The letter “B” has been a popular letter for song titles, with many famous and beloved songs starting with it. These songs capture the emotions and experiences many of us can relate to, proving that music is a universal language capable of connecting us all.
The impact of these songs is undeniable. They have not only shaped the musical landscape but have also played a significant role in defining cultural moments and movements.
In this list, we’ve compiled some 25 of the songs that start with the letter “B” for you to explore. Let’s begin!
1. “Bohemian Rhapsody” By Queen
First on our list is a song considered to be one of the greatest songs ever written in music history, Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” is an epic masterpiece that defies genre and conventions.
The song tells the story of a young man who has committed a terrible crime and is facing the consequences: “Mama, just killed a man / Put a gun against his head, pulled my trigger, now he’s dead.”
It’s a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from sadness to anger to acceptance, all set to an operatic rock soundtrack that spans nearly six minutes. It’s truly an unconventional song that breaks the rules and pushes boundaries, much like the “bohemian” spirit it represents.
2. “Beat It” By Michael Jackson
An iconic rock song from an iconic artist, “Beat It” by Michael Jackson is a must-have in any music collection. Released in 1983 as part of his album Thriller, the song instantly became a worldwide hit.
With its catchy beat and memorable guitar solo by rock legend Eddie Van Halen, “Beat It” tells a story of standing up for oneself and having the strength to walk away from violence: “Don’t wanna be a boy, you wanna be a man / You wanna stay alive, better do what you can / So beat it.”
The music video, featuring Jackson uniting two rival gangs through dance, has become just as iconic as the song itself. The song has also become a staple in pop culture and has since been recognized as one of the most successful and celebrated songs in history.
3. “…Baby One More Time” By Britney Spears
No other artist has kicked off their music career as strong as Britney Spears with her debut single “…Baby One More Time.” Released in 1998, the song was a smash hit, catapulting Spears to international fame and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time.
The music video features a young Spears as a high school student singing and dancing through the halls while catching glimpses of her crush. The lyrics speak to those feelings of wanting someone “one more time,” a relatable experience for many young fans.
Although Spears has since released countless other hits, “…Baby One More Time” remains one of her most iconic and beloved songs, solidifying her as a pop music legend.
4. “Butter” By BTS
With its record-breaking success, our list isn’t complete without the K-pop song “Butter” by the South Korean boy band BTS. “Butter” became BTS’ third track to debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart — a great feat in K-pop music history.
The song exudes a summery pop vibe, with lyrics that are an ode to romantic love. Its music video premiere on YouTube broke records, garnering over 3.9 million concurrent viewers and becoming the most-viewed music video in 24 hours.
With its catchy beat and energetic choreography, “Butter” has become another hit in the band’s extensive discography, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide. It also proved their immense talent and staying power in the music industry, beyond their native Korea.
5. “Boombayah” By Blackpink
Up next, we have another “B”-starting song from a K-pop group, “Boombayah” by the all-girl sensation Blackpink. Released as one of the tracks in their debut album, Square One, this electronic-pop track quickly became a fan favorite, showcasing the group’s feisty and flirtatious charms.
The lyrics are all about catching the attention of their crush, and the girls certainly did just that with this record-breaking song. The music video for “Boombayah” made history, becoming the first K-pop debut music video to surpass 1.5 billion views on YouTube.
Blackpink’s immense success and global influence have solidified their position as not just the biggest girl group in Korea but in the world. They are also considered a driving force in the Korean Wave, further cementing their status as music icons.
6. “Blank Space” By Taylor Swift
The media often spins stories about celebrities, especially when it comes to their love lives. Taylor Swift has experienced this firsthand, with the media constantly portraying her as a serial dater. To combat this image, she wrote the satirical song “Blank Space.”
The music video for the song further emphasizes this point, showing Swift as a jealous and controlling girlfriend. Despite its tongue-in-cheek lyrics, “Blank Space” became another hit for the singer, winning awards at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards.
Through her music, Swift has proven that she is more than just tabloid fodder — she is a talented artist who uses her experiences to create relatable and catchy songs.
7. “Born This Way” By Lady Gaga
In the same vein as strong female empowerment songs, we have Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.” With its catchy beat and powerful message, the song quickly became an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community and anyone who has ever felt marginalized.
Gaga has always been a fierce advocate for equality and acceptance, and she channeled that passion into this song. She was also inspired by other artists who promoted these values in their music, such as Madonna.
The music video for “Born This Way” is a visual spectacle, filled with references to Greek mythology and surrealism. The song was a commercial success, debuting at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. But more importantly, it became a symbol of self-love and acceptance for millions of people around the world.
8. “Beautiful Stranger” By Madonna
Next, we have a psychedelic pop and disco song from the iconic Madonna. “Beautiful Stranger” was released as part of the Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me soundtrack and quickly became a hit.
The song’s lyrics are all about infatuation, while the music video features Madonna singing in a club visited by none other than Mike Myers as his character Austin Powers. It’s a fun and energetic video that perfectly captures the essence of the song.
Not only was “Beautiful Stranger” a commercial success, but it also earned Madonna her fifth Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
9. “Bye Bye Bye” By NSYNC
Boy bands were a huge thing in the 1990s, and we have a song that starts with “B” from one of the most popular boy bands of all time: NSYNC. “Bye Bye Bye” was originally intended for another boy band, but NSYNC ultimately recorded it and turned it into a chart-topping hit.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of someone who wants to end a difficult relationship. The accompanying music video was also a memorable one, featuring the iconic dance moves and synchronized choreography that NSYNC was known for.
During its release, it peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a staple in the band’s discography. Although NSYNC is not as active as they were before, they continue to perform together once in a while.
10. “Beautiful Day” By U2
An inspiring song that starts with “B” is “Beautiful Day” by the Irish rock band U2. It tells the story of a man who has lost everything but finds joy in what he still has. It’s a powerful message of resilience and finding beauty in life’s struggles.
In addition to its uplifting lyrics, “Beautiful Day” also became an international hit and won three Grammy Awards in 2001. It was also used by Barack Obama in his 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns, making it a popular choice for motivational events and occasions.
U2 continues to be one of the biggest names in rock music, with a career spanning over four decades.
11. “Baby” By Justin Bieber Ft. Ludacris
While some songs are unanimously loved by listeners, there are songs like “Baby” by Justin Bieber that have received mixed reactions. The pop hit was a commercial success but also became the most disliked video on YouTube and the Internet.
Despite its criticism for being overplayed and repetitive, “Baby” remains one of the defining songs of modern-day popular music. It marks an important moment in Bieber’s career as his lead single for his debut studio album. Ludacris, who was a well-established rapper at the time, also lent his talents to the track.
The song is an ode to youthful love and is often considered one of Bieber’s most popular songs, despite its polarizing views.
12. “Back In Black” By AC/DC
Metal fans around the world can recognize one of the most iconic guitar riffs in rock history: “Back in Black” by AC/DC. The song was released as a tribute to their former lead singer, Bon Scott, who had passed away suddenly just months before.
But instead of being a somber ballad, “Back in Black” is a celebration of Scott’s life and legacy. The band’s new lead singer, Brian Johnson, was tasked with writing the lyrics to honor Scott and keep his memory alive.
The result is an electrifying rock anthem that appeals to all generations and music lovers. Despite its tragic inspiration, “Back in Black” continues to be one of the most loved and recognized heavy-metal songs in rock history.
13. “Black Dog” By Led Zeppelin
Songwriters take inspiration from the most unexpected places, and Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog” is no exception. The title of the song refers to a black Labrador Retriever that used to wander around the band’s recording studio.
Apparently, the dog would disappear at night and return in the early morning, exhausted but ready to repeat its adventure each day. Lead singer Robert Plant believed the dog was sneaking off to his romantic rendezvous, hence the reference to his “old lady.”
Despite its unusual inspiration, “Black Dog” became a fan favorite and a staple in Led Zeppelin’s live performances. Its infectious riffs and catchy chorus continue to captivate audiences even decades after its release.
14. “Bring Me To Life” By Evanescence
The early 2000s were ripe with nu metal and alternative rock music, and Evanescence’s “Bring Me to Life” became a massive hit that blended both genres. Written by lead singer Amy Lee, the song was inspired by her own experiences in an abusive relationship.
However, the record label wanted to make it more marketable and forced the band to add a male vocal part, which Lee wrote herself. Despite this added element, the song still resonated with audiences, becoming a chart-topping hit in over 15 countries.
The rawness and vulnerability in Lee’s lyrics and vocals have made “Bring Me to Life” an enduring anthem for those struggling with toxic relationships, and its success solidified Evanescence as one of the leading bands of the early 2000s rock scene.
15. “Basket Case” By Green Day
Conversations about mental health in the years past may have been taboo, but Green Day’s “Basket Case” brought it to the forefront in a punk rock anthem.
Lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong revealed that the song is about his struggle with anxiety and panic disorder, which wasn’t diagnosed until years later.
The music video for “Basket Case” was filmed in an abandoned mental institution, adding a chilling visual to the already raw lyrics. The song’s success opened up conversations about mental health and helped to break the stigma surrounding it, making “Basket Case” a cultural touchstone for generations of music fans.
Commercially, the song was a huge hit, spending five weeks at the top of the Billboard Alternative Songs chart and earning a Grammy nomination.
16. “Barbie Girl” By Aqua
No other doll has made a bigger impact on popular culture than Barbie, and Aqua’s “Barbie Girl” took it to a whole new level. The song became an instant hit with its catchy dance-pop beat and cheeky lyrics about the famous dolls.
However, the song also sparked controversy when toy company Mattel sued Aqua for trademark infringement and turning Barbie into a sexual object. The judge ultimately dismissed the lawsuit, but the tension between Aqua and Mattel remained.
The bad blood continues to this day, with Aqua’s hit not being included in the recent Barbie movie soundtrack. Despite this, “Barbie Girl” remains a cultural phenomenon and one of the most successful songs by the group. It topped charts in over 10 countries and solidified its place as an iconic piece of pop music history.
17. “Baby Boy” By Beyoncé Ft. Sean Paul
Although the sexualization of women in music is unfortunately not uncommon, “Baby Boy” by Beyoncé featuring Sean Paul takes a different approach.
The song’s sultry dancehall and R&B fusion with Caribbean and Asian influences create a seductive atmosphere, but the lyrics tell a story of a woman taking control and expressing her desires.
The lyrics turn the tables on traditional gender roles and challenge societal norms, making it an empowering anthem for women. The song is also notable for its connection to Jay-Z’s hit “03 Bonnie & Clyde,” with “Baby Boy” being seen as a sequel to the former.
It’s no surprise that the song was a huge success, spending nine consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying Beyoncé’s place as an iconic solo artist.
18. “Believe” By Cher
Another powerful anthem of self-reliance and women empowerment, “Believe” by Cher is an electro-pop song that marked a new direction for the artist.
It was the first song to have used Auto-Tune as a recognizable vocal effect, giving it the nickname Cher Effect and paving the way for future artists to use this technique.
Interestingly, the song took nine years to make, with various writers and producers tinkering with its lyrics and production. It was rejected by many other artists before ultimately landing in Cher’s hands.
However, once released, “Believe” became an instant hit, topping charts in over 23 countries. It remains Cher’s most successful song and one of the best-selling singles in music history.
19. “Bad Guy” By Billie Eilish
Another artist who has revolutionized the music industry with her unique style is Billie Eilish. Her song “Bad Guy” has been described as a blend of trap-pop and dance-pop, a combination that’s further enhanced by the song’s minimalist instrumentation.
But the standout feature of this track is its two halves: the first being fast-paced at 135 beats per minute, and the latter being slow at 60 BPM. This contrast adds an interesting dynamic to the song, reflecting the playful and taunting lyrics.
The song narrates Eilish’s strength and resilience, as she confidently calls out someone for being a bad guy; yet it suggests she is stronger than him. It’s no wonder the song became such a massive hit, topping charts all around the world and earning numerous accolades.
20. “Before He Cheats” By Carrie Underwood
Going to country rock, we have Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” — a song about a woman taking revenge on her potentially cheating partner. Interestingly, the song was first written for another country singer before Underwood recorded it herself.
Upon its release, “Before He Cheats” became an instant hit. It even topped charts outside the country genre, showing its broad appeal to audiences.
The music video depicts Underwood smashing her boyfriend’s car with a baseball bat, but the singer herself advises against such actions in real life.
Despite its vengeful theme, the song ultimately became an empowering anthem for women who have been wronged in relationships.
21. “Bless The Broken Road” By Rascal Flatts
We have a country pop song next, which was originally sung by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band but popularized by Rascal Flatts. “Bless the Broken Road” tells a familiar tale of heartbreak and disappointment in relationships, but with an optimistic twist: It leads to finding true love.
The song became a chart-topper and won the Grammy Award for Best Country Song. But beyond that, it serves as a reminder that sometimes the journey through heartbreak can lead to something even better in the end.
The song also showcases the unique blend of country and pop elements that Rascal Flatts has become known for, making it a standout in their discography.
22. “Burn” By Usher
Relationships have their ebbs and flows, and Usher’s “Burn” perfectly captures the feeling of a relationship that has lost its spark. Based on personal experiences from both Usher and his songwriter associates, the song tells the story of a fading romance.
This R&B song was originally intended to be the lead single for Usher’s album Confessions, but after the unexpected success of “Yeah!” it became the second single.
Despite not being the main focus at first, “Burn” still topped charts internationally and achieved Platinum status in various countries.
Its soulful lyrics and Usher’s smooth vocals make it an iconic breakup song many can relate to. In fact, Usher has revealed that he proposed to his then-girlfriend and TLC member Chilli before their eventual breakup, adding a personal touch to the song’s meaning.
23. “Buffalo Soldier” By Bob Marley & The Wailers
This list isn’t complete without this reggae classic from the legendary Jamaican band Bob Marley and the Wailers. “Buffalo Soldier” is a tribute to the black soldiers of the US Army’s 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments, who were nicknamed buffalo soldiers by Native Americans during the Indian Wars.
Marley linked their fight for survival to the struggle of black people everywhere, making it a powerful symbol of resistance. Despite being released posthumously, the song remains one of Marley’s most popular and enduring hits.
Its captivating reggae beat and thought-provoking lyrics continue to inspire listeners to this day. It’s also one of the most recognizable songs from Marley’s extensive discography, a must-listen for any reggae fan.
24. “Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace)” By Hillsong United
Praise and worship songs have the power to touch people’s hearts and offer comfort and inspiration. “Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace)” by Hillsong United is a perfect example of this, blending contemporary music with the classic hymn “Amazing Grace.”
The lyrics speak about God’s grace saving someone who was once lost and blind, referencing the Bible verse Isaiah 64:8. The song also mentions being “jars of clay,” a nod to an old hymn that describes how God puts his love and grace within us.
With its moving melody and powerful message, this song has become a beloved worship anthem for many. It reminds listeners of the beauty and power of God’s grace and how it can transform even the most broken among us.
25. “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” By Dean Martin and Marilyn Maxwell
To conclude our list, we have a classic holiday song, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” Written in 1944, numerous performers have sung it, but perhaps the most famous version is Dean Martin and Marilyn Maxwell’s rendition from 1959.
The song features a playful back-and-forth between a host and guest, with the host trying to convince the guest to stay for a romantic evening because of the cold weather.
However, in recent years, it has faced criticism for its forceful nature toward the female protagonist, sparking debates and even radio stations banning the song.
Despite the controversy, it remains a beloved holiday tune and a staple on Christmas playlists. Martin’s smooth vocals and Maxwell’s sweet harmonies make this version a standout among all the covers.
Summing Up Our List Of Songs That Begin With B
No matter what genre or style, these songs all have one thing in common — they touch on universal themes of love, resilience, and hope. These “B”-starting songs remind us of the power of music to bring people together and evoke emotion.
So next time you’re looking for some new tunes to add to your playlist, give these songs a listen and see why they stand the test of time. And if there are other songs you have in mind, feel free to share them with us, and we’ll add them to our list. Happy listening!
