The top song that came out the year you were born

Take a look back at the defining hit from each year since 1940, listed below in chronological order.

Kirsten Acuna contributed reporting.

1940: “I’ll Never Smile Again” by Tommy Dorsey

For songs prior to 1946, before Billboard’s year-end list existed, we looked at the singles that stayed at No. 1 on the Billboard charts the longest.

“I’ll Never Smile Again” by Tommy Dorsey, which also features backing vocals from Frank Sinatra and the Pied Pipers, spent a dozen weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s singles chart.

1941: “Amapola (Pretty Little Poppy)” by Jimmy Dorsey

Originally written by Spanish-American composer José Maria Lacalle Garcia, Jimmy Dorsey’s popular version of the song remained at No. 1 on the Billboard charts for 10 weeks.

Glenn Miller’s “Chattanooga Choo Choo” was a close second for top song of 1941. It spent nine weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard singles chart.

1942: “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby

Bing Crosby’s version of the Irving Berlin song, which was featured in the film “White Christmas,” holds the record for being the best-selling single since 2012.

According to Guinness World Records, the holiday classic has sold an estimated 50 million copies.

1943: “I’ve Heard That Song Before” by Harry James

“I’ve Heard That Song Before” appeared in the 1942 film “Youth on Parade” and was nominated for best original song at the Oscars. However, it lost to Crosby’s “White Christmas.”

1944: “Swinging on a Star” by Bing Crosby

“Swinging on a Star” appeared in 1944’s “Going My Way” and won an Academy Award for best original song.

1945: “‘Till the End of Time” by Perry Como

“‘Till the End of Time” was No. 1 for nine weeks on the Billboard charts. Les Brown and Doris Day’s “Sentimental Journey” also spent the same number of weeks atop the chart.

1946: “The Gypsy” by The Ink Spots

Perry Como’s “Prisoner of Love” may have been Billboard’s year-end top single of the year, but the magazine voted “The Gypsy” as the year’s top tune.

1947: “Near You” by Francis Craig

The Francis Craig hit was the year’s top disk jockey record, according to Billboard.

1948: “Buttons and Bows” by Dinah Shore

Though Pee Wee Hunt’s “Twelfth Street Rag” was the year-end No. 1 Billboard single of the year, the magazine named Dinah Shore’s “Buttons and Bows” No. 1 on “the honor roll of hits” and the top “disk in the nation’s jukeboxes.”

1949: “Riders in the Sky (A Cowboy Legend)” by Vaughn Monroe

Numerous recordings of Vaughn Monroe’s country-western song have been made over the years by the likes of Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and even Sesame Street.

1950: “Goodnight, Irene” by Gordon Jenkins and The Weavers

The Weavers’ version of “Goodnight, Irene” was released a year after the death of Lead Belly, who sang the song first.

1951: “Too Young” by Nat King Cole

“Too Young” was originally written by Sidney Lippman and Sylvia Dee.

1952: “Blue Tango” by Leroy Anderson

Leroy Anderson’s instrumental recording was the top Billboard song and seller of the year.

1953: “The Song From Moulin Rouge (Where Is Your Heart)” by Percy Faith

Featured in 1952’s “Moulin Rouge,” starring Zsa Zsa Gabor, the song topped Billboard’s singles of the year ranking.

1954: “Little Things Mean A Lot” by Kitty Kallen

Kitty Kallen’s version of the 1953 hit “Little Things Mean A Lot” is the most popular version of the song. It was ranked as Billboard’s top song of 1954.

1955: “Cherry Pink (and Apple Blossom White)” by Pérez Prado

Pérez Prado’s version of the original 1950 song was a hit with fans.

1956: “Heartbreak Hotel” by Elvis Presley

Although “Heartbreak Hotel” was the No. 1 single of 1956, Presley’s songs “Hound Dog” and “Don’t Be Cruel” both spent several weeks atop the chart that same year.

1957: “All Shook Up” by Elvis Presley

“All Shook Up” was so popular that The Beatles and Billy Joel have both recorded their own renditions of the song.

1958: “Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu (Volare)” by Domenico Modugno

The Italian song, widely known as “Volare,” received both song of the year and record of the year at the first annual Grammy Awards in 1959.

1959: “The Battle of New Orleans” by Johnny Horton

“The Battle of New Orleans” was the No. 1 pop and country single of the year. Tragically, Johnny Horton died one year later in a car crash.

1960: “Theme From a Summer Place” by Percy Faith

The instrumental track was featured in the 1959 film “A Summer Place,” which starred Richard Egan, Dorothy McGuire, Troy Donahue, and Sandra Dee.

1961: “Tossin’ and Turnin'” by Bobby Lewis

The song reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 and Billboard’s R&B chart.

1962: “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

“Big Girls Don’t Cry” was a hit on the Hot 100 for five weeks during the holiday season.

1963: “Surfin’ U.S.A.” by The Beach Boys

Billboard ranked the Beach Boys’ summer track the No. 1 song of 1963.

1964: “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles

The sweet single hit No. 1 in the US, UK, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, and Australia.

1965: “I Can’t Help Myself” by Four Tops

“I Can’t Help Myself” has been covered by The Supremes, Donnie Elbert, and more.

1966: “The Ballad of the Green Berets” by Staff Sergeant Barry Allen Sadler

Written and performed by the Vietnam War veteran Barry Sadler, the patriotic song was No. 1 in the US for five weeks in 1966.

1967: “Respect” by Aretha Franklin

Otis Redding originally released a different version of the song before it became a hit for Aretha Franklin. In 1968, she won two Grammys for “Respect.”

1968: “Hey Jude” by The Beatles

Paul McCartney originally wrote the song as “Hey Jules” for John Lennon’s son during his parents’ divorce. It’s one of The Beatles’ 20 No. 1 hits on the Hot 100.

1969: “Sugar, Sugar” by The Archies

“Sugar, Sugar” first appeared in the popular cartoon “The Archie Show.” It ended up spending four weeks at the top of the Hot 100.

1970: “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” won several Grammy Awards, including record of the year and song of the year.

1971: “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night

“Joy to the World” was released on the band’s fourth studio album, 1970’s “Naturally.” It’s featured on the soundtrack of 1983’s “The Big Chill.”

1972: “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green

“Let’s Stay Together” has been used in numerous movies and TV shows, from “Pulp Fiction” to “Parks and Recreation.”

1973: “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye

“Let’s Get It On” helped cement Marvin Gaye as a sex symbol and remains one of the singer’s most popular singles.

1974: “The Way We Were” — Barbra Streisand

“The Way We Were” was recorded as the theme song for the movie of the same name, starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford. It won the Golden Globe for best original song in 1974 and song of the year at the Grammys the following year.

1975: “Love Will Keep Us Together” by Captain & Tennille

American pop duo Captain & Tennille won record of the year for “Love Will Keep Us Together” at the 1976 Grammys.

1976: “Silly Love Songs” by The Wings

McCartney wrote “Silly Love Songs” after people accused the former Beatle of only writing love songs. 

“The song was, in a way, to answer people who just accuse me of being soppy,” McCartney told Billboard.

1977: “Tonight’s The Night (Gonna Be Alright)” by Rod Stewart

“Tonight’s the Night” was released as a single from Stewart’s 1976 album “A Night on the Town.” It has been covered by numerous artists, including Janet Jackson.

1978: “Shadow Dancing” by Andy Gibb

“Shadow Dancing” reached No. 1 on the Hot 100 for seven consecutive weeks.

1979: “My Sharona” by The Knack

“My Sharona” was released as The Knack’s debut single. It has since appeared in the game “Rock Band” and the movie “Super 8.”

1980: “Call Me” by Blondie

“Call Me” was the theme song for the 1980 crime drama “American Gigolo.”

1981: “Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes

“Bette Davis Eyes” edged out “Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie, which also rose to the top of the Billboard charts. Carnes’ hit cover song won Grammy Awards for record of the year and song of the year.

1982: “Physical” by Olivia Newton-John

“Physical” was released as the lead single from Newton-John’s 12th album. It was later sampled by Dua Lipa in her single of the same name.

1983: “Every Breath You Take” by The Police

Sting’s song from the band’s 1983 album “Synchronicity” was a hit in both the US and UK. “Every Breath You Take” was later sampled by Diddy for his hit song “I’ll Be Missing You,” though he didn’t ask for Sting’s permission until after the song was released.

1984: “When Doves Cry” by Prince

“When Doves Cry” was released as the lead single from Prince’s iconic album “Purple Rain.”

1985: “Careless Whisper” — George Michael

“Careless Whisper” was George Michael‘s first solo single following his success with Wham!

1986: “That’s What Friends Are For” by Dionne Warwick featuring Elton John, Gladys Knight, and Stevie Wonder

Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, and Gladys Knight, along with composer Elton John, won the Grammy for song of the year at the 29th annual awards show. “That’s What Friends Are For” also won best pop group performance.

1987: “Walk Like An Egyptian” by The Bangles

The song was the third single from The Bangles’ album “Different Light.” The group has since said it’s one of their least favorite songs.

1988: “Faith” by George Michael

“Faith” was featured on Michael’s debut solo album.

1989: “Look Away” by Chicago

“Look Away” topped the Hot 100 for two weeks.

1990: “Hold On” by Wilson Phillips

“Hold On” won the Billboard Music Award for Hot 100 Single of the Year in 1990.

1991: “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” by Bryan Adams

“(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” appeared on the “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” soundtrack and became an international hit. It won the Grammy for best song written for a motion picture or television.

1992: “End Of The Road” by Boyz II Men

“End of the Road” charted at No. 1 on the Hot 100 for 13 weeks. The song won best R&B performance by a duo or group at the 1993 Grammys.

1993: “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston recorded her version of the Dolly Parton classic for her movie, “The Bodyguard.” The song won record of the year at the 1994 Grammys.

1994: “The Sign” by Ace of Base

“The Sign” is one of three singles from the Swedish band’s 1993 album of the same name.

1995: “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio featuring L.V.

“Gangsta’s Paradise” was featured on the soundtrack of Michelle Pfeiffer’s 1995 movie “Dangerous Minds.”

1996: “Macarena” by Los del Rio

The ubiquitous dance hit of the ’90s is a go-to song for parties and weddings.

1997: “Something About The Way You Look Tonight” by Elton John

“Something About the Way You Look Tonight” was released as a double A-side single with “Candle in the Wind 1997.”

The same year, John’s “Candlelight in the Wind” rose to the top of the chart after he performed a new version of his 1973 hit at Princess Diana’s funeral. Billboard named both the top pop songs of the year.

1998: “Too Close” by Next

“Too Close” is one of the great one-hit wonders of the ’90s. It was featured on the soundtrack for “Save the Last Dance” and topped Billboard’s end-of-year chart for 1998.

1999: “Believe” by Cher

The dance-pop song was the lead single from Cher’s 22nd album. It has appeared in episodes of “Friends,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

2000: “Breathe” by Faith Hill

Although “Breathe” never reached the top of the Hot 100, it was named Billboard’s top-performing single of 2000, becoming the first country song to achieve the feat.

2001: “Hanging By A Moment” by Lifehouse

“Hanging By A Moment” was the lead single released from the alternative band’s debut album, “No Name Face.”

2002: “How You Remind Me” by Nickelback

According to Nielsen Soundscan, “How You Remind Me” was the most played song on US radio in the 2000s.

2003: “In Da Club” by 50 Cent

“In Da Club” was the rapper’s first No. 1 single. The song’s music video won best rap video at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards.

2004: “Yeah!” by Usher featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris

The only song that overthrew Usher’s “Yeah!” from the top of the Billboard chart in 2004 was his next single, “Burn.”

2005: “We Belong Together” by Mariah Carey

“We Belong Together” arrived when some critics thought Mariah Carey’s career was coming to an end.

The smash hit single charted at No. 1 on the Hot 100 for 14 weeks. It later won best R&B song and best female R&B vocal performance at the 2006 Grammys. It was also nominated for record of the year and song of the year, but lost to Green Day and U2, respectively.

2006: “Bad Day” by Daniel Powter

“Bad Day” has been parodied and used extensively in ads and TV shows. It’s been used so much since its release that Powter said he felt “detached from the song” because it’s essentially in the public domain.

2007: “Irreplaceable” by Beyoncé

“Irreplaceable” was released as the third single from Beyoncé’s second solo album, “B’Day,” and was crowned the third-best breakup song of the 21st century by Business Insider.

2008: “Low” by Flo Rida featuring T-Pain

“Low” was featured on the soundtrack for the 2008 film “Step Up 2: The Streets.”

2009: “Boom Boom Pow” by The Black Eyed Peas

“Boom Boom Pow” was the group’s first No. 1 single in the US and won the Grammy for best short form music video.

2010: “Tik Tok” by Kesha

Kesha’s debut single has been parodied by Weird Al and appeared on an episode of “The Simpsons.”

2011: “Rolling In The Deep” by Adele

Adele’s music video for “Rolling in the Deep” is one of the few to cross 1 billion views on YouTube.

2012: “Somebody That I Used To Know” by Gotye featuring Kimbra

The one-hit wonder won best pop duo/group performance and record of the year at the 2013 Grammys.

2013: “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Wanz

Macklemore’s novelty hit won best rap performance and best rap song at the 2014 Grammys.

2014: “Happy” by Pharrell Williams

Pharrell delivered the perfect feel-good song of the summer in 2014. It was recorded for the “Despicable Me 2” soundtrack and wound up being the year’s biggest hit.

2015: “See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth

“See You Again” was made as a tribute to Paul Walker for the “Furious 7” soundtrack and spent 12 weeks at the top of the Hot 100. For several years, it was the most-watched music video on YouTube with more than 3 billion views.

Bruno Mars’s “Uptown Funk” was also a massive hit in 2015, topping the Billboard pop chart.

2016: “Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber

“Love Yourself” was released as the third single from Justin Bieber’s fourth album, “Purpose.” It was one of the best-selling songs of 2016, and its music video has over 1 billion views on YouTube.

2017: “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber

Although Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” was the top Billboard single of 2017, Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s infectious club banger (with a boost from Bieber) claims one of the longest streaks atop the chart with 16 consecutive weeks throughout summer 2017. That’s longer than Sheeran’s 11 weeks with “Shape of You.”

The original music video for “Despacito” (sans Bieber) was the first in history to reach five billion views on YouTube.

2018: “God’s Plan” by Drake

Drake’s “God’s Plan” was Billboard’s year-end No. 1 single for 2018. The rapper had another big hit that year when his song “In My Feelings” became a meme.

2019: “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X featuring Billy Ray Cyrus

Lil Nas X enlisted Billy Ray Cyrus for a remix of “Old Town Road” because he was a childhood fan of “Hannah Montana,” in which Cyrus costarred with his daughter, Miley Cyrus.

The country-rap duet holds the record for the longest stretch at No. 1 with 19 weeks atop the chart. It also became the fastest song in history to be certified diamond.

2020: “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd

Less than one year after “Blinding Lights” was crowned Billboard’s top song of 2020, it was named the top Hot 100 song of all time.

The Weeknd’s smash hit spent 43 weeks in the chart’s top five, 57 weeks in the top 10, 86 weeks in the top 40, and 90 weeks on the Hot 100.

2021: “Levitating” by Dua Lipa

“Levitating” was originally released in March 2020 as the fifth track on Dua Lipa’s sophomore album “Future Nostalgia.”

It was promoted as the album’s fifth single and peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100 in May 2021, eventually becoming the longest-charting song by a female artist, spending a total of 77 weeks on the chart.

2022: “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals

In March 2022, “Heat Waves” completed an unprecedented 59-week climb to No. 1.

The sleeper hit, written solely by Glass Animals front man Dave Bayley, reigned atop the chart for five straight weeks and ended the year as Billboard’s top-performing hit.

“Heat Waves” later became the longest-charting hit in the Hot 100’s 64-year history. It spent 91 weeks on the chart, breaking the record set by The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights.” (It has since been broken again by “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims.)

An honorable mention goes out to “As It Was” by Harry Styles, which ended 2022 as Billboard’s second-biggest song. The lead single from “Harry’s House” spent 15 nonconsecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100, setting a record among British artists.

2023: “Last Night” by Morgan Wallen

Despite a string of controversies, Morgan Wallen’s single “Last Night” became the singer’s first No. 1 hit on the Hot 100. It spent 16 weeks atop the chart in 2023, setting a record among solo artists. It has since been broken by Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”

2024: “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims

Although Taylor Swift topped the year-end Hot 100 Artists ranking and her album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” topped the Billboard 200 Albums recap, the magazine crowned Teddy Swims’ sleeper hit “Lose Control” as the top-performing single of 2024.

“Lose Control” was originally released in June 2023 and debuted at No. 99 on the Hot 100. It reached No. 1 in March 2024 after a 32-week climb.

In July 2025, “Lose Control” became the first song ever to spend 100 weeks on the all-genre chart.

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