Although music is always changing, with trends coming and going, piano pop songs always seem to attract the listener’s attention. From light rock to modern electronic music, the piano has continued to play an enormous role in the greatest hits of our time.
Joshua Kadison - 'Jessie'
This 1993 hit from American singer Joshua Kadison proved that, even in a musical world becoming ever more devoted to electronic sound, there is still a place for the piano ballad. The mid-tempo song is introduced by and led by the piano throughout. Its harmonies are relatively straightforward, yet it is played in an improvisatory, heavily syncopated style that looks back to the earlier piano pop of Elton John and Billy Joel. It is warm, highly melodic, and melancholic, and although it did not reach the top ten in most countries, it is certainly an enjoyable and rewarding song to play.
Bruno Mars - 'When I Was Your Man'
Popular music features a large catalog of songs that focus on the piano and the pianist. However, there are not many offerings (particularly from the 21st Century) in which the piano is the only instrument accompanying the singer. This is the case with the 2013 hit “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars. The music is full of sorrow, with the lyrics explaining the singer’s lament that he ought to have worked harder to maintain a relationship that has now ended. Whilst the text is well written and the music itself is attractive, its most notable quality is perhaps that sense of solitude and loneliness which the simple piano-singer format creates. The popular video features nothing more than Mars himself at the grand piano, playing and singing his song of dejection.
Kate Bush - 'The Man with the Child in His Eyes'
Rich and colorful, with an expansive, almost cinematic musical presence, this piano pop song also features a large orchestra. The part for the pianist consists of either simple repeated chords or, in the chorus sections, more fluid arpeggios. Meanwhile, there is further accompaniment from shimmering strings to counter-melodies in the flute, oboe, and brass parts. All of this, alongside Bush’s emotional lyrics and smooth, melodious singing, makes for a truly moving experience, especially given that it was written when she was just 13. Recorded in 1975, it has enjoyed particular longevity in the UK and remains a highly original, recognizable piano-driven pop song.
Adele - 'Someone Like You'
One of the best-selling singles of the 2010s, Adele’s emotional ballad about a failed relationship might appear to be, at first glance, a piano pop song that follows a fairly standard formula. However, the British singer’s personal, touching lyrics, combined with her striking, unique singing technique, have earned the song enormous success. The piano part plays a vital role, even though it is technically little more than a simple accompaniment. Other similar songs often feature melodic threads in their piano parts. “Someone Like You” requires only repetitive broken chords from the pianist, yet the harmony and musical consistency form the backbone of the song. Produced in 2011, it was an immediate international hit, reaching the no. 1 spot in nineteen countries, including the US and the UK.
Coldplay - 'Clocks'
Whilst the piano remains the primary instrument in Coldplay’s massive hit from 2002, and its riff is instantly recognizable, “Clocks” is also known for its highly original soundscape produced by other instruments, including guitars, drums, and synthesizers. The piano motif features descending broken chords that move between major and minor tonalities, and its repetitive nature makes this a fairly easy pop song to play on the piano. The lyrics appear somewhat more complex, with singer Chris Martin’s text offering a poetic look at aspects of a relationship. Quite far from a ‘down-to-earth’ or ‘realistic’ pop song, its futuristic musical texture and original harmonies give “Clocks” an otherworldly, ethereal atmosphere. It is often praised as being amongst the greatest hits of the 21st Century.
Aretha Franklin - 'Natural Woman'
One of the great ladies of soul, Aretha Franklin, initially released this timeless classic in 1967. The story goes that the song’s co-writers, Carole King and Gerry Goffin (who were married at the time), were passed on a Manhattan street by producer Jerry Wexler in his limousine. He reportedly wound down the window, asked the pair to write a song called “Natural Woman” for Aretha Franklin, and by the following day, they had penned the outline for the hit. It is, of course, a great song in its own right, but it was the extraordinary singing of Franklin that would become its best-known feature. Unlike so many songs that achieve success but are then slowly forgotten, “Natural Woman” has become increasingly popular over the decades, often used in television and cinema, and has played a central role in the huge outpouring of grief after the singer’s death in 2018. A popular song to play on the piano, it is also accompanied by a soul orchestra of strings, brass, and drums.
John Legend - 'All of Me'
This simple, sentimental song from John Legend is a great example of how intimate and personal a piano ballad can be. The American composed the hit for his wife (then fiancée) and the lyrics sing of pure love and dedication to her. The music video for the song would later include footage from their actual wedding in Italy. One of the most popular piano songs of recent years, it features a well-designed structure of simple chordal accompaniment and more fluid, lyrical piano writing. The piano truly completes the duet, and is a perfect song for those who enjoy playing and singing together.
Gary Jules and Michael Andrews - 'Mad World'
This 2001 cover has quickly become an extremely popular piano pop song. It is a great example of how expressive solo piano can be and stands in stark contrast to the 1982 original by British band Tears for Fears. Their 80s hit is upbeat and highly electronic, and whilst cover songs can often go through extreme transformations to become their new versions, Jules and Andrews used just three straightforward processes to create the 2001 adaptation: the tempo was significantly reduced, the dynamic and mood of the singing was brought right down to a very somber level, and the complex instrumentation of the original was discarded. Instead, the Americans opted for the intimate mood of the solo piano, occasionally enhanced by a solo string counter-melody. The effect is mesmerizing, and their version is now arguably more popular than the original.
Robert Miles - 'Children'
An instrumental dance track, this would become the best-selling hit from Italian music producer Roberto Concina, who worked internationally under the name Robert Miles. Dating back to 1995, the song opens with a recognizable piano riff, later accompanied by electronic beats and synthesized strings and pads. It enjoyed huge success in nightclubs around the world, reaching number one in the charts of 12 countries. Although this is dance music, it was one of the first tracks to appear in the ‘dream house’ style. Indeed, the music has a dreamlike quality. It is much calmer and without the aggression or weight of most house music of the era. This was no accident, and was a response to a wave of tragic deaths of young people in Italy whilst driving home after long nightclub parties. Such calmer tracks were played at the end of sessions, and appeared to be very helpful in improving the statistics of these tragedies. Miles was highly praised for his efforts, yet sadly died himself in 2017 at the untimely age of 47.
Alicia Keys - ‘Fallin’’
Generally considered to be her greatest hit, the American singer’s ‘Fallin’ landed in the charts in 2001. The song has a strong Gospel influence, highlighted by its compound time signature, blues-like rhythms, and frequent choral interjections. Nonetheless, the constant piano riff makes this a popular song to play on the keyboard, and its simple broken chords can be studied by beginners. It also follows a straightforward chord progression and is well-suited to a solo piano arrangement. Bridging a gap between earlier pop styles and the modern female-singer ballad, this was one of the most popular songs in the early years of the 21st Century.
Vanessa Carlton - 'A Thousand Miles'
In a remarkable, striking opening, the piano plays a solo introduction full of vibrancy and twinkling energy. This could be music for modern, romantic cinema. It could be the beginning of a light, instrumental concert piece. But immediately following this introduction, the band and singer kick in, launching the musical journey. The piano-led song, which also features string orchestra riffs, was conceived by Vanessa Carlton in 1998. However, she found it difficult to develop the material, and the song was not released until 2002. The finished version is full of interesting changes, the various musical layers moving between solo material and the fuller backing from the band and strings. Without doubt, this is one of the 21st Century’s more original and entertaining pop songs featuring the piano.
The Beatles - ‘Let It Be’
Pianos featured heavily in early rock ‘n’ roll, but from the 1950s, the electric guitar began to steal the title of principal instrument in popular music bands. The Beatles were no exception in focusing on guitar, though they often turned to the piano for songs with a more pensive, earthly, or meaningful character. “Let It Be” comes from their final studio album (of the same name, produced in 1970). The use of the piano in both the short introduction and throughout the song is as well-recognized as the harmony and lyrics themselves. Although the song uses multiple other instruments and builds to a full band texture, it is the opening piano measures that create the truly personal atmosphere of this beloved song.
Billy Joel - 'Piano Man’
No list of popular songs featuring the piano could possibly be complete without a reference to the ‘piano man’ himself, Billy Joel. The New Yorker leaped to fame in 1973 with this hit, which, in its musical nature and style, showed the world the kind of music that this now-legendary musician would go on to produce. A brilliant pianist himself, he has created a unique blend of passionate, often virtuosic music, drawing on jazz, blues, and more modern styles. “Piano Man” opens with a short, improvisatory piano passage followed by an accordion melody and one of the most widely recognized piano riffs anywhere in the world. The song tells of the characters and experiences witnessed by a piano bar player, such as Joel himself.
John Lennon - ‘Imagine’
Although John Lennon is far better remembered as a songwriter and activist than as a pianist, it would be almost impossible to consider his 1971 hit ‘Imagine’ without its piano presence. The opening chords and light rhythmic pulse set the scene for this song about pacifism and hope for humanity. It is widely acknowledged as one of the most performed and covered songs of all time, and its simplicity makes it accessible to all. The basic chord progressions can be quickly learned. The song poses no significant technical challenges, and although Lennon used other instruments in the track, it is extremely popular and suitable as a ballad for solo piano and voice.
Elton John - 'Your Song'
Elton John’s career has spanned almost 50 years. Whilst he is still recognized as a great exponent of rock music, his most timeless hits are the piano ballads, which he plays with technical prowess and bravura. There have been many of these over the decades, but ‘Your Song’ is arguably his greatest, totally original masterpiece, which confirmed his place as one of history’s top recording artists. The song dates from 1970 and, like the majority of his output, sets text from friend and collaborator Bernie Taupin. It goes beyond the boundaries of so many piano ballads. Long melodies and intricate harmonies are supported by the fluid, detailed piano playing for which Elton John has become so famous. In any collection of pop songs for the piano, ‘Your Song’ must always make the top ten.
Elvis Presley - ‘Can't Help Falling in Love’
This classic song by Elvis Presley actually has its roots in classical music. The melody is derived from ‘Plaisir d’amour’ by 18th-century composer Jean-Paul-Égide Martini, and was transformed into Presley’s famous romantic ballad in 1961. Whilst the singer’s velvety voice is perhaps the song’s most beloved characteristic, its lilting piano accompaniment is also key to its success as a pop song. Very simple to play, the series of ascending and descending keyboard arpeggios provides a warm, heartfelt mood. Some of the most famous pop songs with piano include musical and technical complexities. This amorous anthem proves that, sometimes, uncomplicated is best.
Alphaville - ‘Forever Young’
Perhaps not immediately identifiable as a piano song, this 1984 hit from German band Alphaville has been reinterpreted numerous times, with the piano often paired with various keyboard sounds. The original synthesized version still lends itself to piano arrangements of all levels, from simply playing the straightforward chord structure to more complex arrangements that incorporate rhythmic and melodic details. Although the song did not achieve enormous success upon its release, its warm harmonies and dreamlike timbre have made the work well known (especially in Europe) to the general public.
Beyoncé - ‘Halo'
Modern power ballads continue to be ever more compelling thanks to stunning performances from artists such as Beyoncé. The hit had a rocky start, with some controversy over which singer the song was originally intended for. Nevertheless, Beyoncé’s strong vocal presence and solid musical production have earned her plenty of international success. ‘Halo’ has a piano riff which makes it very suitable in an arrangement for just a keyboard instrument, and it would certainly be a welcome hit at any party amongst the younger generation.
Ed Sheeran - ‘Perfect’
Two aspects make the guitar riffs in ‘Perfect’ very suitable for the piano: the simple broken chords can be easily played on the keyboard, as can the repeated chords in the chorus sections. Written for his future bride, the British musician’s romantic ballad has quickly become one of his best-known songs. It reached the number 1 spot in numerous countries, including the UK, where it achieved the illustrious, highly competitive title of ‘Christmas Number 1’.
Billie Eilish - ‘Everything I Wanted’
This popular song rather morbidly describes a nightmare that the singer experienced, and the subject of suicide naturally means that this particular hit is anything but light-hearted. It follows an easy pop-house style and, whilst its piano part is not prominent, it is the moving keyboard material within the song which often gives it its forward motion. Co-written with her brother, it was released towards the end of 2019 and has reached the top ten in many countries worldwide.
