The Greatest Songs of All Time: 650-601

#650: Rise Against - Prayer of the Refugee

Rise Against songs have the uncanny ability to bring to the front issues that will swamp the media in the next few years. Their songs are also usually played at breakneck speed with a lot of forceful energy. This one is no exception, with introspective verses being contrasted with shouty hooks and loud riffs to really hammer the message into your brain.

#649: Electric Light Orchestra - Mr. Blue Sky

I love the pacing in this progressive rock record. The composition is actually fairly simplistic, yet the pacing and structure make the whole record feel highly creative. Still not sure what they were smoking when they let a fucking robot have a solo. I suppose like the song itself it's just a bit of cheery fun.

#648: The Kinks - Tired of Waiting for You

The Kinks had a tendency to turn things up with their songs, but here's evidence they were just as talented when everything was slowed down. There's still a great riff present, but the vocals are far more subdued than expected, creating a nice little contrast.

#647: Blondie - Hanging on the Telephone

I doubt the youth of today can relate to the crime of being left hanging on the phone, but you can tell by the angst in the vocals that it's a pretty big deal. Although Blondie made the song their own with their version it was originally released as a power pop record just a few months earlier. Trust me, you want the attitude-heavy Blondie version.

#646: Metallica - Wherever I May Roam

If I could pick any entrance music for myself it would have to be this song. The sitar led intro that gives way to some heavy riffs is just fantastic. It perfectly sets up the snarling vocals that electrify me sitting alone, yet alone the effect they would have on an audience thousands strong.

#645: Stealers Wheel - Stuck in the Middle with You

Now an iconic piece of music thanks to its rather vicious usage in Reservoir Dogs. If you can get the picture of an ear being severed out of your head then you actually come across a catchy little folk-rock number. You start to get charmed by its positive tone until you're once again reminded of that torture scene.

#644: The Zombies - She's Not There

The Zombies were a British rock band from the 60s with their own unique sound. With this song we have high pitched vocals being backed up with the sound of an organ and a neat little bassline. Interestingly this song charted better in America than it did back home, but then no other British exports sounded anything like this.

#643: The Surfaris - Wipe Out

The Surfaris might have a terrible band name, but they know how to write a catchy instrumental. In the 60s this was the sound of the sea. Both the guitar riff and the ferocious drumming have now become iconic, and whilst many people may not remember the band they can certainly remember hearing this legendary piece.

#642: Frankie Goes to Hollywood - Two Tribes

This is what happens when one of the campest bands of the decade decides to create an anti-war protest song. It doesn't quite carry the theme of impending nuclear annihilation, but it is damn catchy. You can't imagine anything like this being released today, but even back in the 80s this was fucking mental.

#641: Sam & Dave - Soul Man

Sam and Dave certainly are soul men. If you don't believe them they will happily shout it in your face with an added accompaniment of some oppressively loud horns. We don't get a lot of insight on what constitutes a 'soul man', but there's no denying that Sam and Dave's impressive vocals are incredibly soulful.

#640: Duran Duran - Rio

What a hedonistic pleasure. You have Duran Duran sailing around some tropical paradise with a bunch of models, singing along to this feel-good anthem. The bass is fantastic, and I just love the intermittent guitar riffs. The hook is just the icing on the cake, making this an instant 80s new wave classic.

#639: The Miracles - Shop Around

Smokey Robinson has such an incredible voice. Here we have a simple and novel early Motown track that's instantly lifted by the dynamism in that man's vocal chords. This delightful little tale was the first Motown record to sell over a million, also holding the distinction of the first to be shipped across the pond as well.

#638: Bon Jovi - Livin' on a Prayer

Best performed at max volume when off your face in a karaoke bar. I don't care if people look at me like I'm an idiot because this song begs you to perform it with all you've got. You've probably heard it more times than any other song, but that's because it has that universal appeal that gets everyone to sing along in unison.

#637: Jim Croce - You Don't Mess Around with Jim

Jim Croce is a man who I doubt has ever intimidated anyone. His lack of on-stage charisma gives this cheery song a playful feeling, never taking itself too seriously. It's incredibly well written and performed with a surprising amount of energy for a chart-topping folk rock song.

#636: Tame Impala - Let It Happen

Tame Impala decided that reviving the genre of psychedelic rock wasn't enough for them, and so instead thought they would give synthpop a bash as well. The change works a treat, giving a modern twist to a genre that had died out decades before. There's a lot going on, most of which I don't have a hope of ever understanding, highlighting the chaotic feel of the whole record.

#635: The Boomtown Rats - Rat Trap

These were the days when Bob Geldof was singing his way through revolutionary songs instead of shouting at all of us to give him our fucking money. Rat Trap is an experimental number and signalled the beginning of a new wave genre that would dominate the charts in the next few years, symbolically dethroning the archaic 'Summer Nights' on the UK charts.
 
#634: Ultravox - Vienna

We go from one founder of Live Aid to the other. Unlike the previous song this new wave classic goes for the darker approach to the genre. Many new wave hits are full of experimental sounds, but Vienna likes to tell the story with a minimalistic approach. It works, and the contrast between the verses and the chorus is phenomenal. It was criminal this never made it to the top of the charts, even despite the fact it was the fifth best selling single of the whole year.

#633: Michael Jackson - You Are Not Alone

What do you get when you cross a song written by a rapist with the voice of a paedophile? Actually a very touching song it turns out. It's clear that R. Kelly's voice is the one being conveyed in the lyrics, but Michael manages to tone down his huge personality and deliver a sincere vocal performance. This is about as emotionally fulfilling as a ballad can possibly get.

#632: Stevie Wonder - Part-Time Lover

Stevie Wonder always knows has to combine pop and soul to produce a smash hit. Part-Time Lover is a fun and catchy pop track really made for dancing rather than hearing about the scandalous relationship of two lovers. Only Stevie Wonder can make being unfaithful sound like the best decision you could ever make.

#631: Bob Marley and the Wailers - Three Little Birds

Wow, I wish I had the same cheerful outlook on life as Bob Marley. Maybe the cheerfulness comes from the mountain of marijuana the man smoked everyday. In any case, I don't really care where the positive vibes came from as this is a delightful little reggae track. The song is about as simple as reggae gets, but that in no way diminishes the strong message.

#630: Alice Cooper - No More Mr. Nice Guy

When you release a record with the B side 'Raped and Freezin' I don't think you're in a position to claim you were once a nice guy. This song was released at the height of Alice's glam rock phase, so it's not too dark and gory, but has all the elements of a great hard rock track. The opening riff in particular is great, with that heavy guitar sound reverberating throughout the track.

#629: Jimmy Eat World - The Middle

For once an indie rock track with the message that everything will be okay instead of wallowing in self-pity. The upbeat track culminates in a really catchy chorus filled with vibrant energy. It may well be a product of its time, but there's no harm in indulging yourself over a classic of the genre.

#628: The Searchers - When You Walk in the Room

Originally released by Jackie DeShannon this track was given a new lease of life when four lads from Liverpool decided to cover the record to quick commercial success. The opening riff is what makes this song for me. It's a classic Merseybeat guitar line, carrying the track when the lyrics get a bit weak in places.

#627: ZZ Top - Gimme All Your Lovin'

I don't know what relationships ZZ Top have been in, but I would have assumed that being given all someone's love would include hugs and kisses by default. It is an infectious chorus however, so I'll let these bearded rockers off. The shocking thing about this track is the inclusion of synthesisers from a group who look like they haven't discovered electricity. The synths only add to the song, bringing this band into the modern age of rock.

#626: Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the Heart

Who would have guessed that one of the best 80s pop records would have come from the mouth of a Welsh lady who sounds like she's just eaten gravel? Not only is this song brilliant to scream out when drunk, but it's also a good song full stop. The pacing is incredibly good for a pop-rock song, and the whole composition is so overwhelmingly garish that it becomes impossible to ignore.

#625: Jerry Lee Lewis - Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On

Usually the only shaking going on in Mr Lewis' life is between him and his thirteen-year-old cousin. If there was ever a song to demonstrate what rock and roll was all about it would be this one. Jerry Lee Lewis goes crazy on the piano, with some added sexual tension that would have put the Bible Belt of America into a coma.

#624: The Righteous Brothers - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'

Another historic song that seems to be allergic to the letter 'g'. The Righteous Brothers give one hell of a performance in this dark ballad with their incredible voices. The background noise is purposely kept to a minimum during the verses to show off the talent, only to then be accompanied by a full orchestra during the chorus. An amazing composition and an amazingly written song.

#623: Blondie - One Way or Another

What does Debbie Harry do when she gets dirty and disturbing fanmail? No, she doesn't phone the police, and instead is inspired to write this song. The vocals are just as aggressive as you would imagine, but it's the guitar riff that really steals the show.

#622: Van Morrison - Into the Mystic

A really beautiful acoustic number from a man with an equally beautiful voice. The lyrics are purposely kept as mysterious as the theme of the whole track, with the piece benefiting greatly from a minimalistic approach.

#621: Bob Dylan - Hurricane

Bob Dylan's storytelling is usually off the charts, so it's a pleasant surprise when he uses these songwriting talents to tell the story of a real travesty. The wrongful conviction of Rubin Carter has been the subject of many protest pieces, with each one failing to captivate the audience in the same way Dylan manages here. That even includes the feature-length film of the same name that came out twenty years later.

#620: Pixies - Monkey Gone to Heaven

An interesting and ridiculous take on spirituality and environmentalism by a band who were probably injecting themselves with heroin when writing the lyrics. The song itself is a really good mixture of loud noises, accompanied by an incredible bassline and the odd interjection from a rogue cello.

#619: Stevie Wonder - Living for the City

What an incredible way to tackle systemic racism in a nation. Stevie Wonder could have just whinged about it, but instead decided a seven-minute epic justified his frustrations. I love the interlocking guitar and synth, but it's the lyrical content where this lengthy track really shines.

#618: Supergrass - Alright

Alright is a song that's great to join in with even if you don't know any of the actual words. In all honesty it doesn't matter because the published lyrics make no sense, and it's the inherent sense of fun that attracts you to the song. Alright became a teen anthem in the UK, which is a far cry from the depressing worlds indie rock bands love to live in today.

#617: Etta James - At Last

You have to feel for Etta James. Most artists don't have their most famous and treasured piece ruined by the evil combination of Celine Dion and Beyonce. James has one of the greatest soul voices in existence, beautifully adding to the already stellar Glen Miller arrangement.

#616: James Brown - Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine

Very few individuals have the sexual chemistry to pull this one off. James Brown in certainly one of those people that can make ovaries burst across the nation just by singing a few short lines, even managing to get past the censor hungry media in the early 70s. He's backed up with a funky little bassline and the equally impressive Bobby Bird, who only adds to the song with his vocal responses.

#615: Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band - Night Moves

You may feel 60 years old singing along to this one, but it is unapologetically a good song. Night Moves relies on the nostalgic feel of youth to work, reminding listeners of cool summer evenings with an everpresent piano and the sweet serenade of backing singers. Bob sounds great as well, telling a personal story that will resonate inside many.

#614: Deep Purple - Child in Time

Prog rock mastery from the south of England. Deep Purple decide to perform this lengthy number with grace and dignity, creating a song that only evolves when heard live. Many would consider this one of the finest rock songs ever recorded.

#613: Bryan Adams - Run to You

Here we see a sexually confused Bryan Adams declaring his intentions to sleep around in the most dramatic way possible. The guitar-heavy sound and Bryan's vocals compliment each other really well. The chorus is memorable, being repeated over and over again until you feel the need to join in. A real standout pop-rock number from a man who has made a career off of them.

#612: Elvis Presley - In the Ghetto

Elvis wasn't just some lucky karaoke singer and did actually take the time to sing about important issues that mattered. His serious tone is just right for the serious subject matter, echoing the sentiments of an increasingly divided nation.

#611: Green Day - Boulevard of Broken Dreams

A simple pop-rock single on the surface with a certain charm hidden underneath. The slow pace certainly isn't dull, and I really enjoy the distorted effects given to the guitars. It's almost an American interpretation of Britpop, and it sort of works, even if the Yanks did get there ten years too late.

#610: Al Green - Take Me to the River

Now famous for the cover version by Talking Heads and an appearance in The Sopranos. Al Green's version may not be the most popular, but it is the far superior song. The track is both groovy and soulful, taking the form of a gospel song with strong themes of baptism and soul cleansing. Al Green would go on to become an ordained minister, and I would love to be part of his congregation if he adds this track to the hymn list.

#609: Them - Gloria

Them may be a tediously boring band name, but their music was anything but. Van Morrison embraces the natural ferocity of his voice, showing just how malleable that mouth is. Gloria is a glorious rock track with a strong blues-based influence that would give it a legendary status in the garage rock genre. The song is actually named after Morrison's thirteen year old cousin, which makes the blatant sexual themes of the song a bit fucked up.

#608: Big Joe Turner - Shake, Rattle and Roll

A standard setting track for rock and roll. It's one of those tracks that always belongs in any 1950s style jukebox. For the 50s this is sexually risque and full of positive energy. Bill Haley would also have success with the track, but that's not on the same level as this immortalised version.

#607: Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama

This one needs no introduction. I'm sure there are hermits on remote peaks in the Himalayas who know all the words to Sweet Home Alabama. Many miss the fact that this is a giant middle finger to fellow rocker Neil Young who dared to criticise Southern America. Just a quick listen will make you proud to be from the state of Alabama, even if you've never stepped foot there. 

#606: Red Hot Chili Peppers - Under the Bridge

An introspective number from a band that relied on exerting charisma to sell records. The strong themes of loneliness and drug abuse are the foundation of the song, but there's a fulfilling sense of optimism found during the hooks. 'Under the Bridge' would become one of the most popular rock songs of the 1990s, and is still being given regular airtime to this day.

#605: Dr. Hook - When You're in Love with a Beautiful Woman

I love the opening line. I'm not sure I want to know what's hard when you're loving a beautiful woman, but you've just created one hell of a hook as your name would suggest. The song became a number one hit in the UK, and has since become a staple of any 70s pop playlist.

#604: Otis Redding - (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay

One of the most mellow and peaceful tracks in existence. The reality of the lyrics paints a different picture, focusing on heartbreak and emptiness in contrast to what the composition would have you believe. Emotionally this is one of the deepest songs ever recorded and also one of the most tragic, considering Redding would die just three days after recording this track.

#603: Elton John - Rocket Man

A classic Elton piano ballad. Rocket Man feels like an epic journey, but in reality the song is just a talented man and his trusty piano. The themes of space give this ballad a lonely and atmospheric feel, only broken by Elton's powerful voice. The song now makes the news as a Donald Trump insult, which unfortunately often takes away the inherent beauty of this piece.

#602: Snoop Doggy Dogg - Gin and Juice

Gin and juice is a nice combination. It's almost a better combination than this beat and Snoop's laid back lines. 'Gin and Juice' is almost a snapshot of West Coast America during the 1990s, fittingly narrated by Snoop lavishly bragging about the quality of life and his care free persona. Everyone seems to be having a great time, and that attitude translates nicely into the ears of the listener.

#601: David Bowie - Changes

Here we see the first time that Bowie properly delved into his unique world of art pop. Changes is a triumph in pacing, combining subdued pianos and vocals right up until the hook is spluttered out by Bowie. Even today the composition sounds alternative and unique, yet there's enough pop influence to maintain its popularity. Change would certainly play a huge role in Bowie's career, perfectly summed up with this fitting track.