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Whether you're an OG hard rocker or you were born with your fingers in a "rock on" salute, you've probably got strong opinions about which hard rock songs are better than the rest. Well, some hard rock tunes have the awards nominations, chart-topping history, and cultural legacy to warrant a place on our list of 100 best hard rock songs of all time. You might agree. You might disagree. But one thing's for sure — these songs go just as hard today as they did years ago.

100 Best Hard Rock Songs of All Time 

Narrowing down a list of the greatest hard rock songs is a tough task. We've scoured the charts and looked through their nominations to come up with our top 100 hard rock songs of the past six decades, organized by the release date.Ìý

The Rolling Stones, Satisfaction (1964) 

"Satisfaction" was the Rolling Stones' first number-one hit in the United States. It became such a celebrated rock song that Rolling Stone put it in the of their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame praises it for being one of the songs that helped shape Rock 'n' Roll.

The Kinks, You Really Got Me (1964)  

In its musical structure, "You Really Got Me" is widely regarded as a template for the hard rock sound, seeing as it was the first hit rock song built around power chords. It  on the Billboard Hot 100, and it's noted on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's list of songs that shaped rock music.

The Who, My Generation (1965) 

Over the years, "My Generation" has received numerous honors, including the number 11 slot on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and an induction into the .

The Doors, Light My Fire (1967) 

One of the Doors' most famous songs, "Light My Fire,"  spot on the Billboard charts and sits at number 35 on Rolling Stone's list of 500 Greatest Hits of All Time.Ìý

Jimi Hendrix, Manic Depression (1967) 

"Manic Depression" — from Jimi Hendrix's acclaimed album Are You Experienced — has become a hard rock classic, and has been covered by artists as diverse as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Yngwie J. Malmsteen, and Styx.

Related: 7 Simple Ways to Get Rid of a Song That's Stuck in Your Head

Jimi Hendrix, Purple Haze (1967)

"Purple Haze" is an enduring microcosm of late-60s rock music. While the song only reached number 65 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart when it was released, Jimi Hendrix's amazing guitar work earned him a spot on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's list of songs that changed rock and roll. Rolling Stone also gave it high honors, on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Steppenwolf, Born to Be Wild (1968)

In its lyric "heavy metal thunder," "Born to be Wild" marked the first appearance of the term "heavy metal," helping to usher in a new era in rock music. The song on the charts and landed a spot on both VH1's Greatest Hard Rock Songs list and Rolling Stone's list of .

Steppenwolf, Magic Carpet Ride (1968) 

An iconic hard rock song, "Magic Carpet Ride"  on the Billboard Hot 100. Over the years, it's made numerous cameos in film, television, and commercials, and is as familiar to people today as it was when it was released.

The Rolling Stones, Sympathy for the Devil (1968) 

"Sympathy for the Devil," a classic hard rock tune, leaned into the Rolling Stones' naughty reputation when it was released in 1968, and it peaked at number 32 on Rolling Stone's list of the greatest songs of all time.

The Beatles, Helter Skelter (1968)

With its head-banging, aggressive sound, "Helter Skelter" is widely considered to be an early prototype of heavy metal. Q Magazine includes this classic tune on their list of .

Related: 10 Most Valuable Beatles Albums and Records Worth Looking For

Creedence Clearwater Revival, Fortunate Son (1969)

Originally released in 1969, "Fortunate Son" has truly stood the test of time. It's been covered by acts as diverse as Bruce Springsteen, Corrosion of Conformity, and Sleater-Kinney. It on Billboard's Hot 100 chart and stayed there for four weeks.

The Rolling Stones, Gimmie Shelter (1969) 

Though "Gimme Shelter" was never released as a single, it's aged into an iconic rock song and won a spot on Rolling Stone's list of the .

The Who, Pinball Wizard (1969) 

"Pinball Wizard"  on the Billboard Hot 100. It has been covered many times by a variety of artists, including the Flaming Lips, Elton John, and Guns N' Roses.Ìý

Led Zeppelin, Whole Lotta Love (1969) 

"Whole Lotta Love" was Led Zeppelin's first single to be released in the United States, and it peaked at number four on Billboard's Hot 100 and stayed on the charts for 15 weeks. It on Rolling Stone's list of greatest songs.

The Guess Who, American Woman (1970)

A Vietnam-era song, "American Woman" features a hard-driving rhythm guitar and controversial lyrics. The song spent , hitting number one and staying there for three weeks.

Mountain, Mississippi Queen (1970)

"Mississippi Queen" was Mountain's most successful single,  on the Billboard Hot 100. Over the years, it's become a classic, appearing in films, television shows, and video games.

Black Sabbath, Paranoid (1970)

VH1 placed "Paranoid" at number four on its list of the 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs of all time. It also stayed on for 10 weeks, getting as high as number 61.

Jethro Tull, Aqualung (1971) 

"Aqualung" is one of Jethro Tull's most famous songs, though it was never released as a single. The album where "Aqualung" is the title track reached the top ten in the United States and the top five in England. And the song makes an appearance on .

The Doors, L.A. Woman (1971)

"," the title track of The Doors' album of the same name, has endured as a staple of classic rock radio.Ìý

Led Zeppelin, Black Dog (1971)

One of Led Zeppelin's signature songs, "" is ranked at 300 on Rolling Stone's list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Interestingly, they named the song after a black dog seen wandering around the studio during a recording session.

Black Sabbath, Iron Man (1971)

On its release, "Iron Man"  on the Billboard Hot 100. The song appears on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and comes in at 19 on VH1's classic American hard rock list.

Led Zeppelin, Stairway to Heaven (1971)

One of the most popular hard rock anthems of all time, Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" wasn't released as a single. Instead, the song became a favorite at FM radio stations since it suited their album-oriented format. For many Zeppelin fans, the song seems to encapsulate the band's folkloric storytelling. "Stairway to Heaven"  on Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and is on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's list of songs that helped shape rock music.

Edgar Winter Group, Frankenstein (1972)

A completely instrumental rock piece, "Frankenstein" reached number one on the . It was one of the first rock songs in which the lead instrument was a synthesizer, which Winter wore strapped around his neck like a guitar.

Alice Cooper, School's Out (1972)

"School's Out" was Alice Cooper's first smash hit, and it on the Billboard Hot 100. It claimed the number 35 spot on VH1's list of the best hard rock songs of all time.

Deep Purple, Smoke on the Water (1972)

"Smoke on the Water" is an iconic hard rock song and was included in Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame also honored it with a place on its list of songs that shaped Rock 'n Roll.

Lynyrd Skynyrd, Free Bird (1973)

Because of its unusual nine-minute length, "Free Bird" became an unexpected hit. While VH1 lists the song as number 26 of the greatest rock songs of all time, it's also on Rolling Stone's  list.Ìý

Pink Floyd, Money (1973)

Pink Floyd's "Money" peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has won numerous accolades, appearing on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time and Guitar World's list of the .

Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody (1975)

"Bohemian Rhapsody" is one of Queen's most celebrated songs and was inducted into the in 2004. In 2012, readers of Great Britain's Official Chart Company named it the nation's .

Heart, Crazy on You (1975)

"Crazy On You" was one of Heart's first singles, and it proved to be a moderately successful hit, reaching number 35 on .

Bad Company, Feel Like Makin' Love (1975)

Bad Company's "Feel Like Makin' Love" takes number 42 on Ultimate Classic Rock's , peaking at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, and winning the 78th spot on VH1's list of the greatest hard rock songs of all time.

Nazareth, Hair of the Dog (1975)

Nazareth's "Hair of the Dog" was released in 1975 and has become an iconic hard rock song. The album peaked at number 17 on , and the song itself has been used in popular video games including Grand Theft Auto IV and Rock Band 2.

Led Zeppelin, Kashmir (1975)

Celebrated by Led Zeppelin as one of their highest musical achievements, "Kashmir" has acquired numerous accolades, including spots on VH1's Greatest Rock Songs of All Time and Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Kiss, Rock and Roll All Nite (1975)

The live version of "Rock 'n' Roll All Nite"  on the Billboard Hot 100 and has become an iconic rock and roll song, winning the number 16 spot on VH1's list of the greatest hard rock songs ever. If you know any Kiss song, it's this club anthem, and it's closed out almost all their concerts since its 1976 release.Ìý

Aerosmith, Sweet Emotion (1975)

Aerosmith's breakthrough single, "Sweet Emotion,"  on the Billboard Hot 100, helping to pave the way for their success as one of the best-known hard rock bands. The song has become a staple of classic rock radio and holds the 416th slot on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Kansas, Carry On Wayward Son (1976)

Kansas's first hit from their debut album was "Carry On Wayward Son." It's been immortalized in pop culture history thanks to its consecutive season finale feature in the hit show Supernatural.Ìý

AC/DC, Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976)

One of AC/DC's first smash hits, "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" won the number 31 spot on VH1's list of the greatest hard rock songs of all time, and peaked at number four on Billboard's .

Blue Oyster Cult, Don't Fear the Reaper (1976)

"Don't Fear the Reaper" is Blue Oyster Cult's most successful song, peaking at number 12 on the . It has been widely used in film and television and was included on Rolling Stone's list of the top 500 songs of all time

Van Halen, Runnin' With the Devil (1976)

Noted on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's list of songs that helped shape rock music, Van Halen's "Runnin' With the Devil" also earned VH1's 9th spot on its list of Greatest Hard Rock Songs.

Heart, Barracuda (1977)

"Barracuda" is Heart's most famous song, and it defined the group's sound. The song sold over a million copies, and its lyrics are an indictment of the dark side of the music business. It's also a notable addition to VH1's .

Lynyrd Skynyrd, What's Your Name? (1977)

"What's Your Name?" — one of Lynyrd Skynyrd's best-known songs —  on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed on the chart for a whopping 13 weeks.

Foreigner, Hot Blooded (1978)

"Hot Blooded" was one of Foreigner's greatest hits, on Billboard's Hot 100. The single quickly reached platinum status and has made many film and TV cameos over the years.Ìý

The Cars, Just What I Needed (1978)

"Just What I Needed" — one of the Cars' most popular singles from their fabulously successful debut album —  on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a frequently played staple at classic rock radio stations.

Cheap Trick, Dream Police (1979)

"Dream Police" — the title track from Cheap Trick's most successful album — reached the top 40 on . The song's success helped propel the album to platinum status shortly after its release.Ìý

Pat Benatar, Heartbreaker (1979)

"Heartbreaker" helped launch Pat Benatar's album In the Heat of the Night to platinum status. The song has been covered multiple times and comes in at number 72 on VH1s list of the .

Jefferson Starship, Jane (1979)

"´³²¹²Ô±ð"Ìý on Billboard's Hot 100, and its success helped keep Jefferson Starship on the charts after they fired Grace Slick and debuted their new lead singer.

AC/DC, Back in Black (1980)

Celebrated by VH1 in second place on its list of Top 100 Hard Rock Songs, "Back in Black" was intended as a tribute to AC/DC's first lead singer. The song was also included on Rolling Stone Magazine's list of the .

Judas Priest, Breaking the Law (1980)

Making both of VH1's hard rock lists "Breaking the Law" is probably Judas Priest's most widely-known track. The song helped push the band's album British Steel platinum.

Ozzy Osbourne, Crazy Train (1980)

"Crazy Train" is a notable addition to both VH1 hard rock lists and Loudwire's  list.ÌýHowever, it's maybe even more important for proving that Ozzy Osbourne could succeed as a solo act.Ìý

AC/DC, You Shook Me All Night Long (1980)

"You Shook Me All Night Long" — an iconic hard rock and metal song —  on the Billboard Hot 100 and is on VH1's Classic American Hard Rock list.Ìý

Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, I Love Rock 'n Roll (1981)

"I Love Rock and Roll"  on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for seven weeks. As a single, "I Love Rock and Roll" went platinum and launched Joan Jett's successful career as a solo artist.

The Clash, Should I Stay or Should I Go (1981)

"Should I Stay or Should I Go" stayed on Billboard's Hot 100 for a , reaching #45. Rolling Stone also included it on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Related: 6 Infamous Punk Album Covers Worthy of Their Notoriety

Billy Squier, The Stroke (1981)

"The Stroke" was a tremendous hit for Billy Squier, on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching number three on Billboard's mainstream rock chart. It won the number 59 spot on VH1's list of the Greatest Hard Rock Songs.Ìý

Rush, Tom Sawyer (1981)

"Tom Sawyer," a cult classic and one of Rush's most widely-known songs, appears at number 19 on VH1's list of the Greatest Hard Rock Songs of All Time. It was also inducted into the .

George Thorogood, Bad to the Bone (1982)

"Bad to the Bone's" popularity skyrocketed thanks to it being on regular rotation on MTV.ÌýIt was then widely licensed for use in television, films, and commercials, which cemented its pop culture status. The song on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

Survivor, Eye of the Tiger (1982)

Surprisingly, "Eye of the Tiger" wasn't made for a studio album but was written for Rocky III. While it sits at #63 on VH1's Great Hard Rock Songs list, the song turned out to be a smash hit, reaching  where it remained for seven weeks.

Iron Maiden, Run to the Hills (1982)

"Run to the Hills" marked Iron Maiden's in Great Britain, and the song appears on both of VH1's lists of Great Hard Rock Songs. It's also featured in three different video game soundtracks.

Quiet Riot, Cum On Feel the Noize (1983)

"Cum On Feel the Noize" was originally written by Slade, but it was Quiet Riot's version of their song that hit number five on the and spent 21 weeks on the charts. It ranks high on both of VH1's hard rock lists.

Def Leppard, Photograph (1983)

When Def Leppard's "Photograph" was released, it  on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay Chart. Despite being a few decades old, the song is well-known thanks to its use in popular video games like Guitar Hero.

Van Halen, Jump (1983)

"Jump" was Van Halen's first song to on the Billboard Hot 100. And the high-energy video helped launch the song's popularity.Ìý

Dio, Holy Diver (1983)

The title track of Dio's debut album "Holy Diver"  on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Chart and was awarded the number 43 spot on VH1's list of the Best All-Time Hard Rock Songs.

ZZ Top, Legs (1983)

ZZ Top's "Legs"  on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for 19 weeks. Perhaps it was the song's humorous video — which won the MTV Best Group Video award — that helped propel it to recognizable success.

Billy Idol, Rebel Yell (1983)

Rebel Yell hit number six on the and placed 79th on VH1's list of the Greatest Hard Rock Songs of All Time.

ZZ Top, Sharp Dressed Man (1983)

ZZ Top's "Sharp Dressed Man"  on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay Chart. The song's music video was in heavy rotation on MTV and won the band many new fans.

Van Halen, Hot for Teacher (1984)

"Hot for Teacher"  on the Billboard Hot 100 and won the number 36 spot on VH1's list of the Greatest Hard Rock Songs. The iconic tune was covered by the Glee cast and made an appearance on Guitar Hero World Tour.

Scorpions, Rock You Like a Hurricane (1984)

"Rock You Like a Hurricane"  on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay Chart and has been celebrated by VH1 on its list of the Greatest Hard Rock Songs.Ìý

Sammy Hagar, I Can't Drive 55 (1984)

Sammy Hagar's song "I Can't Drive 55" skyrocketed to fame due to its popular music video, and it's widely used in automobile racing promotional material. It appears on VH1's list of the Greatest Hard Rock Songs of All Time.Ìý

The Pretenders, Middle of the Road (1984)

"Middle of the Road," — one of The Pretenders' greatest hits —  on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and spent 14 weeks there.

Ratt, Round and Round (1984)

Ratt's "Round and Round"  on the Billboard Hot 100 and appears on both of VH1's lists of best rock songs. Younger generations know it best for appearing on the track lists for Guitar Hero Encore: Rock the 80s.Ìý

Twisted Sister, We're Not Gonna Take It (1984)

Twisted Sister's "We're Not Gonna Take It"  on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent 15 weeks on the chart overall. VH1 ranked it 47th on their list of the .

Motley Crue, Smokin' in the Boy's Room (1985)

Originally written by Brownsville Station, "Smokin' in the Boy's Room" turned into a hard rock hit when Motley Crue covered it. The song peaked at number seven on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart and on Billboard's Hot 100.

Bon Jovi, Livin' on a Prayer (1986)

Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" was a smash hit, sailing to  on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Mainstream Rock charts. It also occupies the top slot on VH1's Classic American Hard list.

Europe, The Final Countdown (1986)

"The Final Countdown" debuted in the number one slot in multiple countries and on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. It also takes the 66th slot on VH1's 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs. To this day, it remains a crowd favorite at sporting events.

Aerosmith, Walk This Way (1986)

"Walk This Way" helped introduce Aerosmith's sound to the world. When it was first released in 1977, it on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. It sits at the number eight spot on VH1's 100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs and is number 346 on Rolling Stone's list of all-time greatest songs.

Motley Crue, Girls, Girls, Girls (1987)

Motley Crue's "Girls, Girls, Girls" peaked at number 12 on the , and its success helped the eponymous album go all the way to number two on the Billboard 200. The video was famously banned by MTV for nudity.

Guns N' Roses, Paradise City (1987)

With a catchy riff and bridge, "Paradise City"  on the Billboard Hot 100 and has won numerous accolades, including a mention on Rolling Stone's list of 500 Greatest Songs.

Guns N' Roses, Welcome to the Jungle (1987)

"Welcome to the Jungle" was voted number one on VH1's Top 100 Hard Rock Songs, and ranks 473rd on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. It was Guns N' Roses' second single from their album Appetite for Destruction, and it on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Def Leppard, Pour Some Sugar On Me (1987)

One of Def Leppard's most wildly successful songs, "Pour Some Sugar On Me"  on the Billboard Hot 100. The song helped propel the British band to American stardom.

Cinderella, Coming Home (1988)

"Coming Home" — one of Cinderella's most commercially successful songs — hit number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 13 on their .

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Lita Ford, Kiss Me Deadly (1988)

"Kiss Me Deadly"  on the Billboard Hot 100 and charted there for a whopping 23 weeks. The song also holds spots on both of VH1's hard rock lists.

Living Colour, Cult of Personality (1988)

Living Color's first single, "Cult of Personality," remains their most widely-known song. It hit number 13 on the and won the band a Grammy Award for .

Nine Inch Nails, Head Like a Hole (1989)

"Head Like a Hole" is the song that propelled Nine Inch Nails to breakthrough success. It  on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.

Motley Crue, Dr. Feelgood (1989) 

"Dr. Feelgood" makes both of VH1's hard rock lists, and it's Motley Crue's first song to reach the Top 10 on the Billboard charts, .

Great White, Once Bitten, Twice Shy (1989)

"Once Bitten, Twice Shy" was a tremendous hit for Great White, on the Billboard Hot 100, earning a spot on VH1's Classic American Hard list, and garnering the band a Grammy nomination.

Golden Earring, Radar Love (1990)

"Radar Love"  on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for 20 weeks. What makes it particularly notable, though, is that "" has been covered more than 500 times by artists as diverse as Def Leppard, Blue Man Group, and Carlos Santana.

Queensryche, Silent Lucidity (1990)

"Silent Lucidity," a song about lucid dreaming, on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. The video also won an MTV Viewer's Choice Award.

Metallica, Enter Sandman (1991)

"Enter Sandman," an iconic headbanger of a song, on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 10 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Charts. The song has also garnered spots on lists of the best of the best, including Rolling Stone's list of the Greatest Songs of All Time.Ìý

Red Hot Chili Peppers, Give ItAway (1991)

"Give It Away" was the Red Hot Chili Peppers' first number-one single, reaching the top of Billboard's Modern Rock Tracks chart. In 1992, the song won the band their first Grammy award for .

Nirvana, Smells Like Teen Spirit (1991)

Nirvana's hit song "Smells Like Teen Spirit" stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 20 weeks, . Widely considered the anthem for Generation X, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" made the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame's list of songs that helped shape rock.ÌýWeird Al Yankovic even put his own parodic spin on the angsty tune.Ìý

Pearl Jam, Jeremy (1991)

"Jeremy" was one of Pearl Jam's most successful songs. It reached number five on both Billboard's Mainstream and Modern Rock charts and earned a for Best Hard Rock Performance.

Green Day, Basket Case (1994)

Green Day's vocalist wrote "Basket Case" to talk about his difficulties with anxiety. While the song sits in the 33rd spot on VH1s Greatest Hard Rock Songs list, it of the Modern Rock Tracks chart, remained there for five weeks, and received a Grammy nomination.

Stone Temple Pilots, Interstate Love Song (1994)

"Interstate Love Song" reached the on Billboard's Modern Rock Airplay Chart and stayed there for 15 weeks, in addition to making the Top 40. It also holds the 56th spot on VH1's Greatest Hard Rock List.Ìý

Pearl Jam, Spin the Black Circle (1994)     

From Pearl Jam's third album Vitalogy, "Spin the Black Circle"  for Best Hard Rock Performance.

Soundgarden, Black Hole Sun (1994)

"Black Hole Sun" is one of the most famous tunes from the 1990s (thanks in part to its surreal and captivating music video), and it earned a Grammy award for .Ìý

Hole, Violet (1994)

"Violet" was honored by Blender with the on its 500 Greatest Songs Since You Were Born list. After its release, the song reached number 29 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks Chart.

Tool, Schism (2001)

A cult classic, "Schism"  on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the charts for an amazing 16 weeks. The song was honored with a Grammy Award for .

Evanescence, Bring Me to Life (2003)

"Bring Me to Life" is Evanescence's breakout hit, and it was featured in the movie Daredevil. It won the Grammy Award for in 2003.

Nine Inch Nails, The Hand That Feeds (2005)

"The Hand That Feeds" — Nine Inch Nails' most successful song —  on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Airplay Chart, number two on the Mainstream Rock Chart, and number 31 on the Hot 100.

Foo Fighters, The Pretender (2007)

Peaking at number 37 on , "The Pretender" stayed on the chart for an impressive 20 weeks. The song also for Best Hard Rock Performance.

Halestorm, Love Bites (So Do I) (2012)

Peaking at number 16 on Billboard's Rock Songs chart, "Love Bites" also won a Grammy for .

Greta Van Fleet, Safari Song (2017)

Greta Van Fleet seemingly came out of nowhere with their Zepplin-esque sound and massive stage presence. "Safari Song" was a massive hit, spending , three of them at #1.Ìý The tune also won iHeart Radio's "Song of the Year" in 2019, among several other music award nominations.

All Hard Rock Goes Hard 

As music fans know, it's practically impossible to narrow down a list of the greatest hard rock tracks. And even if your favorites didn't make our list, know that they're playing a swan song in our hearts.Ìý