Change is one of the most frequently explored subjects in popular music. Songwriters can look at change as a positive or negative thing, and this leads to an abundance of lyrical and musical potential around the topic. Some of the most popular songs ever written are songs about change. Perhaps this is because a song, at its core, is something that evolves and alters from start to finish.
Below, we’ve compiled an epic list of songs across all genres and styles.
Table of Contents
1. The Times They Are-A Changin’ by Bob Dylan
| Genre | Folk |
| Year Released | 1964 |
| Album | The Times They Are-A Changin’ |
Bob Dylan is one of the most prolific and highly respected songwriters of the past century. The American artist is renowned for his poetic lyrics, often filled with imagery. Early Dylan recordings like “The The Times They Are-A Changin’” consisted of vocals, acoustic guitar, and harmonica, with lyrics centered around social justice and change.
Released on the classic album of the same name, this track has become synonymous with the huge societal and political changes that occurred in the 1960s.
2. Waiting on the World to Change by John Mayer
| Genre | Rock, Pop |
| Year Released | 2006 |
| Album | Continuum |
Hailed as one of the most gifted blues guitarists of the modern era, John Mayer has enjoyed a successful career spanning decades. In 2006, he released one of his best-known singles, “Waiting on the World to Change.”
The song features an uplifting melody and showcases Mayer’s famous guitar chops, particularly in the solo. Lyrically, it describes the optimism that the world is heading for a brighter future through the power of change.
3. 7 Years by Lukas Graham
| Genre | Pop, Rap |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | Lukas Graham (Blue Album) |
Danish band Lukas Graham burst onto the scene in 2015 with their worldwide hit, “7 Years.” This song blends the styles of soul, pop, and hip-hop and has gone platinum multiple times in countries across Europe, Australia and America.
“7 Years” describes the singer’s journey through life, from being a 7-year-old child and not having a care in the world to the present day when the many changes that happen throughout life have made things more difficult. The uplifting instrumental perfectly accompanies the reflective lyrics, which is why so many people resonate with the song.
4. Everybody’s Changing by Keane
| Genre | Alternative/Indie, Pop |
| Year Released | 2003 |
| Album | Hopes and Fears |
British band Keane burst onto the scene in 2003 with their number-one debut album, Hopes and Fears. Along with the huge hit “Somewhere Only We Know,” “Everybody’s Changing” was one of the band’s best-known singles at the time.
With its catchy chorus melody and strong piano chord sequence, this pop classic takes you through all the emotions that often come with a period of change in life.
5. Juicy by The Notorious B.I.G.
| Genre | Hip-Hop, Rap |
| Year Released | 1994 |
| Album | Ready to Die |
Few rappers have had the same level of impact that The Notorious B.I.G. had in his short career. Also known as Biggie, he is considered one of the most talented and innovative rappers of all time.
“Juicy” is one of Biggie’s best know tracks. The lyrics describe the rapper’s journey from poverty and struggling to make ends meet to living the lavish lifestyle that success in the music industry brought him.
6. Changes by Tupac
| Genre | Hip-hop, Rap |
| Year Released | 1992 |
| Album | Greatest Hits |
Before his untimely death in 1996, Tupac Shakur released an array of singles and albums and starred in several movies. The highly talented rapper never shied away from confronting the difficult topics in his music, and change was a recurring theme.
The classic track “Changes” is considered one of the best lyrical compositions of Tupac’s career. The song samples Bruce Hornsby and the Range’s track “The Way It Is.”
7. Castle On The Hill by Ed Sheeran
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2017 |
| Album | Divide |
Ed Sheeran is one of the best-selling British artists of all time, which is remarkable considering the relatively short time that he’s been around.
Many consider “Castle On The Hill” to be one of Sheeran’s best compositions. Its lyrics take the listener back to his childhood, describing how everything in his life has changed, but he still longs for the good old days.
8. Someday by The Strokes
| Genre | Indie Rock |
| Year Released | 2001 |
| Album | Is This It |
With the release of their 2001 album Is This It, The Strokes introduced a new era of rock music that was a departure from the grunge and post-punk that had dominated the charts for the previous decade.
The song “Someday” is the perfect snapshot of The Strokes’ early sound and has a cheerful melody that is contrasted by the lyrics, which describe the sadness of things changing quickly.
9. Wind of Change by Scorpions
| Genre | Hard Rock, Metal |
| Year Released | 1990 |
| Album | Crazy World |
German rock band Scorpions released the single “Wind of Change” in 1990 from their album Crazy World. Composed by lead singer Klaus Meine, the lyrics were inspired by the band’s visit to the Soviet Union years prior, and it went on to sell over 14 million copies worldwide. Some claim that the song is a protest song, but in many ways, it simply paints the picture of how things were at the time in the Soviet Union.
10. Changes by David Bowie
| Genre | Rock, Pop |
| Year Released | 1972 |
| Album | Hunky Dory |
British songwriter and music icon David Bowie’s entire career was heavily linked to the idea of change. He changed his name, his appearance, his musical styles and genres, and even his persona often. The song “Changes,” released in 1972 on the classic album, Hunky Dory, features lyrics such as “Turn and face the change” and “Time may change me, but I can’t trace time.”
“Changes” was produced by Bowie and Ken Scott, and it was recorded at Trident Studios in London. After the singer’s death, the song was included in 2016’s complication album, Legacy.
11. Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1988 |
| Album | Bad |
Released as the fourth single from the iconic album Bad, “Man in the Mirror” begins with the lyric: “I’m gonna make a change, for once in my life.”
The song was penned by Glen Ballard and Seidah Garrett and showcased Jackson’s incredible vocal abilities, particularly with the key change in the last chorus.
12. A Change Would Do You Good by Sheryl Crow
| Genre | Alternative rock, indie |
| Year Released | 1996 |
| Album | Sheryl Crow |
Released as the fourth single of Sheryl Crow’s self-titled 1996 album, “A Change Would Do You Good” could be described as a self-help manual on how to make changes in your life. Written by Crow in collaboration with Jeff Trot and Brian MacLeod, the song was a top-ten hit in Canada and the UK.
13. A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke
| Genre | Soul, R&B |
| Year Released | 1964 |
| Album | Ain’t That Good News |
American soul pioneer Sam Cooke was an exceptional vocalist, as is evidenced in the timeless song “A Change is Gonna Come.” With the perfect blend of smoothness, emotion, and vocal range, Cooke’s voice perfectly suits the heartfelt lyrics he wrote for this song, which describe the pain of not being accepted by society and wanting things to change.
Most people know Sam Cooke as a singer, but he was also a highly accomplished songwriter too. “A Change is Gonna Come” is up there with other classic songs he wrote, such as “Twistin’ the Night Away,” “You Send Me,” and “Bring It On Home To Me.”
14. In My Life by The Beatles
| Genre | Rock, Pop |
| Year Released | 1965 |
| Album | Rubber Soul |
“In My Life” was predominantly penned by John Lennon. However, like most of The Beatles’ songs, it’s officially a Lennon/McCartney composition. This track has a nostalgic undertone with emotive lyrics describing all of the people that have come and gone throughout Lennon’s life.
The piano solo at the end of the song was performed by producer George Martin and was sped up using a tape machine, making it sound more like a harpsichord.
15. Changes by Black Sabbath
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 1972 |
| Album | Vol. 4 |
In 1972, British metal legends Black Sabbath released a song that showcased another side to their talents and abilities. “Changes” is a rock ballad that features an impeccable vocal performance from frontman Ozzy Osbourne, and as the name suggests, the lyrics are focused heavily on how things are always changing.
The song was somewhat of an underground hit for the band initially, but in 2003, Ozzy Osbourne re-released it with slightly tweaked lyrics. This version was a collaboration between Ozzy and his daughter, Kelly Osbourne, and reached number one on the UK singles charts.
16. All Things Must Pass by George Harrison
| Genre | Rock, Folk rock |
| Year Released | 1970 |
| Album | All Things Must Pass |
George Harrison’s songwriting contribution to The Beatles increased towards the end of the band’s existence, and the guitarist really came into his own after leaving the group in 1970.
The song “All Things Must Pass,” from the album of the same name, is considered one of his best. “All Things Must Pass” explores the theme of impermanence, letting go of things, and allowing change to happen.
17. What About Now by Daughtry
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2006 |
| Album | Daughtry |
“What About Now” was released in 2008 by US rock band Daughtry. It featured on the band’s self-titled debut album and was released by R.C.A. records. Produced by Howard Benson, the song is a rock ballad and features lyrics that describe struggling to come to terms with change and wondering how to best approach the future. Irish pop band Westlife released a cover of the song in 2009.
18. Don’t Look Back Into The Sun by The Libertines
| Genre | Alternative rock, Indie |
| Year Released | 2003 |
| Album | N/A |
English band, The Libertines is credited as being one of the pioneers of the indie rock scene that emerged in the early 2000s. Fronted by duo Pete Doherty and Carl Barat, the band went through a tumultuous period which ultimately led to them disbanding after two albums.
“Don’t Look Back Into The Sun” is one of The Libertines’ most popular songs, and its lyrics are centered around embracing change rather than being stuck in the past.
19. All My Life by Foo Fighters
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2002 |
| Album | One by One |
Foo Fighters have written many songs about change, perhaps because frontman Dave Grohl has gone through so many dramatic changes during his music career. Originally the drummer in Nirvana, Grohl formed Foo Fighters after the death of his friend, Kurt Cobain.
“All My Life” is a song written about waiting for things to change but never being satisfied when they do. The crunchy, distorted guitars drive the song, and late drummer Taylor Hawkins’ power is on full display.
20. Father and Son by Cat Stevens
| Genre | Pop, Folk |
| Year Released | 1970 |
| Album | Tea for the Tillerman |
After converting to Islam, Cat Stevens changed his name to Yusuf and spent many decades out of the limelight. Before his transformation, Stevens released some excellent folk and pop music, notably this composition, “Father and Son.”
The lyrics tell a story of an elderly man giving advice to a young man, describing the mistakes he made and the things he would have done differently if he had the chance to go back in time.
21. Change by Lou Reed
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 2003 |
| Album | The Raven |
Lou Reed was the driving force behind the iconic ’60s art rock band, The Velvet Underground. After leaving the group, Reed enjoyed a highly successful solo career spanning many decades. Tracks like “Perfect Day” and “Walk On The Wild Side” are amongst his best-known creations, but “Change” is a relatively unknown gem of a composition.
Released on Reed’s 2003 album, Raven, “Change” begins with the line, “The only thing constantly changing is change, and things always change for the worse.” Not the most optimistic view on change, but the song is a great listen!
22. Make You Feel My Love by Bob Dylan
| Genre | Pop, Rock |
| Year Released | 1997 |
| Album | Time Out of Mind |
Most people know the song “Make You Feel My Love” due to Adele’s cover of it, but Bob Dylan’s original is well worth listening to.
The song was featured on Dylan’s 1997 album, Time Out of Mind, and he swaps his familiar acoustic guitar for piano chords which move around the vocal melody beautifully. “Make You Feel My Love” is about sticking with a person through all of the inevitable changes that occur during a relationship.
23. When We Were Young by Adele
| Genre | Pop, Soul |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | 25 |
So many of British singer Adele’s songs are about change that I could probably have filled half of this list with entries from her back catalog. “When We Were Young” is one of the best examples of her ability to write and sing songs that make us reflect on the ways things gradually change over time until they become almost unrecognizable.
The song was released in 2016 and was the second single from the album 25. Recorded at Dean Street studios in London, it was one of the best-received tracks from the best-selling album.
24. Just Like Starting Over by John Lennon
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 1980 |
| Album | Double Fantasy |
In the same year that John Lennon tragically died, he released the album Double Fantasy which included the song “Just Like Starting Over.” This guitar-driven composition describes the motivation for making the changes that need to happen in order to have a fresh start. If you like this song, we also have a full article on songs about starting over here that we think you’ll love listening to.
25. What’s My Age Again? by Blink 182
| Genre | Pop Punk, Rock |
| Year Released | 1999 |
| Album | Enema of the State |
There comes a time for most people when they find themselves doing the things that they have enjoyed throughout their youth but feel that maybe it’s time to move on and leave those things in the past. Blink 182 perfectly summed up this feeling with their 1999 single, “What’s My Age Again?“.
This song from the album Enema of the State contains lyrics that describe coming to terms with the realization that moving on and leaving your youth behind is necessary but difficult nonetheless.
26. Don’t You Worry Child by Swedish House Mafia ft. John Martin
| Genre | House, E.D.M. |
| Year Released | 2012 |
| Album | Until Now |
Swedish House Mafia is a trance supergroup made up of world-renowned D.J.s and producers. “Don’t You Worry Child” reached number one in many countries, becoming the group’s best-performing single to date.
Change is the central theme of the lyrics of “Don’t You Worry Child.” The vocalist on the track, John Martin, is about advice passed down from a father to his son about dealing with the ever-changing nature of life.
27. Candle In The Wind by Elton John
| Genre | Pop rock |
| Year Released | 1973 |
| Album | Goodbye Yellow Brick Road |
“Candle In The Wind” is one of the best-selling songs of all time. There have been two versions released by Elton John, the original in 1973, which was written about the life and death of legendary actress Marilyn Monroe, and the other that was released as a tribute to the late Princess Diana of Wales.
John’s long-time collaborator, Bernie Taupin, wrote the lyrics describing Monroe’s life, how she was thrust into the world of fame and how it ultimately led to her tragic end. Change is one of the central themes of the song.
28. Getting Better All the Time by The Beatles
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 1965 |
| Album | Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band |
“Getting Better All the Time” is a song written by Paul McCartney for The Beatles’ iconic 1965 psych-rock album, Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. The song focuses more on an optimistic view of change, describing everything as being in a constant state of improvement, even if it may not seem that way at first.
In the second verse of the song, George Harrison can be heard playing a drone on a sitar, an instrument that featured heavily on Sgt. Peppers contributed to the unique sound of the album.
29. One Love by Bob Marley and the Wailers
| Genre | R&B, Reggae |
| Year Released | 1965 |
| Album | The Wailing Wailers |
Bob Marley and the Wailers released their critically-acclaimed album, The Wailing Wailers, in 1965. At the time, the music charts were dominated by rock musicians, but Marley’s unique voice and the band’s tight reggae rhythms quickly built them a loyal fanbase.
“One Love” is a classic song that is written about the changes that Marley feels the world needs to undergo to become a better, fairer place for humans to exist. It features the lyric, “Let’s get together and feel alright.” It’s hard to argue against that idea!
30. S.O.S. by Abba
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1975 |
| Album | Abba |
Swedish pop four-piece, Abba, is one of the most successful groups of all time. Throughout the 1970s, the band racked up countless number-one singles and albums in countries across the globe, propelling the individual members to stardom.
“S.O.S.” was released in 1975 on the group’s self-titled album. Its style merges ’70s disco with baroque influences, giving the song a unique sound. Lyrically, the track is about coming to terms with the changes in a relationship that once caused so much happiness but now has ended in sadness and regret.
31. One Man Can Change The World by Big Sean
| Genre | R&B, Hip-Hop |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | Dark Sky Paradise |
American rapper Big Sean released the song “One Man Can Change the World” in 2015, with features from Kanye West and John Legend. The song was included on Big Sean’s third studio album, Dark Sky Paradise, and it also features background vocals from British pop singer Natasha Bedingfield.
The lyrics are centered around the influence that an individual can have on the entire planet if they dedicate themselves and how the changes they make can be positive or destructive.
32. Ivy by Frank Ocean
| Genre | R&B, Pop |
| Year Released | 2016 |
| Album | Blonde |
R&B artist Frank Ocean is somewhat of an enigma, rarely making public appearances or giving interviews to the press. His music speaks for itself, though, and in 2016 he released the exceptional album Blonde which featured the song “Ivy.”
“Ivy” features a driving guitar melody that is draped in chorus, accompanied by a rumbling bassline and a few other textures. This allows Ocean’s soulful vocals to soar over the instrument, telling a story of starting from humble beginnings and struggling to deal with the memories of the past after so many changes have occurred.
33. Love is a Laserquest by Arctic Monkeys
| Genre | Indie Rock, Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2011 |
| Album | Suck It and See |
In 2011, UK rock outfit Arctic Monkeys released their fourth album, Suck It and See. It continued their flawless streak of UK number-one albums and was a departure from the heavier style of their previous album, Humbug.
“Love is a Laserquest” is a poetic song in which frontman and songwriter Alex Turner directs a series of questions to a past lover, trying to find out what has changed in their lives and how they feel about it. It’s one of the best examples of Turner’s undeniable lyrical prowess and is a standout song on the album.
Also Read: Great Songs About Running Away
34. Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 1997 |
| Album | Urban Hymns |
“Bittersweet Symphony” is a timeless classic by British rockers The Verve. Written by Richard Ashcroft, the song features a sample of a song by The Rolling Stones, which would lead to a dispute over royalties years after it had been created.
The majestic string melody that plays throughout this song is accompanied by Ashcroft’s gritty voice, singing about the struggles of life and the never-ending changes that seem to defy any plans we make.
35. One More Year by Tame Impala
| Genre | Alternative Rock, Indie Rock |
| Year Released | 2020 |
| Album | The Slow Rush |
Released in 2020 after several delays, Tame Impala’s The Slow Rush was well worth the wait. In the studio, Tame Impala is a one-man band, with Kevin Parker taking on all of the songwriting, recording, producing, and mixing duties.
The song “One More Year,” with its daft-punk style vocoder intro, is about feeling like you’re getting too old to continue with your old ways but promising that after one last hoorah, you’ll make some changes. I’m sure many of us can relate!
36. Live and Let Die by Wings
| Genre | Rock, Pop |
| Year Released | 1973 |
| Album | Live and Let Die |
After the breakup of The Beatles in 1970, Paul McCartney wasted no time in forming his next band, Wings. In 1973, the band wrote the theme song for the James Bond Film, Live and Let Die. The track is about accepting change and leaving the past behind.
McCartney was reunited was legendary producer George Martin, and the song included a full orchestra. In 1991, Guns N’ Roses released a cover of the song on their album, Use Your Illusion I.
37. Hate It Or Love It by The Game ft. 50 Cent
| Genre | Rap, Hip-Hop |
| Year Released | 2005 |
| Album | The Documentary |
Compton rapper The Game signed with 50 Cent’s record label, G-Unit, in 2004. This led to many collaborations between the pair before their relationship eventually deteriorated, and they parted ways.
One of the most popular tracks they released together was “Hate It Or Love It,” from The Game’s 2005 debut album, The Documentary. The song delves into the past experiences of both rappers, exploring the many changes they’ve gone through to get reach success.
38. Champagne Supernova by Oasis
| Genre | Britpop |
| Year Released | 1996 |
| Album | What’s The Story Morning Glory? |
When Oasis released “Champagne Supernova” in 1996, the band from Manchester, England, was at the peak of its popularity. Their album, What’s The Story Morning Glory, had been released the same year and was dominating the UK charts.
“Champagne Supernova” was written by lead guitarist Noel Gallagher and sung by his younger brother Liam. It opens with the lyric “How many special people change” and goes on to talk about dealing with the constantly shifting nature of life and existence.
39. All Falls Down by Kanye West
| Genre | Rap, Hip-Hop |
| Year Released | 2004 |
| Album | The College Dropout |
In 2004, Kanye West was making a name for himself, mainly as a beatmaker and producer. With the release of The College Dropout, West established himself as an artist in his own right. One song that stood out from that album was “All Falls Down.”
With its catchy acoustic guitar riff and soulful chorus vocals, “All Falls Down” describes a young woman’s life as she goes through many changes and the confusion that growing up and dealing with the challenges of adulthood brings.
40. Don’t Stop by Fleetwood Mac
| Genre | Rock, Pop |
| Year Released | 1977 |
| Album | Rumors |
Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop” was written by the band’s keyboard player, Christine McVie. The song was released as a single from the hugely successful 1977 album, Rumours and reached number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
“Don’t Stop” is written about being conscious of the changes that are occurring and that will occur in the future. It encourages the listener to always be conscious of time as it passes, as tomorrow will “soon be here.”
41. Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd
| Genre | Rock, Progressive Rock |
| Year Released | 1975 |
| Album | Wish You Were Here |
After the success of their classic album, Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd was at the height of their fame. 1975’s Wish You Were Here lived up to the hype they’d created, and the single of the same name is considered one of the band’s best compositions.
It is reported that “Wish You Were Here” was written as a tribute to ex-guitarist and singer Syd Barrett, who tragically had mental health issues that forced him to quit the band. Sung by David Gilmour, the song describes the sadness of not being able to control change and the longing feeling of nostalgia for things that have passed.
42. Change by Blind Melon
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 1992 |
| Album | Blind Melon |
Blind Melon released their single, “Change,” in 1992 from their self-titled album. The song was later dedicated by lead singer Shannon Hoon to the late Nirvana frontman and guitarist Kurt Cobain when the band performed it on the Late Show with David Letterman in 1994.
“Change,” as the title suggests, is a song that dives into the topic of flux and struggling to keep up with the way that life changes so quickly around us.
43. Can’t Change Me by Chris Cornell
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 1999 |
| Album | Euphoria Morning |
Chris Cornell enjoyed success as a solo artist and as the lead singer of two of the biggest rock bands of the modern era – Soundgarden and Audioslave. His solo work often included introspective lyrics, as is evident in the 1999 track “Can’t Change Me.”
This song was released as a single from Cornell’s album Euphoria Morning and features some intricate guitar work, with powerful vocals and meaningful lyrics throughout.
44. Changes by Ziggy Marley
| Genre | Reggae |
| Year Released | 2011 |
| Album | Wild and Free |
Ziggy Marley’s 2011 reggae song, “Changes,” features his younger brother Daniel. To siblings stay true to the legacy of their father, Bob Marley, with the classic reggae upstroke rhythm on the guitars, tight drums, and lyrics that point out the many ways we need to change to create a better society. This is truly an epic song and one of my favorite songs about change.
45. Setting Forth by Eddie Vedder
| Genre | Folk Rock |
| Year Released | 2007 |
| Album | Into The Wild |
The entire Into The Wild album released by Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder has a central theme of change running through it. However, the first track, “Setting Forth,” is a perfect example of this. With its crashing drums, uplifting vocal melody, and lyrics about going head-first into change, the song is an inspiring listen.
“Setting Forth” was part of the soundtrack album for the Sean Penn movie, Into The Wild, which was based on the story of Chris McCandless, a young man who left society to travel as a nomad around the USA in the 1990s.
46. The End by The Doors
| Genre | Psychedelic Rock |
| Year Released | 1967 |
| Album | The Doors |
Before the untimely death of their frontman Jim Morrison aged only 27, The Doors released some timeless rock music that continues to be popular today. “The End” from their self-titled debut album features eastern-style melodies and poetic, dark lyrics about accepting that change is inevitable and things can’t be preserved.
The track is over 11 minutes long and is considered a classic in the psychedelic rock genre. It was performed live at most of the band’s shows as the final song in the set.
47. Next Girl by The Black Keys
| Genre | Rock, Blues |
| Year Released | 2010 |
| Album | Brothers |
Before releasing their breakout album Brothers in 2010, blues rock duo The Black Keys had gone under the radar. Songs like “Next Girl,” which is a classic riff-heavy rock track about moving on and changing your mentality after a breakup, put the band on the map.
Since then, The Black Keys have enjoyed widespread mainstream success, becoming one of the best-known bands in the United States and selling out arenas and stadiums worldwide.
48. Castles Made of Sand by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 1967 |
| Album | Axis: Bold As Love |
“Castles Made of Sand” is one of the finest examples of Jimi Hendrix’s melodic, unique guitar style. The song isn’t too difficult to play on guitar, but it’s almost impossible to play it as Jimi did!
Lyrically, “Castles Made of Sand” is one of Hendrix’s most impressive creations. It tells the stories of a young boy and a young girl and how they had aspirations for their future, only for things to change as their lives progressed.
49. Days by The Kinks
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 1968 |
| Album | The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society |
The Kinks were one of the original pioneers of the British rock scene, enjoying success across the pond in the 1960s. Fronted by Ray Davies with his brother Dave on guitar, the London band was as famous for their excellent songwriting abilities as they were for their ability to pen a deep and powerful pop song.
“Days,” from the album The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society, is a song about looking back on the past and being grateful for the things that once were, despite the changes that have occurred. It’s one of The Kinks’ best-loved songs, along with hits like “Waterloo Sunset” and “Sunny Afternoon.”
50. The Thrill is Gone – B.B. King
| Genre | Blues |
| Year Released | 1969 |
| Album | Completely Well |
B.B King is widely regarded as one of the finest blues guitarists to ever live, and his exceptional talent is on full display in the song “The Thrill is Gone.” A classic minor blues composition, this song’s lyrics reflect how change can be required when things start to stagnate in a relationship or any other aspect of life.
51. Help! by The Beatles
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 1965 |
| Album | Help! |
The Beatles make another appearance on our list, this time with their 1965 classic, “Help!”. The lead single from the album of the same name, this song was predominantly written by John Lennon about his insecurities and the changes to his confidence after the band experienced huge success and fame.
“Help!” shows off Lennon’s more vulnerable side, and it also demonstrates the excellent vocal harmony skills of the rest of the band.
52. Mercy Mercy Me by Marvin Gaye
| Genre | R&B, Soul |
| Year Released | 1971 |
| Album | What’s Going On |
R&B icon Marvin Gaye had an instantly recognizable singing voice. His album What’s Going On is considered a masterpiece of rhythm and blues, and the single “Mercy Mercy Me” is one of the standout tracks. In the song, Gaye drifts between falsetto and belted vocal lines, describing the effects of change, with lyrics including, “Oh mercy mercy me, no things ain’t what they used to be.”
53. Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder
| Genre | R&B, Soul |
| Year Released | 1973 |
| Album | Innervisions |
“Higher Ground” is a funky composition by prolific artist Stevie Wonder. Released in 1973, the song has a strong backbeat, pulsating bassline, and powerful vocals. The theme of the song is trying to “reach the higher ground” by making positive changes and being consistent in your efforts.
In the 1980s, L. A band, Red Hot Chili Peppers, covered the song on their album Mother’s Milk, which made it even more popular by introducing it to a new audience.
54. Where Is The Love? by Black Eyed Peas
| Genre | R&B, Rap |
| Year Released | 2003 |
| Album | Elephunk |
Black Eyed Peas were originally an alternative hip-hop group that built up a small but loyal fanbase with their often politically-themed rap songs. The group broke through to enjoy mainstream success with the release of their 2003 single, “Where Is The Love.”
This song featured chorus vocals by Justin Timberlake and the lyrics talking about the changes that need to be made if society is to move forwards and create a better world for human beings. It was the number 1 single in countless countries all over the world.
55. Eventually, by Tame Impala
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2015 |
| Album | Currents |
The song “Eventually” was featured on Australian psychedelic rock artist Tame Impala’s 2015 album, Currents. In the song, Kevin Parker sings about things getting better eventually and explores the topic of dealing with change.
The song features the signature compressed drum sound that Tame Impala is renowned for and has a distorted guitar melody that comes in and out.
56. Eleanor Rigby by The Beatles
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 1966 |
| Album | Revolver |
Hailed as one of Paul McCartney’s most original and innovative compositions, “Eleanor Rigby” from the 1966 album, Revolver, is a song that takes the listener on a journey through change. It describes several characters who are connected to each other through the passing of time and asks the question, “Where do they all belong?”.
57. Take a Chance on Me by ABBA
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1978 |
| Album | ABBA: The Album |
Take a Chance on Me is another pop classic from ABBA, released in 1977 on their self-titled album. Written by songwriting duo Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, this song opens with the lyrics, “If you change your mind, I’ll be first in line.” A top-ten hit in the UK and the US, the song is written from the perspective of a person hoping that their ex-lover would change their mind and come back to them.
Popular Related Article: Hit Songs About Regret
58. Go With the Flow by Queens of the Stone Age
| Genre | Metal, Rock |
| Year Released | 2002 |
| Album | Songs for the Deaf |
“Go With the Flow” is a song by the metal rock band Queens of the Stone Age. This track looks at change as something that shouldn’t be avoided or resisted but that you should allow to happen and embrace the excitement of it. The rhythm section on this track, and the entire Songs for the Deaf album, for that matter, is incredibly tight.
59. You Can’t Always Get What You Want by The Rolling Stones
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 1969 |
| Album | Let It Bleed |
British rock n’ roll icons The Rolling Stones are still touring and releasing music over sixty years since they first got together. “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” from their classic 1969 L.P. Let It Bleed continues to be a fan favorite. It tells the story of people going through difficulties and trying desperately to change their circumstances and features the classic Rolling Stones bluesy sound.
60. Burn by Usher
| Genre | R&B |
| Year Released | 2004 |
| Album | Confessions |
In the early 2000s, Usher was one of the most popular R&B artists in the world. His album Confessions reached number 1 in multiple countries, and “Burn” was one of the best-selling singles of 2004. This song outlines the singer’s need to let go of the past, embrace change, and move on from the things holding him back.
61. While My Guitar Gently Weeps by The Beatles
| Genre | Rock, Blues |
| Year Released | 1968 |
| Album | The White Album |
One of the standout compositions on The Beatles’ classic White Album, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” was written by guitarist George Harrison. The song’s lyrics describe watching the world change around the singer as they play the guitar. Prince famously covered the song as a tribute to Harrison after his death.
At the time when the song was written, Harrison had become deeply interested in the practice of Transcendental Meditation, spending time in India. The song’s verses reflect the themes of these spiritual philosophies and practices.
62. Them Changes by Thundercat
| Genre | R&B, Soul |
| Year Released | 2017 |
| Album | Drunk |
Thundercat is a virtuoso bass guitarist who began his solo career in 2011. Prior to that, he enjoyed a career as a session musician. “Them Changes” is one of the artist’s most popular tracks, and it was originally released in 2015 on his E.P. The Beyond / Where the Giants Roam. “Them Changes” was also featured on the 2017 album, Drunk.
63. Move On Up by Curtis Mayfield
| Genre | Soul, R&B |
| Year Released | 1970 |
| Album | Curtis |
Curtis Mayfield is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated guitarists and songwriters. His guitar playing inspired many blues and rock musicians, including Jimi Hendrix, and Mayfield penned some exceptional songs during his career.
“Move On Up,” from the popular 1970 album Curtis, is an uplifting song with a soaring horns section. The lyrics provide encouragement to keep moving forward even when things unexpectedly change. Kanye West sampled the song in his single “Touch the Sky” in 2005.
64. Ever Changing Times by Aretha Franklin
| Genre | R&B, Soul |
| Year Released | 1991 |
| Album | What You See Is What You Sweat |
Originally released by Siedah Garret in 1987, “Ever Changing Times” was covered by Aretha Franklin on her 1991 album, What You See Is What You Sweat. The song featured Michael Mcdonald, and the main theme throughout is the fast-changing modern world.
65. Wake Me Up by Avicii
| Genre | E.D.M. |
| Year Released | 2013 |
| Album | True |
“Wake Me Up” was released by the late Swedish D.J. Avicii in 2013 from the album True. The song’s vocals were provided by American artist Aloe Blacc, and it reached number one in 22 countries around the world. The chorus lyrics include, “So wake me up when it’s all over/when I’m wiser, and I’m older,” and the rest of the song continues to discuss the changes that inevitably occur as we move through life.
Hi, my name is Kevin and I’m from Butler, Pennsylvania. I’ve been obsessed with music and audio gear for as long as I can remember. I started this website to help people find professional advice related to a wide range of audio topics. We have a number of Audio Engineers on our team who have been designing and fixing audio gear for decades.