Every song has a story to tell. Now, imagine a collection of songs united by one common characteristic — they all begin with the letter A. And we don’t mean simply “a” or “an.”
From all-time classics to modern pop hits, this list spans various genres, decades, and artists, offering a diverse palette of musical flavors. Each song holds its own charm, resonating with different listeners in unique ways.
Discover new tunes or perhaps rekindle your love for some old ones with 25 of the best songs that start with the letter A. Ready? Let’s dive into the world of A-list songs!
1. “Airplanes” By B.o.B. Ft. Hayley Williams
Starting this list is a high-flying song by renowned rapper B.o.B. called “Airplanes.” It’s a collaboration with Hayley Williams, the lead vocalist of Paramore. The song first graced our airwaves in 2010 and quickly found a home in our hearts and playlists.
The song is a part of B.o.B’s album B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray, and it’s the third single that was released. It’s a tale of hope, ambition, and resilience.
“Airplanes” is a reminder that we all have dreams and face hurdles in achieving them. But, as the song suggests, if we don’t make it, we can always switch our flight and try again.
2. “Another One Bites The Dust” By Queen
The legendary rock band Queen presented us with “Another One Bites the Dust” in 1980. Written by the band’s bass guitarist John Deacon, it was released as a single from their album The Game.
The song features a prominent bassline, played by Deacon, which almost everyone recognizes. Despite its dark lyrics, which allude to violence and death, the song has a catchy beat and an infectious energy that makes it impossible not to dance along to.
It became one of Queen’s most successful singles, topping the charts in several countries, including the United States. Over the years, its popularity has endured. It has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials.
3. “Always Remember Us This Way” By Lady Gaga
When you think about a song that captures the essence of love, longing, and the bittersweet reality of cherished moments, Lady Gaga‘s “Always Remember Us This Way” might just be the melody that plays in your mind.
From the soundtrack of the film A Star Is Born, this song is a testament to Gaga’s undeniable talent. She sings, “When the sun goes down / and the band won’t play / I’ll always remember us this way.” It reminds us of how love and memories can outlast even the most inevitable of endings.
When we listen to “Always Remember Us This Way,” we can’t help but feel moved by it. Maybe that’s why, in 2020, it received a Song of the Year Grammy nomination.
4. “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton
Originally called “Interlude,” Vanessa Carlton‘s “A Thousand Miles” has been a major success since its release in 2002. The introductory piano melody is easily recognizable and serves as the backbone of the track.
Lyrically, the song explores themes of longing, distance, and the desire to reconnect with someone. The narrator expresses a yearning to be closer to a loved one, metaphorically expressing a willingness to travel “a thousand miles” just to see them again.
“A Thousand Miles” received critical acclaim upon its release. It garnered several award nominations, including Grammy nominations for Song of the Year and Record of the Year in 2003.
5. “Amazing” By Aerosmith
Let the raspy, powerful voice of Steven Tyler of Aerosmith take you through a hard-rocking musical journey in “Amazing.” Released in 1993, it’s a standout track from their 11th studio album, Get a Grip.
The music video for “Amazing” is an experience in itself. It tells the story of a teenage boy who dives into the world of virtual reality to meet his dream girl.
“Amazing” climbed its way up to #24 on the Hot 100 charts, but its impact goes beyond numbers. Fast-forward 30 years, the song is still as hard-hitting today as it was when it was released.
6. “American Idiot” By Green Day
Released in 2004, “American Idiot” by Green Day is a scathing critique of American politics, society, and media. It is characterized by its high-energy punk rock sound. Its anthemic chorus and catchy hooks contributed to its widespread popularity.
Lyrically, “American Idiot” expresses disillusionment and frustration with mainstream American culture. It criticizes issues such as consumerism, political apathy, and media manipulation.
Upon its release, “American Idiot” received critical acclaim for its boldness and relevance. The song also achieved commercial success and earned a Grammy nod for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 2005.
7. “Another Night” By Real McCoy
Next, let your body dance to the beat with Real McCoy‘s “Another Night.” The song was included in their third album, also titled Another Night, which was released in 1993. Soon after, it became a staple in dance clubs around the world for its infectious beat and memorable lyrics.
Its signature intro and opening lines — “Another night, another dream, but always you / It’s like a vision of love that seems to be true” — instantly set the tone for a song.
It’s all about longing, dreaming, and the relentless pursuit of love. And with Real McCoy’s distinct Eurodance sound, it’s a musical journey that listeners eagerly embark on.
8. “Angels Like You” By Miley Cyrus
Our next song, “Angels Like You” by Miley Cyrus, is a heartfelt ballad that explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection.
In it, Cyrus sings about a complicated relationship and the emotional toll it takes on both parties. She apologizes to her partner, saying, “It’s not your fault I ruin everything / and it’s not your fault I can’t be what you need.”
The track is from the singer’s Plastic Hearts album, released in 2020. It’s not as popular as the other singles in the album, like “Midnight Sky.” Yet its theme has resonated well with listeners, receiving a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
9. “About A Girl” By Nirvana
Rock fans will certainly be familiar with our next song, particularly the guitar chords at the start. “About a Girl” is a track that stands out in Nirvana‘s discography. It was written by the late Kurt Cobain early in the band’s career.
The song is the third track on their 1989 debut album, Bleach. Musically, it contrasts the band’s signature grunge sound. Nevertheless, it carries the same intensity that Nirvana is known for.
Its lyrics explore themes of frustration, love, and the need for understanding — emotions that resonate with listeners even today. It portrays a desire for simplicity in a relationship, an “easy friend,” someone who can listen and understand.
10. “Achy Breaky Heart” By Billy Ray Cyrus
From rock classics, we turn to country melodies with “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus. It was released as the debut single from his album Some Gave All, in 1992.
The song became a massive commercial success, launching Cyrus into stardom and achieving international fame. It topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and reached #4 on the Hot 100 chart.
“Achy Breaky Heart” is a song about the aftermath of a romantic breakup. The narrator expresses his frustration and heartache over being left by his partner in a lighthearted and tongue-in-cheek way that can get your feet tapping to the beat.
11. “All By Myself” By Céline Dion
An unforgettable power ballad, “All By Myself” truly showcases the vocal prowess of Canadian singer Céline Dion. Her rendition of the song, which was originally written and performed by Eric Carmen, has gone down in history as one of her most iconic performances.
Dion’s version of “All By Myself” was released in 1996 as part of her Falling into You album. Though the song had been covered by various artists before, it was Dion’s interpretation that really struck a chord with listeners across the world.
The lyrics are simple yet powerful. But it’s Dion’s delivery that truly brings them to life. Her emotive vocals, coupled with the song’s soaring melody, create a musical experience that tugs at the heartstrings.
12. “Another Brick In The Wall (Part 2)” By Pink Floyd
The 1979 rock opera album of Pink Floyd, The Wall, has many unforgettable tracks. One of them is “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2).” The song is best known for its iconic chorus, in which a children’s choir sings the memorable lines “We don’t need no education / We don’t need no thought control.”
The song was written by the band’s bassist and primary lyricist, Roger Waters. The lyrics express the frustration and disillusionment of students who feel like they are being stifled and oppressed by the education system.
Upon its release, “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)” became a massive commercial success. It topped charts in several countries, including the United Kingdom, where it spent four weeks at #1 on the UK Singles and the United States.
13. “Any Way You Want It” By Journey
Let’s move on to a more vibrant track with Journey‘s “Any Way You Want It.” Released in 1980, this song marked a significant moment as it was the lead single from Departure, the band’s first top-10 album.
At first glance, the lyrics seem to be embracing one’s individuality and expressing it freely. At its core, it’s about a woman intimately inviting a man into her embrace “any way [he] want[s] it.”
Journey’s signature rock sound is on full display in “Any Way You Want It,” creating a high-energy backdrop for the powerful lyrics. It’s a song that invites you to sing along and to get lost in the music.
14. “After Midnight” By Blink-182
From their 2011 album Neighborhoods, Blink-182 gives us “After Midnight.” Written by band members Tom DeLonge, Mark Hoppus, and Travis Barker, it reflects the band’s signature pop-punk sound with elements of alternative rock.
Its lyrics explore the narrator’s thoughts as he reminisces about a relationship, expressing he’s there to stay. Even when both are staggering home (from work or play) “after midnight,” they’ll still be together in each other’s arms.
“After Midnight” is regarded as one of the standout tracks from Blink-182’s discography. It landed at #7 on both Billboard‘s Alternative Airplay and Rock Digital Songs charts.
15. “At Last” By Etta James
Undeniably a timeless piece, Etta James‘s “At Last” has become a musical standard in the soul/blues genre. It was released in 1960 as part of her debut studio album of the same name.
The historical context of “At Last” is deeply intertwined with the cultural tapestry of the 1960s. It was a period marked by social change and the rise of soul music. James’s expressive voice perfectly encapsulated this transformative era.
Not only did it establish James as a major force in the music industry. It also influenced countless artists and genres. The song has been covered by numerous artists, like Céline Dion and Beyoncé, each bringing their unique interpretation to this classic track.
16. “Addicted” By Simple Plan
Up next is a pop-punk track from Simple Plan. “Addicted,” from their album No Pads, No Helmets…Just Balls, is all about the narrator’s addiction — to the woman he loves.
Sadly, it’s a one-sided love. She has left him, and now he’s trying to forget her, the “heartbreaker.”
Released in 2003, “Addicted” was a breath of fresh air in the early 2000s music scene. It came at a time when pop punk was beginning to make a major impact, and Simple Plan was one of the pioneers leading the charge.
The song’s success helped catapult the band into the limelight. It climbed up the Billboard Hot 100 chart to the top 50, becoming the band’s first song to do so.
17. “Ain’t No Sunshine” By Bill Withers
From his 1971 album Just as I Am, Bill Withers presents “Ain’t No Sunshine.” This soulful, melancholic track quickly became a hit and is now considered one of Withers’s signature songs.
The song has a simple structure, but its power lies in its lyrics. The repetitive phrase “I know” is used 26 times in the song, emphasizing the singer’s deep sense of loss and loneliness when his lover is gone.
Withers’s voice adds to the song with his smooth delivery. His sorrow-filled voice perfectly captures the feeling of longing. The minimalistic backing track, featuring just a few instruments, allows his voice and the lyrics to take center stage.
18. “A Moment Like This” By Kelly Clarkson
Celebrating the joy and excitement of achieving a dream or milestone is perfectly captured in Kelly Clarkson‘s “A Moment Like This.” Since its release in 2002, it has become an anthem associated with triumph and accomplishment.
The power ballad showcases Clarkson’s impressive vocal range and emotive delivery. It captures the feeling of sheer elation and gratitude that comes with achieving a long-awaited dream. In the song’s case, for that rare love of a lifetime.
Due to its message, the song has continuously resonated with listeners of all ages and backgrounds who hope to someday experience a moment like this in their own lives.
19. “Ain’t That A Kick In The Head” By Dean Martin
With a big jazz band accompanying him, Dean Martin introduced “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head?” to the world. Written in 1960 by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen, it became one of Martin’s most recognized hits.
The song is known for its upbeat rhythm and catchy lyrics, making it a popular choice for foxtrot dances. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is enamored with a woman. He expresses his disbelief and joy at his good fortune in love when she reciprocates his feelings.
The song is often associated with a swing style, which is evident in its rhythmic pattern and instrumentation. This gives the song a fun, energetic vibe that matches the exuberant lyrics.
20. “Across The Lines” By Tracy Chapman
Up next, we have a powerful song by Tracy Chapman. “Across the Lines,” from her self-titled debut album in 1988, addresses racial injustice, segregation, and the need for unity.
The song is characterized by its stripped-down acoustic arrangement, featuring Chapman’s soulful vocals accompanied by her own guitar playing. The simplicity of the instrumentation allows the focus to remain on the song’s profound message.
“Across the Lines” confronts the issue of racial division and discrimination in society. It urges listeners to rise above the barriers that separate people based on race, ethnicity, and social status.
21. “Any Time At All” By The Beatles
With over 60 singles released, The Beatles surely has a song with a title that starts with “A,” and it’s “Any Time at All,” released in 1964.
At its core, “Any Time at All” is about unconditional availability and love. The promise of unwavering support and companionship is clear in the repeated lines, “Any time at all / any time at all … / All you gotta do is call, and I’ll be there.”
The song is another testament to The Beatles’ masterful skills. While it might not be as widely recognized as some of their other hits, it still holds a special place in their extensive discography.
22. “Abuse Me” By Silverchair
Up next is from the Australian rock band Silverchair. Released from their 1997 album Freak Show, “Abuse Me” showcases the band’s evolution from their grunge roots toward a darker, more mature sound.
“Abuse Me” is characterized by its brooding atmosphere and heavy guitar riffs. Its lyrics convey a complex mix of pain, defiance, and a desire for acceptance. Songwriter Daniel Johns mentions the song was just a way to get negative emotions off his mind.
Despite its dark subject matter, “Abuse Me” received critical acclaim upon its release. It became a commercial success, landing in the top 10 of Australia’s chart.
23. “Africa Unite” By Bob Marley And The Wailers
Reggae legend Bob Marley and his band The Wailers are known for their iconic music and message of peace, love, and unity. “Africa Unite,” released in 1979, is one of them.
The lyrics are both a plea and a rallying cry, urging Africans across the world to unite and reclaim their homeland. With lines like “Africa, unite / ’cause we’re moving right out of Babylon … / to our Father’s land,” Marley uses his music as a platform to spread a powerful message of unity and resistance.
In 2023, a reimagined version of the song was released on the album, also titled Africa Unite. This new interpretation brought together a new generation of Afro-fused musicians who gave a fresh twist to Marley’s classic songs.
24. “Amanda” By Waylon Jennings
The second-to-last song is “Amanda” by Waylon Jennings. It tells the story of a man “over 30” years old reflecting on his and his wife Amanda’s lives together.
He laments that the “light of his life” should have been a “gentleman’s wife.” It suggests that he believes the hardships his wife endured were because of her marriage to him.
Originally recorded by Don Williams in 1973, “Amanda” became a commercial success for Jennings a year later, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1974.
25. “All Summer Long” By The Beach Boys
Let’s close this list with a fun, relaxing song by The Beach Boys. Released in 1964, “All Summer Long” was written by members Brian Wilson and Mike Love.
The song captures the carefree spirit of the California lifestyle that The Beach Boys are so often associated with. The lyrics depict scenes of young love, beach parties, and surfing, creating an idyllic picture of summer fun.
“All Summer Long” has had a lasting impact on popular culture. It featured prominently in the closing scene of the film American Graffiti (1973), directed by George Lucas. Its inclusion in the movie helped to introduce The Beach Boys’ music to a new generation of listeners.
Summing Up Our List Of Letter A–Starting Songs
It’s fascinating how many incredible songs start with the letter “A.” From pop to rock, country to R&B, these tunes have graced our ears and touched our hearts in unforgettable ways.
But as diverse as our list may be, we know there are countless other “A” songs out there. So we invite you, dear readers, to join the conversation.
What are your favorite tracks starting with “A” that didn’t make our list? Let us know so we can add them here!
