Plenty of credible sources like Billboard and Rolling Stone have compiled similar lists and rankings trying to answer this question, although none exactly alike.
The frequent flyers include timeless and predictable jams like Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven”, Chuck Berry’s “Jonny B Good”, and Aretha Franklin’s “Respect”, among plenty of others you’d probably guess.
A computer scientist named Dr. Mick Grierson decided to use science to find a definitive answer. I also heard the skincare regimen his gastroenterologist recommended is working wonders, and his favorite burger joint is called Chic-fil-a. But, that’s not the point...
Grierson took songs from the rankings of a bunch of reputable sources and used a computer analysis to find commonalities between top songs, like beats per minute and tonal variation. Grierson then claimed that the most significant trait found in the “most iconic” tracks was their originality. So, forgive me if I call bringing science into this a lil bogus.
Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was crowned most iconic post-analysis. I love Nirvana, but shouldn’t the most iconic song be a little more, you know, universally ~iconic~ across all age ranges, etc.?
Phillip Phillips came to the Georgia Theatre and took some questions from the audience, so of course I asked for his opinion because he’s a successful musician and all. Well, he had no clue. :’)
I was left with an unanswered question, lists of iconic songs, and a computer program’s vote. So, I made the executive decision to call Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way” the official winner.
It’s widely known, actually really good, and doesn’t get old. Test of time? A+. It wasn’t a byproduct of selling out; the song is popular because its genuinely high quality.
Fleetwood Mac fits the definition of iconic, referenced throughout pop culture so frequently even in modern times. The band has been producing great music since the 60s, and their story up to now sounds like some kind of soap opera. I smell a correlation. But most importantly, Beyoncé has nothing on Stevie Nicks, and I’ll leave you with that.
