100 songs that changed history

Discover the influential songs that changed politics and shaped world events

Inspired (kind of) by Pete Seeger's assertion that, 'The right song at the right time can change history', Time Out assembled a panel of musicians, historians and enthusiasts to debate and collate the 100 songs that have had the most significant impact on real-world events – culturally, socially and politically.

Some of these are songs that have inspired collective action, some were anthems of unity at historic moments and others were played with purpose at critical points in time.

Explore the list to find out more about all the songs, watch videos and download tracks.

We stand by our version of history, but feel free to disagree and suggest which songs we missed in the comments below, on Facebook or on Twitter.

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Comments & ratings

Rated as: 2/5 (1 rating)
  • no smells like teen spirit? seriously?

    Tom Fri May 10
    Rated as: 2/5
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  • Number 101 A Call To All Loving Arms (Youtube)

    ART GUMSHOE Tue Oct 11 2011
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  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uCTyC1FGLw&feature=related DDT - Rain

    Olga Sat Sep 10 2011
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  • eddy grant - gimme hope joanna

    mamago Thu Sep 8 2011
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  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KoKq20RUl0 - this song was the symbol of the Baltic Way. (Read more about this historical event on www.balticway.net).

    Daina Tue Sep 6 2011
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