The Billboard Hot 100 charts boast a broad array of songs that will stick in your head no matter what type of music you enjoy. One example is The Police’s “Every Breath You Take,” which was initially perceived as a love song, but the lead vocalist Sting eventually disclosed it to be about stalking. Whether you’re into rock, pop, or hip-hop tunes, this selection won’t disappoint!
Keep reading to discover which songs reigned supreme on Billboard’s rankings for the longest time.
Endless Love – Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
- Nine weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 14 weeks
- Period at the top of the charts: Aug 15 – Oct. 10, 1981
The title song for the 1981 film “Endless Love,” famously covered by Mariah Carey and Luther Vandross in 1994, was ranked The Greatest Duet of All Time after 30 years by Billboard. This romantic hit stayed at #1 on the famous music chart for 27 weeks – an astounding feat that made it both Diana Ross and Lionel Richie’s biggest single to date. Brooke Shields’ memorable coming-of-age movie performance greatly contributed to its success!
Candy Shop – 50 Cent feat’ Olivia
- Nine weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 13 weeks
- Period at the top of the charts: March 5 – April 30, 2005
In 2005, 50 Cent’s “Candy Shop” skyrocketed to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, bumping Mario’s 9-week reigning single “Let Me Love You.” While having nothing to do with candy and instead being entirely focused on sex – it was no surprise that Green Day’s ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’ quickly followed suit by making an impressive 3-2 move on the same chart! Fast forward four years later, in 2009, when Dan Finnerty and The Dan Band covered a version for the hit movie “The Hangover.” Clearly, this song is here to stay!
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Work – Rihanna feat’ Drake
- Nine weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 12 weeks
- Period at the top of the charts: March 5 – April 30, 2016
Rihanna and Drake’s chart-topping collaboration “Work” resulted from the combined efforts of many different writers, including Rupert “Sevn” Thomas, who crafted its unique dancehall rhythm with an urban and island vibe refrain. With this groundbreaking #1 hit from all seven of her albums, Rihanna has surpassed even Mariah Carey’s record for scoring six consecutive records on Billboard – as Songfacts reports.
Hey Jude – The Beatles
- Nine weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 11 weeks
- Period at the top of the charts: Sept. 28 – Nov. 23, 1968
On the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ iconic #1 hit, Rolling Stone divulged how it was written by Paul McCartney as a peaceful ode to John Lennon’s son Julian while his parents were splitting. Ironically, this momentous song that spent nine weeks at the top of the charts debuted just days after Ringo Starr abandoned the band signifying its eventual breakup.
Night Fever – Bee Gees
- Eight weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 14 weeks
- Period at the top of the charts: March 18 – May 6, 1978
The Bee Gees captivated the world with their signature song, “Saturday Night Fever” in 1977 and won a Grammy of the Year award soon after. The soundtrack has since been inducted into the Library of Congress National Recording Registry as it forever changed pop culture across generations. Its success propelled, yet also diminished, the brother group’s legacy, which is recorded extensively within Staying Alive: The Disco Inferno of the Bee Gee’s book.
Nice for What – Drake
- Eight weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 13 weeks
- Period at the top of the charts: April 21 – July 14, 2018
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Rolling Stone awarded “Nice for What” the 2018 Song of the Summer, and it quickly rose to become #1, dethroning Drake’s hit single “God’s Plan.” Sampling Lauren Hill’s iconic song, “Ex-Factor,” this tune was particularly well-received due to its bold feminist message delivered through its accompanying video featuring some of Hollywood’s greatest female stars, such as Olivia Wilde, Michelle Rodriguez, and Rashida Jones.
Every Breath You Take – The Police
- Eight weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 13 weeks
- Period at the top of the charts: July 9 – Aug. 27, 1983
After eight weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, “Every Breath You Take” was declared 1983’s Single of the Year. What surprised most people, however, is that Sting revealed later on that the lyrics were actually about stalking! He said it sounded comforting at first, but slowly he realized how sinister and creepy it became. Many believed this song was written by Sting in relation to his separation from Frances Tomelty as he had begun dating her best friend Trudie Styler soon after.
Dreamlover – Mariah Carey
- Eight weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 13 weeks
- Period at top of the charts: Sept. 11 – Oct. 30, 1993
Mariah Carey’s third album, Music Box, captivated audiences with the smash hit “Dreamlover,” which stayed atop the charts for a remarkable eight weeks. In addition to showcasing Mariah’s vocal prowess, it prominently featured samples from The Emotions’ 1970s classic “Blind Alley.” According to producer David Morales who co-worked on the song alongside her, they revolutionized remixing in music at that time. He praised Carey’s daring artistry and said she was one of few people then capable of pushing boundaries like this.
The Box – Roddy Rich
- Eight weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 12 weeks
- Period at top of the charts: Jan. 18, 2020, – Mar. 7, 2020
The Compton-based artist, Roddy Ricch, has achieved remarkable success with his debut album “Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial.” Not only did it make history by being the longest-running rap debut to top the Billboard 200 chart, but its lead single, “The Box,” is still a fan favorite on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube. In fact, due to these two popular sites alone, hundreds of millions have streamed this hit song!
Jump – Kris Kross
- Eight weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 11 weeks
- Period at the top of the charts: April 25 – June 13, 1992
The illustrious rap duo known as “Mac Daddy” and “Daddy Mac,” who infamously donned their clothes backward while performing, were unexpectedly discovered by the iconic Jermaine Dupri in an Atlanta mall. This chance encounter led them to release their chart-topping single “Jump” – a record that will forever remain engrained in music history as one of hip hop’s greatest ever one-hit wonders!
Rockstar by Post Malone feat’ 21 Savage
- Eight weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 10 weeks
- Period at the top of the charts: Oct. 28 – Dec. 16, 2017
In 2017, rap finally surpassed rock ‘n’ roll as the most popular genre in music. This can be attributed to the groundbreaking success of Post Malone’s track “Rockstar,” featuring 21 Savage. The duo was awarded two Grammy nominations for Record of the Year and Best Rap/Sung Performance – a true testament to their impressive achievement. After eight weeks at #1 on billboards charts, this hit was eventually replaced by Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.”
7 Rings – Ariana Grande
- Eight weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 10 weeks
- Period at the top of the charts: Feb. 2 – April 6, 2019
Sampling Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “My Favorite Things,” Ariana Grande turned the iconic “Sound of Music” song into a semi-autobiographical tale focusing on her shopping spree for her friends at Tiffany’s after splitting up with an ex. However, since its release, the debate has erupted over Soulja Boy’s tweet accusing the singer of stealing his flow in the rap version of her song. To add to controversies surrounding this track, Grande even apologized to fans for misuse of the word “Weave” in one line from the number.
That’s The Way Love Goes – Janet Jackson
- Eight weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 10 weeks
- Period at top of the charts: May 15 – July 3, 1993
A longstanding chart-topper, Janet Jackson’s track “That’s the Way Love Goes” was a feat of collaborative creativity. Written by longtime collaborators Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam with Ms. Jackson herself, its success required no less than an endorsement from funk legend James Brown before they were allowed to sample his iconic hit “Papa Don’t Take No Mess” – along with other sampled artists like B.T Express, The Honey Drippers & Toto! You could say every star aligned for this chart-topper that would reign at #1 on the Billboard charts for a dazzling eight weeks – eclipsing even Michael Jackson in its reach and record-breaking success!
Tha Crossroads – Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
- Eight weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 9 weeks
- Period at the top of the charts: May 18 – July 6, 1996
NWA’s Eazy-E was instrumental in launching Bone Thugs-N-Harmony from Cleveland, Ohio, to the ranks of hip-hop superstars. After tragically succumbing to AIDS in 1995 and leaving a void replete with longing for his return home, twelve songwriters collaborated on “The Crossroads,” which crowned them as rap royalty when it won Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 1996 Grammys – this despite being composed only of five members who share an uneasy bond linked by one name: BONE.
Umbrella – Rihanna feat’ Jay-Z
- Seven weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 13 weeks
- Period at the top of the charts: June 9 – July 21, 2007
Who would have known that when Britney Spears passed on the chance to sing “Umbrella,” she overlooked a Grammy-winning hit? Mary J. Blige also let it slip, and Rihanna stepped up to become queen of 2007’s summer anthem – cementing “Umbrella” as one of her signature songs! Acclaimed for its vibrant hi-hat beat and subtly doubled vocals in the chorus, this monster track proved worthy of all nine reasons The Guardian named it their Song Of The Summer.
I Kissed a Girl – Katy Perry
- Seven weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 13 weeks
- Period at the top of the charts: July 5 – Aug. 16, 2008
When Katy Perry, former Christian singer-songwriter and now a pop star, openly sang about kissing a girl and liking it, the airwaves were shaken. Elvis Duran of New York’s radio station Z100 famously proclaimed her as bold and in your face. Likewise, Perry believes that at this time, bi-curiousness was gaining mainstream attention; shows like Gossip Girl or Pride Source were talking more about it and made it appear socially acceptable than ever before to be bisexual.
(Everything I Do) I Do It for You – Bryan Adams
- Seven weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 11 weeks
- Period at the top of the charts: July 27th – September 7th, 1991
Bryan Adams’ iconic hit “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” first made its way to the public’s ear after it appeared in Michael Kamen’s film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” though only during the credits. Miraculously, this beloved ballad managed to reach a seven-week reign atop the U.K and U.S. Billboard Charts! The song later became more famous when singer Brandy released her cover version of her 1998 album “Never Say Never.”
All for You – Janet Jackson
- Seven weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 11 weeks
- Period at the top of the charts: April 14 to May 26, 2001
Showcasing her album and tour of the same name, Janet Jackson’s “All for You” samples Luther Vandross’s 1980 hit “The Glow of Love.” This song tells the story of two people flirting on the dance floor and earned her fifth Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. Its success led to Jackson being honored as the “Queen of Radio,” with its airplay across multiple platforms proving it was truly appreciated by fans everywhere.
Waterfalls – TLC
- Seven weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 11 weeks
- Period at the top of the charts: July 8 – Aug. 19, 1995
The song “Waterfalls” is about drug abuse and HIV. This was the first song to talk about HIV in its lyrics. TLC member Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas said the band was shocked when the song won the MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year in 1995, beating out Michael Jackson’s song.
I Heard It Through The Grapevine – Marvin Gaye
- Seven weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 10 weeks
- Period at the top of the charts: Dec. 14, 1968 – Jan. 25, 1969
“I Heard It Through the Grapevine” quickly became Marvin Gaye’s biggest success, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. However, this hit was previously recorded by several other artists, including Gladys Knight & The Pips, who took it to #2 in November 1967. Three decades later, it was also featured as part of a television commercial for California Raisins in 1987!
Love the Way You Lie – Eminem feat’ Rihanna
- Seven weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 10 weeks
- The Period at the top of the charts: July 31 – Sept. 11, 2010
The success of Eminem’s seventh album, “Recovery,” was largely tied to the hit single “Love The Way You Lie.” This song went on to win multiple awards, such as Best Song at the 2010 Soul Train Music and People’s Choice Awards. Additionally, it earned several Grammy nominations.
Black or White – Michael Jackson
- Seven weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 10 weeks
- Period at the top of the charts: the winter – 1991-1992
In just three weeks of its release in December 1991, “Black or White” jumped from #35 to the top-ranking position at #1 – an incredible feat that had not been accomplished since The Beatles’ legendary single “Get Back” in 1969. Michael Jackson’s close friend and actor Macaulay Culkin lip-synced a rap about racial intolerance featured in the video for this song, a powerful message on life transcending all prejudices.
Blank Space – Taylor Swift
- Seven weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 9 weeks
- The Period at the top of the charts: Nov. 29, 2014 – Jan. 10, 2015
Taylor Swift is the first female artist in the history of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 to propel herself to the peak of the charts, knocking “Shake It Off” from the top. Similar to many of Swift’s song lyrics, “Blank Space” blurts out bad relationship details to a hip-hop beat. The song, which hit #1 after three weeks, is the third Swift hit that she co-wrote with Max Martin and Shellback.
I Want To Hold Your Hand – The Beatles
- Seven weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 9 weeks
- Period at the top of the charts: February 1st – March 14th of 1964
The wave of the British Invasion in America began with The Beatles’ ballad, “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” which was recorded using 4-track technology and required only 17 takes! Within the first week of April 1964, this iconic band held five positions on American Top 10 charts.
Thank U, Next – Ariana Grande
- Seven weeks at the top of the charts
- Chart presence: 9 weeks
- Period at the top of the charts: November 17th, 2018 – January 5th, 2019.
After struggling with depression and alcohol dependence following the heartbreaking overdose of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller in September 2018, Ariana Grande confessed that she doesn’t recall recording “Thank U, Next.”
Source: Songs that dominated Billboard charts the longest
