Music

Classic songs with an impact on modern music

Explore how timeless melodies and compositions have shaped today's musical landscape. Discover the profound influence of classical music on modern genres such as pop, rock, and hip-hop. This list reveals surprising connections between historical masterpieces and the hits we listen to today, showcasing how contemporary artists draw inspiration from the past. Delve into the evolution of music and appreciate the enduring legacy of great composers.

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  1. 1

    Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) (1985)

    171 Global Votes
    • Achieved significant streaming numbers on Spotify

      (+4)

    This art-pop track with innovative production resurfaced and gained immense popularity thanks to its inclusion in modern series. It shows how current audiovisual productions can reintroduce classics to new audiences and generate renewed impact.

  2. 2

    I Will Always Love You (1992)

    152 Global Votes
    • Unstoppable cultural phenomenon

      (+4)

    Whitney Houston's iconic vocal performance on this ballad set a standard for pop and R&B ballads. Her vocal technique continues to be a benchmark for modern singers, demonstrating the power of an emotive performance.

  3. 3

    Get Lucky (2013)

    151 Global Votes
    • Received widespread acclaim from music critics

      (+4)

    This fusion of 70s disco music with a futuristic touch demonstrated the resurgence of disco and funk sounds. It has inspired numerous artists to incorporate retro elements into their modern productions, setting a trend.

  4. 4

    Bohemian Rhapsody (1975)

    82 Global Votes
    • Fun and quirky

      (+4)

    This Queen masterpiece remains a benchmark for its innovative structure and genre fusion. Its complexity and originality continue to inspire artists of various musical styles.

  5. 5

    Rhythm Is a Dancer (1992)

    8 Global Votes
    • Defining record of the Eurodance era

      (+4)

    This Eurodance cornerstone with a contagious rhythm and memorable chorus has left an indelible mark. Its influence on electronic and dance music is undeniable, being a recurring track in current DJ sets.

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  7. 6

    Hook (1994)

    4 Global Votes
    • Features memorable themes and colorful orchestration

      (+4)

    This Blues Traveler song demonstrates how classic chord progressions can be the basis of modern hits. It uses the same progression as Pachelbel's Canon, maintaining the relevance of classical harmony in current rock and pop composition.

  8. 7

    I Got Rhythm (1930)

    1 Global Votes
    • Influenced jazz history and musicians

      (+4)

    This standard jazz song, which will enter the public domain in 2026, is fundamental for its chord progression. Its harmonic structure has been key in the development of jazz and popular music, being studied and used by modern musicians.

  9. 8

    Billie Jean

    0 Global Votes
    • Helped define 1980s sound and visual style

      (+4)

    Michael Jackson's unmistakable post-disco rhythm and catchy melody make it a timeless classic. Its sound continues to influence contemporary pop and R&B, dominating playlists and being covered.

  10. 9

    Smells Like Teen Spirit

    0 Global Votes
    • Became an anthem for Generation X

      (+4)

    This grunge anthem defined an era with its raw energy and dynamic structure, marking a before and after in alternative rock. Its impact on youth culture remains palpable, with modern bands emulating its sound and attitude.

  11. 10

    Wonderwall

    0 Global Votes
    • Altered the landscape of alternative music

      (+4)

    This Britpop anthem with a catchy melody and introspective lyrics has inspired countless bands. Its perfect pop song structure and emotional resonance continue to influence current alternative rock and pop-rock.

  12. 11

    Amiga Mía (1997)

    0 Global Votes
    • Rock ballad with a message of unrequited love

      (+4)

    This Spanish pop ballad by Alejandro Sanz narrates a story of unrequited love that maintains its relevance in subsequent generations. It is a benchmark in Spanish romantic music, demonstrating the enduring power of emotional lyrics in Latin pop.

  13. 12

    Music (2000)

    0 Global Votes
    • Style is being revived by other artists

      (+4)

    This fusion of hip hop and European electronic music marked a new direction for Madonna, the 'Queen of Pop'. It represents her ability to reinvent herself and merge genres, a trend that many modern pop artists follow to stay relevant.

  14. 13

    Rolling in the Deep (2010)

    0 Global Votes
    • Became a global phenomenon

      (+4)

    This emotional ballad with a powerful voice and contemporary production has cemented its place in pop. It has influenced how vocally strong ballads are produced and received today.

  15. 14

    Dreams (1977)

    0 Global Votes
    • Influenced modern music artists

      (+4)

    This iconic soft rock song experienced an unexpected resurgence and went viral on platforms like TikTok. It demonstrates how music from decades past can connect with new generations and maintain its cultural relevance in the digital age.

  16. 15

    Johnny B. Goode

    0 Global Votes
    • First rock & roll hit about rock & roll stardom

      (+4)

    This rock and roll cornerstone laid the foundation for the genre with its structure and energy, influencing countless artists. Its style continues to be emulated in contemporary music, demonstrating its foundational impact.

  17. 16

    Himno a la Alegría (Miguel Ríos version) (1970)

    0 Global Votes
    • Huge international hit in 1970

      (+4)

    This rock adaptation of Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' is a prime example of how classical music can be reinterpreted. It popularized a classical work in a modern genre, introducing it to new audiences and maintaining its essence.

  18. 17

    A Whiter Shade of Pale (1967)

    0 Global Votes
    • Unlikely hit that sold 10m copies

      (+4)

    This progressive rock song is a clear example of how classical music has been a direct source of inspiration for rock. Its distinctive sound, influenced by Bach, continues to be a benchmark for bands experimenting with genre fusions.

  19. 18

    When I Get You Alone (2002)

    0 Global Votes
    • Has a Michael Jackson-coded energy

      (+4)

    This Robin Thicke song shows how classical music can be sampled and reinterpreted in genres like R&B and pop. It uses 'A Fifth of Beethoven', breathing new life into centuries-old melodies and demonstrating the versatility of classical compositions.

  20. 19

    I Can (2002)

    0 Global Votes
    • Influenced motivational rap

      (+4)

    This Nas song is a prime example of how hip hop has sampled and transformed classical music. It uses Beethoven's 'Für Elise', creating a dialogue between genres that has enriched the modern music landscape and remains a common practice.