The Greatest Songs of All Time: 950-901

#950: Boston - Amanda

A touching power ballad from one of the original masters of soft rock. Almost vomit inducingly sweet this was the band's only number one hit in the US and signaled a return to the limelight after a seven-year absence. Obviously nobody told Boston this sort of stuff was hideously out of date even by that point. I Guess nostalgia is all part of the charm.

#949: Steve Miller Band - Abracadabra

One that really grows on you the more you play it. This is a real earworm and shouldn't work as well as it does. Usually I would be angry that Steve Miller rhymed 'abracadabra' with 'grab ya', but somehow I just can't hate anything about this song.

#948: R. Kelly - Ignition (Remix)

I remember this annihilating the charts back in the day. What a party anthem this still is today. Everything from the beat to the lyrics is about having a fucking great time. I've never actually heard the original version, but I'm willing to bet decent money it's nowhere near as fun as the remix.

#947: Edison Lighthouse - Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)

Anyone remember Edison Lighthouse? No, didn't think so, but in their brief lifetime they did come up with this banger. Edison Lighthouse were actually a group of session musicians, and so the success of this song came out of nowhere. What we have here is a feel-good tune that will make you miss innocent 70s rock.

#946: Free - All Right Now

A plodding showcase for one powerful riff. You may have to be well into your senior years to properly enjoy this one, but there's no denying this classic has left its mark on the world of classic rock.

#945: Johnny Tillotson - Poetry in Motion

A cheesy number one hit from a dough-eyed teenager of yesteryear. Almost impossible to dislike, this is a hit that reeks of 60s cheese. Tillotson may not have written the song but he gives one hell of a vocal performance. It's songs like these why people miss the music of the 1960s.

#944: Joe Espocito - You're the Best

Written by the same man who did the Rocky soundtrack this song has the motivational power to cure any form of depression no matter how serious. I'm a lazy shit, yet one listen to this and I'm inspired to do anything. Whether you're fighting in a karate tournament or just brawling in the bar this is the song to make you feel like a hero.

#943: Midnight Oil - Beds Are Burning

This is how Australians do protest songs. It's hardly punk, but it's a damn catchy tune. I hardly think the aim of this song is to get stuck in your head, rather make you think, but I prefer to belt out the chorus without giving a single fuck about how the Australian government treats native Aborigines.

#942: Ozzy Osbourne - Suicide Solution

A song so poignant it was actually blamed for real-life suicides. Suicide Solution is a perfect illustration of the beast Ozzy Osbourne became when he was on stage. Tucked away inside the brilliant Blizzard of Oz album this song is a must listen to any self-professed metal lovers.

#941: The Carpenters - We've Only Just Begun

The Carpenters were never ones to force vibrancy into their work, and here we have a perfect example of how minimalistic songs can just work a treat. Karen Carpenter's voice is beautiful in this one and you would be hard pressed to find a female voice that beats hers. The only thing that could beat her was a full plate of food.

#940: Herman's Hermits - I'm Into Something Good

A tame and charming pop song from the mid-60s that's become a British classic. Released at the height of the British Invasion this song did not take America by storm and is arguably more well known for its inclusion in The Naked Gun.

#939: Eurythmics - Here Comes the Rain Again

Annie Lennox makes this song with a great vocal performance. The song itself is a timepiece of the 80s, but Lennox's voice sounds fucking brilliant whatever year you listen in.

#938: Kanye West - Jesus Walks

Kanye West sure is an enigma. Here is possibly his most politically charged song, a huge middle finger at the establishment, which is such a breath of fresh air in the often stale rap genre. He may be a massive cretin, but when you hear pieces like this you can't deny the man has some serious talent.

#937: Cornershop - Brimful of Asha

A nostalgic 90s hit that everyone seems to know yet not many know the name of. It's always guaranteed the lift the mood at any event. The Fatboy Slim remix is the best known version, and if anything puts even more life into an already lively song.

#936: Paul Simon - Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard

A charming little track that tells an adorable tale of some meaningless event at a school. I just love the simplicity of the fun guitar track with only Simon's voice over the top. It's a really unique pop track that just seems so forward thinking for the early 70s.

#935: Danny & The Juniors - At the Hop

Possibly the most iconic song of the 1950s. A piece of its time and a track that will conjure up images of a youthful America in the 50s. It's one of the all-time great rock and roll records that had American's dancing for years to come.

#934: Heart - Alone

This power ballad goes from zero to a hundred real fucking quick. The chorus is a lesson in how to elevate an 80s ballad to the next level with possibly the most overdone transition in music history. Today the dated visuals may look ridiculous, and they are, but it still brings a smile to my face after every listen.

#933: U2 - Beautiful Day

An energetic rock number for a band who often opt for blandness. They may look like an old people's home trying to rock and roll but Bono proves here he still has that certain something. Compare this to more recent U2 songs and you will see why this is probably their last good song.

#932: Cliff Richard & The Shadows - The Young Ones

The Young Ones was the standout moment from the mediocre British film of the same name. Not only does your dad think this is a great song but it also made Cliff Richard the heartthrob of an entire nation. Too bad he usually goes for young children. Allegedly.

#931: Eminem - The Real Slim Shady

This Eminem release is a strange mix of humorous references and serious lines. It may well resonate with people growing up in the early 21st century better, but for me this is one of the best critic rebuttals I've ever heard. A lot of people don't get that. We did in Britain, and it became the 14th best selling single of the year.

#930: The Pretenders - Brass in Pocket

A song that showcases the talent of vocalist Chrissie Hynde. It was the first big hit The Pretenders ever saw and they never quite topped this innuendo-filled classic.

#929: Muse - Knights of Cydonia

Muse's magnum opus. It's a really bizarre track with such a unique charm about it. The guitar work in particular is absolutely sensational, which is a good thing as ripping off Ennio Morricone isn't okay in my book.

#928: Sonny & Cher - I Got You Babe

A sweet and innocent romantic song before Cher jetted off to be some sort of plastic monster. These two are such an unlikely duo, but they have this special sort of chemistry even if they do look like something out of a low budget fantasy drama. This is pure and simple romance at its best.

#927: Spencer Davis Group - I'm a Man

A great advert for rowdy British classic rock. The composition is all over the place, fusing blues with a signature 60s rock beat. The song was later covered by Chicago, which was nowhere near as good, and completely failed to understand why the original was so good.

#926: The Seekers - The Carnival Is Over

About as innocently British as a song could ever be, which is funny as it's actually based on a Russian folk song. The Seekers bring a sense of refinement to 60s chart music with not only received pronunciation but the tune of a Victorian garden party. Funnily enough this classy track didn't catch on over in he colonies despite the fact the band themselves are Australian.

#925: The Beatles - It Won't Be Long

The opening track of 'With the Beatles' is probably their most repetitive track and also one of their most infectious. It has that signature early Beatles sound with overpowering vocal hooks left, right, and centre.

#924: Labelle - Lady Marmalade

Now a go-to track for sexing any situation up this 70s classic is actually a cracking soul track. The vocals are really good, and this charismatic performance has become iconic as a result. Either that or it's because of the sexually suggestive line in French.

#923: Ace of Base - All That She Wants

One of the most popular songs of the 90s. It's a rather typical Europop inspired beat with a reggae twist and a catchy hook to boot. Many will prefer their similar single 'The Sign', but for me this cheesy European hit is far better fun.

#922: Gerry & The Pacemakers - How Do You Do It?

Originally turned down by The Beatles this classic Merseybeat tune found fame and fortune with another outfit from Liverpool. The catchy hook was enough for the song to storm the charts with Gerry becoming a Liverpool legend in the process.

#921: Bryan Adams - Summer of '69

A song that really does make you miss your younger years. It's hardly the most sophisticated rock track of all time but it does have a certain something that makes you love it. It's probably because it never fails to put a huge grin on my face.

#920: The Crystals - Da Doo Ron Ron

A high energy 60s classic. It's got a great hook and some even better vocals. I don't have a clue what it's about, or if it even makes sense, but who honestly cares? It's such a pleasing song to hear, and that's all that matters.

#919: The Streets - Dry Your Eyes

A stereotypically British song that brings depressing realism to the forefront. There's almost something inspiring in this hard-hitting song. Maybe it's the brutal honesty in the lyrics, or maybe it's the sense of overpowering emptiness.

#918: Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Relax

A great example of controversy equaling cash. In Britain the song is more famous for Radio 1 refusing to play it, but as we Brits don't like being told what to do we all went out and bought it. Relax is actually a really catchy and sexually charged pop powerhouse that was destined for success whether there was a controversy or not.

#917: The Knack - My Sharona

One of the best selling rock records in history. Everyone must have surely heard this being played on numerous occasions. That beat alone has been wormed into the head of many a person, and to this day it still refuses to get out of mine.

#916: Manfred Mann - Do Wah Diddy Diddy

Another hit that will never leave your head. It's a silly song really, and about as basic as pop-rock can get, but still has that charm about it. There's no overproduction, just a simple beat and simpler lyrics that work so well together.

#915: Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)

I will happily dance with anyone who plays this at a party. It's such good fun and so unmistakably 80s. The tune is always in your face, almost demanding you to dance. How could you turn down an offer to enjoy yourself over this classic?

#914: George Michael - Freedom! '90

This is not the Wham! song of the same name, but rather this later more restrained release. Restrained probably isn't the right word to use as George uses his iconic voice to essentially come out of the closet. What a funky way to come out as gay.

#913: The Hollies - Bus Stop

A sweet and innocent tale of a Northern lad falling in love with a girl at a bus stop. The beat is great, the vocals are excellent, and the melody pieces it all together. Simply pop rock at its best.

#912: Marillion - Kayleigh

Arguably one of the worst possible names to write a song about, but thankfully the Kayleigh in this song doesn't belong on a council estate. Kayleigh is respectful and meaningful, packing one hell of a punch during the chorus.

#911: Wham! - Wake Me Up Before You Go Go

Oppressively cheesy, yet so damn fun. The song is a catchy tune amplified with George Michael's totally heterosexual charisma. A 'Marmite' hit that you either love or hate, but one that will happily lodge itself inside your brain and refuse to move.

#910: The Yardbirds - For Your Love

Classic pop rock with a vague hint of psychedelia. One of the more popular tracks of the 1960s this is a track that will put a smile on the face of just about anybody. Well, everyone apart from Eric Clapton who left the group after disapproving of this release. P.S. I love the harpsichord.

#909: The Four Seasons - Sherry

A simple record screeched into the ears of millions by the iconic falsetto of The Four Seasons. Sherry happened to be their first major success and would keep them going until The Beatles made them sound like helium swallowing bellends.

#908: Marilyn Manson - The Beautiful People

'Unique' and 'shocking' are two words that instantly come to mind when reviewing this one. I have no idea if even Manson himself knows what the fuck is going on. He's certainly a frustrated gentleman, and that frustration actually translates into a damn good song, even if it is utterly terrifying.

#907: The Fugees - Ready or Not

A fusion flavoured R&B hit that shouldn't really work. Lauren Hill's vocals are gritty one moment and then smooth the next, and there's an intriguing dark atmosphere created by the melody.

#906: The Jam - The Eton Rifles

Nobody does class commentary like the British. Here we have a rather blatant attack on the aristocracy backed up with a great bass line and some aggressive vocals to hammer the point home.

#905: Kasabian - Club Foot

A riff that greeted players in just about every single PS2 game ever released. It's an aggressive song that will get you pumped up for just about anything. The distorted bass riff is undoubtedly the focal point, having no trouble repeatedly pummeling your ears as pleasantly as possible.

#904: REM - It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)

You can't accuse REM of being boring with this fast-paced and lively track. A very relatable song in this day and age and one that treats death and suffering with an attitude of calm understanding and maturity. You could even call the infectious hook upbeat.

#903: Michael Jackson - Man in the Mirror

One of Jackson's most personal songs is a startling and introspective look at the modern world. Jackson's iconic voice and a minimalistic melody are the only ingredients needed to immortalise this vivid plea.

#902: The Talking Heads - Psycho Killer

By far the most popular release from the group was also their first. Upon release this was a hugely influential new wave hit with a now iconic plodding bass line.

#901: Blur - Girls & Boys

A peculiar Britpop number that's quite hard to describe. There's a lot going on here for such a plain song. The only thing you can really conclude is that the 90s was the only decade this could ever have been released. You get the sense the band are just mucking around, with this sarcastic single acting as one big middle finger.