8. Every Breath You Take – The Police
Original Release: 1983
The Police were no stranger to hits in their heyday, but this song was something special in its own right. After spending eight weeks on the Billboard Top 100 list, it spawned a highly successful spin-off from Puff Daddy, titled I’ll Be Missing You (in memory of Notorious BIG).
Photo of POLICE; L-R Stewart Copeland, Andy Summers and Sting at the A&M offices after signing their record deal (Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns)
This version was destined to become a powerhouse on its own, winning a Grammy and nearly securing its spot on this list with $7 million in sales. The Police’s original version still pulls in an estimated $730,000 per year, with many considering it one of the greatest break-up songs of all time.