So about 5 years ago I came up with the very original idea of the Top 10 Songs - with Whistling. Then when I googled the concept to make sure I was going to sell TopTenz an original idea, a dozen other lists came up. So much for that idea, I thought. But over time I've heard more and more whistling songs and realized that those other lists were WRONG.
In grandiose fashion, I bring you the DEFINITIVE Top 10 Songs - with Whistling.
10. (Sittin' On) The Dock of a Bay - Otis Redding (1968)
Reaching back nearly 50, yes 50, years, Otis Redding died in a plane crash before the biggest hit of his career came out. (Sittin' On) The Dock of a Bay was a posthumous #1 hit single and posthumous #1 R & B album.
9. Cornflake Girl - Tori Amos (1994)
The whistling and classical piano make Cornflake Girl a haunting song. Though not a number one hit, I feel like I've heard this song a zillion times.
Just an aside. Tori Amos has never had a number one hit. Her highest charting song was 1998's Spark which only topped out at #49 on the charts. (Though she did have half a dozen top 40 hits on the Modern Rock charts.)
8. Engel - Rammstein (1997)
With whistling used as ominous foreboding, you don't get joy, you get classic German Industrial.
Rammstein is too hardcore for the American charts, preferring to dominate the German charts, with 10 Top 10 Singles, including this one.
7. Games Without Frontiers - Peter Gabriel (1980)
Multi-dimensional artist Peter Gabriel was credited with the vocals, synthesizers, and the whistling in this 1980 anti-war classic. Games Without Frontiers was the lead single off of Peter Gabriel's certified Gold third solo album.
6. The Walker - Fitz and the Tantrums (2013)
Not unlike Tori Amos, neo-soul purveyors Fitz and the Tantrums have barely dented the US singles charts, but continue to rack up hits on the US Alternative charts. If this song sounds familiar to you, it's because it's everywhere. Moving product in commercials, promoting movie trailers, and promoting video games.
5. The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly theme - Ennio Morricone (1966)
One of the most iconic theme songs in the history of cinema, when you hear the song, it not only reminds you of the movie it came from, but of all westerns of that era. Ironically, Ennio Morricone has been nominated for over a hundred awards across his lifetime, but none for arguably his most recognizable tune.
4. Always Look on the Bright Side of Life - Monty Python (1979)
On the other side of the cinematic spectrum, the absurd comedy Life of Brian was one of the greatest cult movies ever made. As the end credits roll, a soon to be crucified Eric Idle breaks out into song. A catchy, bittersweet little ditty that has evolved over time from comedy fodder to practically being the theme song of England - when it comes to funerals.
3. Centerfold - J. Geils Band (1981)
This perverse tune was a #1 hit for the J. Geils Band back in the early 80's. The risque video (for the 80's) received heavy airplay on the newly created MTV, which helped propel the band's record sales. The J. Geils band would splinter apart in 1985, but has re-united on multiple occasions. Sadly, J. Geils is no longer in the J. Geils band.
2. Whistle - Flo Rida (2012)
Even though the rap song has lots of whistling - don't be fooled-
IT'S NOT ABOUT WHISTLING AT ALL!!!
1. Don't Worry, Be Happy - Bobby McFerrin (1988)
Basically an Ode to Joy for jazz musician Bobby McFerrin, Don't Worry, Be Happy won the 1988 Grammy for Best Song. If you can put yourself in a time machine, before you've heard the song a thousand times, remember back to the happiness you felt the first time you ever listened to it.
It's not Bobby McFerrin's fault that the song reached the point of saturation.
Is your favorite whistling song not listed yet? Well wait, we're not done!
Maybe it's in the Top 5 Worst Songs - with Whistling List
5. Sun Daze - Florida Georgia Line
I don't listen to modern country very much, but this song kept coming up on multiple lists, so I thought I'd give it a listen. Within 5 seconds I realized it was the horrible song that local sports talkers play as bumper music. So apparently this is the theme for Millennial Douchebags.
4. The Stranger - Billy Joel
You can't win 'em all Billy Joel.
3. Young Folks - Peter Bjorn and John
I used to kinda like this song, then I grew to hate it.
2. Patience - Guns N Roses
Still perplexed about Patience. I don't get the popularity.
1. Wind of Change - Scorpions
This might be one of the Top Ten Worst songs ever recorded. I hated the song when it came out and grew to loathe it. If you want to hear a great Scorpions ballad, listen to Still Lovin' You if you want a great Scorpions rock song, listen to Rock You Like a Hurricane. Wind of Change literally blows. And yes, I understand the historical significance with the Berlin Wall and all, but that doesn't make the song any better.
...and because I wrote this article a few days ago, you get obscure (good) bonus whistling.
* Medication - Alice Donut
....
Added Sept. 2019
If I had the list to do all over again today, I would do it EXACTLY the same, except...
I would put this song at #6 Best:
The Dead South's In Hell I'll Be in Good Company