Yeah, yeah, we know. The top 20 greatest musicians of all time, in any genre. Where do we get off? Well, we'll tell you where we get off — at Accuracy Station. Our team of writers listened to thousands and thousands of hours of music for this list, digging deep into the annals of history and exploring the sounds of the entire globe. We painstakingly researched the shit out of practically all music ever made, modern and classical, popular and experimental, chart-topping and obscure. You may not agree with every artist on this list, but one thing is for certain: You're going to respect the hell out of it. -Ben Westhof

Bach was a total badass. His name is practically synonymous with Baroque music, and by the turn of the 18th century he had become its master composer. His choir, instrument, and orchestral arrangements are painstakingly technical and well-organized, and he was a compositional powerhouse. Over his lifetime, he produced over 200 cantatas, concertos, and suites, which are still considered among the most beautifully arranged pieces of all time. Not exactly a lightweight. -Chris Walker



Rolling Stone
They may have claimed “It's only rock n' roll,” but the music of the Rolling Stones helped define a generation. Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and the crew came to represent the edgier side of the British Invasion, serving as countercultural symbols of youthful rebellion and sexual liberation during a time of sweeping social change. By 1965 the Stones were dominating charts around the world. We owe much of today's pop-rock structures to the music they pioneered. -Chris Walker

Chinese composer Xian Xinghai's 1939 epic Yellow River Cantata was written as a protest against the Japanese occupation of Manchuria. His seminal composition, it is a moving and patriotic call for solidarity. But Xinghai's legacy also includes over 300 other works, and his unique perspective on western classical traditions challenged his contemporaries to move beyond imitating European composers. In the process, he gave form to a distinctive Chinese art form that has guided generations of Eastern musicians. -Chris Walker



The man born Christopher Wallace brought a swagger to hip-hop that other rappers today — fifteen years after his death — still can't touch. Considered by many to be the greatest MC ever, Biggie told complex and emotional stories through intricate rhymes that sounded effortless. Never contrived and never soft, he remains beloved by underground and mainstream fans alike. Just as his career was taking off, he was killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles, the details of which are still disputed. -Chris Walker
Reggae singer-songwriter Bob Marley has become a college-stoner icon, but in his embrace of the Rastafari movement he was as much a fighter as a lover. His political and social calls to action, which urged repatriation to Africa, are as galvanizing today as they were 40 years ago. Though he hailed from Jamaica, he remains perhaps the cultural icon of island countries and the African diaspora around the world.

When asked by Dick Clark on American Bandstand in 1983 what her dreams were, a young Madonna replied, “To rule the world.” She proceeded to do just that, releasing eleven blockbuster studio albums to date and becoming the world's top-selling female recording artist ever. The mother of reinvention, she has endlessly reworked her image and style, affecting our culture in myriad, rippling ways. Though she's sometimes criticized for following fads in her personal life, when it comes to her music the culture usually mirrors her.



Branded the Bob Dylan of Brazil, Caetano Veloso co-founded Tropicalia, the progressive poetry, theater and music movement that helped define Latin America's psychedelic '60s. Alongside his fellow conspirator, Gilberto Gil, Veloso fused Bossa Nova, African rhythms, and acid-drenched acoustic guitar with a political consciousness that found him censored, banned, incarcerated and eventually exiled by the country's military dictatorship. The recipe was complex but simple: melodies as gorgeous as a Copacabana beach layered atop of a philosophical wit exposing his homeland's most gross imbalances

Raised in Lagos, schooled in London, and radicalized in L.A. at the height of the Black Panther movement, Fela Kuti pioneered Afro-Beat — a blend of James Brown, Nigerian highlife, and pan-African ideals. A decade and a half after his death, he's the subject of a Tony-nominated Broadway musical, two sons are gifted heirs to his sound, and he's a sub-Saharan icon almost on par with Mandela. Yet beyond the myth are the songs: jazzy 12-minute sagas with a timeless sense of rebellion, fearlessness, and funk



Somehow in his more than forty years of recording, Miles Davis never drifted into irrelevancy. He was an intense and spiritual figure who refused to be pigeon-holed by any single style of expression. Through his trumpet playing and band leadership, he constantly sought new ways to manifest improvised performance. This rejection of the status quo put him at the forefront of major developments in jazz and rock last century – including bebop, cool jazz, fusion, and even jazz hip-hop. No one else in music can claim such a long reign as the King of Cool

Billie Holiday didn't write that many of her songs, but her gift, like that of an inspired classical musician, was in the interpretation. Her voice summoned that which was dramatic, urgent and necessary as if from the center of the earth. Today's politically minded performers could take inspiration from her protest music; she knew that imagery and real soul impact listeners more strongly than corny, overly-dogmatic messages
Simply put, the writings of Guido D'Arezzo (above) laid the foundations for Western music. This medieval theorist of the 11th century was the dude responsible for inventing the notation we still use today. In other words, without him we wouldn't have sheet music. Oh yeah, and you know that mnemonic “do-re-mi-fa-so-la-te-do”? He invented that too

According to folklore, Robert Johnson made a deal with the Devil in order to gain mastery of the guitar. Hell, no matter how he got it, the Mississippian has influenced pretty much every rock musician you love. Keith Richards said he was as good as the blues can get, Eric Clapton called him the most important blues musician that ever lived, and he's considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Supposedly poisoned at the age of 27 in 1938, he never lived to enjoy public recognition nor commercial success
Raised Robert Zimmerman in Hibbing, Minnesota, Bob Dylan spent a year at the University of Minnesota and joined the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. Then he did a bunch of other stuff, and nowadays performs at minor league baseball stadiums in medium-sized towns around the country.
You know those stupid bumper stickers parents put on their cars to brag about their honor student children? Well, Mozart started writing classical compositions at age four. He performed publicly at the Salzburg University a year later. And at seven he picked up a violin and sight-read an entire piece with complete accuracy, without having ever had a violin lesson. Wolfgang Amadeus was a true child prodigy. And this is without mentioning — you know — that he went on to become one of the most highly regarded classical composers eve

Elvis didn't like being called a hero, nor did he enjoy the “king of rock 'n roll” moniker. Teased as a child in Tupelo, Mississippi, he became a loner, learning to play the guitar and finding inspiration in black gospel music and Memphis' bustling Beale Street blues scene. He became a leading figure in the emerging genre of rock, and eventually the best-selling solo artist in the history of popular music. But he never fully shook off the shyness of his youth, and celebrity ultimately proved a fatal curse

Louis Armstrong was jazz's first superstar. Satchmo's explosive creativity defied conventions of early New Orleans jazz; he was a charismatic showman and dazzling trumpet player who was, literally, too good for his band. His performances were largely responsible for shifting the focus from the group to the soloist, and he was also quite an innovator when it came to scat. Perhaps most importantly, his acceptance by the social elite helped popularize jazz across racial and social boundaries



People made a lot of jokes about Michael Jackson before he died; about the way he spoke, the color of his skin, his fondness for zoo animals and children, the clothes he wore, the women he married, the names he chose for his kids, his penchant for grabbing his nuts, his sentimental streak, his plastic surgeries, and his acting talents, or lack thereof. But when he died people made fewer of those jokes
Precursors to the Prefab Four, aka the Monkees, the Fab Four from Liverpool started with matching haircuts. But then they began growing their hair out, and that's when shit got real. Before you knew it their hair was much longer than the establishment preferred, and the social order began to decay. Next there was a musical called Hair and then later one called Hairspray. It all got to be a little much, especially if you weren't into hair

Considered the best composer of all time, Beethoven challenged authority by refusing to accept the cultural norms of the day. His soulful sonatas and symphonies broke the boundaries of the Classical Era — defined by technical mastery — and ushered in a new period, the Romantic Era. Being deaf didn't stop him from composing masterpieces that endure to this day in movies like Ace Ventura: Pet Detectiv

Truly great musical talents aren't often heard. You won't find one every year, or even every generation. In fact, whole millenniums tend to slip away without one surfacing. No, certain talents only come along once in human history, and that's the case with William Hung. He is the greatest musician of all time — in any genre — because he epitomizes our highs, our lows, and our struggles to make ourselves heard. He's history's best musician because he speaks for anyone who has ever sought a stage, because he expresses life's complexities better than anyone else. That, and because these types of lists are entirely subjective and unaccountable. -Ben Westhoff

The best beaches in the world have long since attracted travellers from all across the world. There’s just something about beaches that appeal to pretty much everyone. Even if you’re not one to spend all day on a beach, a few minutes or even hours on a picturesque sandy beach is something that’s probably an easy yes for most of us.

In fact, I’d go as far as saying many of us plan our holidays around beautiful beaches (beautiful beaches do tend to come hand-in-hand with beautiful weather so there’s a rationale behind those decisions).

If you’re looking to plan a longer holiday and hoping to happen upon beautiful beaches on your travels or perhaps even if you’re looking to centre your holiday around beautiful beaches, here are 11 countries with some of the best beaches in the world


1.) Australia

Australia is a gigantic country (the 6th largest in the world by area) with a huge amount of coastline, so it comes as no surprise that it’s home to some of the best beaches in the world.

The great thing is, whatever type of beach you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Australia. From bustling city beaches like Bondi beach, to the tropical white sand and coral reefs of Fraser Island, it has everything.



2.) Spain





Travelers flock to Spain not only for its popular cities (hey Barcelona!)but also for its particularly fantastic beaches.

For some, the words ‘beach’ and ‘Spain’ might bring to mind images of the big holiday resorts with packed beaches in front of rows of grey hotels, but the reality is so much more. From the desert-island-feel of Playa de Ses Illetes on the Balearic Islands to the impressive rock formations of Playa de las Catedrales in Ribadeo, Spain’s coastline is one that just keeps on giving. 😁

3.) Fiji
It’s a popular honeymoon and wedding destination, mainly because with its calm turquoise waters, stunningly white sand and immaculate coral reefs… and probably because Fiji is pretty much anyone’s idea of tropical paradise.
With its 333 tropical islands and over 500 islets, there’s plenty to explore – which is particularly great if you find that spending all your time on a beach isn’t your idea of a perfect holiday. When you’re here (and of course, depending on where you’re staying some beaches worth checking out here are Cove Beach, Liku Beach, and Vatulele Island).


4.) Greece
Whilst the colour of the waters surrounding Greece range from turquoise and emerald right through to dark blue, Greek beaches have long since attracted visitors from Europe, and the world over to come splash around


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The beaches here range from fine white sands to jet black (if you’re on a volcanic island), with golden and red in between (also found on volcanic islands rich in iron). It’s safe to say that whatever your picture of the perfect beach entails, you’re sure to find it somewhere in Greece.

5.) Bali
First of all, Bali is technically not a country (Indonesia is the country) but Bali has its own unique identity (and even its own language) that it feels deserving of its own place on here outside of that of Indonesia as a whole.

For what, once upon a time, used to be a quiet verdant island, Bali has more recently become a rather fashionable (and very fun) destination for many-a-traveller of all ages (like on our flight over – every single age group was represented) and it’s easy to see why.


In addition to its rich culture and fascinating geological features, Bali boasts a huge amount of seriously idyllic beaches. Despite the country’s growing popularity, there are a number of quieter beaches tucked away just waiting to be explored. Seek out hidden gems like Gunung Payung or Pandawa Beach to enjoy the Bali coast away from the crowds.

6.) Hawaii
*Again, not a country are more of a state within a country but definitely another one special enough to get its own independent mention. ðŸ˜

Hawaii is another one of those places we just automatically associate with being the perfect idyllic holiday – even the sunsets here are unlike anywhere else in the world



With its stunning flower blooms, beautiful islands and amazing rather dramatic coastline, Hawaii is already a much-coveted destination. Its gorgeous beaches are really just the icing on the cake. There are lots of different kinds of beaches on here so you’ll definitely find something to make you very happy when you visit
Oh, and if you visit certain islands during whale season, you can head the whales when you’re swimming away in the water

7.) Malaysia
Malaysia’s beaches have a huge amount to offer, whatever it is you’re looking for. Adventure junkies and budding mermaids can explore the country’s gorgeous coast by scuba diving (or, if you’re not certified yet – by snorkelling).
Foodies can take advantage of some of the world’s best (and freshest) seafood. Many of the beaches are shrouded in thick rainforest, giving them that real tropical island feels.

8.) The Philippines
The Philippines is made up of 7,107 islands so as you can imagine, there’s not really much of a shortage of beaches here. Its tropical sandy beaches are notoriously beautiful (the notoriety has increased dramatically in recent times.

Like seriously, just google “Philippines Beach” and you’ll see what I mean, and seeing as there are so many of them, it’s not a huge challenge to find yourself that beach that’s just perfect for you.

The highlight here is easily El Nido in Palawan, where you can try caving, kayaking and climbing if you don’t fancy (or are done with) lying on the sand all day. Check out some more reasons why you need to visit Palawan in the Philippines (home to some of the best beaches in the world), below.

9.) The Maldives
Oh, the Maldives! We’ve gone on and on here about how amazing the Maldives are and honestly, even after visiting twice, I’m still very crazy about these islands in the Indian Ocean.
Oh, the Maldives! We’ve gone on and on here about how amazing the Maldives are and honestly, even after visiting twice, I’m still very crazy about these islands in the Indian Ocean.
Suffice to say, the Maldives is easily one of those island countries you have to visit, if for nothing else but for the chance to relax on some of the best beaches in the world! Check out the link below for more info and tips to

10.) The Seychelles
The Seychelles is home to some of the best beaches in the world and is another place that’s reminiscent of the Maldives. Although it’s a lot bigger than most of the islands you’d visit in the Maldives, you shouldn’t let that put you off though – the Seychelles are amazing!




Possibly the most laidback piece of paradise in the Seychelles is Praslin Island. Its truly laid-back vibe and the impressive backdrop of the islands’ rock formations make the Seychelles a firm favourite amongst sunseekers

11.) Cuba
Cuba’s sprawling stretch of beaches is touched by two major oceans: the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean (each of which brings its own different advantage).

It’s a sub-tropical country, so in Cuba, it’s beach time all year round. 😎🍹🏖 Cuba’s Spanish culture also throws in a fantastic vibe to the proceedings
When you do visit Cuba, as nice as the beaches are, I’d definitely recommend doing yourself a favour and heading outside of your resort (preferably with the guidance of an expert) to explore the more rustic (read: real) side of Cuba to get a real sense of what life is like here.

You can get beautiful beaches in a lot of places across the world but it’s the people that can truly set a place apart and that’s no truer than in Cuba. And you know what, if beaches aren’t your thing, just pop over to Havana to explore its amazing sites.