The Longest Song Ever Recorded Nearly Lasted 6 Days

Song durations generally vary from three to ten minutes, influenced by the genre. Yet, in today's mainstream music, tracks often settle around three and a half minutes, with artists and producers seldom deviating from this norm.

However, for tracks you won't hear on the radio, the longest song ever created will challenge your ability to listen for extended periods.

A Quick Look at Long Songs

Determining the longest song ever recorded sparks debate, as some tracks extend for hours, days, or even years. Exceptionally long songs appear in various genres, such as rock and classical.

Among the longest songs ever recorded are experimental and ambient music pieces, along with unofficial releases by lesser-known artists.

And the Record Goes to...

As of May 2023, "Shri Ramcharitmanas" by Dr. Jagdish Pillai holds the Guinness World Record for the longest officially released single song, with a total duration of 138 hours, 41 minutes, and 20 seconds.

Pillai performed "Shri Ram Charit Manas," a 16th-century poetic masterpiece by Goswami Tulsidas in the Awadhi language. A Vedic science professor at Banaras Hindu University and an expert in ancient Indian scriptures, Pillai set the epic verses to a single melodic track.

The Previous Record Holder

Before the current record, Kelley and Michael Bostwick held the title for the longest song ever recorded with "The Rise and Fall of Bossanova" by PC III (Pipe Choir Three). This track, exceeding 13 hours, could fill the entire duration of a flight from Los Angeles to Tokyo.

Longest Rock Song: 'The Whirlwind'

Rock music has always been known for breaking boundaries, and its lengthy compositions are a testament to this. Some of the most iconic and extended rock tracks take listeners on immersive journeys that challenge conventional time limits.

Consider "The Whirlwind," for example. This groundbreaking track, featured as the title piece on Transatlantic's third studio album, stands as one of the longest rock songs ever recorded, with a remarkable runtime of 77 minutes.

"The Whirlwind," released on October 23, 2009, is offered in various formats, such as a standard edition, a double-disc special edition, and a deluxe edition, appealing to fans who enjoy both the original track and its expanded versions.

The song's length not only highlights the band's mental endurance and artistic vision but also underscores the genre's ability to deliver expansive, immersive experiences.

Longest Pop Song: 'Apparente Libertà'

While most pop songs are designed to last three to four minutes, ideal for radio airplay and memorable hooks, some artists choose to challenge these conventions with longer compositions.

Giancarlo Ferrari's "Apparente Libertà" holds the Guinness World Record for the longest pop song ever recorded. This synth-pop masterpiece spans an impressive 76 minutes and 44 seconds, surpassing the previous record set by Chris Butler’s "The Devil Glitch," which lasted 69 minutes.

Ferrari’s "Apparente Libertà" stands as a remarkable achievement in both endurance and creativity. Comprising over 700 verses spread across 150 pages of musical score, the track combines repetitive tones, sequencers, and trackers to create a unique auditory experience.

Longest Officially Released Instrumental Song: Liu Ji

Classical and instrumental music frequently embrace expansive lengths and intricate arrangements, reflecting the genre's dynamic and evolving nature. These compositions often reach epic durations, enabling artists to delve into complex themes and extended musical storytelling.

Notable examples of lengthy classical pieces include Ludwig van Beethoven’s "Symphony No. 9" (ranging from 65 to 74 minutes) and Richard Wagner’s "The Ring Cycle" (a series of four operas totaling approximately 15 hours).

The World Record Holder

As per Guinness World Records, the current titleholder in this category is Liu Ji, a concert pianist who delivered an astonishing 18-hour-long instrumental performance.

This remarkable achievement occurred in Qin Huang Dao, Hebei, China, starting at 7 am on December 31, 2020, and ending at 1 am on January 1, 2021.

Most Bizarre 'Longest Song'? More Like Most Bizarre Release

In 2011, the experimental rock group The Flaming Lips unveiled a 24-hour single. The standout feature of this day-long track, titled "7 Skies H3," was its unconventional release method: the song was initially sold on hard drives encased in actual human skulls.

Only five of these bizarre track packages were made available, and they quickly sold out at $5,000 each. The Flaming Lips later made the track accessible to the general public on Halloween.

Overall Longest Running Song: 'Long Player'

Picture a musical piece that spans a thousand years, gradually transforming with each passing moment. This is the essence of Jem Finer’s "Long Player."

Designed as an innovative artistic endeavor, "Long Player" is programmed to play non-stop for 1,000 years without repetition. This project not only showcases Finer's ingenuity but also highlights the potential of merging music with advanced technology.

The composition is structured as a slow, evolving progression of sound, with each moment seamlessly building on the previous one. Through intricate algorithms and advanced computer systems, the music subtly shifts over time, creating an ever-changing auditory journey.

This distinctive approach ensures the composition never repeats, offering a unique experience to every listener, whether they engage with it now or in the distant future. It exemplifies how modern technology can expand the horizons of artistic creativity.

7 Popular 'Long Songs' That Aren't Record-Breakers

From legendary artists to iconic bands, some of the longest songs ever recorded have captivated the devoted fans of these musicians.