The Greatest Songs of All Time: 800-751

#800: Blur - Country House

The single that defeated Oasis in the battle of Britpop. It's not one of Blur's more serious numbers, and only really serves as an insult to their biggest Britpop rivals, but there's no doubt this is an attractive pop influenced track that sold big back in the 90s.

#799: The Police - Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic

A pleasant track that fits into both the 80s vibe and the signature sound of The Police. The chorus is both catchy and lyrically pleasant even if the song presents the view of a stalker. A great pop track from a great ska band.

#798: Boney M. - Ma Baker

I don't think Boney M can pull off the hard gangster look they try to here, and instead the song is their usual fun-filled disco affair. At the height of both punk and disco it was somehow some mumbling Germans that conquered the European charts with an upbeat dance track describing the life of an American gangster. It is really catchy to be fair.

#797: Bob Dylan - Highway 61 Revisited

One of the finest blues-rock songs of all time, and one that perfectly helps cement the iconic Highway 61 into the genre it helped create. Dylan's nasally voice takes you through various quirky stories with the sophistication that's become typical Dylan.

#796: The Temptations - I Can't Get Next to You

A Motown classic with all the energy you usually find in a Temptations song. The lyrics are screamed in your face by five powerful voices, and there's a nice psychedelic undertone with that funky bassline.

#795: The Rolling Stones - It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It)

The Stones were past their best in 1974 but still had a banger or two left in reserve. The title is a perfect description. The song is quite basic rock and roll, but that doesn't mean it isn't instantly likable. What is essentially a middle finger to modern critics became one of the band's catchiest tracks.

#794: The Clash - White Riot

If there's any band that you could make you want to riot it was probably The Clash. White Riot would depict a short and intense riot, but what a riot it would be. No nonsense, no mixing genres, just straight punk to the core.

#793: Green Day - American Idiot

From pure punk to a song labelled as a sellout in the same genre. I honestly don't care if this isn't proper punk because not only is it catchy but it also has a surprising intensity that many fail to notice. I like it a lot, and find it some of the band's best work.

#792: Dean Martin - That's Amore

I'm not sure how I feel about the Italian styling because to me it sounds cheesy at best. The song itself is carried by Dean, who has now become famous for this iconic bit of crooning. Yes, it's silly and
overwhelmingly sweet, but you can't deny it's not a wholesome track.

#791: Elton John - Can You Feel the Love Tonight

Only Elton can sing a cheesier love song than Dean Martin. Maybe it's only on this list for its use in The Lion King, but then maybe it's also on here for its emotionally charged tone. It's not Elton at his best, but it is a brilliant movie soundtrack.

#790: Journey - Wheel in the Sky

Journey were never the most sophisticated of hard rock groups, but they knew how to get a stadium to erupt. 'Wheel in the Sky' is tailor-made for large live audiences with its catchy hook and big riffs, signalling a new direction for a band that would go on to fill venues worldwide.

#789: The Doobie Brothers - Listen to the Music

Hippie ramblings to spread peace and love. Soft and bright acoustics might not immediately scream hit song, but remember this was released in the early 70s. A real product of its time, and one to smoke a joint over even today.

#788: Tame Impala - Mind Mischief

A particularly wavy outing from the masters of modern psychedelia. Mind Mischief might just be the same recycled chords and drum beat, but they're both equally as good as each other, and I'm happy they go on throughout the whole piece. At home in either the 70s or the modern day Tame Impala always know how to balance nostalgia with some cutting-edge noise.

#787: Spin Doctors - Two Princes

At home on every 90s playlist. It's a track you either love or loathe, and I personally love it's catchy and lighthearted nature. The simple beat and guitars may sound a little outdated in the modern world, but there's still enough charm and nostalgia to carry the track.

#786: Rose Royce - Love Don't Live Here Anymore

I'm still not convinced with the beat on this one, but wow, that voice is absolutely incredible. If there was any vocal performance to sum up a heartbreak it would be that of Rose Royce. I like how the minimalistic production highlights these vocals and gives the track that serious tone.

#785: Nancy Sinatra - These Boots Are Made for Walkin'

Me love this single long time. Nancy Sinatra comes across as a classy and sultry sex icon with this fashionable hit. It's since been used in various films as well as being ruined by every single artist under the sun. And yes, that comment was mainly aimed at Jessica Simpson.

#784: Gary Glitter - I Love You Love Me Love

The nonce allergic to overage girls also appears to be allergic to commas. The man may be a monster but this plodding number one hit deserved every bit of its success. The chorus is a mouthful but it's begging to be sung along.

#783: The Archies - Sugar, Sugar

Bitterly sweet, but oh so catchy. It's everything lovable about bubblegum pop and manufactured bands rolled into one. Just try to listen without singing along. Not possible.

#782: Queen - You're My Best Friend

A song for those put in the friendzone that is actually pleasant and well mannered. Who knew that was possible? It's actually a song written about bassist John Deacon's wife and serves as not only a solid pop rock track but a loving ballad at the same time.

#781: Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah

I find it hard to pick between this Jeff Buckley cover and the Leonard Cohen original. Both are great songs but the Buckley version has crisper vocals and the soft acoustic sound gives this version a far more depressing atmosphere. A beautiful track from a truly talented artist.

#780: New Order - World in Motion

You only have to listen to the garbage World Cup anthems the English football team has produced in the past to understand why this song is such a refreshing surprise. Even if you hate football you at least have to listen to striker John Barnes transforming into an MC.

#779: KC and the Sunshine Band - That's the Way (I Like It)

Banned by the BBC for the sexually suggestive grunts. To be fair the grunts do add some sexual undertones to the hook. The song resembles more of a classic funk song than the disco genre it tries to emulate, but I'm not complaining when the hook and beat are as good as they are here.

#778: Bo Diddley - Who Do You Love?

Now seen as a pioneering track in the world of rock and roll. The guitar riff in this one is legendary, with its influence still clear to see in rock songs throughout history. The lyrics should also share the praise, evoking dark imagery and themes of black magic.

#777: Count Five - Psychotic Reaction

A 60s psychedelic classic tragically often forgotten. Maybe the repeated tempo changes are polarising, or maybe the grimy sound is unattractive to some. For 1966 these features were incredibly forward thinking. I think it's one of the finest pieces of the era and has aged just as well as the classics from that time period.

#776: The Jacksons - Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)

The first time you could really tell that Michael was going to become the next big star. Here he transforms a very standard disco song into an absolute classic. It's fun and full of energy, but most importantly it's Michael that makes you want to sing along.

#775: The Stranglers - No More Heroes

The keyboard inclusion really makes this song for me. The lyrics are intriguing, asking what happened to historical figures like Leon Trotsky. Not only am I not convinced he was a hero, but it's well documented that he was purged by Stalin. Marks down for history then, but a great song nonetheless.

#774: Dr. Dre - Still D.R.E

Dre and Snoop Dogg might work well together in this one, but it's that beat and production value that really set this one apart. The beat in particular has become iconic in the rap game, and is a large part in why Dre is one of the most notorious rap artists in history.

#773: The Beatles - I Want You (She's So Heavy)

A different direction was taken by The Beatles here. Instead of their signature sounds we get an eight-minute blues-rock epic with some Latin American vibes thrown in halfway through, all finished with an abrupt ending. A refreshing gem tucked away in an iconic album.

#772: Lana Del Rey - Video Games

An ode to the olden days. Not only is the song styled like a nostalgic anthem but its performed in exactly the same way. It's sultry and moody in tone, yet shows a surprising amount of naivety. Video Games became Lana's breakthrough hit, defining her sad tone that she would later become famous for.

#771: New York Dolls - Personality Crisis

The Americans have no concept of punk or glam rock, so when a song comes along that tries to cover both bases you expect something terrible. Personality Crisis certainly isn't terrible, and is actually an interesting concoction that surpasses many glam rock classics across the pond. The Brits had been doing this stuff for years, but rarely could you find a British glam rock classic with as much grit and attitude as this.

#770: Kim Wilde - Kids in America

Not your typical pop record, but one that still relies on a killer hook. The synthesisers and monotone vocals give the single a strangely dark undertone, contrasting nicely with the chants in the chorus. Let's be honest, it's the chants in the chorus that make this such a great hit.

#769: Bob Marley and the Wailers - Could You Be Loved

One of Marley's most iconic hits. The track has a more pop orientated feel despite undoubtedly being a reggae song. There's also some surprisingly sophisticated guitar work hidden away behind the simplistic lyrics and beat. Proof that you don't need to overcomplicate things to warm the hearts of many.

#768: Bob Dylan - Desolation Row

One of Dylan's most breathtaking and rambling stories. Released as the final track on the brilliant 'Highway 61 Revisited' album this eleven-minute sermon is undoubtedly an epic composition. I'm not sure even Dylan could tell you what the song is actually about, but when the song finally ceases I'm usually too burnt out to care.

#767: Edwin Starr - War

Of all the songs released in opposition to the Vietnam War none are as direct as this one. It's in your face and it tells you exactly what to think. Originally recorded by the media-friendly 'Temptations' the song was repackaged for the unknown Edwin Starr. The rest, as they say, is history, and Starr is now synonymous with anti-war music forever.

#766: Bee Gees - How Deep Is Your Love

A surprisingly deep single from the band who were then revolutionising cheesy disco. That's not to say this isn't a cheesy song, but I don't care when the result is as soothing and catchy as the one here. How the hell this became a hit with punk rock dominating the charts I will never know. Even by soft pop standards this is a very conservative effort.

#765: Blur - Song 2

A song taking the piss out of hard rock has inadvertently become one of the most famous hard rock songs of all time. The intro has become a classic, but everyone knows this song for the high pitched cheer that blares out during the chorus. Whether this is a joke or not it still works better than the majority of serious rock songs.

#764: Eddy Grant - Electric Avenue

It might not be proper reggae, but it does have a cracking beat and an even better chorus. It's not complex either, but give Grant an energetic piece and he will turn even the simplest stuff into good pop music.

#763: Gorillaz - Clint Eastwood

As gimmicks go a virtual band that contains a man with bad teeth and a drummer with Thunderbird 4 on his head should be shit. Maybe they are a shit concept, but their music certainly isn't. Once again this virtual band fuse together genres that don't normally work together, but here the rock and hip-hop elements compliment each other perfectly.

#762: Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)

A synthpop masterclass from Annie Lennox. It's not only got a great hook but also has a great beat to get down to. Sweet Dreams is an absolute 80s classic and what would become the signature song of Eurythmics.

#761: Dobie Gray - Drift Away

About as smooth as Southern soul gets. Over the years it's been covered by just about everyone, but the Dobie Gray version is certainly the best. Like the title suggests this is very much a song that will help you drift away into a pleasant place. The chorus is just a great listen, knowing when to ramp up the intensity and showcase that phenomenal voice.

#760: James Taylor - You've Got a Friend

A wholesome acoustic number. Originally written by Carole King this song was brought to life by the soft vocals of Taylor accompanying the even softer acoustics. It has enough of that 70s cheese to be nostalgic whilst simultaneously giving off a sweetness that never gets old.

#759: Kiss - Rock and Roll All Nite

Nobody ever accused Kiss of being too sophisticated. This rock and roll anthem is by no means adventurous or complex but it is full of adrenaline and built to be shouted along too. Really the song is custom made for live crowds, and like many Kiss songs is about becoming part of the act and not giving a shit about the rudimentary composition.

#758: Art Garfunkel - Bright Eyes

The soundtrack to the excellent film Watership Down, which I'm ashamed to admit is one of the few films that made me cry. There's something about a beautiful song providing an uplifting moment in a film where poorly animated rabbits are brutally being murdered that hit home. The film may have scarred me life, but over the years this song has never lost its appeal.

#757: Simple Minds - Don't You (Forget About Me)

Originally offered to Billy Idol but thankfully ended up being given a pop vibe by Scottish rockers Simple Minds. It's a wonderfully eighties track that fits right in with the new wave genre. It's one of those tracks that both rock and pop fans can both agree to love, only seeming to get better with age.

#756: Alice in Chains - Rooster

Rooster draws you in with its melodic opening, only to then smash you in the face with its incredibly heavy sound. It's not a traditional grunge song that powers through muffled vocals and heavy riffs in two seconds. This is a brutal and arduous song, like its subject matter, expertly brought to life through amazing guitar playing and emotionally charged vocals.

#755: The Stranglers - Peaches

I dread to think what the 'peaches' in this song refer to. In fact the whole record is just a bunch of sexual innuendos, and as a result was unsurprisingly banned by the censor hungry BBC. I don't know why anyone cared when you have that awesome bass line to carry the song.

#754: Tubeway Army - Are 'Friends' Electric?

One of the big questions in life. In fact, I think there's a lot of questions to be asked about this unusual composition. I refuse to question the excellent synthesisers along with Gary's rambling vocals that don't seem to go anywhere. Maybe that's because he has Asperger's. The rambling does suck you in, as does the styling, which even by the standards of today still sounds futuristic.

#753: Stevie Wonder - You Are the Sunshine of My Life

Easy listening, smooth soul music from a man who could serenade anyone. I've never even thought of comparing my partner to the sun, but Stevie here makes it sound like the best chat up line ever. The production in particular is just brilliant, especially those trumpets.

#752: Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers - Why Do Fools Fall in Love

Frankie Lymon, who sounds like an eight-year-old girl, puts in a big shift with his vocal performance here. He carries a nice little beat, only aided with some smooth backing harmonies. The song may sound like your average pop song of yesteryear, but this track really did pave the way for young groups with high pitched vocals to dominate the charts for years.

#751: The Monkees - I'm a Believer

This doesn't make the list solely because it was in Shrek. Seriously, this is a fantastic pop song. Like everything with The Monkees it's both catchy and charming in equal measure.