1969A gentle exhale after a long, cold season. | Spotify plays: 1,927,558,213 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 90 | Sultans Of SwingDire Straits · 1978A scrappy bar band nobody expects much from. | Spotify plays: 1,909,007,591 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 89 | The ChainFleetwood Mac · 1977Bandmates bound together by loyalty and simmering resentment. | Spotify plays: 1,891,569,179 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 88 | Paint It, BlackThe Rolling Stones · 1966Grief rendered as a need to blacken everything in sight. | Spotify plays: 1,773,194,081 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 86 | Sweet Home AlabamaLynyrd Skynyrd · 1974A southern pride comeback clapping back at outside critics. | Spotify plays: 1,749,340,277 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 85 | ParanoidBlack Sabbath · 1970A fast, bleak sketch of depression and isolation. | Spotify plays: 1,732,878,878 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 84 | Dream OnAerosmith · 1973Aging, longing, and chasing a fading dream. | Spotify plays: 1,682,006,036 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 82 | We Will Rock YouQueen · 1977A booming call-and-response built for pounding feet and clapping hands. | Spotify plays: 1,660,486,200 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 81 | Rocket ManElton John · 1972An astronaut's lonely ache for home among the stars. | Spotify plays: 1,583,688,491 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 80 | Stayin' AliveBee Gees · 1977A strutting declaration of surviving hard city nights. | Spotify plays: 1,576,337,986 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 78 | Brown Eyed GirlVan Morrison · 1967Nostalgic memories of a young summer romance. | Spotify plays: 1,513,458,674 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 76 | Go Your Own WayFleetwood Mac · 1976A bitter goodbye aimed squarely at a former lover. | Spotify plays: 1,466,201,685 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 75 | Piano ManBilly Joel · 1973A barroom full of regulars pouring out their stories. | Spotify plays: 1,435,226,509 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 73 | Hold the LineTOTO · 1978Pleading for someone to stay steady through doubt. | Spotify plays: 1,406,600,877 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 71 | Stairway to HeavenLed Zeppelin · 1971A slow-building mythic journey toward spiritual meaning. | Spotify plays: 1,372,473,551 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 69 | Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2Pink Floyd · 1979Schoolkids rebelling against rigid, impersonal education. | Spotify plays: 1,327,189,107 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 67 | Mr. Blue SkyElectric Light Orchestra · 1977A sunny burst of relief after gray weather clears. | Spotify plays: 1,312,080,190 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 64 | Boys Don't CryThe Cure · 1979Regret over hiding true feelings behind a tough face. | Spotify plays: 1,286,921,166 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 62 | Your SongElton John · 1970A shy, plainspoken love letter set to piano. | Spotify plays: 1,234,595,688 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 59 | More Than a FeelingBoston · 1976A wistful memory triggered by an old song on the radio. | Spotify plays: 1,181,786,766 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 55 | Wish You Were HerePink Floyd · 1975Mourning a friend lost to fame and absence. | Spotify plays: 1,158,340,942 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 51 | How Deep Is Your LoveBee Gees · 1977A hushed falsetto meditation on quiet devotion. | Spotify plays: 1,158,297,147 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 40 | Don't Go Breaking My HeartElton John · 1976A playful duet begging a partner not to bail. | Spotify plays: 1,147,863,159 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
The 1980s
30 in this pool, from Every Breath You Take at 99 down to Radio Ga Ga at 40.
| Rating | Entry | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 99 | Every Breath You TakeThe Police · 1983A watchful, obsessive love that borders on surveillance. | Spotify plays: 3,757,174,810 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 98 | Don't Stop Believin'Journey · 1981Strangers on a midnight train chasing a feeling. | Spotify plays: 2,989,157,415 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 97 | Sweet Child O' MineGuns N' Roses · 1987A tender ode written for a bandmate's girlfriend. | Spotify plays: 2,883,520,429 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 96 | AfricaTOTO · 1982A hazy, romanticized longing for a continent seen from afar. | Spotify plays: 2,760,291,707 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 95 | Another One Bites The DustQueen · 1980A strutting bassline built around getting even. | Spotify plays: 2,523,010,120 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 94 | Livin' On A PrayerBon Jovi · 1986Two broke lovers holding on against the odds. | Spotify plays: 2,377,528,856 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 93 | Back In BlackAC/DC · 1980A defiant return after losing a bandmate. | Spotify plays: 2,272,135,609 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 91 | Under PressureQueen · 1981A duet wrestling with the weight of modern stress. | Spotify plays: 2,265,027,933 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 90 | Eye of the TigerSurvivor · 1982Training-montage energy for an underdog's comeback. | Spotify plays: 1,897,187,576 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 89 | You Shook Me All Night LongAC/DC · 1980A raucous ode to a wild night out. | Spotify plays: 1,770,490,872 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 88 | Welcome To The JungleGuns N' Roses · 1987A newcomer's overwhelmed arrival in a dangerous city. | Spotify plays: 1,765,306,567 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 86 | I'm Still StandingElton John · 1983A defiant celebration of outlasting a painful breakup. | Spotify plays: 1,723,838,268 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 85 | You Give Love A Bad NameBon Jovi · 1986A warning about a lover who burns you twice. | Spotify plays: 1,653,674,949 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 84 | Your LoveThe Outfield · 1985A guy asking his partner not to tell her boyfriend. | Spotify plays: 1,619,846,956 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 82 | Should I Stay or Should I GoThe Clash · 1982The back-and-forth agony of a shaky relationship. | Spotify plays: 1,576,628,390 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 81 | EverywhereFleetwood Mac · 1987A buoyant declaration of love reaching every corner. | Spotify plays: 1,555,867,828 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 80 | With Or Without YouU2 · 1987The impossible pull between needing someone and needing freedom. | Spotify plays: 1,519,362,683 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 78 | Paradise CityGuns N' Roses · 1987Dreaming of escape from a grim city into greener grass. | Spotify plays: 1,512,717,183 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 76 | I Want to Know What Love IsForeigner · 1984A weary search for real emotional connection. | Spotify plays: 1,500,565,687 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 75 | Uptown GirlBilly Joel · 1983A downtown guy chasing a girl out of his league. | Spotify plays: 1,489,509,658 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 73 | Down UnderMen At Work · 1981A wandering traveler's cheeky snapshot of home abroad. | Spotify plays: 1,405,109,687 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 71 | Master of PuppetsMetallica · 1986Addiction personified as a controlling puppeteer. | Spotify plays: 1,309,229,432 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 69 | Dancing In the DarkBruce Springsteen · 1984Restless frustration with a stalled, empty life. | Spotify plays: 1,296,576,998 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 67 | JumpVan Halen · 1983An upbeat push to take the leap on a big decision. | Spotify plays: 1,191,886,945 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 64 | OneMetallica · 1988A soldier's nightmare of being trapped without limbs or voice. | Spotify plays: 890,403,396 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 62 | I'm On FireBruce Springsteen · 1984A slow-burning, uneasy confession of desire. | Spotify plays: 823,332,400 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 59 | Call MeBlondie · 1980An urgent, pulsing demand for connection at any hour. | Spotify plays: 800,529,088 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 55 | For Whom The Bell TollsMetallica · 1984A grim battlefield meditation on death's approach. | Spotify plays: 798,186,008 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 51 | Just Like HeavenThe Cure · 1987A dizzy, dreamlike memory of falling in love. | Spotify plays: 791,861,027 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 40 | Radio Ga GaQueen · 1984A nostalgic lament for radio's fading spotlight in the TV age. | Spotify plays: 786,474,998 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
The 1990s
30 in this pool, from Iris at 99 down to Enjoy the Silence at 40.
| Rating | Entry | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 99 | IrisThe Goo Goo Dolls · 1998Raw longing to be truly seen by someone. | Spotify plays: 3,708,619,449 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 98 | CreepRadiohead · 1992Crushing self-loathing next to someone you can't have. | Spotify plays: 3,131,986,758 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 97 | Smells Like Teen SpiritNirvana · 1991A fuzzed-out blast of teenage apathy and noise. | Spotify plays: 3,088,121,262 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 96 | WonderwallOasis · 1995A hazy plea for someone to be your saving grace. | Spotify plays: 3,072,261,885 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 95 | ThunderstruckAC/DC · 1990A high-voltage rush built around a single shouted word. | Spotify plays: 2,379,428,869 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 94 | Enter SandmanMetallica · 1991A childhood bedtime ritual twisted into nightmare fuel. | Spotify plays: 2,228,031,720 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 93 | Come As You AreNirvana · 1991An invitation to show up without pretending to be someone else. | Spotify plays: 2,171,012,308 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 91 | Losing My ReligionR.E.M. · 1991The anxious spiral of loving someone too much. | Spotify plays: 2,142,433,843 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 90 | CalifornicationRed Hot Chili Peppers · 1999A satirical tour through Hollywood excess and myth. | Spotify plays: 2,131,170,171 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 89 | Under the BridgeRed Hot Chili Peppers · 1991A lonely walk through the city during a hard stretch. | Spotify plays: 2,062,042,846 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 88 | ZombieThe Cranberries · 1994A furious lament over violence and its lasting damage. | Spotify plays: 1,897,114,986 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 86 | EverlongFoo Fighters · 1997A restless wish for time with someone to never end. | Spotify plays: 1,839,161,201 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 85 | Nothing Else MattersMetallica · 1991A rare vulnerable ballad about trusting your own heart. | Spotify plays: 1,729,377,032 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 84 | Bitter Sweet SymphonyThe Verve · 1997A weary march through life's grinding routine. | Spotify plays: 1,703,727,439 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 82 | Scar TissueRed Hot Chili Peppers · 1999Reflecting on survival and healing after hard years. | Spotify plays: 1,666,386,997 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 81 | Basket CaseGreen Day · 1994A manic, self-deprecating spiral into anxiety. | Spotify plays: 1,640,928,696 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 80 | All The Small Thingsblink-182 · 1999A goofy, sincere ode to simple romantic gestures. | Spotify plays: 1,624,302,120 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 78 | What's Up?4 Non Blondes · 1992Shouting existential frustration into the void. | Spotify plays: 1,489,244,874 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 76 | LingerThe Cranberries · 1993The sting of caring more than the other person does. | Spotify plays: 1,466,088,451 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 75 | Don't Look Back in AngerOasis · 1995A hazy call to let go of old grudges. | Spotify plays: 1,462,029,605 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 73 | Kiss MeSixpence None The Richer · 1997A soft, moonlit invitation to romance. | Spotify plays: 1,453,576,529 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 71 | No SurprisesRadiohead · 1997A numb wish for a quiet, uncomplicated life. | Spotify plays: 1,450,111,252 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 69 | All StarSmash Mouth · 1999A goofy pep talk about seizing your moment. | Spotify plays: 1,445,496,300 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 67 | I Don't Want to Miss a ThingAerosmith · 1998Watching a lover sleep and savoring every second. | Spotify plays: 1,435,701,856 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 64 | November RainGuns N' Roses · 1991A sprawling ballad about a love that can't survive. | Spotify plays: 1,414,565,384 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 62 | The Kids Aren't AlrightThe Offspring · 1998Childhood friends derailed by hard adult lives. | Spotify plays: 1,402,542,200 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 59 | Killing In The NameRage Against The Machine · 1992A furious protest against institutional authority and racism. | Spotify plays: 1,287,462,514 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 55 | Heart-Shaped BoxNirvana · 1993Surreal, tangled imagery of obsession and vulnerability. | Spotify plays: 1,176,954,011 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 51 | Knockin' On Heaven's DoorGuns N' Roses · 1991A weary farewell as death creeps closer. | Spotify plays: 1,116,914,353 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 40 | Enjoy the SilenceDepeche Mode · 1990Realizing words only get in love's way. | Spotify plays: 1,101,042,947 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
The 2000s
30 in this pool, from Yellow at 99 down to Take Me Out at 40.
| Rating | Entry | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 99 | YellowColdplay · 2000Plainspoken devotion measured against the stars. | Spotify plays: 3,979,789,804 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 98 | Viva La VidaColdplay · 2008A toppled ruler mourning the kingdom he lost. | Spotify plays: 3,521,446,429 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 97 | Mr. BrightsideThe Killers · 2004Jealous imagination spiraling over a partner's betrayal. | Spotify plays: 3,472,860,238 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 96 | In the EndLinkin Park · 2000Frustration over effort that still wasn't enough. | Spotify plays: 3,368,105,946 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 95 | 505Arctic Monkeys · 2007Aching anticipation of reuniting with someone far away. | Spotify plays: 3,031,883,775 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 94 | The ScientistColdplay · 2002Wishing you could rewind and undo a relationship's mistakes. | Spotify plays: 2,999,247,069 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 93 | NumbLinkin Park · 2003Feeling crushed under someone else's expectations. | Spotify plays: 2,912,727,965 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 91 | Somewhere Only We KnowKeane · 2004Searching for a private refuge from the world. | Spotify plays: 2,706,027,277 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 90 | Feel Good IncGorillaz · 2005A woozy, cartoonish jab at manufactured happiness. | Spotify plays: 2,554,680,736 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 89 | Seven Nation ArmyThe White Stripes · 2003A stomping riff built around gossip and isolation. | Spotify plays: 2,284,065,609 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 88 | Sex on FireKings of Leon · 2008A smoldering, cryptic burst of desire. | Spotify plays: 2,282,806,300 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 86 | Bring Me To LifeEvanescence · 2003Pleading to be woken from emotional numbness. | Spotify plays: 2,169,190,213 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 85 | Hey, Soul SisterTrain · 2009A breezy ukulele-driven ode to a new crush. | Spotify plays: 2,146,950,470 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 84 | Chop Suey!System Of A Down · 2001A chaotic wrestling with self-destruction and faith. | Spotify plays: 2,121,027,762 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 82 | Can't StopRed Hot Chili Peppers · 2002A manic celebration of restless, relentless energy. | Spotify plays: 2,058,375,398 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 81 | Chasing CarsSnow Patrol · 2006Wanting to lie still in the grass and forget the world. | Spotify plays: 1,877,744,326 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 80 | How You Remind MeNickelback · 2001A bitter rundown of everything gone wrong. | Spotify plays: 1,860,942,915 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 78 | How To Save A LifeThe Fray · 2005The helplessness of trying to reach someone in crisis. | Spotify plays: 1,797,306,923 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 76 | Last ResortPapa Roach · 2000A raw cry from someone at their breaking point. | Spotify plays: 1,644,371,511 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 75 | The ReasonHoobastank · 2003An apology and a vow to become someone better. | Spotify plays: 1,640,367,975 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 73 | Walking On A DreamEmpire Of The Sun · 2008A shimmering, surreal trip through bent time. | Spotify plays: 1,639,776,521 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 71 | ToxicitySystem Of A Down · 2001A frantic critique of modern life's poisonous excess. | Spotify plays: 1,635,328,371 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 69 | Dog Days Are OverFlorence + The Machine · 2009A triumphant break from a hard, restrained past. | Spotify plays: 1,590,980,933 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 67 | The Man Who Can't Be MovedThe Script · 2008A heartbroken vigil on a street corner, waiting. | Spotify plays: 1,546,534,694 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 64 | What I've DoneLinkin Park · 2007A reckoning with past mistakes and a wish to start over. | Spotify plays: 1,525,972,925 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 62 | Snow (Hey Oh)Red Hot Chili Peppers · 2006A hopeful, wintry meditation on second chances. | Spotify plays: 1,488,354,512 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 59 | BreakevenThe Script · 2008Aching over a breakup where the pain lands unevenly. | Spotify plays: 1,485,424,851 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 55 | American IdiotGreen Day · 2004A snarling jab at media-fed conformity and paranoia. | Spotify plays: 1,478,391,305 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 51 | You're Gonna Go Far, KidThe Offspring · 2008A sneering takedown of manipulative charm. | Spotify plays: 1,442,304,114 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 40 | Take Me OutFranz Ferdinand · 2004A tense, angular flirtation dressed as a standoff. | Spotify plays: 1,431,791,106 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
The 2010s
30 in this pool, from Sweater Weather at 99 down to Daddy Issues at 40.
| Rating | Entry | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 99 | Sweater WeatherThe Neighbourhood · 2012Cozy intimacy wrapped in cold-weather imagery. | Spotify plays: 4,881,858,749 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 98 | Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi · 2018Raw grief over a love that slipped away. | Spotify plays: 4,438,238,077 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 97 | I Wanna Be YoursArctic Monkeys · 2013Devotion pledged through oddball everyday comparisons. | Spotify plays: 4,000,477,340 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 96 | BelieverImagine Dragons · 2017Turning old pain into fuel for resilience. | Spotify plays: 3,962,091,881 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 95 | The Night We MetLord Huron · 2015Haunted regret over how a relationship began and ended. | Spotify plays: 3,934,555,209 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 94 | RiptideVance Joy · 2013A quirky, ukulele-driven tumble into new love. | Spotify plays: 3,911,590,876 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 93 | Another LoveTom Odell · 2012The numb ache of being unable to move on. | Spotify plays: 3,697,577,573 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 91 | Counting StarsOneRepublic · 2013Chasing dreams while questioning old, safe habits. | Spotify plays: 3,647,044,060 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 90 | Take Me To ChurchHozier · 2013Devotion to a lover framed as forbidden religion. | Spotify plays: 3,589,198,023 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 89 | Stressed OutTwenty One Pilots · 2015Nostalgia for carefree childhood amid adult pressure. | Spotify plays: 3,168,615,958 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 88 | DemonsImagine Dragons · 2012Confessing hidden darkness to someone you love. | Spotify plays: 3,140,922,439 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 86 | Do I Wanna Know?Arctic Monkeys · 2013Late-night uncertainty over lingering feelings for someone. | Spotify plays: 3,131,222,436 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 85 | ThunderImagine Dragons · 2017An underdog's restless drive to be noticed. | Spotify plays: 3,112,015,018 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 84 | Let Her GoPassenger · 2012Realizing what you had only after it's gone. | Spotify plays: 2,900,166,463 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 82 | The Less I Know The BetterTame Impala · 2015Jealousy and regret dressed in woozy funk. | Spotify plays: 2,607,354,892 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 81 | Pumped Up KicksFoster The People · 2010An unsettling narrator hinting at violence beneath a cheerful melody. | Spotify plays: 2,602,681,347 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 80 | Somebody That I Used To KnowGotye · 2011The cold distance after a breakup turns strangers. | Spotify plays: 2,596,328,293 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 78 | ApocalypseCigarettes After Sex · 2017Hazy, whispered intimacy that feels world-ending. | Spotify plays: 2,578,565,392 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 76 | A Sky Full of StarsColdplay · 2014Euphoric love described through cosmic imagery. | Spotify plays: 2,475,745,387 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 75 | Before You GoLewis Capaldi · 2019Guilt-ridden questions after losing someone too soon. | Spotify plays: 2,470,557,832 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 73 | Shut Up and DanceWALK THE MOON · 2014A spontaneous night of chemistry on a dance floor. | Spotify plays: 2,468,538,539 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 71 | I Love You SoThe Walters · 2014A plainspoken, understated declaration of affection. | Spotify plays: 2,456,741,733 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 69 | Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?Arctic Monkeys · 2013Calling out an unreliable, inconsistent lover. | Spotify plays: 2,452,496,134 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 67 | RideTwenty One Pilots · 2015Existential musing on mortality set to a relaxed groove. | Spotify plays: 2,378,217,310 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 64 | HeathensTwenty One Pilots · 2016A warning about being misunderstood by outsiders. | Spotify plays: 2,327,596,893 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 62 | Beggin'Måneskin · 2017Desperate pleading to save a crumbling relationship. | Spotify plays: 2,327,363,440 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 59 | RudeMAGIC! · 2013A suitor defying a disapproving father's blessing. | Spotify plays: 2,254,476,225 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 55 | Youngblood5 Seconds of Summer · 2018A bittersweet reckoning with a manipulative ex. | Spotify plays: 2,211,278,052 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 51 | Be AlrightDean Lewis · 2018Clinging to a breakup's silver lining while it still hurts. | Spotify plays: 2,206,791,319 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 40 | Daddy IssuesThe Neighbourhood · 2013A smoky character study of someone shaped by absence. | Spotify plays: 2,202,461,195 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
The 2020s
30 in this pool, from Heat Waves at 99 down to Body Paint at 40.
| Rating | Entry | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 99 | Heat WavesGlass Animals · 2020Disorienting heartbreak triggered by summer memories. | Spotify plays: 3,930,646,814 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 98 | End of BeginningDjo · 2022A wistful flashback triggered by a familiar smell. | Spotify plays: 2,943,088,568 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 97 | Cold HeartElton John · 2021A mosaic of old lyrics stitched into new heartbreak. | Spotify plays: 2,813,394,852 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 96 | I Ain't WorriedOneRepublic · 2022A breezy, carefree shrug at life's stress. | Spotify plays: 2,396,157,414 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 95 | Too SweetHozier · 2024A laid-back refusal of a relationship that's too tidy. | Spotify plays: 2,116,626,547 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 94 | My Love Mine All MineMitski · 2023A wish for love to outlast the body itself. | Spotify plays: 2,055,888,931 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 93 | EnemyImagine Dragons · 2021Wrestling with being cast as the villain of your own story. | Spotify plays: 2,053,025,637 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 91 | BonesImagine Dragons · 2022Staying grounded and unshaken despite outside pressure. | Spotify plays: 1,866,808,107 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 90 | Bad HabitSteve Lacy · 2022Regret over staying silent about an attraction. | Spotify plays: 1,836,808,294 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 89 | My UniverseColdplay · 2021A sweeping, cosmic declaration of borderless love. | Spotify plays: 1,649,506,231 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 88 | I WANNA BE YOUR SLAVEMåneskin · 2021A brash, glam-rock dare about surrendering to desire. | Spotify plays: 1,578,685,164 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 86 | The Emptiness MachineLinkin Park · 2024Grappling with hollow distraction in a restless mind. | Spotify plays: 948,411,259 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 85 | The Adults Are TalkingThe Strokes · 2020Detached commentary on generational disconnect. | Spotify plays: 855,987,859 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 84 | InfrunamiSteve Lacy · 2022A woozy, guitar-driven meditation on infatuation. | Spotify plays: 855,341,342 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 82 | ZITTI E BUONIMåneskin · 2021A defiant Italian rally cry against conformity. | Spotify plays: 621,269,200 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 81 | Heavy Is the CrownLinkin Park · 2024The crushing weight of expectation and leadership. | Spotify plays: 508,765,319 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 80 | THE LONELIESTMåneskin · 2022An aching ballad about isolation within a relationship. | Spotify plays: 489,113,654 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 78 | GOSSIPMåneskin · 2023A swaggering jab at rumor and public scrutiny. | Spotify plays: 482,707,299 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 76 | StaticSteve Lacy · 2022The fuzzy disconnect of miscommunication in a relationship. | Spotify plays: 459,602,980 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 75 | SUPERMODELMåneskin · 2022A glammy critique of manufactured image and vanity. | Spotify plays: 425,445,121 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 73 | LostLinkin Park · 2023A search for footing while feeling adrift and unheard. | Spotify plays: 336,527,642 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 71 | N SideSteve Lacy · 2022A smooth, understated groove about easy compatibility. | Spotify plays: 306,921,479 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 69 | Eat Your YoungHozier · 2023A biting allegory about greed devouring the vulnerable. | Spotify plays: 304,829,886 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 67 | Two FacedLinkin Park · 2024Confronting betrayal from someone wearing a friendly mask. | Spotify plays: 195,481,790 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 64 | Up From the BottomLinkin Park · 2024Clawing back from rock bottom toward hope. | Spotify plays: 188,376,416 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 62 | SunshineSteve Lacy · 2022A warm, breezy ode to easy affection. | Spotify plays: 160,077,319 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 59 | TangerineGlass Animals · 2020A hazy, sun-drenched memory of a lost love. | Spotify plays: 156,290,300 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 55 | FrancescaHozier · 2023Vowing to relive a doomed love again and again. | Spotify plays: 135,079,396 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 51 | There'd Better Be A MirrorballArctic Monkeys · 2022A wistful goodbye dressed as a lounge ballad. | Spotify plays: 133,311,088 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 40 | Body PaintArctic Monkeys · 2022A tense, theatrical unraveling of a fading relationship. | Spotify plays: 113,045,541 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
All-time
40 in this pool, from Sweater Weather at 99 down to Come As You Are at 40.
This is the all-time pool. It takes the best of every decade and re-spreads them across the full 40-99 range among themselves, so an all-time draft has the same shape as a decade draft. That is why an entry here carries a different number from the one it has in its own decade table above.
| Rating | Entry | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 99 | Sweater WeatherThe Neighbourhood · 2012Cozy intimacy wrapped in cold-weather imagery. | Spotify plays: 4,881,858,749 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 98 | YellowColdplay · 2000Plainspoken devotion measured against the stars. | Spotify plays: 3,979,789,804 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 97 | Every Breath You TakeThe Police · 1983A watchful, obsessive love that borders on surveillance. | Spotify plays: 3,757,174,810 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 97 | Heat WavesGlass Animals · 2020Disorienting heartbreak triggered by summer memories. | Spotify plays: 3,930,646,814 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 96 | IrisThe Goo Goo Dolls · 1998Raw longing to be truly seen by someone. | Spotify plays: 3,708,619,449 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 95 | Bohemian RhapsodyQueen · 1975A multi-part suite about guilt, a murder confession, and fate colliding. | Spotify plays: 3,272,884,878 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 94 | Someone You LovedLewis Capaldi · 2018Raw grief over a love that slipped away. | Spotify plays: 4,438,238,077 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 93 | CreepRadiohead · 1992Crushing self-loathing next to someone you can't have. | Spotify plays: 3,131,986,758 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 93 | Viva La VidaColdplay · 2008A toppled ruler mourning the kingdom he lost. | Spotify plays: 3,521,446,429 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 92 | Don't Stop Believin'Journey · 1981Strangers on a midnight train chasing a feeling. | Spotify plays: 2,989,157,415 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 91 | End of BeginningDjo · 2022A wistful flashback triggered by a familiar smell. | Spotify plays: 2,943,088,568 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 90 | DreamsFleetwood Mac · 1977A breakup wrapped in weather metaphors and quiet resignation. | Spotify plays: 2,941,169,278 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 89 | I Wanna Be YoursArctic Monkeys · 2013Devotion pledged through oddball everyday comparisons. | Spotify plays: 4,000,477,340 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 88 | Mr. BrightsideThe Killers · 2004Jealous imagination spiraling over a partner's betrayal. | Spotify plays: 3,472,860,238 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 87 | Smells Like Teen SpiritNirvana · 1991A fuzzed-out blast of teenage apathy and noise. | Spotify plays: 3,088,121,262 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 86 | Sweet Child O' MineGuns N' Roses · 1987A tender ode written for a bandmate's girlfriend. | Spotify plays: 2,883,520,429 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 85 | Cold HeartElton John · 2021A mosaic of old lyrics stitched into new heartbreak. | Spotify plays: 2,813,394,852 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 84 | Don't Stop Me NowQueen · 1978A joyride of cosmic euphoria and reckless self-celebration. | Spotify plays: 2,768,550,173 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 83 | BelieverImagine Dragons · 2017Turning old pain into fuel for resilience. | Spotify plays: 3,962,091,881 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 82 | In the EndLinkin Park · 2000Frustration over effort that still wasn't enough. | Spotify plays: 3,368,105,946 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 81 | WonderwallOasis · 1995A hazy plea for someone to be your saving grace. | Spotify plays: 3,072,261,885 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 80 | AfricaTOTO · 1982A hazy, romanticized longing for a continent seen from afar. | Spotify plays: 2,760,291,707 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 79 | Have You Ever Seen The RainCreedence Clearwater Revival · 1970Sunny days shadowed by an unnamed coming storm. | Spotify plays: 2,566,749,211 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 78 | I Ain't WorriedOneRepublic · 2022A breezy, carefree shrug at life's stress. | Spotify plays: 2,396,157,414 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 77 | The Night We MetLord Huron · 2015Haunted regret over how a relationship began and ended. | Spotify plays: 3,934,555,209 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 75 | 505Arctic Monkeys · 2007Aching anticipation of reuniting with someone far away. | Spotify plays: 3,031,883,775 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 74 | Another One Bites The DustQueen · 1980A strutting bassline built around getting even. | Spotify plays: 2,523,010,120 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 73 | Highway to HellAC/DC · 1979A defiant ode to living fast and answering to no one. | Spotify plays: 2,432,391,937 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 71 | ThunderstruckAC/DC · 1990A high-voltage rush built around a single shouted word. | Spotify plays: 2,379,428,869 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 70 | Too SweetHozier · 2024A laid-back refusal of a relationship that's too tidy. | Spotify plays: 2,116,626,547 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 68 | RiptideVance Joy · 2013A quirky, ukulele-driven tumble into new love. | Spotify plays: 3,911,590,876 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 67 | The ScientistColdplay · 2002Wishing you could rewind and undo a relationship's mistakes. | Spotify plays: 2,999,247,069 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 65 | Livin' On A PrayerBon Jovi · 1986Two broke lovers holding on against the odds. | Spotify plays: 2,377,528,856 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 63 | Hotel CaliforniaEagles · 1976A dreamlike check-in you can never actually leave. | Spotify plays: 2,334,200,144 · ranked within Rock, the 70s |
| 61 | Enter SandmanMetallica · 1991A childhood bedtime ritual twisted into nightmare fuel. | Spotify plays: 2,228,031,720 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |
| 59 | My Love Mine All MineMitski · 2023A wish for love to outlast the body itself. | Spotify plays: 2,055,888,931 · ranked within Rock, the 20s |
| 56 | Another LoveTom Odell · 2012The numb ache of being unable to move on. | Spotify plays: 3,697,577,573 · ranked within Rock, the 10s |
| 53 | NumbLinkin Park · 2003Feeling crushed under someone else's expectations. | Spotify plays: 2,912,727,965 · ranked within Rock, the 00s |
| 49 | Back In BlackAC/DC · 1980A defiant return after losing a bandmate. | Spotify plays: 2,272,135,609 · ranked within Rock, the 80s |
| 40 | Come As You AreNirvana · 1991An invitation to show up without pretending to be someone else. | Spotify plays: 2,171,012,308 · ranked within Rock, the 90s |