DreamTheaterForums.org Dream Theater Fan Site

General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: lonestar on August 08, 2017, 06:07:34 PM

Title: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: lonestar on August 08, 2017, 06:07:34 PM
The other day I saw an old-ish video of a Green Day crowd of thousands singing Bohemian Rhapsody flawlessly beginning to end. It brought to mind the old Kanye video where, although he butchers the song, the crowd, once again, hits it note for note. And just now I watched a "kids react to Queen" video where kids aged 9 to 13 knew the song by heart.

It got me to thinking that this song has crossed generations and genres like few others, to the point where you'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't have at least passing familiarity with it.

What say you DTF? Is Bohemian Rhapsody the most universally accepted and liked song?

Any other songs come to mind that have this level of appeal?

Let another pointless argument begin!!!
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 08, 2017, 06:15:25 PM
Bohemian Rhapsody is an excellent pick.

Billie Jean is also one of those songs that pretty much everyone knows and likes.

20 years ago, I would have said Stairway to Heaven, but I don't think that song is well known among younger people anymore. 
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: T-ski on August 08, 2017, 06:16:21 PM
Don't Stop Believin'?
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Adami on August 08, 2017, 07:28:58 PM
We Will Rock You.

Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Destiny Of Chaos on August 08, 2017, 07:32:39 PM
Bohemian Rhapsody is what immediately came to mind for me.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Crow on August 08, 2017, 07:48:15 PM
Bohemian Rhapsody is an excellent pick.

Billie Jean is also one of those songs that pretty much everyone knows and likes.

20 years ago, I would have said Stairway to Heaven, but I don't think that song is well known among younger people anymore.
i'm not an MJ fan but there are a fair number of his songs I do like. billie jean isn't really one, i only see it as historically important but not one of his better songs & have never gotten why it seems to be so loved.

bohemian rhapsody i had memorized at like, age 10 or 11 or something tho
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on August 08, 2017, 07:54:14 PM
Eric Clapton  - Wonderful Tonight.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: rumborak on August 08, 2017, 09:42:42 PM
Don't Stop Believin'?

In the US, maybe. Internationally, no. I have found none of my friends in Europe have ever even heard of Journey.

But yeah, Billie Jean or Thriller certainly fit the bill.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: IDontNotDoThings on August 09, 2017, 02:36:54 AM
My first thought was Imagine, but I certainly have no problem with Bohemian Rhapsody.  :tup
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: ChuckSteak on August 09, 2017, 03:34:38 AM
I don't think there is such a song.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: MirrorMask on August 09, 2017, 03:40:41 AM
I agree on Bohemian Rhapsody, even though at first it came Stairway to Heaven to mind.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: BlobVanDam on August 09, 2017, 03:50:28 AM
Given that Thriller is the highest selling album, and most of the songs were hits, Billy Jean is a good pick. So is Bohemian Rhapsody. Everyone seems to know the song and have fun with that middle section.
It's tough to say though, because our scope is always going to be narrow, so it's difficult to truly gauge what's "universal".
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: The Silent Cody on August 09, 2017, 03:57:11 AM
Separate Ways by Journey always bring back good memories :)
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Logain Ablar on August 09, 2017, 07:14:50 AM
Hey Jude?
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Dave_Manchester on August 09, 2017, 07:26:39 AM
First to come to mind are The Show Must Go On (Queen) and God Only Knows (Beach Boys).
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: AngelBack on August 09, 2017, 07:44:59 AM
Final Countdown has probably been heard by half the world.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: BlobVanDam on August 09, 2017, 07:46:28 AM
Final Countdown has probably been heard by half the world.

But is it actually liked? :lol


I love it. Not sure anyone else does.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Elite on August 09, 2017, 07:47:21 AM
Final Countdown has probably been heard by half the world.

But do people know the words apart from 'It's the final countdown!' ?

Bohemian Rhapsody is the answer.


And if not, then 'Happy Birthday'
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: AngelBack on August 09, 2017, 07:52:06 AM
Final Countdown has probably been heard by half the world.

But do people know the words apart from 'It's the final countdown!' ?

Bohemian Rhapsody is the answer.


And if not, then 'Happy Birthday'

True, but do the really know the words to Bohemian and is it even possible to know the words to Billie Jean :biggrin:
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: BlobVanDam on August 09, 2017, 07:57:55 AM
Final Countdown has probably been heard by half the world.

But do people know the words apart from 'It's the final countdown!' ?

Bohemian Rhapsody is the answer.


And if not, then 'Happy Birthday'

True, but do the really know the words to Bohemian and is it even possible to know the words to Billie Jean :biggrin:

We all know the words to Bohemian Rhapsody, we just don't know what the hell they mean! :lol
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Logain Ablar on August 09, 2017, 07:58:56 AM
Others, randomly off the top of my head:


I'm kinda thinking "wedding disco" here, but I suppose in that case Everybody Hurts should probably be taken out..  :lol

Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 09, 2017, 08:03:03 AM
BoRhap is a great pick, but I'm going with Stairway.  I disagree with the "20 years ago..." comment.  My kid is 16, and just finished her sophomore year of high school.  At a dance celebrating her freshman year (it's complicated; her old school went through 9th grade, so it was akin to a graduation dance) the final song was...  "Stairway to Heaven".   And again this year, she was at a dance and there was two hours of Flo Rida and Sia and all that jazz, and the final song?    You got it:   Stairway to Heaven.

I also don't think you can have this conversation without Smoke On The Water or Freebird.   (And I'm assuming this is just "rock", because there are standards that far eclipse any we've mentioned:  "Respect", "Hound Dog", What A Wonderful World".

Honorable mentions:
- Something
- Satisfaction
- Good Vibrations
- Jenny Jenny
- Born To Be Wild
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Train of Naught on August 09, 2017, 08:12:44 AM
I don't think Bohemian Rhapsody is the most universally liked song at all. In the world of rock music however, it's definitely a strong contender.

I think (one of) the most universally liked song(s) is Hey Ya! by Outkast, I'm shocked no one has mentioned it yet. Even though the 'biggest fans' of that song might not love them quite as much as the hardcore Bohemian Rhapsody fans, I think it covers a way wider range of people who enjoy - or rather, accept - it.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: rumborak on August 09, 2017, 08:17:04 AM
BoRhap is a great pick, but I'm going with Stairway.  I disagree with the "20 years ago..." comment.  My kid is 16, and just finished her sophomore year of high school.  At a dance celebrating her freshman year (it's complicated; her old school went through 9th grade, so it was akin to a graduation dance) the final song was...  "Stairway to Heaven".   And again this year, she was at a dance and there was two hours of Flo Rida and Sia and all that jazz, and the final song?    You got it:   Stairway to Heaven.

I can not remember the last time I have heard Stairway to Heaven on the radio. To me it's a song that fell by the wayside. I mean, Led Zeppelin gets played all the time, but more stuff like Ramble On.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: BlobVanDam on August 09, 2017, 08:20:36 AM
BoRhap is a great pick, but I'm going with Stairway.  I disagree with the "20 years ago..." comment.  My kid is 16, and just finished her sophomore year of high school.  At a dance celebrating her freshman year (it's complicated; her old school went through 9th grade, so it was akin to a graduation dance) the final song was...  "Stairway to Heaven".   And again this year, she was at a dance and there was two hours of Flo Rida and Sia and all that jazz, and the final song?    You got it:   Stairway to Heaven.

I can not remember the last time I have heard Stairway to Heaven on the radio. To me it's a song that fell by the wayside. I mean, Led Zeppelin gets played all the time, but more stuff like Ramble On.

It's probably due to the length of the song more than anything. That may have an impact on how well known it with current audiences, but it's still a popular song.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Lowdz on August 09, 2017, 08:28:03 AM
We Will Rock You.

I've always preferred the fast version on Live Killers.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: lonestar on August 09, 2017, 08:38:37 AM

I think (one of) the most universally liked song(s) is Hey Ya! by Outkast, I'm shocked no one has mentioned it yet. Even though the 'biggest fans' of that song might not love them quite as much as the hardcore Bohemian Rhapsody fans, I think it covers a way wider range of people who enjoy - or rather, accept - it.

No one has mentioned it cause no one likes it....  :biggrin:


Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on August 09, 2017, 08:56:26 AM
BoRhap is a great pick, but I'm going with Stairway.  I disagree with the "20 years ago..." comment.  My kid is 16, and just finished her sophomore year of high school.  At a dance celebrating her freshman year (it's complicated; her old school went through 9th grade, so it was akin to a graduation dance) the final song was...  "Stairway to Heaven".   And again this year, she was at a dance and there was two hours of Flo Rida and Sia and all that jazz, and the final song?    You got it:   Stairway to Heaven.

I can not remember the last time I have heard Stairway to Heaven on the radio. To me it's a song that fell by the wayside. I mean, Led Zeppelin gets played all the time, but more stuff like Ramble On.

You still listen to local radio?
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: MrBoom_shack-a-lack on August 09, 2017, 09:01:42 AM
We Will Rock You.
That's one of the first drumbeats I show my beginner students and when I ask what song they think it's from most of them knows it straight away, I find that pretty cool.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Lowdz on August 09, 2017, 09:53:12 AM

I think (one of) the most universally liked song(s) is Hey Ya! by Outkast, I'm shocked no one has mentioned it yet. Even though the 'biggest fans' of that song might not love them quite as much as the hardcore Bohemian Rhapsody fans, I think it covers a way wider range of people who enjoy - or rather, accept - it.

No one has mentioned it cause no one likes it....  :biggrin:

Never heard of it...
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 09, 2017, 10:30:16 AM

I think (one of) the most universally liked song(s) is Hey Ya! by Outkast, I'm shocked no one has mentioned it yet. Even though the 'biggest fans' of that song might not love them quite as much as the hardcore Bohemian Rhapsody fans, I think it covers a way wider range of people who enjoy - or rather, accept - it.

No one has mentioned it cause no one likes it....  :biggrin:

Never heard of it...

Same.  Or Outkast at all, for that matter.  I think for it to qualify as "universally accepted and liked," it goes without saying that people have to have actually heard of it.  :lol
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Mindflux on August 09, 2017, 10:34:28 AM
Google says:


"The Disneyland classic “It's A Small World” has been played more than any song in history on the radio."


Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 09, 2017, 10:35:39 AM
What about:

Yesterday
Thunderstruck
Smoke On The Water
We Are The Champions
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Africa

and countless others?
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Adami on August 09, 2017, 10:36:35 AM
What about:

Yesterday
Thunderstruck
Smoke On The Water
We Are The Champions
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Africa

and countless others?

Universally liked on a rock forum is a little differant than universally loved.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 09, 2017, 10:38:09 AM
Right, but that goes for Bohemian Rhapsody as well.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Adami on August 09, 2017, 10:39:36 AM
Right, but that goes for Bohemian Rhapsody as well.

I would argue that BR has found a place in pop culture, even today, that those other songs really haven't.





I feel like a lot of those other songs, while not necessarily disliked, are more likely to be met with apathy by the general population today.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Train of Naught on August 09, 2017, 10:53:28 AM

I think (one of) the most universally liked song(s) is Hey Ya! by Outkast, I'm shocked no one has mentioned it yet. Even though the 'biggest fans' of that song might not love them quite as much as the hardcore Bohemian Rhapsody fans, I think it covers a way wider range of people who enjoy - or rather, accept - it.

No one has mentioned it cause no one likes it....  :biggrin:

Never heard of it...

Same.  Or Outkast at all, for that matter.  I think for it to qualify as "universally accepted and liked," it goes without saying that people have to have actually heard of it.  :lol
It's undoubtedly one of the most widely accepted songs in pop culture of the last 15 years or so. I don't really base my nomination on whether you happen to know it. This thread is not a contest of how many DTF members have heard of a certain song, I'm trying to look at the question fom a more realistic point of view since I have the idea that some seem to narrow it down to just rock music. There are plenty of songs originating from the rock-scene that appear on a list of "most universally accepted/liked songs", but there's a severe lack of mentions of pop music.

Universally liked on a rock forum is a little differant than universally loved.
Basically these are my sentiments
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: The Letter M on August 09, 2017, 11:00:58 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q93IT_f0uaQ

-Marc.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 09, 2017, 11:11:27 AM

I think (one of) the most universally liked song(s) is Hey Ya! by Outkast, I'm shocked no one has mentioned it yet. Even though the 'biggest fans' of that song might not love them quite as much as the hardcore Bohemian Rhapsody fans, I think it covers a way wider range of people who enjoy - or rather, accept - it.

No one has mentioned it cause no one likes it....  :biggrin:

Never heard of it...

Same.  Or Outkast at all, for that matter.  I think for it to qualify as "universally accepted and liked," it goes without saying that people have to have actually heard of it.  :lol
It's undoubtedly one of the most widely accepted songs in pop culture of the last 15 years or so.

I understand those words, but I don't think they mean what you think they mean.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: mike099 on August 09, 2017, 12:08:52 PM
We Will Rock You.

Laughed when you mentioned 'We will rock you'.  My 2 year old granddaughter tries to sing to this song and has the drum parts down pretty well with her feet.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: lonestar on August 09, 2017, 12:39:06 PM
Right, but that goes for Bohemian Rhapsody as well.

As I said in the op, every one at a Kanye West concert knew the words (they had to, Kanye sure as fuck couldn't sing it...)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocCYI7aJ9aw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocCYI7aJ9aw)

(come to think of it, I think this video was from a large Euro rock festival)
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 09, 2017, 01:32:06 PM
I'm not disputing that a lot of people know BR, I just wanted to throw in some songs that might be (or not?) widely known. And it's not that I've listed only rock songs.

We Are The Champions is played at every major sports event. In every bar or pub that I know when Thunderstruck is played everybody goes "ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha THUNDER" and that's not only rock fans.

My old folks know nothing about rock or pop and certainly have never heard of Bohemian Rhapsody but they can sing along to Yesterday.

So maybe these songs aren't as universally known as BR, but they certainly aren't limited to being only liked on a rock forum.

Besides a lot of those songs are still played on mainstream radio, whereas I've never heard BR on the radio, but maybe I'm listening to the wrong stations.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Logain Ablar on August 09, 2017, 02:27:36 PM
It got me to thinking that this song has crossed generations and genres like few others, to the point where you'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't have at least passing familiarity with it.

If I understand lonestar's OP properly, I think maybe the bolded bit above is what he's looking for.

I was trying to think of songs that both my parents and my kids would know. As an experiment, I let the kids hear Hound Dog and Singing In The Rain, and they knew both of them straight away. Whether they're universally liked or not is another thing, but it's those kinds of songs that seem to be known across generations.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: DragonAttack on August 09, 2017, 02:39:35 PM
Having hosted many college age students from across the globe for a day or two over the years via a local university, they have all known 'We Will Rock You', 'We Are The Champions', 'Bohemian Rhapsody', .....and some have sung aloud the 'Ready, Freddie' line during 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love'. 

I should test them on 'Hey Jude' and 'She Loves You', as well as 'Thriller'.

(fyi....there are no drums in the slow studio version of WWRY)
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 09, 2017, 02:56:52 PM
I'm not disputing that a lot of people know BR, I just wanted to throw in some songs that might be (or not?) widely known. And it's not that I've listed only rock songs.

We Are The Champions is played at every major sports event. In every bar or pub that I know when Thunderstruck is played everybody goes "ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha THUNDER" and that's not only rock fans.

My old folks know nothing about rock or pop and certainly have never heard of Bohemian Rhapsody but they can sing along to Yesterday.

So maybe these songs aren't as universally known as BR, but they certainly aren't limited to being only liked on a rock forum.

Besides a lot of those songs are still played on mainstream radio, whereas I've never heard BR on the radio, but maybe I'm listening to the wrong stations.

If sporting events are the criteria, then Gary Glitter's Rock and Roll Part 1 is just as often played as "We Will Rock You". 
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: El Barto on August 09, 2017, 03:11:17 PM
We Will Rock You.

I've always preferred the fast version on Live Killers.
Hell yeah.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: mike099 on August 09, 2017, 03:48:20 PM
Having hosted many college age students from across the globe for a day or two over the years via a local university, they have all known 'We Will Rock You', 'We Are The Champions', 'Bohemian Rhapsody', .....and some have sung aloud the 'Ready, Freddie' line during 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love'. 

I should test them on 'Hey Jude' and 'She Loves You', as well as 'Thriller'.

(fyi....there are no drums in the slow studio version of WWRY)

Yes no drums.  I meant the stomping feet sound maybe on hardwood floors.  Was it the roadies that were participating on we will rock you?
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: lonestar on August 09, 2017, 04:46:09 PM
It got me to thinking that this song has crossed generations and genres like few others, to the point where you'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't have at least passing familiarity with it.

If I understand lonestar's OP properly, I think maybe the bolded bit above is what he's looking for.



Pretty much...
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Anguyen92 on August 09, 2017, 06:12:38 PM
I'm not disputing that a lot of people know BR, I just wanted to throw in some songs that might be (or not?) widely known. And it's not that I've listed only rock songs.

We Are The Champions is played at every major sports event. In every bar or pub that I know when Thunderstruck is played everybody goes "ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha THUNDER" and that's not only rock fans.

My old folks know nothing about rock or pop and certainly have never heard of Bohemian Rhapsody but they can sing along to Yesterday.

So maybe these songs aren't as universally known as BR, but they certainly aren't limited to being only liked on a rock forum.

Besides a lot of those songs are still played on mainstream radio, whereas I've never heard BR on the radio, but maybe I'm listening to the wrong stations.

If we are counting sporting events, I have to think that White Stripes' Seven Nation Army has got to be up there.  People may not know the song name or the band, but they got to know that melody and chant along.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Crow on August 09, 2017, 06:20:01 PM
I wonder what the most universally hated song is, too  :corn
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Anguyen92 on August 09, 2017, 06:22:55 PM
I wonder what the most universally hated song is, too  :corn

I'm sure Nickelback or Linkin Park or Creed is somehow in the race for it.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Mosh on August 09, 2017, 06:47:31 PM
Except most people outside of Rock forums are mostly OK with those bands.

Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: jakepriest on August 09, 2017, 06:49:29 PM
I wonder what the most universally hated song is, too  :corn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLzxrzFCyOs
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: jingle.boy on August 10, 2017, 05:59:40 AM
When I saw that video (Green Day crowd), this was one of the first things I thought of - https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=6678.0

As for others that meet RJ's criteria (that haven't been mentioned)

Wild Thing
You Shook Me All Night Long
Hotel California
Livin on a Prayer
In The Air Tonight
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: ZKX-2099 on August 10, 2017, 06:13:40 AM
Beat It
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: AngelBack on August 10, 2017, 07:23:38 AM
I wonder what the most universally hated song is, too  :corn

I'm sure Nickelback or Linkin Park or Creed is somehow in the race for it.

Rick Astley might have something to say about that...
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: DragonAttack on August 10, 2017, 09:56:34 AM
 :D

Well, one can add to the list 'Rock 'n Roll All Night', 'Wipeout', 'Louie, Louie', 'The Chicken Dance' as to recognizable....

Gary Glitter's track used to be played after the IHL's Saginaw Gears scored a goal.  Their 'Gear-illa' mascot would come out onto the ice with this song playing after a goal.  Saginaw's head coach ended up with the LA Kings, and began the tradition of playing that $%@! song after King goals.

As to WWRY....back in the day, we had an acquaintance who thought he was king sh*t on drums and vocals.  We always joked that he'd excel on that track, as well as being far superior to Jeff Beck as a singer......
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 10, 2017, 10:31:17 AM
When I saw that video (Green Day crowd), this was one of the first things I thought of - https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=6678.0

As for others that meet RJ's criteria (that haven't been mentioned)

Wild Thing
You Shook Me All Night Long
Hotel California
Livin on a Prayer
In The Air Tonight
Yeah, I think most of those are good candidates as well.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: DougMasters on August 10, 2017, 06:20:00 PM
I was pretty certain that the song that closed out the Lamb Chops show was the most popular and sung song in the universe.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Zook on August 10, 2017, 07:16:07 PM

I think (one of) the most universally liked song(s) is Hey Ya! by Outkast, I'm shocked no one has mentioned it yet. Even though the 'biggest fans' of that song might not love them quite as much as the hardcore Bohemian Rhapsody fans, I think it covers a way wider range of people who enjoy - or rather, accept - it.

No one has mentioned it cause no one likes it....  :biggrin:

Never heard of it...

Same.  Or Outkast at all, for that matter.  I think for it to qualify as "universally accepted and liked," it goes without saying that people have to have actually heard of it.  :lol
It's undoubtedly one of the most widely accepted songs in pop culture of the last 15 years or so. I don't really base my nomination on whether you happen to know it. This thread is not a contest of how many DTF members have heard of a certain song, I'm trying to look at the question fom a more realistic point of view since I have the idea that some seem to narrow it down to just rock music. There are plenty of songs originating from the rock-scene that appear on a list of "most universally accepted/liked songs", but there's a severe lack of mentions of pop music.

I hate that fucking song.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: TAC on August 10, 2017, 07:29:07 PM
Never heard of it.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: jingle.boy on August 10, 2017, 07:33:57 PM
Never heard of it.

Me either.  :hifive:
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: DougMasters on August 10, 2017, 09:18:44 PM

I think (one of) the most universally liked song(s) is Hey Ya! by Outkast, I'm shocked no one has mentioned it yet. Even though the 'biggest fans' of that song might not love them quite as much as the hardcore Bohemian Rhapsody fans, I think it covers a way wider range of people who enjoy - or rather, accept - it.

No one has mentioned it cause no one likes it....  :biggrin:

Never heard of it...

Same.  Or Outkast at all, for that matter.  I think for it to qualify as "universally accepted and liked," it goes without saying that people have to have actually heard of it.  :lol
It's undoubtedly one of the most widely accepted songs in pop culture of the last 15 years or so. I don't really base my nomination on whether you happen to know it. This thread is not a contest of how many DTF members have heard of a certain song, I'm trying to look at the question fom a more realistic point of view since I have the idea that some seem to narrow it down to just rock music. There are plenty of songs originating from the rock-scene that appear on a list of "most universally accepted/liked songs", but there's a severe lack of mentions of pop music.

I hate that fucking song.

i really like that song. like i wouldnt ever buy one of their albums but i get excited if i hear it on the radio
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: lonestar on August 10, 2017, 09:33:39 PM
I was pretty certain that the song that closed out the Lamb Chops show was the most popular and sung song in the universe.

That better not get stuck in my head bro...

(actually, back when my kid was very young, we would torture my then wife by marching around the house singing it, good times man...)
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: BlobVanDam on August 10, 2017, 09:54:13 PM
I was pretty certain that the song that closed out the Lamb Chops show was the most popular and sung song in the universe.

That better not get stuck in my head bro...

Don't worry about it, I'm sure it will get unstuck once you finish singing it.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: jingle.boy on August 10, 2017, 09:56:15 PM
Relevant (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuqClmxp_Ng)
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: MoraWintersoul on August 11, 2017, 08:11:10 AM
My late dad, bless his soul, always hated Bohemian Rhapsody with a passion, so those people are out there. I think We Are The Champions is much more widely known and loved.

Recently, I think loads of people really liked Uptown Funk. I don't know anyone who heard it and didn't like it.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: bosk1 on August 11, 2017, 09:03:36 AM
Recently, I think loads of people really liked Uptown Funk. I don't know anyone who heard it and didn't like it.

Yeah, good call.  But I think it's still too new to fit what RJ was really getting at.  I think the song has to have been around long enough that it has become a permanent fixture of pop culture across generations, which a lot of the songs mentioned thus far in the thread have.  I mean, I wouldn't be shocked if Uptown Funk eventually achieves that status, in light of its almost-universal appeal.  Not a knock on the song, but I just don't think it's there yet, simply by virtue of when it was released.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: lonestar on August 11, 2017, 06:09:25 PM
Relevant (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuqClmxp_Ng)

Legendary skit.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 11, 2017, 10:45:32 PM
One that I do not think has been mentioned that has to be up there is:

Piano Man
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Crow on August 11, 2017, 10:52:09 PM
One that I do not think has been mentioned that has to be up there is:

Piano Man
this is a good pick & probably a better song than bohemian rhapsody imo
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Adami on August 12, 2017, 12:29:40 AM
One that I do not think has been mentioned that has to be up there is:

Piano Man
this is a good pick & probably a better song than bohemian rhapsody imo

What? No.


Also I think BR crosses over into fan bases that Piano Man wouldn't. Fantastic song though.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on August 12, 2017, 04:52:59 AM
American Pie - Don Mclain
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: jingle.boy on August 12, 2017, 05:03:58 AM
One that I do not think has been mentioned that has to be up there is:

Piano Man

Good call. 

Speaking of which, I debated on whether to include Candle in the Wind in my list.  I think it would qualify.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on August 12, 2017, 05:07:34 AM
I was thinking a Beatles tune but there is so many big hits that it's hard to narrow down one.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Mladen on August 12, 2017, 06:14:19 AM
I was thinking a Beatles tune but there is so many big hits that it's hard to narrow down one.
Same here. I haven't been able to come up with the perfect choice for days now.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: MirrorMask on August 12, 2017, 06:16:26 AM
I was thinking a Beatles tune but there is so many big hits that it's hard to narrow down one.

Let it Be?
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: twosuitsluke on August 12, 2017, 07:23:19 AM
I was thinking a Beatles tune but there is so many big hits that it's hard to narrow down one.

Let it Be?

Probably.  I was doing the same, trying to think of the perfect Beatles song. I think it's got to be up there.

One that I do not think has been mentioned that has to be up there is:

Piano Man

I don't think I even know the song you are talking about?

I would definitely go with Bohemian Rhapsody, it was the first song that jumped to my mind. I think it's also stayed relevant through generations due to films.

For those who remember it from the time it was released they remember how popular it was. I was born in 83 so for me my first exposure to it was the iconic scene from Wayne's World. Everyone of my generation at least knows that scene, even if they never watched the whole film. I personally watched that film loads when I was a kid. For the younger generation it was recently in Suicide Squad, a lot of kids found a love for it due to that.

Another great thing about it is the fact that if you hear it you can't help but sing it (maybe just my opinion). It's infectious and singing it with your friends (in a car if possible), or in a big crowd is just the greatest. I could understand some people being sick of it but I think the vast majority of people haven't heard it enough to be sick of it.

The final thing in all of this is purely about how popular certain songs are in certain parts of the world, that just makes the biggest difference.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 12, 2017, 07:36:23 AM

One that I do not think has been mentioned that has to be up there is:

Piano Man

I don't think I even know the song you are talking about?

 :eek :eek

(https://orig01.deviantart.net/0361/f/2011/010/9/9/inconceivable_by_alexfili-d36vlb8.png)
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: SoundscapeMN on August 12, 2017, 07:42:04 AM
Happy Birthday.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on August 12, 2017, 08:07:12 AM

One that I do not think has been mentioned that has to be up there is:

Piano Man

I don't think I even know the song you are talking about?

 :eek :eek

(https://orig01.deviantart.net/0361/f/2011/010/9/9/inconceivable_by_alexfili-d36vlb8.png)

Holy cow.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: twosuitsluke on August 12, 2017, 09:25:48 AM

One that I do not think has been mentioned that has to be up there is:

Piano Man

I don't think I even know the song you are talking about?

 :eek :eek

(https://orig01.deviantart.net/0361/f/2011/010/9/9/inconceivable_by_alexfili-d36vlb8.png)

Holy cow.

I just YouTubed it, it seems familiar but I honestly don't know it well, at all! Is it bigger in America or something?
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 12, 2017, 09:28:01 AM
It is HUGE in America. It is literally one of those songs that I cannot imagine anyone not knowing.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Train of Naught on August 12, 2017, 09:32:32 AM
It is huge in Europe as well :lol or at least from my knowledge. That's a good mention, but I think BR and the Michael Jackson/Beatles mentions are still more universally known and loved. Then again, barely anyone seems to be familiar with the song I mentioned (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWgvGjAhvIw) which I thought to be one of the most popular songs of all time, so my perception is probably a bit skewed.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 12, 2017, 09:38:00 AM
I thought I would listen to Hey Ya! and it would be one of those songs I knew, but never knew the name of. Nope, I had never heard that song before.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Anguyen92 on August 12, 2017, 09:55:48 AM
I thought I would listen to Hey Ya! and it would be one of those songs I knew, but never knew the name of. Nope, I had never heard that song before.

That was the case for me.  I heard it before, a fair amount, but I could not recall the name of the band.  I thought it was made by The Black Eyed Peas, honestly.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: twosuitsluke on August 12, 2017, 10:04:31 AM
It is huge in Europe as well :lol or at least from my knowledge. That's a good mention, but I think BR and the Michael Jackson/Beatles mentions are still more universally known and loved. Then again, barely anyone seems to be familiar with the song I mentioned (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWgvGjAhvIw) which I thought to be one of the most popular songs of all time, so my perception is probably a bit skewed.

Hey Ya! Was pretty huge over here when it came out in like 2004 or whenever. Everyone I know of my generation would know it instantly but I'm not so sure of the older generations, or the youngsters of today for that matter.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Stadler on August 15, 2017, 05:58:16 AM
My mom knows Piano Man.
My mom knows BoRhap (even if she doesn't know what it's called)
My mom has no idea what Hey Ya! is. 

The thing with Piano Man that Bohemian Rhapsody doesn't have is portability.  Karaoke.   Bar musicians.  I've heard "Piano Man" 100 times in bars if I've heard it once.  I don't know that I've ever heard a guy with a guitar, or a chick with a piano give us their solo take on "Boheman Rhapsody".   
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Architeuthis on August 15, 2017, 05:36:40 PM
 More Than A Feeling - Boston
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Dublagent66 on August 16, 2017, 01:21:12 PM
Rock'n Me - Steve Miller
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Sycsa on August 16, 2017, 04:11:04 PM
I've never heard of Piano Man either, and Billy Joel is just vaguely familiar by name. Like, I know he's probably in the music business, but I wouldn't bet my house on it. I don't know what he looks like and I don't know a single song by him. European millennials are a different breed.

My late dad, bless his soul, always hated Bohemian Rhapsody with a passion, so those people are out there. I think We Are The Champions is much more widely known and loved.

Except by the adorably pretentious vintageprog guy - https://vintageprog.com/classic70srock/queen.htm:
Quote
"Father to Son" is easily one of the best songs May ever wrote in the band and remains shamefully overlooked among many fans of the band, who seems to prefer later crap like "We are the Champions" instead. (...)"We Will Rock You" - just the kind of mindless crap your musically braindead neighbour will crank up whenever he wants to show everyone what a real badass he too can be

On a more contemporary note, Wiz Khalifa's See You Again has some potential on the long run to become a classic, it's a great song, an emotional one, and broke 3 billion views on YouTube.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: TheSilentHam on August 16, 2017, 04:32:25 PM
Crazy Train came to mind, but no way does it beat BR
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: wrighty on August 17, 2017, 01:24:36 AM
In the U.K., BR routinely tops radio polls of the best song ever or similar - and that would be a mixed audience not a rock forum. It was also what I thought of immediately on seeing the thread title.

Bohemian Rhapsody wins - no question.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: twosuitsluke on August 19, 2017, 11:39:17 AM
Was listening to the radio in the car with my girlfriend earlier. 'Brown Eyed Girl' by Van Morrison came on and I thought of this thread. I'm not sure how universally well known it is but it seems to be one of those songs everyone knows, even if they don't know who Van Morrison is. I know this song doesn't rival Bohemian Rhapsody but I'm interested to hear how well known it is in other parts of the world. Does everyone know it?
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: jakepriest on August 19, 2017, 07:17:27 PM
Bohemian Rhapsody for sure. I've never heard of Piano Man or Brown Eyed Girl.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: KevShmev on August 19, 2017, 08:47:55 PM
Brown Eyed Girl is another great choice.  Unless you are living in a cave, that is a song pretty much everyone knows.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Kwyjibo on August 20, 2017, 01:32:32 AM
Seems I'm living in a cave  ;D
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: King Postwhore on August 20, 2017, 04:23:56 AM
That's one deep cave. :lol
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: TAC on August 20, 2017, 03:16:42 PM
LA Sleeze version

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaeCSNNsAok

Actually this is an awesome album.
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Chino on August 22, 2017, 07:20:53 AM
Everyone loves The Final Countdown
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: jingle.boy on August 22, 2017, 08:03:57 AM
Everyone loves The Final Countdown

You sure about that? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjeMDvCdrtc)
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: BlobVanDam on August 22, 2017, 08:04:59 AM
I knew it was going to be that video. :lol
Title: Re: The Most Universally Accepted and Liked Song Thread
Post by: Logain Ablar on August 22, 2017, 09:15:09 AM
 :lol

Oh man, painful. He didn't even hit any right notes by accident..