Throughout the history of popular music, many great songs about unity have been written. Music has the power to bring people together, particularly when the lyrics are written about this topic.
Unity is a popular theme for songwriters in all genres and styles, whether it’s a folk protest song from the ‘60s or a modern EDM track. We’ve put together a great list of songs below and we even included some interesting facts and information about each track. We also have a Spotify playlist at the bottom of the page with all of the songs included on this list.
1. All You Need is Love by The Beatles
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1967 |
| Album | Single Only |
Written by John Lennon and credited to the Lennon-McCartney songwriting partnership, “All You Need is Love.” was released as a non-album single in July 1967. Lennon wrote simplistic lyrics to capture the utopian ideals associated with the Summer of Love, and the single topped sales charts in many countries.
The recording captured the spirit of unity that was prominent during this time, becoming an anthem for the flower power philosophy. The Beatles were filmed performing it at EMI Studios in London, and to add to the festive atmosphere, the studio was filled with guests The Rolling Stones, The Who, and Small Faces.
2. One Love by Bob Marley and The Wailers
| Genre | Reggae |
| Year Released | 1965 |
| Album | The Wailing Wailers |
Bob Marley and The Wailers’ “One Love” is a timeless classic that has become one of the group’s most iconic songs. It was originally released in 1965 as part of their debut album, The Wailing Wailers, but it wasn’t until 1977 when it was rerecorded for Island Records under the title of “One Love/People Get Ready,” that it became a hit.
This version contains an interpolation of Curtis Mayfield’s song “People Get Ready”. It was released as a single in 1984 to promote the greatest hits album Legend, and it has since become a powerful anthem for unity and togetherness.
3. We Are the World by USA for Africa
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1985 |
| Album | We Are the World |
“We Are the World,” written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie in 1985, is one of the most iconic charity singles ever produced. The song was produced by legends Quincy Jones and Michael Omartian and was released to great commercial success. It topped the music charts around the world and achieved Quadruple Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
The historic recording session united some of the era’s best-known musicians and was released to raise money for humanitarian aid in Africa and the United States. It went on to become a symbol of unity, helping generate over $63 million for the cause.
4. Where is the Love by Black Eyed Peas
| Genre | Hip Hop, Pop |
| Year Released | 2003 |
| Album | Elephunk |
“Where Is the Love?” by The Black Eyed Peas is a powerful song that emphasizes togetherness, with lyrics reflecting on issues of racism, terrorism, war, and intolerance.
Released in 2003 as the lead single from their album Elephunk, this track features vocals from Justin Timberlake, who is not officially credited on the single. The song’s uplifting chorus calls for love and unity, connecting all these issues with a hopeful message. This song was certified gold by RIAA and peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.
5. My Generation by The Who
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 1965 |
| Album | My Generation |
The Who’s iconic 1965 single, “My Generation,” is one of the most famous rock tracks from the ’60s. Written by Pete Townshend and featuring on the band’s debut album of the same name, this song was penned about the rebellious spirit of a generation that wanted to make its voice heard.
With its crunchy, saturated guitar parts, singer Roger Daltrey’s powerful and unique stuttering vocal style, and the rumbling bass played by John Entwistle, the track promoted a sense of unity between people who felt misunderstood and overlooked.
6. High by Lighthouse Family
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1997 |
| Album | Postcards from Heaven |
If you’re looking for a feel-good pop song that is written about unity, “High” by the Lighthouse Family fits the bill. This song was released as a single from the British duo’s second album, Postcards from Heaven, and was written by Paul Tucker, with lead vocals by Tunde Baiyewu.
7. You Got a Friend in Me by Randy Newman
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1996 |
| Album | Toy Story (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |
Randy Newman is a highly decorated but arguably underrated songwriter who has enjoyed a long career in the music industry. In 1996, he penned the soundtrack to the hugely successful Pixar movie Toy Story. This song is about friends having a strong bond and sticking together no matter what happens.
8. Stand By Me by Oasis
| Genre | Britpop |
| Year Released | 1997 |
| Album | Be Here Now |
Oasis’ first two albums made them one of the biggest bands in the world in the mid-1990s, but this also ramped up the pressure that was on them when they were making their third LP, Be Here Now. This album wasn’t all well received by critics and fans, but it did include some brilliant songs, like the single Stand By Me. This song’s lyrics explore the topic of staying by each other’s side despite the uncertainty of life.
9. Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley
| Genre | Dance Pop |
| Year Released | 1987 |
| Album | Whenever You Need Somebody |
Although it’s become famous for being included in countless internet memes and viral videos, Rick Astley’s 1987 hit “Never Gonna Give You Up” was originally one of the most popular pop songs of its day. It includes lyrics that describe the unity that two people can have when they decide to remain together and not give up on one another. This is truly one of the great songs about strength and determination to never give up.
10. Lean on Me by Bill Withers
| Genre | Soul |
| Year Released | 1972 |
| Album | Still Bill |
From the uplifting chord sequence to its heartfelt lyrics, “Lean On Me” is a song that oozes positivity and unity. Written by soul and R&B legend Bill Withers, who also penned hits like “Lovely Day” and “Aint No Sunshine,” this track is proof that great songs don’t need to be complicated.
11. I’ll be There For You by The Rembrandts
| Genre | Pop Rock |
| Year Released | 1995 |
| Album | LP |
Most people have heard The Rembrandts’ 1995 single “I’ll Be There for You” due to its use as the theme song for the sitcom Friends. Due to the popularity it gained when the TV show was first broadcast, the band chose to add two more verses to it and release it on their album, LP.
The catchy chorus is written about unity and togetherness, an example of which is the line “I’ll be therre for you, ‘cause you’re there for me too.”
12. Heroes by David Bowie
| Genre | Art Rock |
| Year Released | 1977 |
| Album | Heroes |
The 1977 single “Heroes” by David Bowie is a powerful song about the unifying power of love, written with his long-time collaborator Brian Eno. The track, co-produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti, was recorded in mid-1977 at Hansa Studio 2 in West Berlin.
Its lyrics were improvised by Bowie at the microphone, and the track builds throughout its runtime as a celebration of unity between two lovers separated by the Berlin Wall.
13. Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel
| Genre | Folk Rock |
| Year Released | 1970 |
| Album | Bridge Over Troubled Water |
Released as the second single from the album of the same name, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” is one of the most famous pop songs ever written. An emotional ballad, the track features a stunning vocal performance from Art Garfunkel, with songwriter Paul Simon providing the backing harmonies.
The song is about being dependable to a friend who needs help, choosing unity over separation, and ultimately being selfless. It’s one of the duo’s best-known compositions.
14. Boys Are Back in Town by Thin Lizzy
| Genre | Hard Rock |
| Year Released | 1976 |
| Album | Jailbreak |
This hard rock classic by the Irish rock band Thin Lizzy is about the joy of reuniting with “the boys,” after a long time of not seeing them. It features pulsating drum beats, relaxed vocals, and one of the greatest guitar riffs you’ll ever hear. Furthermore, the song was a commercial success in the UK, Ireland, Australia, and Canada in 1976.
15. All For One by The Stone Roses
| Genre | Britpop |
| Year Released | 2016 |
| Album | Single Only |
When The Stone Roses announced their reunion, it ended a twenty-year wait for the band to release new music. “All for One” was the first song that they put out after the long hiatus, and it was produced by Paul Epworth. Unfortunately, the band’s plans to release a third album have never materialized, but this song, which touches upon the theme of unity, was one of the band’s parting gifts to fans before disbanding once again.
16. What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
| Genre | R&B |
| Year Released | 1967 |
| Album | What a Wonderful World |
Louis Armstrong is one of America’s best-known jazz musicians of all time. A skilled trumpeter, Armstrong also had a distinctive, rugged vocal style that can be heard in this brilliant song, “What a Wondeful World.”
As you can guess from the title, this song is filled with optimism. Its lyrics talk about the beauty of human beings, the world we live in, and how we can do amazing things when we unite with a common purpose for the greater good.
17. Black or White by Michael Jackson
| Genre | Pop Rock |
| Year Released | 1991 |
| Album | Dangerous |
The “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson, wrote several songs that have a message of unity, but perhaps the best example is his 1991 single, “Black or White.” This guitar-driven song is written about celebrating the things that make us all the same rather than focusing on superficial differences.
18. Imagine by John Lennon
| Genre | Pop Rock |
| Year Released | 1971 |
| Album | Imagine |
Regarded by many as John Lennon’s finest composition as a solo artist, “Imagine” is a piano-based pop track that discusses the possibilities that human beings could experience if they chose to live in unity rather than in competition with one another.
The song was a single from Lennon’s album of the same name and was released just a couple of years after his band, The Beatles, went their separate ways. Imagine was a massive hit and peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
19. Higher Ground by Stevie Wonder
| Genre | Funk |
| Year Released | 1973 |
| Album | Innervisions |
Stevie Wonder’s 1973 album Innervisions is a funk and R&B masterpiece, and “Higher Ground” is one of the standout singles from it. This song is about the power of coming together, working towards a shared aim, and eventually reaching “higher ground .”The song was later covered by the American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers and is often played by the band at their live shows.
20. Waiting on the World to Change by John Mayer
| Genre | Pop Rock |
| Year Released | 2006 |
| Album | Continuum |
Continuum was the third studio album released by American artist John Mayer, and it contains some of the singer-songwriter’s best songs. Amongst the blues rock tracks and pop ballads, you’ll find “Waiting on the World to Change,” which is an idealistic track that is about the optimism that the next generation will eventually come together and solve many of the problems on our planet.
21. Blowin’ in the Wind by Bob Dylan
| Genre | Folk Rock |
| Year Released | 1963 |
| Album | The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan |
Considered by many to be the greatest protest song ever written, “Blowin’ in the Wind” was released as a single on Bob Dylan’s second studio album. The song’s powerful lyrics are about the oppression faced by minorities in America around the time of its release, and it ultimately shares a message of bringing people closer together and putting an end to discrimination. This is one of my personal favorite songs about unity because I’m a huge Bob Dylan and folk-rock fan.
22. Many of Horror by Biffy Clyro
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2010 |
| Album | Only Revolutions |
Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro enjoyed a rise to popularity in 2010 after releasing their album, Only Revolutions. One of the best compositions from the album is named “Many of Horror,” featuring the profound chorus lyrics “When we collide we come together if we don’t we’ll always be apart.”
The song was written by the band’s frontman and guitarist, Simon Neil, and was eventually covered by the winner of the TV show the X Factor, Matt Cardle.
23. Let’s Spend the Night Together by The Rolling Stones
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 1967 |
| Album | Between the Buttons |
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are two of the most successful and prolific songwriting duos in music history, and in 1967, they were in their prime. The track “Let’s Spend the Night Together” was released as a double single with “Ruby Tuesday,” and it is about being reunited with a lover and wanting to spend the evening with them.
An interesting fact about this song is that it actually features truncheons used for percussion that were provided by two policemen who were inspecting the recording studio when the band was making the track!
24. One by U2
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 1992 |
| Album | Achtung Baby |
Irish rock band U2 has written some incredible songs, many of which go under the radar. “One,” from the classic 1991 album Achtung Baby, is definitely one of the band’s most underrated tracks. The song actually explores and celebrates people’s differences rather than focusing on our similarities – it still has the message of unity but presents the theme from a different angle.
25. Let’s Stay Together by Al Green
| Genre | Soul |
| Year Released | 1972 |
| Album | Let’s Stay Together |
Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” from his 1972 album of the same name is a timeless soul classic. Featuring Green’s distinctive vocals backed by a smooth, mellow arrangement of horns and strings, this song captures the intimacy and emotion of two people in love.
Its lyrics speak of the profound unity that comes from staying together through life’s hardships. The song was a massive hit, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This is one of my personal favorite songs about staying together through difficult times so I really recommend giving it a listen.
26. We Go Together by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1978 |
| Album | Grease |
Written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, “We Go Together” is one of many popular songs featured in the hit musical, “Grease.” Performed by the lead actors Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, this song has a strong message of unity. It also features many of the other characters from the film performing backing vocals.
27. Whenever, Wherever by Shakira
| Genre | Latin Pop |
| Year Released | 2001 |
| Album | Laundry Service |
Colombian singer-songwriter Shakira is one of the few artists to enjoy huge success in both Spanish and English-speaking countries. “Whenever, Wherever” was a hit single in 2001, thanks to its blend of Latin and worldbeat styles.
The song’s lyrics, which were written in collaboration with Gloria Estefan, are about two people “meant to be together” and the desire to be united once again.
28. We Belong Together by Mariah Carey
| Genre | R&B |
| Year Released | 2005 |
| Album | The Emancipation of Mimi |
Written by a star-studded team of songwriters that included the likes of Jermaine Dupri, Bobby Womack, and Mariah Carey, this song features a simple piano part and a minimalistic beat, allowing the vocal plenty of space in the mix.
“We Belong Together” is written about the feeling of longing to be reunited with a loved one, wanting to put the past behind you and start a relationship afresh.
29. Make You Feel My Love by Bob Dylan
| Genre | Folk Rock |
| Year Released | 1997 |
| Album | Time out of Mind |
Bob Dylan’s back catalog includes over 600 songs, many of which have been covered by other artists. “Make You Feel My Love” was made famous by British singer Adele, but Dylan’s original is well worth listening to.
This love song is about showing someone how much you care by sticking with them in unity through the trials and tribulations that we inevitably go through. If you love this song, I really recommend checking out our playlist of songs about young love.
30. 2 Become 1 by Spice Girls
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1996 |
| Album | Spice |
British pop group, the Spice Girls achieved international fame in the 1990s thanks to hits like “2 Become 1.” This song is an R&B-influenced pop ballad that is written about two lovers coming together in unity and making a commitment to staying together. The group’s influence lives on two decades later, with many of today’s pop stars citing them as inspirations.
31. I’ll Stand By You by The Pretenders
| Genre | Rock |
| Year Released | 1994 |
| Album | Last of the Independents |
Unity is all about standing by each other – and therefore, “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders is a perfect addition to this song list. Released on their sixth album, Last of the Independents, in 1994, the song was later covered by British pop band Girls Aloud, whose version topped the UK singles charts for two weeks in 2004.
32. Everybody Hurts by REM
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 1993 |
| Album | Automatic for the People |
Sometimes, unity is less about celebrating together and more about comforting each other when things are not going so well. The song “Everybody Hurts” by American band REM is an example of this, with its melancholy sound and heartfelt lyrics, which encourage us to feel our emotions rather than trying to hide how we feel from one another. As humans, we all feel pain and many songs do a great job of sharing this message.
33. Hey Brother by Avicii
| Genre | Progressive House |
| Year Released | 2012 |
| Album | True |
The late Swedish electronic music producer Avicii crafted some exceptional songs, often with deep lyrical messages. “Hey, Brother” merges the styles of country, EDM, and pop music, with an epic synth drop that comes after the chorus. This song is about reaching out a helping hand to a brother or sister and offering them unity to help them get through hard times. It reached number one in many countries around the world and is one of Avicii’s best-known compositions.
34. Back for Good by Take That
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 1995 |
| Album | Nobody Else |
Written by band member Gary Barlow, “Back for Good” is an emotional pop song by the British band, Take That. It was released when the group was at the peak of its popularity and is written about longing for someone to return so that you can be reunited once again. After a long hiatus, the band reformed in 2005, and this song fittingly became a staple of their live shows.
35. We Are Family by Sister Sledge
| Genre | Soul, Disco |
| Year Released | 1979 |
| Album | We Are Family |
Released in 1979, “We Are Family” was a hit single for the soul four-piece band Sister Sledge. It was co-written by Bernard Edwards with Chic guitarist Nile Rogers and showcased the band’s ability to sing vocal harmonies with one another.
This disco track achieved commercial success throughout Europe and reached number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
36. Better Together by Jack Johnson
| Genre | Acoustic Rock |
| Year Released | 2006 |
| Album | In Between Dreams |
Renowned for his catchy songwriting, American artist Jack Johnson has enjoyed a two-decade career in the music industry. His third album, In Between Dreams, is considered by many his best work, and “Better Together” is one of the highlights.
With its strummed acoustic guitar part, soulful vocals, and message of how much better things can be when people come together and are united, this is the perfect song to play at a summer barbeque. If you’re looking for songs about coming together this is definitely one I recommend.
37. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
| Genre | Soul, Pop |
| Year Released | 1967 |
| Album | United |
This duet between soul legends Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrel was released on their collaboration studio album entitled United. It’s a wonderful pop song that is written about overcoming obstacles together and supporting each other no matter what happens. Decades later, the British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse used the instrumental for her track “Tears Dry On Their Own.”
38. Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship
| Genre | Soft Rock |
| Year Released | 1987 |
| Album | No Protection |
Released in 1987 on the RCA label, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” was a number-one single in the US for the rock band Starship. It was written by the songwriting partnership of Diane Warren and Albert Hammond, and the lyrics explore the topic of overcoming challenges together.
39. 505 by Arctic Monkeys
| Genre | Alternative Rock |
| Year Released | 2007 |
| Album | Favorite Worst Nightmare |
The twelfth and final track on Artic Monkeys’ second album, Favorite Worst Nightmare, “505,” is about a reunion between two lovers who have been separated for some time. It only includes two chords, but the song builds gradually until it reaches an intense ending with crashing drums and Alex Turner’s belted vocals.
40. Get Up, Stand Up by The Wailers
| Genre | Reggae |
| Year Released | 1973 |
| Album | Burnin’ |
Although “Get Up, Stand Up” is considered one of Bob Marley’s greatest songs, it was actually released by his band, The Wailers, rather than as part of his solo music. Written by Marley and Peter Tosh, this song is about the power of protest when people are united toward a common goal.
41. We’re All in This Together by The High School Musical Cast
| Genre | Dance Pop |
| Year Released | 2005 |
| Album | High School Musical |
High School Musical was a hugely popular movie released in 2006, and the soundtrack album also became a massive worldwide hit. One of the most popular songs from the album is “We’re All in This Together,” which features vocals from many of the cast members.
As you can probably guess from the song’s name, it is about the power of unity and sticking together through hard times.
42. Ho Hey by The Lumineers
| Genre | Folk Rock |
| Year Released | 2012 |
| Album | The Lumineers |
Released in 2012, “Ho Hey” is an uplifting folk rock song by the American band The Lumineers. The chorus features the lyrics “I belong with you, you belong with me, you’re my sweetheart,” and the theme of unity is present throughout the verses too.
The song would become The Lumineers’first track to reach the top three of the US Billboard charts and also enjoyed success internationally in Europe and Australasia.
43. You & Me Song by The Wannadies
| Genre | Pop Rock |
| Year Released | 1994 |
| Album | Be a Girl |
Swedish pop-rock band, The Wannadies, was somewhat of a one-hit wonder, with their track “You & Me Song” becoming a surprise hit in the United Kingdom. It features heartwarming lyrics about committing to being with another person and remaining united regardless of what life throws your way.
44. Alright by Supergrass
| Genre | Britpop |
| Year Released | 1995 |
| Album | I Should Coco |
“Alright” is one of the most famous songs by the British band Superass. Released when Britpop was the dominant force in the charts, this catchy track includes a fast-paced piano chord sequence that is overlaid with vocals about unity. It’s a light-hearted track that quickly became a teen anthem in the UK.
45. Unity by Alan Walker
| Genre | EDM |
| Year Released | 2019 |
| Album | Single Only |
The song “Unity” by Alan Walker was written in collaboration with many of his fans. This song includes crisp production, which Walker is renowned for, and the lyrics talk about the process of collaboration and unity. The track was eventually re-released in 2022 with a new vocalist.
46. Only a Pawn in Their Game by Bob Dylan
| Genre | Folk |
| Year Released | 1964 |
| Album | The Times They Are a-Changin.’ |
Written about the assassination of Medgar Evers in 1963, Bob Dylan’s classic protest song, “Only a Pawn in Their Game,” is a song that calls for unity to overcome prejudice. Like most of Dylan’s early music, the song consists solely of acoustic guitar, vocals, and harmonica, and it was released on Dylan’s third studio album, The Times They Are a-Changin’.
47. Team by Lorde
| Genre | Alternative Pop |
| Year Released | 2013 |
| Album | Pure Heroine |
New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde burst onto the music scene in 2013 with her album Pure Heroine, and one of the most notable tracks from that album is “Team.” With elements of alternative pop and synth-pop, this song is written about the unity that good friends experience together. It reached the top ten on the US singles chart and the top 5 in Lorde’s native New Zealand.
48. Stickwitu by Pussycat Dolls
| Genre | Pop |
| Year Released | 2005 |
| Album | PCD |
“Stickwitu” was a single released by the American pop band Pussycat Dolls in 2005. It was included on the group’s debut studio album, “PCD,” and followed up their worldwide hit single, “Don’t Cha.” Lyrically, this song is about sticking with a loved one and not allowing things to get in the way of your relationship.
49. With a Little Help From My Friends by The Beatles
| Genre | Pop Rock |
| Year Released | 1967 |
| Album | Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band |
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney but sung by drummer Ringo Starr, “With a Little Help From My Friends” is the second track on The Beatles’ album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. In the song, Starr plays the role of band leader Billy Shears, and the vocals are sung in a call-and-response style with the three other band members.
50. U.N.I.T.Y by Queen Latifah
| Genre | Hip Hop |
| Year Released | 1993 |
| Album | Black Reign |
Featuring her classic, smooth vocal delivery, “UNITY” is one of American hip-hop legend Queen Latifah’s most popular tracks. It’s about the need for women to unite and stand up against discrimination, and samples a jazz track by the Crusaders.
Spotify Playlist of Songs About Unity and Coming Together
That does it for this article, let us know if there are any great songs we should add to this list in the comments section below.
Hi, my name is Kevin and I’m from Butler, Pennsylvania. I’ve been obsessed with music and audio gear for as long as I can remember. I started this website to help people find professional advice related to a wide range of audio topics. We have a number of Audio Engineers on our team who have been designing and fixing audio gear for decades.