25 modern songs that already feel like classics

Sleep Token’s “The Summoning” was an incredible breakout hit and viral phenomenon, gaining the band massive traction. Released in 2023, it quickly took over the metal scene—and for good reason. This genre-blending track spans multiple fanbases, appealing to a wide audience and likely sustaining popularity for decades. 

Even if you’re not a Taylor Swift fan, you’ve likely heard the iconic breakup song “All Too Well.” This hit pretty much broke the internet when it was re-released in all of its 10-minute glory in 2021. It will undoubtedly go down as a pop classic.

Thanks to its feature in the 2023 movie Barbie, “What Was I Made For?” is a deeply relatable track for women worldwide. Billie Eilish’s gorgeous vocals gently relay the harsh realities of being a woman in today’s world. This hit will likely go down as a classic, but hopefully, its themes will be less relatable as society progresses.

“Motion Sickness” was my introduction to Phoebe Bridgers, and it only left me wanting more of her emotive lyricism and beautiful lullaby voice. This track has been featured in popular movies such as the 2024 film Am I Ok? and the 2019 Netflix film Someone Great. Personally, it sounds like a modern classic in the making. 

Adele’s “Someone Like You” dominated the music industry when it was first released in 2011. In fact, by now, it’s likely already considered a classic, what with her powerful vocals and painfully relatable message. This song will live on for years to come.

SZA’s “Good Days” shows a promising path to becoming a future classic. This multi-platinum hit song has received critical acclaim and cultural resonance even years after its 2022 release. Its relatable themes, like self-growth and healing, are likely to remain top of mind for many.

Harry Styles will certainly go down as a legend, especially thanks to his time in One Direction. “Sign of the Times,” one of his more powerful modern hits, has “classic” written all over it. While it likely won’t go down as his only claim to fame, I believe it will remain one of his most popular tracks.

Hozier is an icon in his space, with his strong, raspy vocals and touching lyricism. His recent 2024 hit “Too Sweet” quickly gained popularity, especially on social media platforms like TikTok. It has all the right ingredients to go down as a classic.

“My Love Mine All Mine” by Japanese-American songwriter Mitski stole the hearts of many when it was released in 2023. To this day, it has maintained massive popularity—especially on TikTok. The self-love anthem is deeply introspective and relatable, and it will likely remain so for decades to come.

Paramore’s “Ain’t It Fun” is a legendary hit held near and dear by all the emo kids out there. Released back in 2013, it remains a beloved emo/pop-punk anthem—and will likely become a decades-old classic in due time.

Remember when “drivers license” by Olivia Rodrigo broke the internet in early 2021? I certainly do—and I think most of us will for decades upon decades. This massive debut single instantly became a global phenomenon, propelling the singer/songwriter to stardom.

On the surface, it seems Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is merely a diss track. However, this multi-layered song is much deeper than that, representing morality, authenticity, and a celebration of culture. His iconic and symbolic halftime show featuring this track further solidified its success, which is likely to span decades.

Post Malone’s popular song “Circles” is a timeless modern classic. This fan favorite became a defining pop song upon its 2019 release. In fact, though it’s not a super old track, many claim it already triggers nostalgia, as all classic songs tend to do.

Bon Iver’s “Skinny Love” is a beautiful, heartbreaking song about a fragile, unsustainable relationship. Its gentle indie-folk sound perfectly encapsulates the song’s solemn tone. While this track was released back in 2007, it’s still considered a modern classic—and one that will likely remain so.

“Locked Out of Heaven” by Bruno Mars is both iconic and ageless. With its catchy melody and genre-blending reggae-rock/pop-rock sound, this timeless track is well-known as a modern classic. After achieving critical acclaim upon its 2012 release, it remains a fan favorite.

“Bags” by Clairo is a defining track in the bedroom-pop genre. Released in 2019—yet still popular—this song is often labeled by fans as a “cultural shifter.” It’s sure to go down as a classic in the indie scene.

M83’s “Midnight City” is known as a generational anthem. Released back in 2011, this song is still considered a massive hit, especially appealing to synth-pop lovers. In fact, some even compare the nostalgic track to 1980s legends.

Joji’s power ballad “Slow Dancing in the Dark” has that unique, nostalgic, and timeless sound we all know and love. Released in 2018, the song remains a highly streamed top hit. This infamous song is likely to go down as a classic.

“Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye is often referred to as a one-hit wonder—but it will also likely remain a classic for decades. This chart-dominating song was released in 2011 and quickly became a global success.

Foster the People’s “Pumped Up Kicks” was a widely popular song during its time, and it still goes down as a classic. However, its controversial dark themes (e.g., bullying, troublesome and violent fantasies) were masked by its catchy melody. Still, the track became a culturally significant song, shedding light on teen mental health and sparking important conversations.

“Some Nights” by Fun. was basically my high school anthem. (Am I dating myself by admitting that?) Released in 2012, the unique and catchy song became a massive hit and was a definitive pop-rock song during its time.

“Ho Hey” is a legendary folk-rock anthem. Over a decade old, it’s still a popular hit—and not just within its genre. This modern song, with its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, already feels like a future classic.

I don’t care what genre of music you prefer; I find it impossible not to like “Riptide” by Vance Joy. The song is yet another modern indie-folk classic, released in 2013, yet still beloved and popular to this day.

Young the Giant’s “Cough Syrup” is already considered a classic in the indie-rock space. Dating back to 2011, the song has sustained mass popularity throughout the years, and for good reason. Though it was released nearly 15 years ago, it’s still considered a modern track with much potential to become a decades-old classic.

Chappell Roan pretty much ruled the summer of 2024. Shortly after its release, “Good Luck, Babe!” became a legendary queer anthem, dominating TikTok as an 80s-pop-inspired track. I have no doubt it’ll go down as an era-defining classic.