Otis Redding Popular Song Rankings [2025]

(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The BayOtis Redding1rank/position

Otis Redding – (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay (Official Music Video)

A masterpiece that portrays the protagonist’s feelings as he quietly spends time looking out over the bay.

Released in 1968, this song tells of the loneliness and despair of a man who left Georgia for San Francisco.

Otis Redding’s gentle vocals capture life’s confusion and introspection.

Included on the album The Dock of the Bay, it won a Grammy Award.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to alone in a quiet place.

Its moving lyrics and calm melody are perfect for moments when you want to reflect on yourself.

White ChristmasOtis Redding2rank/position

Otis Redding – White Christmas

Otis Redding, a legendary soul musician, continues to be respected by many listeners today.

Though he passed away at a young age, the works he left behind have had a major impact on subsequent Black music.

One of his classic Christmas songs is his famous rendition of White Christmas.

While it’s a cover, his distinctive arrangement has earned it high praise on par with the original.

If you love Black music, be sure to check it out!

New Year’s ResolutionOtis Redding & Carla Thomas3rank/position

New Year’s Resolution

This song was released as a duet by the great soul singer Otis Redding—who tragically died in his twenties—and Carla Thomas, who is also known as the daughter of Rufus Thomas.

It appears on the classic 1967 duet album King & Queen.

Set to a gentle 6/8 rhythm, their soulful vocals are absolutely mesmerizing.

The title means “New Year’s Resolution,” and the lyrics seem to suggest a couple trying to start over.

It’s a track you can easily enjoy as background music, especially if you prefer to spend New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in a relaxed way.

(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay (Will.i.am Remix)Otis Redding4rank/position

Will.i.am’s Full Version – Sittin On The Dock Of The Bay

A track released in 1968 by American soul singer Otis Redding.

It was recorded three days before he died in a plane crash.

A remix version by American musician will.

i.

am was used in a 2016 Nescafe Dolce Gusto commercial.

Can’t Turn You LooseOtis Redding5rank/position

Can’t Turn You Loose – Otis Redding

This song is also familiar in Japan.

It was used as a cheer song for high school baseball, so many people probably know it.

It has also been used in commercials for well-known companies, making it widespread in Japanese households.

Even if you don’t know Otis Redding, I think you’ve heard the song.

I Can’t Turn You LooseOtis Redding6rank/position

I Can’t Turn You Loose

This is the “Soul” installment of the ZOZO MUSIC SHOW series, in which Tsubasa Honda showcases her singing and dancing with music from various genres.

This time, it uses a parody version of the 1965 soul classic “I Can’t Turn You Loose” to highlight the great deals on ZOZOTOWN.

The arrangement is more up-tempo than Otis Redding’s original, making it a commercial that puts you in a fun mood while you watch.

I Want To Thank YouOtis Redding7rank/position

I Want to Thank You

This song is bursting with that unmistakable Otis Redding vibe, and just listening to it feels like time travel.

He ranked 8th on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.

With his distinctive vocal style, he had a profound impact on soul music.

A wildly talented artist, he tragically passed away at the young age of 26.