20 Radio Hits That Everyone Sang Along To
These 20 unforgettable radio hits had everyone belting out the lyrics, whether in the car, at a party, or in the shower.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Some songs have become the soundtracks of our lives and are more than just chart-topping hits. These radio singles had an enticing sing-along quality, whether due to their catchy melodies, relevant lyrics, or sheer vitality. These 20 songs have people all across the world singing along.
1. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey (1981)
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Few songs can unite a crowd like this rock anthem. From its slow-build intro to the soaring chorus, Don’t Stop Believin’ became a timeless classic.
2. Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi (1986)
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With its massive chorus and uplifting lyrics, this song became an instant stadium filler. Bon Jovi’s tale of blue-collar dreams had universal appeal.
3. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston (1992)
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Whitney Houston’s powerhouse vocals turned this ballad into an emotional juggernaut. The moment she hits that note, chills are guaranteed.
4. Wonderwall – Oasis (1995)
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A ‘90s anthem that still gets strummed on acoustic guitars everywhere. Oasis delivered a melody so infectious that it’s impossible not to sing along.
5. I Want It That Way – Backstreet Boys (1999)
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This defined boy band perfection, wrapped in harmonies and heartfelt lyrics. This song had fans swooning and non-fans secretly humming along.
6. Hey Ya! – OutKast (2003)
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This song is energetic, quirky, and absolutely irresistible. André 3000’s funk-infused masterpiece had everyone shaking it like a Polaroid picture.
7. Mr. Brightside – The Killers (2004)
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From the moment the first line hits, it’s game over—everyone’s singing. This tale of jealousy and heartbreak became a rock anthem for an entire generation.
8. Since U Been Gone – Kelly Clarkson (2004)
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With a breakup anthem and an explosive chorus, Kelly Clarkson gave the world a song to scream along to. The mix of raw emotion and pop-rock energy made it unforgettable.
9. Hollaback Girl – Gwen Stefani (2005)
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Spelling has never been this fun. Gwen Stefani’s attitude-packed hit was everywhere, with its marching beat and catchy refrain.
10. Umbrella – Rihanna feat. Jay-Z (2007)
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This song has one of the most infectious hooks of the 2000s. Rihanna’s ella-ella-eh-eh had the world singing, rain or shine.
11. Viva La Vida – Coldplay (2008)
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This song is epic, cinematic, and instantly recognizable. Coldplay’s orchestral pop masterpiece had everyone belting out its soaring chorus.
12. Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) – Beyoncé (2008)
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This song has a dancefloor anthem with an undeniable groove. Beyoncé’s empowering hit came with an unforgettable hand-wave dance.
13. Party in the U.S.A. – Miley Cyrus (2009)
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Miley’s feel-good anthem became the ultimate road trip and party singalong. The lyrics were simple, the melody was infectious, and the energy was pure joy.
14. Rolling in the Deep – Adele (2010)
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Adele’s powerhouse vocals and fiery emotion made this an unstoppable hit. Every note drips with passion, making it impossible not to sing with full force.
15. Somebody That I Used to Know – Gotye feat. Kimbra (2011)
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This haunting and hypnotic breakup ballad captivated listeners worldwide. The duet’s back-and-forth storytelling made it even more engaging.
16. Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen (2012)
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No one escaped the infectious energy of this pop hit. The chorus was so ridiculously catchy, it became a global phenomenon.
17. Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars (2014)
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Bruno Mars brought retro vibes and a non-stop groove with this smash hit. Funky, fun, and impossible to ignore, it had the crowd singing and dancing.
18. Hello – Adele (2015)
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It was a song so powerful that even those who couldn’t relate sang it with full emotion. Adele’s voice turned every chorus into a soul-shattering moment.
19. Shape of You – Ed Sheeran (2017)
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This song was a radio juggernaut that blended pop and dancehall influences. Ed Sheeran’s smooth delivery and infectious beat made it a universal favorite.
20. Drivers License – Olivia Rodrigo (2021)
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This song is a modern heartbreak anthem that resonated across generations. Olivia Rodrigo’s raw lyrics and emotional storytelling struck a deep chord.