There will be differing opinions on what is a great track and why it's great. Nothing to do with genre either - great songs come from every genre, even if I don't like some of them.
There are artists who some think are great while others can't understand why that artist stands above others. Let's not have the "eye of the beholder" discussion.
Great tracks and why they are "great" please.
I say a little prayer - Aretha Franklin:
Well written song delivered faultlessly by somebody with a powerful and beautiful voice. Pitch perfect, even the high notes. Covered many times I would hazard but never bettered. An example for others to aim for.
I will always love you - Whitney Houston
Amazing song, written by Dolly Parton who said that she was blown away when she heard Whitney's version - "Yes it's my song but it's her record" - Dolly, huge star in her own right, said that she'd have loved to have been able to deliver the song in the same way. Another beautifully delivered song, again pitch perfect which Whitney was able to do live (YouTube is your friend). Dolly says it fits so many applications - not just for lovers - parent/ child, friends, etc.