There’s something about the sound of an accordion that instantly transports you to another place. Whether it’s a smoky Parisian café, a raucous zydeco dancehall, or a folk festival under the open sky, the accordion has an undeniable magic. Some of the greatest songs in music history have been elevated by its unmistakable wheeze, adding depth, nostalgia, or just plain fun. Here are 20 of the greatest songs featuring an accordion:
1. Bruce Springsteen – ‘Atlantic City’ The Boss knew what he was doing when he added a haunting accordion to this stripped-down masterpiece when performed live. It turns a song about desperation and hope into something even more evocative.
2. The Band – ‘Rockin’ Chair’ Garth Hudson’s accordion work is pure magic on this deep cut from The Band, evoking the slow, swaying movement of the sea and the passage of time.
3. The Pogues – ‘Fairytale of New York’ An iconic Christmas classic, made all the more poignant and waltzy thanks to James Fearnley’s expert accordion playing.
4. Los Lobos – ‘La Bamba’ A rock ‘n’ roll staple with deep Mexican folk roots, and you better believe the accordion helps drive it home.
5. Paul Simon – ‘The Boy in the Bubble’ One of the most thrilling opening lines of any album, with that punchy, South African-influenced accordion riff setting the tone for Graceland.
6. Tom Waits – ‘Tango Till They’re Sore’ Tom Waits and the accordion go together like whiskey and a rainy night. This one sounds like a drunken waltz through a dimly lit saloon.
7. Bob Dylan – ‘When I Paint My Masterpiece’ Dylan’s love for folk music shines with a rich accordion backing, perfectly capturing the song’s romantic, globe-trotting feel.
8. Arcade Fire – ‘Wake Up’ The accordion adds an extra layer of magic to one of the most anthemic indie rock songs of the 21st century.
9. The Who – ‘Squeeze Box’ Okay, so it’s a cheeky song about more than just an accordion, but the instrument itself takes center stage and makes this one of The Who’s quirkiest hits.
10. Flogging Molly – ‘Drunken Lullabies’ Irish punk meets rollicking folk, and the accordion is right in the middle of the storm.
11. They Might Be Giants – ‘Istanbul (Not Constantinople)’ As playful as they come, the accordion in this one is as essential as the lyrics themselves.
12. Weird Al Yankovic – ‘Polka Power!’ Because no list about accordions is complete without the polka master himself. Weird Al has brought the accordion to the masses like no other musician.
13. Edith Piaf – ‘La Vie en Rose’ Possibly the most famous accordion song of all time. Paris in a song.
14. The Decemberists – ‘Eli, The Barrow Boy’ The accordion adds a mournful, old-world charm to this folk ballad of love and loss.
15. Dire Straits – ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Mark Knopfler’s storytelling is stunning, and the accordion adds the perfect backdrop to this cinematic love story.
16. Dropkick Murphys – ‘Shipping Up to Boston’ This one makes you want to stomp your boots and throw back a pint, all thanks to its Celtic punk energy—powered in part by the mighty accordion.
17. John Mellencamp – ‘Cherry Bomb’ A nostalgic anthem about youth and small-town life, made even richer with an accordion running through it.
18. The Mavericks – ‘All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down’ A Tex-Mex banger that gets its infectious groove from the accordion’s unmistakable sway.
19. Manu Chao – ‘Bongo Bong’ A globetrotting hit with an accordion riff that’s pure joy.
20. Queen – ‘Seaside Rendezvous’ Freddie Mercury could do it all—including crafting a playful tune with accordion flourishes that bring a touch of old-school charm.
Now, this is list is…err…accordion to me, and remember, if you ever find yourself at a party where someone busts out an accordion, do the right thing—hand them a beer, give them a nod of respect, and prepare to have your mind blown. Because nothing gets a room going quite like an unexpected accordion solo
