Featured image: Creative Commons License by Jose Galvez, Los Angeles Times
This piano is a key part of many musical line-ups. It’s a rhythmic, melodic, harmonic instrument that can fill a variety of roles in an ensemble, whether it’s the main soloing part or providing the chordal backing.
It should come as no surprise, then, that some of the greatest songs in history feature this beautifully versatile instrument. We’re not talking classical pieces – though there is an endless plethora of classical piano pieces in existence – we’re talking more contemporary, pop, rock, and jazz songs.
In this article, we explore some of the best piano songs out there, from ”Bohemian Rhapsody” to Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?”. If you’re a pianist, add these to your repertoire! Or if you’re just looking for some music to listen to, add these to your playlist!
In a hurry?
- ”Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
- ”Piano Man” by Billy Joel
- “Imagine” by John Lennon
- “I Feel the Earth Move” by Carole King
- “Someone Like You” by Adele
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The best piano songs
1. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen
The first entry on this list is the definition of a classic. “Bohemian Rhapsody” has everything: soaring guitars, otherworldly vocals, and, most importantly, instantly recognisable piano parts.
What makes this one of the best piano songs, however, is its wildly contrasting dynamics. It opens with a delicate piano riff that gradually develops, building into the chorus and beyond. The piano also helps guide the song through its mix of musical genres.
2. “Piano Man” by Billy Joel
Whilst this next song features a prominent harmonica intro, at its heart, “Piano Man” is a piano song. What makes it one of the best is its intricate piano runs and strong melodic riff.
“Piano Man“ blends storytelling with a memorable waltz-time melody. The piano progression has descending bass patterns and jazzy flourishes, showcasing a versatile sound throughout the song. Beyond its technicality, the piano serves as the perfect partner to the narrative of “Piano Man”.
3. “Imagine” by John Lennon
Recognisable from the very first note, John Lennon’s “Imagine” is one of the most influential piano songs ever recorded. Its gentle chord progression in C major supports a simple, hymn-like melody that communicates a message of peace with clarity. The piano part is understated yet powerful, expressing both an intimate, heartfelt sentiment and a universal feeling.
4. “I Feel the Earth Move” by Carole King
As with many of Carole King’s songs, the piano plays a central role in “I Feel the Earth Move”, one of her best-known tracks.
The lyrics pair perfectly with the piano. In the verses, the piano feels super upbeat and bouncy, whereas the pre-chorus becomes more relaxed and mellow.
A great moment comes at the end, when King sings, “tumbling down, tumbling down”, and the instrumentation mimics this motion, gradually slowing in tempo.
5. “Someone Like You” by Adele
It’s a sad one, but “Someone Like You” by Adele is certainly one of the most powerful piano ballads of the last 20 years. Its sparse arrangement, featuring only piano and voice, allows the emotion to come through clearly, with the piano line perfectly complementing Adele’s bluesy vocals.
6. “Take Five” by Dave Brubeck
“Take Five” by Dave Brubeck is one of the best piano songs ever. Instantly recognisable and built on a two-chord vamp, it’s written in 5/4 time, giving the piano a distinctive, pulsing feel. The piano lays the foundation while allowing space for the other instruments, maintaining a subtle yet essential presence throughout.
7. “Let It Be” by The Beatles
“Let It Be” is one of the most recognisable piano-led songs in pop music. Built around simple yet effective chord progressions, it balances gospel influences with pop, using a steady left-hand rhythm and a memorable right-hand melody. It’s one of the most approachable piano songs for pianists of any level.
8. “Sinner Man” by Nina Simone
Nina Simone’s version of “Sinner Man” is driven by a relentless piano rhythm and dynamic variation that holds attention across its ten-minute length. The left-hand pulse remains steady, while her right hand builds tension through bold, improvised phrases.
It’s a showcase of how the piano can lead with intensity, groove, and drama all at once. Simone’s arrangement transforms a traditional spiritual into something cinematic, with her piano anchoring every energy shift.
9. “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton
A sing-your-heart-out kind of track. “A Thousand Miles“ is instantly recognisable thanks to its opening piano riff. Vanessa Carlton’s playing drives the track with a classical influence shaped into a pop format. This song is a perfect example of how a strong piano hook can elevate a pop track into a timeless classic.
10. “Bennie and the Jets” by Elton John
Really, we could have included any Elton John song on this list, as each one is as strong as the next. “Bennie and the Jets” is another track you’ll probably recognise from the very first chord. The song’s intro features sharp chord stabs and a descending melody that immediately grabs the listener’s attention. The piano then settles into a relaxed, slightly dragging groove, creating plenty of space for the vocal rhythm to shine.
11. “Watermelon Man” by Herbie Hancock
Possibly one of Herbie Hancock’s most popular pieces, “Watermelon Man” is a jazz classic built on a blues-inspired piano groove. The piece blends hard bop, R&B, and gospel influences, making it both sophisticated and easy to connect with. Its catchy piano riff and open structure make it a great track to improvise over and play along with, no matter which instrument you’re using.
12. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
“Don’t Stop Believin” opens with one of the most iconic piano riffs in rock. Its unusual structure keeps the piano at the core of the track’s momentum, and if you’re not screaming, “hold on to this feeling” at the end of the night, you need to play the song again.
13. “Tutti Frutti” by Little Richard
Another fine example of rock piano is “Tutti Frutti”. The piano in this song certainly doesn’t hold back; it provides the backbone of the classic blues riff, with occasional solos woven throughout. These piano solos, combined with Little Richard’s vocals, help drive the song’s intense energy.
14. “Waterloo” by ABBA
“Waterloo” is possibly one of ABBA’s most famous songs. The piano tone and chords are unmistakably ABBA, with infectious energy that keeps you singing along.
15. “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane
‘’Somewhere Only We Know’’ is an incredibly powerful song that grows as the song progresses. The piano part helps to carry the momentum across the track, adding to the grandeur and depth of the song.
16. “Love Song” by Sara Bareilles
“Love Song” by Sara Bareilles is undeniably piano-driven. The track opens with a slightly creeping piano line that remains consistent throughout much of the song. It features a strong rhythmic interplay between the vocals and the piano, with each element complementing the other.
This is especially clear during the verses and chorus, where both the vocals and piano seem to chug along together. This momentum is then contrasted by a halftime feel, where both the piano and vocals become much more restrained.
17. “Wuthering Heights” by Kate Bush
Kate Bush’s “Wuthering Heights” is a classic. It opens with a light piano riff that matches the song’s airy feel, evoking that iconic atmospheric feel.
The piano tone complements Kate Bush’s unconventional vocals and helps create the eerie mood that underpins the song’s narrative. Overall, the piano supports the storytelling beautifully, making this one of the best piano songs ever recorded.
18. “Life on Mars” by David Bowie
“Life on Mars” shows David Bowie at his most creative. Rick Wakeman’s piano part gives the song its dramatic edge, moving through different moods with ease. It blends pop and rock to create something that feels both unusual and powerful. The piano holds everything together.
19. “Higher Ground” by Stevie Wonder
Any of Stevie Wonder’s songs could easily fit into the category of great piano tracks, but we’ve chosen “Higher Ground”. This song features a high level of intricacy in its piano parts. It opens with a funk pattern played on the clavinet, which maintains a steady rhythm while shifting subtly throughout. The groove of the piano part is arguably one of the song’s most recognisable elements.
20. “The Way It Is” by Bruce Hornsby and the Range
This next song is probably one you’ve heard without knowing the name – it’s “The Way It Is” by Bruce Hornsby and the Range. You might also recognise it from its use in 2Pac’s posthumously released song “Changes”. The track is built around a central piano riff, which shapes both its rhythm and melody.
The repeating motif is subtle yet insistent, giving the song its emotional weight. It also features two improvised solos that demonstrate how the piano can convey technical skill while also telling a story.
21. “Falling” by Alicia Keys
“Fallin’“ is built around a minor-key piano riff that balances restraint with emotional intensity. The simplicity of the progression allows space for Alicia Keys’ vocal to unfold, while the piano keeps everything grounded.
22. “Clocks” by Coldplay
“Clocks” is instantly recognisable for its looping piano riff, which repeats with subtle variations to drive the song forward. The pattern is simple but hypnotic, providing structure while allowing the atmosphere to build.
Rather than dominating the mix, the piano blends seamlessly with the other instruments and layered vocals. The riff holds back just enough to be effective, and its minimal piano writing adds to the song’s power and distinct identity.
23. “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers
Straight away, “Lean On Me” opens with the song’s chords grabbing your attention. These chords are steady and simple, reflecting the song’s central theme.
What makes it so effective is how the piano supports the vocals without taking the spotlight. It’s subtle but clearly present as the backbone of the track.
24. “Think” by Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin’s “Think” features punchy, syncopated piano that drives the rhythm, giving the track its urgency and grit. It’s the perfect example of how the piano can serve as both the backbone of a song and an amplifier for emotion.
25. “Ship To Wreck” by Florence and the Machine
What’s even better than a catchy piano riff? A powerful vocal performance to match – and “Ship to Wreck” certainly delivers both. This festival anthem is packed with explosive vocals and high-energy instrumentation.
The song opens with the main melody played on piano, a riff that recurs throughout. Overall, the piano remains fairly subtle, only becoming more prominent during the post-chorus, which makes that riff even catchier and more memorable.
26. “Still D.R.E” by Dr Dre
The one and only “Still D.R.E” proves that sometimes, simplicity is best. The riff is instantly recognisable and repeats throughout the entire song. It’s a great track to play along to and is arguably one of the most recognisable rap songs with a piano intro.
27. “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi
Another more recent track, “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi, is a calm yet emotional piano song. It begins with a simple piano and vocal arrangement that gradually builds as the song progresses.
28. “Mad World’’ by Michael Andrews
The next song, “Mad World”, was originally released by Tears for Fears, but the version that prominently features piano is the cover by Michael Andrews, released for the film Donnie Darko. The piano part in this version starts off gently and complements the lyrics beautifully.
29. “What was I made for’’ by Billie Eilish
“What Was I Made For” is gentle, emotional, and everything you could want from a piano-led song. It begins with soft chords that are perfectly matched by Billie Eilish’s vocal tone. Like the vocals, the piano part gradually builds as the song progresses.
30. “Apocalypse Please’’ by Muse
In true Muse style, “Apocalypse Please” is grand, explosive, and theatrical. With a thundering piano part, it’s easy to see why this is considered one of the best piano songs ever made. The piano enhances the already powerful instrumentation and perfectly complements the vocal melody.
31. ‘’I’m All Over It’’ by Jamie Cullum
Last but not least, “I’m All Over It” is one of Jamie Cullum’s finest piano-driven tracks, blending jazz-pop flair with a confident, upbeat groove. His distinctive rhythmic piano playing anchors the track, bringing an intensity that matches his lyrics.
FAQs
What is the coolest song to play on piano?
The coolest song to play on piano, in our opinion, is “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. This iconic track blends rock and classical influences, making it exciting and technically impressive. Its dynamic shifts and recognisable melody create a powerful, crowd-pleasing performance.
What is the most beautiful piano song?
There are many beautiful piano songs, but one of our favourites is “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane. Its heartfelt lyrics and gentle piano melody create a nostalgic, emotional atmosphere.
What is a very popular piano song?
A very popular piano song is “Take Five” by The Dave Brubeck Quartet. With a 5/4 time signature and cool jazz style, it features an iconic piano vamp that’s both rhythmically complex and instantly recognisable. It remains a jazz standard worldwide.
Final thoughts
If you’ve been looking for some of the best piano songs to add to your repertoire or playlist, we hope this list has helped! There’s plenty of material out there, this article has only scratched the surface!
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