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Here are our top five piano hits:

1. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen (1975)

2. “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John (1971)

3. “Chiquitita” by ABBA (1979)

4. “Praise You” by Fatboy Slim (1998)

5. “Another Love” by Tom Odell (2013)

The best piano pop songs

1. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen (1975)

A truly iconic rock anthem, “Bohemian Rhapsody” begins with Freddie Mercury’s iconic piano riff. The song is renowned for its unique structure, theatrical elements, and how fun it is to sing!

Upon release, it defied conventional pop norms, earning critical acclaim and becoming one of Queen’s most beloved tracks. Its blend of rock, opera, and ballad elements, along with Mercury’s virtuoso piano performance, has made “Bohemian Rhapsody” a timeless masterpiece.

2. “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John (1971)

You’ll recognise “Tiny Dancer” from the first few notes – it’s a classic! This masterpiece from Elton John and Bernie Taupin showcases John’s exquisite piano skills and emotional vocal performance. If you can play this on piano, you’ll be a hit at any party.

3. “Chiquitita” by ABBA (1979)

We couldn’t have a list of the best piano pop songs without featuring ABBA – true pop icons! “Chiquitita” is a great one to listen to if you want a beautiful blend of piano and vocal harmonies. It was well-received for its seamless integration of ABBA’s signature pop sound with classical influences, proving their musical versatility.

Like many of ABBA’s tracks, “Chiquitita” is timeless.

4. “Praise You” by Fatboy Slim (1998)

A standout track with a simple yet infectious piano hook, “Praise You” has an innovative use of sampling and upbeat tempo, making it a favourite on dance floors. Its quirky music video and fresh sound helped it achieve commercial success and critical praise.

The song’s creative approach to blending piano with electronic beats showcased Fatboy Slim’s unique style, and so it became a defining track of the late 1990s.

5. “Another Love” by Tom Odell (2013)

Built around a deeply emotional piano motif, Odell’s passionate vocals and heartfelt lyrics make this song a poignant ballad. Its rawness and intensity have resonated with audiences, earning it a lasting place in the modern pop canon.

6. “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi (2018)

A modern ballad featuring a poignant piano arrangement, Capaldi’s raw and emotional vocals and heartfelt lyrics about love and loss made the song a hit. “Someone You Loved” also has striking simplicity, with the emotion and depth taking centre stage, which is why it’s such an easy listen.

7. “Still D.R.E” by Dr. Dre (1999)

Featuring a memorable piano loop that underpins the entire track, this defining element gives “Still D.R.E.” its signature sound, making it instantly recognisable. The combination of Dre’s production skills and the piano melody contributed to its lasting impact on hip-hop, and Snoop Dogg’s laid-back delivery complements the piano perfectly, cementing “Still D.R.E” as a classic in the rap world.

8. “Let It Be” by The Beatles (1970)

A timeless anthem known for its comforting piano melody, “Let It Be” couples Paul McCartney’s soothing piano chords with uplifting lyrics of hope and reassurance. Upon its release, it quickly became a classic, highlighting The Beatles’ ability to blend poignant messages with unforgettable melodies.

The simplicity and emotional depth of “Let It Be” have made it a staple in the band’s repertoire and a song that continues to resonate across generations.

9. “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton (2002)

Known for its unforgettable piano intro and heartfelt lyrics, the piano melody in “A Thousand Miles” is both complex and catchy, driving the song’s emotional core.

Vanessa Carlton’s debut single was a huge commercial success, earning her multiple award nominations and solidifying her place in pop music. It’s become a beloved anthem!

10. “To Build A Home” by The Cinematic Orchestra (2007)

“To Build A Home” is a hauntingly beautiful piece with a delicate piano arrangement that gradually builds with an orchestral arrangement.

It’s beautiful, lyrical, and introspective, and its lush instrumentation makes it a very moving piece of music.

11. “Vampire” – Olivia Rodrigo (2023)

A striking pop ballad with a haunting piano melody, Rodrigo’s powerful vocals and the song’s dark, emotive lyrics really shine through and captivate you. Its modern production and raw emotional delivery made “Vampire” an instant hit and cemented Rodrigo as a great pop artist, even at her young age and so early on in her career.

12. “Clocks” by Coldplay (2002)

“Clocks” is renowned for its mesmerising piano riff that drives the song forward, with the interplay between the piano and Chris Martin’s ethereal vocals creating an atmospheric effect.

The song’s minimalist yet powerful arrangement helped it achieve widespread acclaim, becoming one of Coldplay’s signature tracks.

13. “Someone Like You” by Adele (2011)

Another legendary artist known for piano ballads, Adele had to be included on our list. “Someone Like You” is one of her most well-known songs and earliest hits. It showcases Adele’s raw and powerful vocals and poignant lyrics about loss and heartbreak.

14. “Golden Hour” by JVKE (2022)

A recent addition to the pop genre, “Golden Hour” is known for its dreamy piano intro and smooth production. The song’s atmospheric quality and heartfelt lyrics quickly garnered attention, establishing JVKE as a rising star in modern pop music. Its lush, ethereal soundscape and emotive piano melody create a captivating listening experience.

15. “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims (2021)

Known for its soulful piano intro and powerful vocals, this track blends pop and R&B influences seamlessly. Teddy Swims’ emotive performance, the song’s relatable lyrics, and the rich piano arrangement about love and vulnerability have made it a standout in his discography.

16. “Bad Day” by Daniel Powter (2005)

Daniel Powter’s “Bad Day” is known for its catchy piano riff and relatable lyrics. Its uplifting melody and Powter’s emotive vocals helped the song top charts around the world, and it has remained memorable ever since.

17. “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish (2023)

Billie Eilish’s track for Barbie is hauntingly beautiful. With Eilish’s famous ethereal vocals, contemplative lyrics, and minimalist piano, the song has a profound sense of introspection. Its emotional depth and simplicity have garnered widespread acclaim.

18. “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane (2004)

One of Keane’s most recognisable tracks, “Somewhere Only We Know” is built on powerful piano chords and emotive lyrics. Keane’s distinctive sound, driven by the piano rather than guitar, set them apart in the early 2000s music scene. The heartfelt delivery and rich musical arrangement have made this song a timeless anthem of introspection and yearning.

19. “Pluto Projector” by Rex Orange County (2019)

A soulful track characterised by its lush piano arrangement, Rex Orange County’s introspective lyrics and mellow vocals create a deeply personal and emotional listening experience. The song’s unique blend of indie pop and jazz elements has resonated with a wide audience.

20. “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles (2017)

“Sign of the Times” solidified Harry Styles’ move from a boy band member to a serious, creative solo artist. This is a dramatic ballad featuring a powerful piano accompaniment. The song’s epic arrangement and classic rock influences have made it a modern classic.

21. “Virtual Insanity” by Jamiroquai (1996)

Featuring a funky and infectious piano riff, “Virtual Insanity” blends elements of acid jazz and pop. Its innovative sound and memorable music video helped it become one of Jamiroquai’s biggest hits, showcasing their unique musical style.

22. “Close To You” by Rihanna (2016)

“Close To You” is a tender ballad with a delicate piano melody. Rihanna’s heartfelt delivery and stripped-down arrangement create an intimate and moving experience that allows her vocals to shine.

23. “Children” by Robert Miles (1996)

This is a trance classic that prominently features a captivating piano melody. “Children” by Robert Miles has a soothing yet powerful rhythm and a unique blend of electronic and classical piano elements. Robert Miles’ innovative approach to combining these genres created a timeless piece that continues to inspire electronic musicians.

24. “Love Song” – Sara Bareilles (2007)

“Love Song” has a catchy piano riff and an energetic feel, which is why it’s stayed a “bop” ever since its release. Written in response to her label’s request for a commercial hit, “Love Song” cleverly combines witty lyrics with a memorable piano line.

Our beginner piano recommendations

VISIONKEY-2 49 Key Portable Keyboard

The VISIONKEY-2 is the perfect starting point for beginners and music lovers looking for a versatile and portable keyboard. With 300 sounds and 300 rhythms, you can explore various musical styles, from grand piano to lead synth lines. Featuring 49 mini keys and built-in speakers, it’s easy to dive into playing right away.

This lightweight keyboard can be powered via USB or batteries, making it great for home or on-the-go use. It also offers excellent connectivity options: use it as a MIDI controller when connected to a computer via USB, plug in headphones for private practice, or connect a sustain pedal for more expressive performances.

FAQs

What is the coolest piano song?

Many people say that the coolest – and one of the most beautiful – piano pieces is “Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy. Its serene and flowing melody has stood the test of time and become a classic piece to have in any piano repertoire. The piece showcases Debussy’s impressionist style, blending emotional depth with technical prowess.

What is the greatest piano piece ever written?

The greatest piano piece ever written is widely regarded as Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata”. Its profound emotional range and technical complexity make it a masterpiece. The sonata’s first movement is particularly famous for its haunting, melancholic beauty, contrasting with the vigorous and intense final movement.

What is a beautiful song to play on the piano?

A beautiful song to play on the piano is “River Flows in You” by Yiruma. This contemporary piece has a gentle, flowing melody and emotional resonance. It is accessible for pianists of various skill levels, making it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced players.

Final thoughts

There you have it! An extensive list of the best piano songs. Whether you are looking for soothing melodies or powerful compositions, hopefully, you’ve found pieces that resonate with your taste and mood.

There are countless piano-led tracks out there, and we could go on forever if we listed them all, but this is a wonderful starting point for curating your piano music playlist. Let us know in the comments which piano songs you would include in your collection!