The article identifies The Righteous Brothers’ 1964 recording of ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’’ as the most played song of the 20th century. It argues that the Phil Spector-produced hit became unusually enduring through extensive radio use, cover versions and appearances in popular culture.

Written by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and Phil Spector, the song reached number one in the UK and became a major American hit. Broadcast Music Incorporated estimated it had received more than eight million radio and television plays by the end of the century, placing it ahead of other heavily performed standards.