100 songs that changed history: the full list

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Time Out explores the music that changed the course of world events

Inspired (kind of) by Pete Seeger's quote 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 which have had the most significant impact on real-world events – culturally, socially and politically.

Browse the full list below, click on each song to read more and tell us what you think in the comments.

100 - 91 | 90 - 81 | 80 - 71 | 70 - 61 | 60 - 51 | 50 - 41 | 40 - 31 | 30 - 21 | 20 - 11 | 10 - 1

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(1 rating)

Hello, I think you forgot "Kraftwerk" in your list. since they basicly invented todays electronical music and also were the base for Grandmaster Flash (who is also in your list).

Ambroise About 6 days ago
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not that good

Banfield Tue Apr 23
Rated as: 1/5
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By the same reason you have Uriah Heep "Bird of pray" on this list you should have Deep Purple's "Child in time" maybe top 10-20. So many people have witnessed that Child in time helped them open their eyes and minds behind the iron curtain, deep purple were loved all over in the communistic ruled eastern europe. Even Russias former president Dimitry Medvedev confessed that he loved deep purple as a young man and still today.. Deep Purple were as popular as the Beatles in the 1970-80's in Russia and the rest of the eastern european countries thanks to Child in time!

michael lorentzen Tue Feb 12
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better by you.. better then me is by spooky tooth 1st

chris Sun Feb 3
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Is this February Fools..

Sir Johnny Sun Feb 3
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No Bob Dylan? Definitely needs more Springsteen also.

Will Wed Dec 19 2012
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Ramy Essam with the 3rd ranking, you are the newst song among top 10 .. thanks Ramy for your song, you are one of our revolution icons .. VIVA EGYPT .. VIVA EGYPTIANS .. we are always making history

Waleed Magdy Mon Jan 16 2012
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What about Bob Marley? He must appear in the top 100. How can Barny & Friends have had more influence on music and people than Bob Marley?

Dave Seddon (York) Sat Dec 10 2011
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What about Bob Marley? He must appear in the top 100. How can Barny & Friends have had more influence on music and people than Bob Marley?

Dave Seddon (York) Sat Dec 10 2011
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I am surprised to not see John Denver. His music had a huge impact on all our lives. To see Justin Bieber and not John Denver is amazing. His singing in China at a time no American was allowed, no music except for political issues and John Denver's Country Roads. His Colorado songs changed Colorado forever. How many of these people have their songs being the States official song? Some people made fun of him, yet, his voice was amazing and his commitment to humanity had no bounds. The environment, hunger, Alaska. What have some of these people contributed that could impact the world in a positive way. He lived to sing. He lived to make a positive differencee. Teenagers must have made this list.

Tia Thu Dec 8 2011
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100 songs that changed history: the full list

100 - 91

90 - 81

80 - 71

70 - 61

60 - 51

50 - 41

40 - 31

30 - 21

20 - 11

10 - 1

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