11 Best Greek Songs of All Time: Greek Music Gems

Hey there music aficionados! TBone here, spinning on the ones and twos and delivering you the freshest beats at Level Tunes.

I’ve always had a passion for diving into the musical treasure chests of the world, and today we’re venturing into Greece – the land of soulful ballads, hypnotic dance rhythms and centuries-old folk traditions.

From the thrumming bouzoukis to the impassioned singing, Greek music has always enchanted me.

So, I figured why not share my top 11 Greek tunes that have stood the test of time? I’m thrilled to guide you on this Aegean sonic journey – hold on to your headphones, it’s going to be a wild ride!

Here are the best Greek songs of all time that you can check out:

List Of Best Greek Songs of All Time

Top Greek Tunes of all time in a list format:

1. “Misirlou” by Michalis Patrinos (1930, His Master’s Voice Records)

“Misirlou” is an iconic song originally performed by Michalis Patrinos and his rebetiko band in 1930. This tune, released under His Master’s Voice Records, gives listeners a pure taste of Greek music’s rich history. It’s recognized worldwide thanks to its usage in pop culture – most notably in Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction”. The exotic melody, delivered on traditional Greek instruments like bouzouki and baglamas, portrays a tale of a forbidden Egyptian love. I picked this because of its timeless appeal and its cultural impact far beyond Greece’s borders. It’s a must-listen for anyone delving into Greek music!

2. “Ta Paidia Tou Piraia” by Melina Mercouri (1960, United Artists Records)

Next, let’s dive into “Ta Paidia Tou Piraia” (aka “Never on Sunday”) by Melina Mercouri, from the soundtrack of the 1960 film “Never on Sunday”. Released by United Artists Records, this enchanting song won an Academy Award, highlighting Greek music on the global stage. Mercouri’s passionate vocals and Manos Hadjidakis’ captivating composition paint a vivid picture of the lively Piraeus port. It’s on my list for its joyous spirit and representation of Greek city life, not to mention its international acclaim.

3. “To Palikari Echi Kaimo” by Stelios Kazantzidis (1965, Columbia Records)

“To Palikari Echi Kaimo” by Stelios Kazantzidis, released in 1965 under Columbia Records, holds a special place in the hearts of many Greeks. It’s a poignant reflection of the Greek diaspora’s experiences and hardships. Kazantzidis’ deeply moving vocals, accompanied by a traditional ensemble, make this song a standout. I included this song for its profound emotional resonance and Kazantzidis’ legendary voice, which helped shape the landscape of modern Greek music.

4. “Zorba’s Dance” by Mikis Theodorakis (1964, 20th Century Fox)

“Zorba’s Dance,” the instrumental masterpiece from the 1964 film “Zorba the Greek” is undoubtedly a classic. Composed by Mikis Theodorakis and released by 20th Century Fox, the song captivates listeners with its accelerating rhythm and euphoric dance energy, driven by a dynamic bouzouki performance. The reason for choosing this song? It’s the epitome of Greek dance music, irresistibly foot-tapping and universally recognizable.

5. “O Aetos” by Vicky Moscholiou (1973, Minos EMI)

Vicky Moscholiou’s “O Aetos” is a stunning song from her 1973 album “Ena Mythos,” released by Minos EMI. This haunting, evocative ballad showcases Moscholiou’s expressive vocal style, complemented by a sparse yet potent instrumental backdrop. I choose “O Aetos” for its emotional depth and the delicate beauty of Moscholiou’s performance, demonstrating the richness of Greek balladry.

6. “Dio Ksenoi” by Giorgos Dalaras & Haris Alexiou (1991, Minos EMI)

“Dio Ksenoi” from the album “Ta Tsilika” is a beloved duet by two legends of contemporary Greek music – Giorgos Dalaras and Haris Alexiou. Released in 1991 under Minos EMI, their voices blend beautifully over a melody that draws on both traditional and modern influences. This song makes the cut due to its representation of a modern interpretation of Greek music, showcasing the incredible chemistry between two iconic vocalists.

7. “Thalassaki Mou” by Glykeria (1992, WEA)

Glykeria’s version of “Thalassaki Mou” from her 1992 album “Kryfa,” released by WEA, brings a fresh touch to this traditional Greek lullaby. Her warm, soothing voice, accompanied by serene instrumentation, creates a comforting aura. “Thalassaki Mou” is a beautiful showcase of Greek folk music, making it a no-brainer for this list.

8. “Tou Ai Giorgi” by Savina Yannatou (2003, ECM Records)

Savina Yannatou’s “Tou Ai Giorgi” from her 2003 album “Terra Nostra,” released by ECM Records, is a mesmerizing track. The song’s alluring arrangement, coupled with Yannatou’s ethereal voice, transports listeners to another realm. It’s a fantastic representation of avant-garde and world fusion in Greek music. I’ve chosen this song for its unique blend of traditional and experimental elements.

9. “I Epomeni Kinisi” by Xatzigiannis (2006, Universal Music Greece)

“I Epomeni Kinisi” by Michalis Xatzigiannis is a pop hit from his 2006 album of the same name, released by Universal Music Greece. With its catchy melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Xatzigiannis’ charismatic vocals, this song struck a chord with audiences, becoming a modern Greek classic. It’s included in this list for its popularity and its depiction of contemporary Greek pop music.

10. “To Tragoudi Tis Xenitias” by Eleftheria Arvanitaki (2000, Universal Music Greece)

Eleftheria Arvanitaki’s “To Tragoudi Tis Xenitias” from her 2000 album “Eleftheria,” released by Universal Music Greece, is a poignant song addressing the theme of exile. Her emotive voice, paired with the song’s melancholic melody, makes for a deeply moving listening experience. It’s included here for its touching narrative and Arvanitaki’s significant contribution to modern Greek music.

11. “Erotokritos” by Psarantonis (1998, Lyra)

Finally, “Erotokritos” by Psarantonis, from his 1998 album “Anthology,” released by Lyra, is an epic song based on a 17th-century Cretan poem. Psarantonis, an influential Cretan lyra player, delivers a raw and powerful interpretation that takes listeners on an epic journey. It is chosen for its cultural significance and for encapsulating the timeless spirit of Cretan music.

Fun Facts: Best Greek Tracks of All Time

1. “Misirlou” by Michalis Patrinos

Interestingly, “Misirlou” isn’t purely Greek—it’s a perfect example of cultural fusion. Its name translates to “Egyptian girl,” and the song’s melody traces its roots to the Eastern Mediterranean region. Moreover, the tune has been covered in numerous genres from surf rock (Dick Dale) to jazz, showcasing its incredible versatility.

2. “Ta Paidia Tou Piraia” by Melina Mercouri

“Ta Paidia Tou Piraia” was the first song from a foreign film to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song! Melina Mercouri, the actress who performed it in the film, later became Greece’s Minister of Culture, reflecting her deep impact on Greek arts.

3. “Zorba’s Dance” by Mikis Theodorakis

Mikis Theodorakis, the composer of “Zorba’s Dance”, is not just famous for his music. He’s also known for his political activism, having been imprisoned several times for his opposition to dictatorship in Greece. His music, including “Zorba’s Dance,” has often been a rallying cry for freedom and resilience.

4. “Dio Ksenoi” by Giorgos Dalaras & Haris Alexiou

“Dio Ksenoi” is part of the genre ‘Laïkó,’ a popular form of Greek music that incorporates elements of folk and traditional tunes. Both Dalaras and Alexiou are often associated with social and political commentary through their music, making them more than just popular musicians, but voices of the Greek populace.

5. “Tou Ai Giorgi” by Savina Yannatou

Savina Yannatou is known for her unique and adventurous interpretations of traditional music. Her take on “Tou Ai Giorgi” incorporates elements of jazz, experimental music, and sounds from across the Mediterranean, encapsulating her genre-blending approach.

6. “I Epomeni Kinisi” by Michalis Xatzigiannis

Before embarking on his successful solo career, Michalis Xatzigiannis was part of a popular Cypriot band named ‘Voice’. The experience shaped his musical style, paving the way for his eventual rise to stardom in Greece, where he continues to make hits like “I Epomeni Kinisi.”

As we wrap up our musical odyssey, I hope these remarkable Greek tunes have struck a chord within you.

Whether they stirred up memories, had your feet tapping, or introduced you to new genres, remember, music is a journey, not a destination.
Stay tuned with TBone for more exciting musical explorations!

Thanks for reading.

TBone