At times, everyone has off-days when just hearing some tunes might be enough to shift your mindset for the better. While many folks enjoy brief tracks, have you pondered over the sensation of tuning into lengthy ones? Engaging with extended compositions remains an exhilarating adventure without losing novelty. Yet, do you know which track holds the record as the most prolonged song ever documented?

The typical duration of songs ranges from three to five minutes, yet there isn’t an official guideline preventing them from being longer. Ultimately, this depends on what the artist prefers and whom they aim to entertain. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that several musicians have intentionally created exceptionally long tracks that were so appealing they made it onto the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The longest song ever recorded to enter the Billboard Hot 100

The compilation of the longest songs ever recorded presented here draws upon information sourced from Billboard and Guinness World Records. We have examined multiple aspects including the formal duration of each song, their level of fame, and their ability to resonate with audiences globally. Therefore, what follows is a look at some of the most extended tracks ever produced.

Song	Length of songs
All too Well	10 minutes
American Pie	8 minutes
New Blue Sun	12:20 minutes
We are the World	6:22 minutes
Hey Jude	7:11 minutes
Dad was a Rolling Stone	6:53 minutes
Keep Going Until You Reach Your Goal	5:15 minutes
Hotel California	6:08 minutes
Fear Inoculum	10:21 minutes
Rapture	6:29 minutes
Rise and Decline of Bossa Nova	13:23 minutes
I Would Do Everything for Love	12 minutes

1. All Too Well by Taylor Swift - (10 minutes)

All Too Well It is often considered one of Swift's finest tracks. The song captures her recollecting bits and pieces of memories following a emotionally devastating split.

The track made it onto the charts in both Canada and the United States in 2012, and Taylor Swift’s re-recorded version topped the Billboard Global 200 and set a record as the longest-running pop song to reach number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It also achieved the top spot on various international charts.

2. American Pie by Don McLean - (8 minutes)

American Pie It is a folk rock track performed by the American artist Don McLean. The song was recorded and issued in 1971. With a runtime of 8 minutes and 42 seconds, upon release, it stood as the sixth longest entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

At that time, it was the longest song ever. It was the longest to reach number one for almost 50 years until a song by Taylor Swift broke the record. People have said it's one of the most successful and talked-about songs of the 20th century.

3. New Blue Sun by André 3000 - (12:20 minutes)

New Blue Sun The first solo track by André 3000 is a jazz piece centered around personal exploration. Launched by Epic Records on November 17, 2023, this single entered the Billboard Hot 100 at position 90. With a runtime of 12:20 minutes, it stands as the most extended recording to appear on these chart listings.

4. "We Are the World" by USA for Africa - (6:22 minutes)

We Are the World is a well-known track produced by USA for Africa in 1985. It was penned by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson. The song was taken off the Billboard charts on January 29, 2024, following the release of the Netflix documentary. The Most Amazing Night in Pop History , where it was featured, it made a comeback onto the charts.

5. "Hey Jude" by The Beatles - (7:11 minutes)

The composition of this track can be attributed to Paul McCartney and was first unveiled by the Beatles in August 1968. This musical piece soared to the top spot across numerous global charts and dominated as the highest-grossing single of that year in several nations including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

It stayed at the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for nine weeks, tying the record set in 1968 for the longest stay atop the U.S. music charts, a milestone that remained unmatched for nine years.

6. Papa Was a Rollin' Stone by The Temptations - (6:53 minutes)

The song made its debut with a Motown recording in 1972. Nonetheless, it gained significant popularity when The Temptations released their version of it later that same year and were awarded a Grammy for it.

The latest rendition of this song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and managed to reach position 63 on the pop charts as well.

7. Keep Going Until You've Had Enough by Michael Jackson - (5:15)

Keep Going Until You Reach Your Goal is a song penned, recorded, and performed by American artist Michael Jackson. Released through Epic Records on July 10, 1979, this track marked Jackson’s second single to reach the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100.

The track topped the Billboard Soul Singles chart for six consecutive weeks. Additionally, it achieved global success by hitting number one in nine different countries. Considered one of the finest and most emblematic disco tunes in history, the song earned Michael Jackson his inaugural Grammy Award along with accolades at the American Music Awards.

8. Hotel California by Eagles - (6:08)

Hotel California The song by the Eagles band came out in 1977. It received the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1978. This track holds the record as the longest rock song to appear on the Billboard Hot 100.

Since its debut, this track has earned acclaim as one of the finest rock compositions ever created and has been interpreted by numerous performers. In terms of sales, the single soared to the summit of the Billboard Hot 100 and secured spots within the top ten rankings across various global music charts.

9. Fear Inoculum by Tool - (10:21)

Fear Inoculum "Invincible" by Tool holds the distinction of being the longest track on the Billboard Hot 100. Released in August 2019, this song clocks in at 10 minutes and 21 seconds. Despite sounding rather lengthy, it remains an impressive accomplishment when contrasted with more concise tracks.

10. Rapture by Blondie - (6:29)

Rapture "Rapture" is a track by the American rock group Blondie which came out in 1980. This tune blends elements of new wave, disco, and hip-hop, featuring a rapping segment towards the conclusion. In the United States, it achieved sales of one million units, earning Gold status from the RIAA. Additionally, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for a fortnight.

11. The Ebb and Flow of Bossa Nova - PC III (13:23)

The official record for the longest song ever created belongs to The Emergence and Decline of Bossa Nova As reported by PC III from the United States, according to the Guinness World Records, Kelly and Michael Bostwick surpassed the old record by an impressive margin of 10 hours.

The track, which runs for 13 hours 23 minutes 32 seconds, was launched in November 2016 and continues to hold the title (as per official records at least).

12. I Will Do Anything for Love- Meat Loaf - (12 minutes)

I Would Do Everything for Love is a track by American rock vocalist Meat Loaf, with Lorraine Crosby featured. The song was penned by Jim Steinman and made public in August 1993 via MCA.

This specific song marked Meat Loaf's first appearance on both the Hot 100 and Cash Box Top 100 charts. He was awarded a Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Solo, for this track.

Final word

The most extensive track ever to make it onto the Billboard Hot 100 represents a significant milestone within the music sector. This underscores the ability of musical pieces to engage audiences over longer durations, challenging conventional song length standards. Should you prefer more mainstream tunes without excessively lengthy runtimes, then the aforementioned compilation would be ideal for your preferences.

Sport.Bangjo.co.id.co.ke featured an article on amusing entrance music used in baseball. These humorous tracks play when players step onto the field, allowing them to showcase their personal style and connect with spectators. Injecting fun and excitement into games through these catchy tunes enhances both player experience and fan engagement, making each match more enjoyable and unforgettable.

The most humorous walk-up songs emphasize the athlete's best qualities and personal style. An upbeat, high-energy track shouldn’t be dismissed. The opening rhythms ought to boost the player’s excitement levels and grab the crowd's focus.