The Greatest Songs of All Time: 600-551

#600: The Beatles - Come Together

Come Together is The Beatles at their most extraordinary. The lyrics make zero sense and appear to have been written by an eight-year-old, the guitars seem to be from about forty years in the future, and the animated video is as mental as the song. The bassline is just unbelievably good, and whilst the band may have been splitting at this point there is a surprising sense of harmony about the whole production.

#599: Patsy Cline - Crazy

Country music is almost always about depressing realism, and here we have the perfect example of how this theme can be successfully conveyed by an amazing voice. The Willie Nelson written song has become a country music staple, yet none owned it quite like Patsy.

#598: Van Halen - Panama

The best thing to be named after Panama, except maybe some hats and the odd canal. The song actually has nothing to do with the country, and actually refers to a car. Panama is an excellent hard rock track with one of the best shouty choruses around. The lyrics are infectious, the band give off a great rock and roll image, and thankfully it's the aggressive guitars at the fore. All great Van Halen tracks have a focus on exemplary guitar work, and Panama is no exception.

#597: Eagles - New Kid in Town

A cult favourite for country rock fans. Vocalist Glenn Frey carries a solid ballad with the usual lyricisms and dulcet tones of classic Eagles records. The track deals with strong themes of ageing, and so it's perhaps ironic that the quality of music released by the Eagles after this track went steadily downhill.

#596: Elvis Costello - Oliver's Army

A cheery anti-war track that manages to make the idea of young men being sent to war an incredibly catchy singalong. That's majorly impressive in a pop track. The catchy nature is annoying, as the lyrics are unbelievably brutal for a pop track, not even hesitating to throw in the odd racial slur.

#595: Little Richard - Tutti Frutti

A revolutionary rock and roll track with some added homosexual flair. Little Richard goes berserk on the mic, shouting in tongues about some girl he claims he wants to bang. Even today the song still sounds fresh, due in part to the fact this record laid the foundations for the fast pace and loud sounds of modern rock music.

#594: The Everly Brothers - Cathy's Clown

The catchiest of the Everly Brothers legendary harmonies. In this instance it is the lyrics that supersede the vocal harmonies, presenting an emotionally intriguing tale about cuckoldry and sexual frustrations.

#593: Green Day - When I Come Around

An anthem for adolescence and teenage rebelliousness. The angst-filled vocals are complementary to the slow but grungy guitar sound that never feels like it strays over the limit. The song was a huge hit for Green Day, cementing their place as one of the world's leading punk bands of the age.

#592: T. Rex - Metal Guru

Metal Guru is the perfect mix of heavy glam rock riffing and Mark Bolan's iconic voice. It's a song to be blared out of speakers at full volume, giving you every single decibel of the wide range of instruments that come together in this piece.

#591: Beastie Boys - (You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party!)

The hit that propelled the Beastie Boys into the mainstream. This record is the best example of when a great beat is partnered with a powerful riff. The result is an angst-filled party anthem with large flavourings of intelligent satire. Surely every person has wanted to shout along to this one at some point in their life.

#590: Peter Gabriel - Solsbury Hill

Peter Gabriel pulls out a hell of a pop song with a unique folk influence. The song is both serene and beautiful in equal parts, topped off with some solid structuring. This is how to announce yourself as a serious talent after splitting up with your old band. However, I will call the man full of shit. Peter claims he saw an eagle on Solsbury Hill, which is strange, as there are a total number of zero eagles anywhere near the said hill.

#589: Boston - More Than a Feeling

A great example of pacing creating an epic hard rock anthem. You could easily refer to this as the original stadium rocker, made for blaring out and feeding off the energy of thousands. 'More Than a Feeling' is still commonly played on rock radio today, demonstrating the love that many still have for this breakthrough hit.

#588: The Beatles - Let It Be

The album 'Let It Be' was largely a steaming pile of shit, and should never really have been made in the first place. The titular track is however a diamond in the rough, and is arguably The Beatles at their most emotionally sincere. 'Let It Be' is the appropriate sendoff from possibly the most important band in existence.

#587: Giorgio Moroder and Philip Oakey - Together in Electric Dreams

One of the finest synthpop tracks of the 80s. The song is a product of its time, containing just the right balance of 80s cheese and infectious hooks. The song was far more successful than the film 'Electric Dreams', which it was originally written for, and can still be heard in radio circulation to this very day.

#586: John Lennon - Jealous Guy

Essentially John Lennon's way of apologising for being a massive dick. It's a song dedicated to McCartney, further fueling their intense bromance that had slowed down after the split of The Beatles. Ironically it's better than most McCartney written ballads, showing both the talent of Lennon along with his more sensitive side.

#585: The Wailers - Get Up, Stand Up

A catchy reggae number with an important message that far outweighs its inherent sense of cheerfulness. The idea of standing up for your rights is hammered home by Marley in just about every single line, with this theme evidently being a significant part of his life.

#584: The Beatles - I Want to Tell You

An overlooked number on the 'Revolver' album that in my opinion provides a key contribution in making this album an all-time great. The song is a Harrison written LSD trip, combining an almost hypnotic guitar sound with that of a stuttering piano. It's one of my favourite lyrical explorations of drug use, and one of the more unique tracks on a groundbreaking album.

#583: Boney M. - Daddy Cool

Germans are fucking mental. I find it hard to believe that the nation of Beethoven and Bach is also home to this erratic lot. I love how the group take all the funk of quality disco music and add their own lighthearted twist to the mix. It's bonkers, it's silly, but I'll be damned if it isn't one of the catchiest songs in existence.

#582: Phil Collins - In the Air Tonight

This is how you pace a rock song. All this atmospheric tension keeps building and building until finally being released with one epic drum break. Phil Collins was originally a drummer by trade, so he knows his way around a kit, and as such ends up creating one of the best drum tracks ever. That's right, Phil Collins can produce bona fide rock music.

#581: Dionne Warwick - Walk On By

Warwick's signature tune has become a legendary soul track over the years. Sure, her voice is marvellous, but it's all about that little brass section. Like the vocals this section shows poise and restraint, never become showy. The song has since been covered by numerous artists, with none coming close to the stunning original.

#580: N.W.A - Fuck tha Police

Unsurprisingly a song that so graphically described the feeling of many minorities towards American police became just a little controversial. Both the lyrics and the beat are in your face the whole time, giving you a great insight into what this rap group think about local law enforcement. Even today you can still hear this phrase shouted by pissed off protestors when the Old Bill gets a little too personal.

#579: George Harrison - Got My Mind Set on You

George's career may have been on the ropes at the time, but here he is proving he can still write a pop hit. The composition is very simple, with a few vague phrases meaninglessly thrown in between the monster hook. Who cares if it's not written with the same sophistication that went into his Beatles work? Well, a lot of people actually. I am not one of those people, and always gravitate towards songs as infectious as this one.

#578: Blur - Parklife

Mostly heard being shouted out in its natural habitat of the British pub. In between the spoken words of cockney Phil Daniels you get a signature hook that's hard not to join in. At the end of the day it's just a lot of fun.

#577: Al Green - Love and Happiness

A soul classic with a lot of style. There's a direct contrast between Al Green's soulful tune and the funk laid down by the organ, horn section, and guitar. This contrast helps create one of the most distinctive soul records ever released.

#576: Queen - Somebody to Love

When Queen went over the top the results were often mixed. This is a prime example of when their exaggerated vocals and complex melodies worked a treat. This is arguably Freddie Mercury's finest vocal performance, managing to find the range of a whole choir with his voice alone.

#575: Bo Diddley - Bo Diddley

You may think naming a song after yourself is lacking in imagination and full of arrogance, but I've decided you're allowed to do that when you singlehandedly change the face of rock and roll. When you create a beat that has influenced some of the greatest rock tracks of all time who gives a shit what you call your song. Bo Diddley is a fairly standard rock and roll song in structure, but the beat is just so damn good.

#574: Donna Summer - I Feel Love

This was light years ahead of its time in 1977. Every single electronic dance song you can name has this track to thank for bringing these club inspired noises into the mainstream, and yes that includes the majority of 80s pop. The synthesisers are like something from another planet. You don't know whether to dance along to the track or just sit there in awe.

#573: Queen - The Show Must Go On

Just a quick note that the show can go on a lot longer if you don't fuck men without protection. 'The Show Must Go On' is Mercury's swansong. He was so ill at the time it's beyond belief that he was able to pull off this now iconic vocal performance. It's a defiant anthem of resistance, and also one ruined by the parasite that is Celine Dion. Fuck her, this is a deeply personal song and should be preserved as a moment of history.

#572: Yes - Roundabout

Familiar to meme connoisseurs. Roundabout is widely considered one of the greatest things to ever come out of prog rock. You want the longer album version instead of the heavily edited single which misses key areas of the song. Interestingly the single was only a hit in America, who were supposedly being introduced to the idea of a roundabout for the first time.

#571: Willie Nelson - On the Road Again

From a British travelling song to an American one. This track was released with the movie 'Honeysuckle Rose', which is just as bad as it sounds. The easily relatable lyrics and catchy nature of the song made this a huge commercial success, and the track has since become a favourite for many media outlets.

#570: Ray Charles - Georgia on My Mind

Ray Charles beautifully covers a traditional 1930s song, giving it a fresh soul flavour whilst not trashing the style of the original record. The combination of the strings and piano give this one a timeless feel. 'Georgia on My Mind' has since become the state anthem, which is a rare feat that few pop songs could ever boast about.

#569: Shocking Blue - Venus

Famously covered by Bananarama to huge commercial success. Not only is the original a far better song, but it's also part of the Nederbeat genre, which sounds sexy. The Dutch know their way around a guitar, so imagine my shock when it's the organ that provides the backbone of this one. It's classic 60s psychedelia with an added dose of Dutch coolness.

#568: The Rolling Stones - Wild Horses

The Rolling Stones weren't always about excessive rock and roll tracks, with this song proving they could always turn the volume down for deep introspective numbers. Mick Jagger's vocals are incredible, perfectly complimenting the acoustic feel of the ballad. I'm sure this touching track could start a romance between any couple, except maybe Marianne Faithfull, who left Mick Jagger shortly after this song was released.

#567: Four Tops - I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)

I haven't got a clue what 'sugar pie' or 'honey bunch' have to do with anything, but that line certainly adds some vibrancy to an already energetic song. Levi Stubbs on vocals is both soulful and charismatic, helping the track become one of the best-loved Motown classics.

#566: David Bowie - Suffragette City

A glam rock classic with a surprising amount of intensity. The riffs in particular carry the song, adding greater ferocity to the attitude-filled lyrics of Bowie. There's a lot happening, with the song mixing different genres for that unusual sound that nobody other than Bowie could conjure up.

#565: Sly and the Family Stone - Hot Fun in the Summertime

Sly Stone songs either seem to exist in a world full of political strife or one where everything is perfect and flowery. This single is part of the latter world, creating a dreamy and fun atmosphere that does a great job at describing a warm summers day. The lyrics and vocals are as lax as the overall theme, making this the right song to chill out to on those hot days.

#564: The Beatles - No Reply

A really strong mix of impressive vocal harmonies and even better pacing. No Reply knows when to ramp up the volume and deliver some brilliant hooks. For once The Beatles weren't some doe-eyed young lads and actually presented themselves as jealous lovers pouring out their frustrations. No Reply will never be placed on the pedestal of great Beatles tracks, but deserves tremendous credit in any case.

#563: Alice Cooper - School's Out

An anthem for students everywhere. There is no better song for summing up that sense of relief and impending freedom after the bell rings for the last time in that academic year. Back in 1973 Alice Cooper looked and sounded like a proper rock star, feeding rebellious thoughts into the minds of innocent children in the most sinister way possible. Oh, the guitar riff is also fucking great.

#562: Madness - It Must Be Love

A unique mix of ska and new wave. The genres never seem to meet in the middle, and the result feels like a very complex pop record. There's a lot of charm found within the lyrics of this song, backed up with the upbeat array of instruments used on the track. I wasn't aware that this is actually a cover, but listening to the little-known original you wouldn't know, as the two songs sound nothing alike.

#561: Crowded House - Weather with You

I'm not sure I'd like to be known as the person who takes the rainy and miserable weather of Britain with them, so I assume the track is about the bands native New Zealand. It's the brilliant and cheery hook that makes this such a good song, especially after the laid back vibes found throughout the verses. It's the best chorus to ever come out of New Zealand, and in my opinion should become the national anthem.

#560: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Breakdown

Tom Petty plays the role of arrogant cock rocker like a treat, providing a small taster for where the band would be headed. Breakdown has a really nice build that ends with some neat little riffs. I like how the guitar is the focal point of the song, showcasing simple but quality guitar work.

#559: The Cure - Boys Don't Cry

Jesus, that riff is just so good. Boys Don't Cry has become one of my favourite alternative new wave tracks thanks to both that riff and the talent of frontman Robert Smith. A great break up song that just wants to be turned up to max volume.
 
#558: Rise Against - Re-Education (Through Labor)

When I was about twelve this song made me feel like I was Che Guevara. I thought the edgy and thought-provoking lyrics in this would start a revolution of the mind. They didn't, but it's still a brutally aggressive modern punk track filled with anger and heavy subjects. The epic chorus has enough power to radicalise anyone, and even if the song doesn't float your boat you can still argue about the meaning of the lyrics for days upon end.

#557: Black Sabbath - Children of the Grave

From one deeply political song to another. 'Children of the Grave' is such a heavy metal anthem. Black Sabbath are not a band to fuck about, blatantly criticising the Vietnam War to the tune of heavy riffs and some damn impressive drumming. The track is one that would inspire many heavy metal bands around the world with its unmatched ferocity that would have instantly shocked any listeners in the early 70s.

#556: The Modern Lovers - Roadrunner

The riff is now instantly recognisable, but this song should really be known for its revolutionary influence on punk music. Roadrunner takes a more lackadaisical approach to the genre, instead relying on the guitar and drum combo to carry the song. There's no unnecessary aggression, instead indulging itself in themes of freedom with its carefree attitude.
 
#555: Happy Mondays - Step On

If any song could sum up Manchester it would be this one, and I'm not just saying that because they stole the song off of someone else. From Shaun Ryder's opening remarks to the pointless and hilarious dancing of Bez there's no denying that it was probably mountains of drugs that should take the credit for this one. It's mental, it's good-humoured, but most importantly it's so damn infectious.

#554: Jay-Z - 99 Problems

I really pity Jay-Z with all these problems. If only he had the luxury of being able to relay these issues on one of the most beautiful women on the planet or stacks of wealth. To be fair to the man he drops one of the most memorable rap tracks of the last decade whilst simultaneously mouthing off critics, so I'll be nice. Maybe listen to the uncensored version if you don't want Jay-Z to sound like he has a speech impediment.

#553: Megadeth - Symphony of Destruction

If any band could adequately describe the idea of destruction it would certainly be Megadeth. In a list heavy with protest songs this has to be one of the most impactful, not needlessly thrashing around guitar riffs and instead letting the energy build before releasing it in a powerful tirade.

#552: Janis Joplin - Me and Bobby McGee

The late Janis Joplin's most famous hit recorded just days before her passing, even if it wasn't originally her song. You wouldn't know it wasn't tailor-made for her considering how fitting her vocals seem to be for the style of song. It starts out fairly tame, but slowly builds and builds into a dramatic blues-based ballad.

#551: Ozzy Osbourne - Over the Mountain

Ozzy Osbourne at his most intense. 'Over the Mountain' is a tour de force of frantic guitar riffs, vocals that shatter your eardrums, and fast-paced drumming. Guitarist Randy Rhoads puts in a big shift, daring to try and overtake the presence of Ozzy.