1. Bob Marley and the Wailers
Favorite song: I Shot the Sheriff
The moment I heard the sounds of Marley’s reggae music, I immediately felt at ease, and the stress left my body. Whether it be “Three Little Birds” or “Is This Love,” you can’t help but appreciate these masterpieces. My personal favorite is Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff” because seeing this song in a movie kicked it up to a top-tier status for me, and I couldn’t get enough. Marley was fourth on my Spotify Wrapped, and I wish he was even higher.
2. Zac Brown Band
Favorite song: Knee Deep
Is there a band that captures the essence of nice summer days and sitting calmly on the beach better than Zac Brown Band? The answer is no. They are another band that just puts you at absolute peace. They have too many hits to count, and they always succeed in making people sing along.
3. Zach Bryan
Favorite song: Pink Skies
As a surprise to no one, Zach Bryan’s beautiful voice had to find a spot high on this list. I know, I know—“Pink Skies” is a super generic favorite song and might anger some people, but c’mon. Hearing those harmonicas and the powerful message with the vocal changes throughout—WOW! That song is so beautiful, and I remembered fishing in my friend’s little tin boat with all of us singing along to it. He has so many other songs that will turn into classics as time goes on and absolutely deserves the third spot on this list.
4. Gunna
Favorite song: Hakuna Matata
In the rap game, is there anyone hotter and catchier right now than Mr. Wunna? I think not. His flow and lyrics are so captivating and easily memorable. The release of the album One of Wun only helped his case, with many bangers on the album. My personal favorite Gunna song actually comes from One of Wun, which is “Hakuna Matata” because of the instrumentals and flow.
5. Drake
Favorite song: November 18th
Drake is a jack of all trades as he can do it all. He can rap great but also has a really smooth R&B voice. I’m not a typical Drake die-hard that you see on the internet always talking about “Old Drake.” Don’t get me wrong, his 2010s music was absolutely fantastic, but I’m always bumping tracks off his albums more recent albums, Certified Lover Boy and Her Loss, both of which have a handful of truly amazing songs.
6. Billy Joel
Favorite song: Piano Man
Billy Joel is definitely in consideration for being the most talented solo artist ever. From being a kid and dancing around to “We Didn’t Start the Fire” to now singing my heart out to “Vienna” or “Piano Man,” his music has been a constant source of happiness. “Pink Skies” by Zach Bryan contains my second favorite harmonica feature, but nothing beats the original in “Piano Man.” That song tells an incredible story, and Joel does an amazing job with the lyrics in all his songs, especially “We Didn’t Start the Fire.”
7. The Beatles
Favorite song: In My Life
Now, I didn’t grow up when The Beatles were putting out these unbelievable songs, but it doesn’t matter. One word: timeless. They have fantastic voices, and the band blends so well together. My favorite Beatles song is “In My Life” because of the personal connection and the fact that it’s simply perfect. I remember running around the kitchen on Saturday mornings as my dad made pancakes, blasting “Love Me Do.” Those moments hold a special place in my heart.
8. Michael Jackson
Favorite song: Bad
What I have to say about MJ has probably already been said, but he is one of the all-time greats. Not to be too mainstream, but tracks like “Bad” and “Billie Jean” are timeless and are frequently playing in my car. His prime was unforgettable, and his catchy tunes will always make me want to hit the moonwalk.
9. Mt. Joy
Favorite song: Astrovan
Oh, way up on Mt. Joyyyy! This band is new to my musical arsenal, and all credit goes to my cousin Paige for introducing me a little over a year ago and I can’t thank her enough. The mesh of this band is beautiful, and every song is so incredibly catchy. My favorite Mt. Joy song is “Astrovan” because it always puts me in a good mood.
10. Nas
Favorite song: The World Is Yours
I got introduced to Nas around three years ago by a coworker and haven’t looked back. His slow-paced, catchy rap and R&B are outstanding, and his beats only strengthen his songs. His classic, “The World Is Yours,” has to be my favorite. He’s one of the best the rap game has ever seen, and it’s a shame I wasn’t alive in the ’90s to bump his music. Honestly, he’s one of my favorite car ride artists.
Honorable Mentions:
Tom Petty (“I Won’t Back Down”), The Eagles (“Hotel California”), Lil Uzi Vert (“Lo Mein”).