Few voices in soul music history have stirred hearts and commanded attention quite like David Ruffin’s. As the gritty, passionate lead singer of The Temptations during their golden era and later as a compelling solo artist, Ruffin delivered some of the most emotionally gripping performances in Motown’s storied catalog. His voice—raw, raspy, and unmistakably powerful—was capable of expressing vulnerability and strength in the same breath. Whether he was singing about love, heartbreak, or personal struggle, David Ruffin made every word feel lived-in and urgent. From chart-topping hits that defined a generation to soul-deep solo cuts that still echo with passion, Ruffin’s music left an indelible mark on R&B and soul. In this countdown, we dive into the Top 10 Most Popular David Ruffin Songs of All Time, spotlighting the tracks that showcase his extraordinary talent and lasting influence. From his unforgettable time with The Temptations to his soulful solo ventures, each song on this list is a testament to Ruffin’s timeless artistry. So turn up the volume, feel the groove, and celebrate the legacy of a voice that could break your heart and lift your soul—all in the same note.
1. “Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen (1975)
When Queen released “Bohemian Rhapsody” in 1975, they didn’t just release a song—they unleashed a genre-defying masterpiece that would alter the landscape of rock music forever. Clocking in at nearly six minutes, this theatrical epic is a bold blend of ballad, opera, and hard rock, stitched together by the sheer brilliance of Freddie Mercury’s vision. The song opens with delicate piano and introspective vocals before spiraling into an operatic whirlwind filled with choral harmonies, then slams into a thunderous guitar-driven climax. Brian May’s soaring guitar, Roger Taylor’s energetic drums, and John Deacon’s steady bass ground the track while Mercury’s vocals and flair bring it to life. Critics and industry execs were initially skeptical—the song was too long, too strange, too unclassifiable. But it struck a chord with audiences, soaring to No. 1 in the UK for nine weeks. Over the decades, it’s become a cultural icon, re-emerging in popularity after Mercury’s death in 1991 and again with the 2018 film Bohemian Rhapsody. The song is more than just a rock anthem—it’s a celebration of artistic daring and emotional complexity. Few songs have dared to be this ambitious, and even fewer have succeeded so triumphantly.
2. “Like a Rolling Stone” – Bob Dylan (1965)
Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone,” released in 1965, didn’t just push musical boundaries—it shattered them. At over six minutes long, it was a seismic jolt to the tightly packaged, three-minute pop format that ruled radio. From the opening snare hit, the song pulses with raw energy, fueled by Al Kooper’s swirling organ and Mike Bloomfield’s electric guitar fire. Dylan’s lyrics, cutting and surreal, tell the story of a fallen socialite now lost and disillusioned, asking over and over: “How does it feel?” His delivery is biting, dripping with irony and rebellious sneer. This was the moment Dylan broke from his acoustic folk roots and embraced electric rock, alienating purists but igniting a musical revolution. It wasn’t just a song—it was a declaration of independence, proving that rock music could be cerebral, poetic, and fiercely confrontational. Despite early controversy, “Like a Rolling Stone” became a massive hit and remains one of the most influential songs ever recorded. Its impact is still felt in every song that dares to speak uncomfortable truths or challenge convention. This wasn’t just Dylan’s evolution—it was rock’s coming of age.
3. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” – Nirvana (1991)
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” wasn’t just a hit—it was a generational lightning bolt. When Nirvana dropped this explosive track in 1991, it gave voice to a restless, disaffected youth and kicked the door wide open for grunge. With its dirty guitar riff, hammering drums, and Kurt Cobain’s anguished growl, the song ripped through the polished veneer of mainstream music. Opening Nevermind, “Teen Spirit” became an unintentional anthem, capturing the angst, irony, and apathy that defined Generation X. Cobain’s lyrics were cryptic and cynical, but they struck a chord, tapping into something raw and real. Dave Grohl’s thunderous drumming and Krist Novoselic’s rumbling bass gave the track a sense of urgent chaos, while the quiet-loud-quiet dynamic became a signature of the era. The music video, featuring a cheerleader-led high school riot, became an MTV staple, catapulting Nirvana into reluctant stardom. Though Cobain struggled with the attention, the song’s influence was irreversible. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” marked the beginning of the end for hair metal and the rise of a darker, grittier alternative rock. It was more than just a song—it was a cultural reset.
4. “What’s Going On” – Marvin Gaye (1971)
With “What’s Going On,” released in 1971, Marvin Gaye turned soul music into a powerful vehicle for social commentary. At a time when Motown was known for catchy, romantic tunes, Gaye took a bold leap, crafting a song that addressed the pain, confusion, and unrest of a turbulent era. Inspired by his brother’s experiences in Vietnam and the civil strife erupting across America, Gaye traded smooth love ballads for a soulful plea for understanding and change. The track opens with ambient chatter and jazzy instrumentation, creating a lush, cinematic feel. Gaye’s voice—smooth, soulful, and sorrowful—asks questions that still resonate: “What’s going on?” His multi-tracked vocals wrap around each other like a chorus of ghosts, giving the song an ethereal yet grounded presence. Initially rejected by Motown head Berry Gordy for being too political, the song was eventually released and quickly became a smash hit. “What’s Going On” is now regarded not just as one of Gaye’s finest moments, but as one of the most important pieces of protest music in history. It’s a song of heartbreak and hope, a timeless reminder that music can be a force for empathy and healing.
5. “Imagine” – John Lennon (1971)
“Imagine” is John Lennon’s most iconic solo work, a deceptively simple piano ballad that carries a message as profound as any protest song. Released in 1971, the track envisions a world stripped of borders, religions, and possessions—a radical concept wrapped in the gentlest of melodies. Lennon’s voice is calm, almost conversational, as he invites the listener to step into a utopia where unity and peace replace division and greed. Co-produced by Phil Spector and Yoko Ono, the song’s sparse instrumentation puts the focus squarely on Lennon’s lyrics. “You may say I’m a dreamer,” he sings, a line that became a global mantra for peace. The song’s power lies in its quiet defiance, its insistence that better is possible. While controversial at the time for its idealism, “Imagine” has endured as a global anthem, played at vigils, protests, and moments of reflection around the world. It remains one of the most universally recognized and covered songs in history. More than five decades later, “Imagine” continues to inspire hope and challenge listeners to think beyond the present. It’s not just a song—it’s a vision.
6. “Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson (1983)
When Michael Jackson released “Billie Jean” in 1983, it became a global sensation almost instantly—and with good reason. Driven by one of the most iconic basslines in pop history, the song fuses elements of funk, R&B, and dance with a slick, mysterious edge. The track tells a cautionary tale of fame and obsession, centering on a woman’s false claim that Jackson fathered her child. His vocal performance is flawless—equal parts vulnerability, tension, and confidence. Under the meticulous production of Quincy Jones, every beat, note, and rhythm hits with precision, creating a sound that was both infectious and ahead of its time. The song was a centerpiece of Thriller, the best-selling album of all time, and helped cement Jackson as a musical and cultural icon. His performance of “Billie Jean” at Motown 25—where he famously debuted the moonwalk—became the stuff of legend, elevating the track to mythic status. Beyond its chart-topping success, “Billie Jean” redefined what pop music could be: emotionally charged, musically complex, and commercially unstoppable. Decades later, it remains a defining moment in Jackson’s career and a masterclass in pop perfection.
7. “Hotel California” – Eagles (1976)
“Hotel California,” released in 1976, is more than just the Eagles’ signature song—it’s a haunting allegory wrapped in a classic rock package. Opening with Don Felder’s shimmering 12-string guitar riff, the track immediately draws listeners into its cinematic world, one filled with mystery, temptation, and disillusionment. Don Henley’s evocative vocals guide us through the tale of a traveler lured into a luxurious hotel that turns out to be more prison than paradise. The lyrics, layered with symbolism, have sparked decades of interpretation, often seen as a metaphor for the excesses and moral decay of 1970s California and the music industry. Musically, the song blends rock, country, and Latin influences, culminating in a breathtaking dual guitar solo from Felder and Joe Walsh that remains one of the most revered in rock history. “Hotel California” topped the charts and earned a Grammy, but its real legacy lies in its enduring mystique. It’s a song that invites you to lose yourself in its story, only to find yourself questioning the meaning behind it. Timeless, haunting, and beautifully executed, “Hotel California” is a rock masterpiece that continues to captivate listeners across generations.
8. “Hey Jude” – The Beatles (1968)
“Hey Jude,” released in 1968, stands as one of The Beatles’ most emotional and enduring tracks. Written by Paul McCartney to comfort John Lennon’s son Julian during his parents’ divorce, the song begins with a tender piano melody and intimate lyrics that gradually swell into something grand and communal. McCartney’s warm, expressive voice carries the song’s early verses with a message of hope and reassurance: “Take a sad song and make it better.” As the track progresses, it blossoms into a massive singalong, its famous “na-na-na” coda turning it into a shared moment of catharsis. Clocking in at over seven minutes, “Hey Jude” was unusually long for a single at the time, but that didn’t stop it from topping charts around the world. It became The Beatles’ biggest U.S. hit and helped launch Apple Records. The instrumentation is relatively sparse—just piano, drums, bass, and subtle orchestration—but that simplicity allows the emotion to shine through. Whether played in stadiums or quiet rooms, “Hey Jude” resonates deeply. It’s not just a song—it’s a gentle reminder that even in difficult times, music has the power to heal and bring people together.
9. “Respect” – Aretha Franklin (1967)
Aretha Franklin’s “Respect,” released in 1967, didn’t just top the charts—it became a thunderous demand for equality and recognition. Originally written and recorded by Otis Redding, the song took on new life and meaning when Franklin made it her own. From the first commanding notes, she flips the narrative, transforming the lyrics into a feminist and civil rights anthem. With powerful, gospel-rooted vocals and the unforgettable spelling out of “R-E-S-P-E-C-T,” Aretha’s version hits with both urgency and grace. Backed by the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, the groove is tight, the energy electric, and every moment of the performance feels empowered. Franklin added the now-famous “sock it to me” lines, infusing the song with sass and swagger. It soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned her two Grammy Awards, but more importantly, it became a rallying cry for social change. “Respect” is more than just a cover—it’s a reinvention, a declaration of independence and strength. It solidified Aretha Franklin as the Queen of Soul and forever changed the way music could serve as a voice for the voiceless.
10. “Stairway to Heaven” – Led Zeppelin (1971)
“Stairway to Heaven,” released in 1971, is perhaps the most iconic song in rock history—a sweeping epic that captures the full breadth of Led Zeppelin’s musical genius. Beginning with a delicate acoustic guitar and flute-like melody, the track unfolds like a story, slowly building tension with each verse. Robert Plant’s mystical lyrics, filled with imagery and allusion, tell of a woman seeking meaning and redemption, adding to the song’s spiritual and enigmatic aura. As the song progresses, Jimmy Page’s guitar work evolves from gentle fingerpicking to an electrifying solo that has become legendary. John Bonham’s thunderous drums and John Paul Jones’s textured keys and bass ground the song as it crescendos into a triumphant finale. Though never released as a single, “Stairway to Heaven” became a staple of FM radio and a rite of passage for guitarists around the world. It was the centerpiece of Led Zeppelin IV and remains a defining moment in the band’s legacy. More than fifty years later, it still inspires awe, debate, and reverence. “Stairway to Heaven” isn’t just a song—it’s a journey, an experience, and a monument to the power of rock and roll.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
