The Foo Fighters, formed by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, have been one of the most influential rock bands of the past three decades. Known for their powerful anthems, emotional ballads, and high-energy performances, they’ve produced countless hits that dominate rock radio and streaming platforms.
In this article, we’ll explore their top 10 songs, their biggest hits, signature tracks, and much more. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Foo Fighters’ greatest music.
What Was the Foo Fighters’ Biggest Hit?
The Foo Fighters’ biggest hit is “Everlong” (1997). While it wasn’t their highest-charting single initially, it has become their most enduring and beloved song. Its emotional depth, dynamic structure, and iconic music video have cemented its place as a rock classic. Over time, “Everlong” has gained massive streaming numbers, radio play, and cultural relevance, making it their signature anthem.
Other major hits include:
- “The Pretender” (2007) – A hard-rocking fan favorite.
- “Best of You” (2005) – Their highest-charting single in the U.S. (Billboard #18).
- “Learn to Fly” (1999) – Their first major commercial success.
How Many Top 10 Songs Does Foo Fighters Have?
The Foo Fighters have had multiple top 10 hits on rock charts, but their mainstream Billboard Hot 100 success includes:
- “Best of You” (#18)
- “Learn to Fly” (#19)
- “The Pretender” (#37)
- “Rope” (#68)
On Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart, they’ve had 12 No. 1 hits, more than any other band in history. Some of these include:
- “Everlong”
- “Learn to Fly”
- “All My Life”
- “Times Like These”
- “Best of You”
What Is Foo Fighters’ Signature Song?
Without a doubt, “Everlong” is the Foo Fighters’ signature song. It encapsulates everything that makes the band great:
- Emotional lyrics – A mix of love and longing.
- Dynamic shifts – Soft verses explode into a powerful chorus.
- Timeless appeal – Still a concert staple after 25+ years.
Dave Grohl has even called it the most important song he’s ever written.
What Are Foo Fighters Famous For?
The Foo Fighters are famous for:
✅ Dave Grohl’s legacy – Former Nirvana drummer turned frontman.
✅ High-energy rock anthems – Songs like “The Pretender” and “All My Life.”
✅ Emotional ballads – Tracks like “Walk” and “Times Like These.”
✅ Legendary live shows – Known for marathon performances and crowd engagement.
✅ Grammy-winning success – Multiple awards, including Best Rock Album.
Foo Fighters Top 10 Songs in Order
Here’s the definitive ranking of their 10 best songs:
1. “Everlong” (1997)
Album: The Colour and the Shape
The quintessential Foo Fighters song—raw, emotional, and unforgettable.
2. “The Pretender” (2007)
Album: Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace
A defiant rock anthem with one of their heaviest riffs.
3. “Best of You” (2005)
Album: In Your Honor
A soaring, anthemic track about resilience.
4. “My Hero” (1997)
Album: The Colour and the Shape
A tribute to everyday heroes with a powerful build-up.
5. “Learn to Fly” (1999)
Album: There Is Nothing Left to Lose
Their breakthrough hit with an infectious melody.
6. “Times Like These” (2002)
Album: One by One
A reflective yet uplifting fan favorite.
7. “All My Life” (2002)
Album: One by One
A relentless, high-energy rocker.
8. “Walk” (2011)
Album: Wasting Light
A triumphant anthem about redemption.
9. “Monkey Wrench” (1997)
Album: The Colour and the Shape
Fast, aggressive, and full of punk energy.
10. “These Days” (2011)
Album: Wasting Light
A melancholic yet powerful rock ballad.
Foo Fighters Top 10 Songs on YouTube
Want to watch the best Foo Fighters tracks? Here are their most-viewed YouTube videos:
- “Everlong” (300M+ views)
- “The Pretender” (250M+ views)
- “Best of You” (200M+ views)
- “Learn to Fly” (150M+ views)
- “My Hero” (100M+ views)
(Views are approximate and may vary over time.)
Foo Fighters Number 1 Hits
The band has dominated rock charts with 12 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart, including:
- “Everlong”
- “Learn to Fly”
- “All My Life”
- “Best of You”
- “The Pretender”
Their mainstream Billboard Hot 100 peak is #18 (“Best of You”), but their rock radio dominance is unmatched.
Foo Fighters Top 10 Songs Lyrics
Many of their songs feature deep, anthemic lyrics. Here are some iconic lines:
🎸 “Everlong”
“If everything could ever feel this real forever / If anything could ever be this good again.”
🔥 “The Pretender”
“What if I say I’m not like the others? / What if I say I’m not just another one of your plays?”
💪 “Best of You”
“Is someone getting the best, the best, the best of you?”
📜 “Times Like These”
“It’s times like these you learn to live again / It’s times like these you give and give again.”
Foo Fighters Greatest Hits Songs
Their “Greatest Hits” (2009) album includes:
- “Everlong”
- “Learn to Fly”
- “My Hero”
- “All My Life”
- “Times Like These”
- “Best of You”
- “The Pretender”
- “Monkey Wrench”
- “Big Me”
- “Breakout”
Top 20 Foo Fighters Songs (Bonus List)
For fans who want more than just the top 10, here’s an extended ranking:
11. “Rope”
12. “Big Me”
13. “Breakout”
14. “Long Road to Ruin”
15. “DOA”
16. “No Way Back”
17. “Something from Nothing”
18. “The Sky Is a Neighborhood”
19. “Run”
20. “Shame Shame”
Deep Dive: “Times Like These” & “My Hero”
Foo Fighters – “Times Like These”
- Album: One by One (2002)
- Why It’s Great: A song about hope and perseverance, written during a band hiatus. Its acoustic and electric versions both resonate deeply.
Foo Fighters – “My Hero”
- Album: The Colour and the Shape (1997)
- Why It’s Great: Inspired by everyday heroes (not just superhumans), it’s a staple in their live shows, often extended for epic crowd sing-alongs.
Final Thoughts
The Foo Fighters have crafted some of the most iconic rock songs of all time. From “Everlong” to “The Pretender”, their music blends raw energy with emotional depth. Whether you’re revisiting their classics or discovering them for the first time, this list is the perfect guide to their greatest hits.