This is undoubtedly the hardest article I’ve ever done. Sit down right now and think about your favorite songs… of all time. You can’t even remember what you had for lunch two days ago and you’re supposed to remember all of your favorite songs?
It’s an almost impossible task. However, even though no one asked, I took it on. And let me tell you, the number 100 kept getting smaller and smaller as I started to group the songs together.
At first I started with just listing as many of my favorite songs as possible, and then I put them into two separate groups. One group was the “guaranteed spots” and the other was the “non-guaranteed spots”. What you will read below is the result of a lot of tough decisions, but it’s what I feel is right.
Welcome to the 100 favorite songs of all time article. A special YSN edition. Let’s get into it.
The “YSN” top 100
100. Ne-Yo – Closer
99. Chris Brown – Deuces ft. Tyga & Kevin McCall
98. Clean Bandit – Rather Be ft. Jess Glyne
97. Gunna – Oh Okay ft. Young Thug & Lil Baby
96. Migos – Straightenin
95. Cheb Khaled – C’est la vie
94. Young Thug – Droppin Jewels
93. Meek Mill – Respect The Game
92. Kanye West – Hey Mama
91. Bryson Tiller – One Sided
90. Travis Scott – the ends
89. Juice WRLD – Lean Wit Me
88. Lil Wayne – She Will ft. Drake
87. T-Pain – Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin’) ft. Yung Joc
86. Meek Mill – Heavy Heart
85. Tory Lanez – Distance
84. Meek Mill – Cold Hearted II
83. Michael Jackson – P.Y.T (Pretty Young Thing)
82. SZA – Good Days
81. Don Toliver – Swangin’ On Westheimer
80. Nelly Furtado – Promiscuous ft. Timbaland
79. Chris Brown – Emerald/Burgundy ft. Juicy J & Juvenile
Remember what I said about music and the memories attached to it? Picture this… it’s winter 2019 and I’m in Italy with my brother and my dad. We had just picked up a rental car to go from Rome to Bologna to see the Lamborghini factory. It was about a four hour drive so I wanted to sit in the backseat and lay down. I remember it like it was yesterday, my head against the window trying to sleep with this exact part of the song playing. This song is one of the reasons why “Indigo” is in my top 10 favorite albums of all time.
78. Drake – Drew A Picasso
One of my favorite Drake songs ever and it just came out last year. Those background vocals that stay throughout the whole second verse is just another cherry on top for this astonishing piece of art.
77. Tems – Higher
The live performance of this song on Genius’ YouTube channel is some of the best live music I’ve ever heard. Tems is incredible.
76. Pop Smoke – Dior
75. 50 Cent – P.I.M.P
74. 50 Cent – In Da Club
73. Pop Smoke – Christopher Walking
I have vivid memories of playing this song all summer 2020 with all my friends at “the spot”. Miss those days. Not 2020 though.
72. Travis Scott – pick up the phone ft. Young Thug & Quavo
71. Shakira & Beyoncé – Beautiful Liar
70. The Weeknd – I Was Never There ft. Gesaffelstein
No exaggeration, this might be one of the most beautiful pieces of music I’ve ever heard in my life.
And to make it even better, Meek Mill went and sampled this to make “Cold Hearted II” which is one of my favorite Meek songs of all time.
“My Dear Melancholy,” is The Weeknd’s best album. I’ll always stand on that. In my humble opinion, it is his best vocal performance and best choice of production by far.
69. Drake & 21 Savage – Hours In Silence
68. J. Cole – 4 Your Eyez Only
If God blesses me with a daughter one day, I will want to name her after the name mentioned in this song.
67. Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You
66. Kendrick Lamar – DUCKWORTH.
You take two strangers and put ’em in random predicaments
Give ’em a soul so they can make their own choices and live with it
20 years later, them same strangers, you make ’em meet again inside recording studios where they reapin’ their benefits
Then you start remindin’ them about that chicken incident
Whoever thought the greatest rapper would be from coincidence?
Because if Anthony killed Ducky, Top Dawg could be servin’ life
While I grew up without a father and die in a gunfight.
65. Future – Solo
I don’t want to let you down, I don’t want to let youuuuuu downnnnnn
64. Drake – Weston Road Flows
63. Mr. Probz – Waves (Robin Schulz Remix Radio Edit)
62. Meek Mill – The Trillest
61. Travis Scott – Oh My Dis Side ft. Quavo
60. Future – Might as Well
59. Future – WAIT FOR U ft. Drake & Tems
58. Beyoncé – Sweet Dreams
57. Sean Paul – Temperature
56. Michael Jackson – Rock With You
55. Usher – U Don’t Have to Call
54. 50 Cent – Many Men (Wish Death)
One of the hardest rap songs of all time simply of the fact that, this man really survived that sh**.
53. Rod Wave – By Your Side
I love how Rod Wave does his music videos and this video is a perfect example why.
52. Bryson Tiller – In Check
It makes me sad that Bryson constantly says how much he doesn’t like listening to this album. Obviously it’s his music so he can feel how he wants about it. But man, (verbal meme incoming) this sh** mean something to me.
51. Usher – Caught Up
When this song came on, you couldn’t tell 9 year-old Yanni nothing because he was going to start dancing like crazy.
50. Ne-Yo – Miss Independent
49. Chris Brown – Grass Ain’t Greener
48. Drake – Jungle
47. Mark Morrison – Return of the Mack
46. Don Toliver – Situation
You want to take about a late night drive song… this is the pinnacle.
45. Jordin Sparks – No Air (Duet With Chris Brown)
44. Rihanna – Don’t Stop The Music
43. Bryson Tiller – Don’t Get Too High
The sampling of “Backyard” by Travis Scott on this is… immaculate. Once again another song off of “True to Self” that I love.
42. Meek Mill – Cold Hearted ft. Diddy
This is kind of crazy considering the context now, but if you take away the Diddler’s part in this song, you’ll recognize how Meek can truly take over a song and put his rapping ability on display.
41. Justin Timberlake – Mirrors
40. PARTYNEXTDOOR – Break From Toronto
One of the songs that take me back to walking through the high school hallways. Can’t believe that it’s been over 10 years since this song dropped.
39. Travis Scott – TELEKINESIS ft. SZA & Future
Sitting in the movie theater watching “Circus Maximus” hearing this for the first time was magical. My favorite song on “Utopia” by far.
38. Tory Lanez – Proud Family
37. Migos – T-Shirt
You know those questions on twitter that are like, “if you had to rap a song word-for-word to save your life, what would you pick?” It would be this one for sure.
36. SZA – 20 Something
A song that hits even harder as I get older and older. Because at 25 now, I’m really in the 20 somethings and it’s all going by faster than I ever thought it would.
35. Drake – Teenage Fever
By using the “Teenage Fever” title, Drake is talking from two different perspectives. While going from Rihanna to J-Lo, he’s talking about the teenage excitement, or fever, of jumping into a new relationship immediately after another one. But the second perspective, is relating to Drake’s real life. Drake’s own “Teenage Fever” is being fulfilled after getting the chance to date his teenage crush, Jennifer Lopez. A crazy story for a song, but it just makes it that much better.
34. Future – Codeine Crazy
One of the greatest pieces of trap music ever created. Also… shout out Chipotle.
33. Kanye West – Heartless
The video of Ye performing this at Lollapalooza used to be one of my favorite videos to watch. 808’s really did change the game and this song is a huge part of it.
32. Travis Scott – 90210 ft. Kacy Hill
31. SZA – Open Arms ft. Travis Scott
While SZA takes listeners through the rollercoaster of emotions that is “S.O.S” it perfectly reflects what real life is like. There will always be moments of chaos in life that will have you scrambling for answers, but as long as you keep pushing for those “Good Days”… you’ll be just fine.
30. Drake – Feel No Ways
I SHOULD BE DOWNTOWN WHIPPING ON THE WAYYY TO YOUUUUU.
29. SZA – Broken Clocks
28. Rod Wave – Freestyle
27. Chris Brown – Natural Disaster/Aura
He is comparing his experiences of falling in love to “Natural Disaster(s)” and he even advises against it in the song.
“Don’t fall in love, it’s a mistake”
The second half of the song, “Aura” is a calming, relaxing sound that is almost trying to get the listener back to the side of loving. It’s a personification of the angel and the devil on the shoulders of the listener, and on Brown himself. After showing how love can be a natural disaster, the tone immediately switches and the lyrics speak for themselves.
26. Meek Mill – Blue Notes
Whenever Meek gets transparent on a track it just feels natural. The flexing with all the money, cars and clothes is cool, but the real Meek comes from when he’s talking about his personal experiences. This song is just special to me and I will never skip it when it comes on. The connection between myself and this song is so strong that the video was shot on my 18th birthday.
25. Drake – Over My Dead Body
The greatest Drake album intro. Argue with the wall.
24. Bryson Tiller – Exchange
Time is going by too fast because I can vividly remember the feeling I had when I heard this song for the first time. What an artist, what an album & what a song.
23. Giveon – FAVORITE MISTAKE
Are you on your way? ARE YOU COMING SOOONNNN TO MEEEEE? This song saved my summer in 2020. Too many late night drives to count playing this (especially the acoustic version on YouTube). *shout out the number 23 too*
22. PARTYNEXTDOOR – TBH
SETTLE DOWN, SETTLE DOWN, SETTLE DOWNNNNNNN. They will never love this song like I do.
21. Ne-Yo – So Sick
If you are in the age range of 20 – 35 and you don’t know this song word-for-word, I need to seriously investigate your life.
20. Future – Never Stop
The greatest to ever come out of Atlanta. And, in my opinion, this song stamps it. One of the greatest rap album intros I’ve ever heard.
19. Rod Wave – Street Runner
I had the honor of being front row at a Rod Wave concert in October 2021, and hearing this song live was a spiritual experience. However, this is not the last time you will be seeing Rod Wave on this list.
18. Bryson Tiller – Sorrows
I’ll always remember the first time I listened to this album. I left my apartment at around 12:15 and walked around Richmond admiring the peaceful night with this album playing in the background. I used to live next to Monroe Park and I walked there, sat on a chair, kicked my feet up, and let the album play in my AirPods. Staring at the October night sky in Richmond while this song played was a true core memory.
17. PARTYNEXTDOOR – WEST DISTRICT
Please refer to my “perfect music moments” article linked below to read my description and analysis on why this song is so perfect to me. Thank you.
16. Michael Jackson – Billie Jean
Another core childhood memory for some reason is the day that Michael Jackson died. My dad brought my brother and I into his office and showed us some of his biggest songs. And the one that I couldn’t stop listening to, was “Billie Jean”. This song will still be getting played at family gatherings in 2070. I have no doubts about that.
15. J. Cole – Love Yourz
A song with true meaning that I try to remember every time I’m going through some sort of hardship. I’ve always said that if my friends and I were to have a documentary, this song would be the song played during the credits at the end.
No such thing as a life that’s better than yours.
14. Kanye West – Through The Wire
The story behind the song, rapping with his jaw wired shut, calling the song “Through The Wire” and then having it be one of your most important songs in your hall-of-fame catalogue… That’s what legends do.
13. Drake – Flight’s Booked
Y’all don’t understand the importance of Summer 2022 in my life. And this song right here will forever be synonymous with that summer. Matter of fact, that whole album (along with Un Verano Sin Ti), will always have a special place in my heart.
12. Travis Scott – CAN’T SAY ft. Don Toliver
The world was introduced to Don Toliver on this song. And he never looked back. Thank you Travis Scott. And thank you WondaGurl.
11. Bryson Tiller – Keep Doing What You’re Doing
I’ve always said that your favorite pieces of art, not just music, will be held together by memories and experiences you have related to them. What I can tell you about not just this song, but album, is that the Fall of 2020 was nothing else was coming out of my AirPods.
In 2020, when I went to VCU, it was the first time being away from home. I had just moved into my apartment on West Broad Street in Richmond with my best friend Walter Reyes. And every time I listen to this song my mind immediately goes to walking by Altria Theater and feeling the cool Fall breeze.
It’s crazy what music can make you feel. That’s why I think I love it so much.
THE TOP 10
10. Chris Brown – With You
One of the greatest love songs I’ve ever listened to, that’s for sure.
HEARTS ALL OVER THE WORLDDD TONIGHTT.
9. Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina – Stereo Love
Genuinely, a timeless song that will never go out of my playlist. Every summer in Greece driving back from the beach, this song has to be played at least twice. That accordion is special.
8. Rod Wave – Dark Clouds
I told you Rod was going to show up at least one more time on this list.
He starts the song off with talking about the sorrow he feels and hoping that tomorrow will be a better day. That kind of defines the song for me, it’s a symbolism of the title. There will always be “Dark Clouds” surrounding you, but you are responsible for finding the light.
7. Central Cee – Cold Shoulder
Man almost three years later and I’m still waiting for that next solo Cench project. If I closed my eyes right now, I can still picture myself listening to this song while looking out the window of the train in England. The amount of times I’ve played this song is genuinely insane.
6. Drake – A Keeper
My 2022 song of the year truly needs no other explanation. Listening to this song on a beach in Greece while watching the sunset will forever be one of my peak moments of life. This song alone is a huge reason why “Honestly, Nevermind” is in my top two Drake albums ever.
5. Kanye West – Family Business
“You can still love your man and be manly, dog”. My favorite Kanye West song ever and one of the best beats he ever rapped over. The real ones will appreciate this selection right here.
“I feel like one day you’ll understand me, dog”
To me, the song captures the true beauty of family *Dom Toretto voice*. No matter what, you’re family is going to have your back. No matter the arguments or the gossiping, it’s all going to stay in the family business. The togetherness is what truly makes life so great. I know my brothers got my back and they don’t have to question my part for them either.
4. Drake – Polar Opposites
SUN IS SETTING ON THE ATLANTIC, I BET A FULL MOON IS GONNA SHOWWW.
Aubrey Graham ladies and gentlemen.
Why you gotta listen to the propaganda?
3. Drake – Jaded
Ladies and gentlemen, my favorite Drake song ever. Jaded. This song is perfection from all angles. The Ty Dolla $ign background vocals, the lyrics and the beat. And the fact that he is telling his own real life story about how his relationship with Jorja Smith fell apart.
“I always want the truth, but it’s dangerous”
Drake at this point is numb to the pain that breakups bring. He is hurt but he is deflecting his own pain and sorrow by turning the blame to her. After being angry about driving two hours to her family’s house and dealing with all her problems, he shifts the blame to her and blames her decision to end things on her age and naïve mindset.
“That was before me, I musta changed it. Shifted your focus, lens lookin’ jaded”
2. Travis Scott – Drugs You Should Try It
The fact that this song is FINALLY coming to streaming services after 10 years this Friday is just divine timing. If a caveman managed to 2024, and he was given the option to listen to one song and then go back, I would play this song.
Travis Scott is one of the greatest artists of this generation and this song right here is the perfect proof of that.
1. Bryson Tiller – Right My Wrongs
If you know me personally, you know that this is the most predictable answer of all time. Bryson Tiller is my favorite artist ever and this song has just done so much for me. You know all those late night drives that I keep talking about? Not one time did I complete one without playing this song.
Finally seeing him perform this during his concert a couple months ago was one of my happiest moments.
And when he brought out his daughter Harley to sing it with him, a tear almost left my eye.
Like I said before, this was probably the hardest article I’ve ever had to do.
Obviously I’ve written a lot more for other articles, but the time and thought process that went into this one was crazy. Thank you to all that made it this far, and I hope to write a few more album reviews on here before the end of the year.
Until next time, this is YSN, signing out.
I’ve heard a lot of these songs many times, but knowing the stories behind them make them all that more special. Thanks for the Top 100 Ioannis. A lot of songs to listen to and add to the playlist.