The Greatest Songs of All Time: 450-401

#450: The Rolling Stones - Street Fighting Man

An audibly angry Mick Jagger lays down one of the finest political statements of a generation. As usual he's full of energy, all of which he directs at societal injustices. It's not a punk track by any means, and although there's a strong feeling of sheer volume the track also has a very rustic feel to it.

#449: Deep Purple - Smoke on the Water

Is there any guitar player in the world who doesn't know that opening riff off by heart? No nonsense, just a simple and catchy riff that perfectly sets the tone. It's not all jolly, and in fact the song was written about a deadly fire in Switzerland, and naturally upon seeing a blaze a true hard rocker would pen a song to mark the occasion instead of running away. I doubt anyone cares about the lyrics, and why would you with that riff?

#448: Dave Edmunds - I Hear You Knocking

It's not very British to compose a rock track that just assaults your ears, but here that ferocity works an absolute treat. Listeners must have jumped a mile when this blues inspired track leapt out the stereo during the chorus. The style is simplistic and the noise is raw and unadulterated, sounding at home in a previous decade. It made such a loud disturbance that it topped the British charts for weeks, even keeping Jimi Hendrix off the top spot.

#447: The Rolling Stones - Start Me Up

I think Mick Jagger's dancing and attire are more at home in a Brighton bar rather than a rock band, but you can't fault the man for not being charismatic. The track is full of energy and enthusiasm, easily winning you over with its simplistic riffs and hooks. It was originally recorded as a reggae track and subsequently binned, although hearing it now you wonder how this song could be anything other than a hard rock classic.

#446: Pixies - Here Comes Your Man

Fuck me, the bass on this one is just incredible. Pixies were mostly renowned for hard rock tracks that would eventually form the basis for many 90s groups, but here we have a catchy track inspired by rock releases of the past. Not only does the song not ruin the reputation of an underground band, but it brings their great sound to the masses.

#445: The Band - The Weight

You might imagine a band called 'The Band' would produce the most generic and boring tracks possible, and so you might be pleasantly surprised that this country rock release is full of character. Whether you want to chill out or smoke a joint this group having a good time is the perfect mood setter. It may not have been a big seller, but it's now seen as a classic of the genre.

#444: Santana - Smooth

Instead of dying a slow and painful death like most rock artists Santana decided to bring his Latin rock parties to the 90s. Not everyone was amused, and I'm sure those people are inherently miserable. Whack in a cracking riff and a catchy hook and you have the perfect record to start a cracking fiesta. Smooth stayed at the top of American charts for twelve whole weeks and is considered the most successful rock song in US chart history.

#443: The Smashing Pumpkins - 1979

The video for this song perfectly sums up its carefree attitude. Aside from a simple guitar riff there's not a whole lot going on, but that riff is both fun and exciting, setting the laid back tone of the track perfectly. It's a track that makes me nostalgic for a time I've never even experienced.

#442: Elvis Presley - Love Me Tender

Elvis may have been a king of rock and roll, but he could also slow it down whenever he wanted. When you have a voice like that you only need a faint guitar in the backdrop to accompany your heartfelt track.

#441: The Beatles - Got to Get You into My Life

As The Beatles are from the North of England they decided a brass band would sound good when attached to anything. It turns out that when done correctly you can improve a pop song with a brass section. The real highlight is the one line chorus, which is repetitively teased, becoming even more satisfying when it finally hits halfway through the track.

#440: Eric B. & Rakim - Paid in Full

A masterclass in sampling and composition. The rapping flows effortlessly and the lyrics appear to have been thoughtfully laid out. Amazingly this 1987 release still sounds fresh to this day, highlighting the stellar production of this revolutionary track. The single has been chopped up on multiple occasions by various remixes, but it's the original that really gives the best hip hop flavour.

#439: Mary Hopkin - Those Were the Days

A delightful ode to the power of nostalgia. The track itself is a reworked version of a traditional Russian folk song, which is why there's an intriguing use of instrumentation. The production was overseen by Paul McCartney, who as per usual does a stellar job, elevating a unique folk song into a worldwide hit.

#438: The Police - Message in a Bottle

A great new wave single with some of the best percussive sound to be found around that era. The Police could always manage to stand out with fairly standard pop melodies, even making them sound rather sophisticated in the process.

#437: Sam Cooke - Cupid

A rather standard soul ballad elevated to legendary status by that amazing voice. Nobody else could manage to fit so much emotion into lyrics that many would describe as cliched. In the hands of Sam Cooke this becomes one of the most romantic and heartwarming numbers in soul history.

#436: The Beach Boys - California Girls

I too wish they all could be from California if they sound like this. This is the moment we see The Beach Boys release a pop masterpiece that likes to experiment around the boundaries of the genre. Here we see the trigger being pulled on the creative side of the band, but they couldn't do that without one more symphonic ode to the Californian coast.

#435: Chicago - 25 or 6 to 4

A legendary guitar track. The guitar work in this song changes from simple riffs to some of the finest solos ever heard in rock music. The intro is often one of the first songs learned by any aspiring guitarist who loves themselves some classic rock.

#434: Bill Withers - Lean on Me

Beautifully wholesome. Bill Withers sounds like the best helpline in existence, delivering a heartfelt performance of soul mastery. Many have tried to cover the track, but none have ever sounded as great as Bill.

#433: Metallica - Nothing Else Matters

A touching hard rock track with no hint of satanism or any other metal cliches. This one is subdued, symphonic, and incredibly well paced. The thought of a soft Metallica ballad could terrify some, but give it a chance and it may well raise a few hairs.

#432: Bob Dylan - Knockin' on Heaven's Door

The above version is unfortunately an inferior acoustic version, as the original is not on YouTube due to Sony being a bunch of greedy money grabbing cunts. The original is a downbeat folk classic with a surprising amount of class and sophistication. Many have covered the track, but none are able to express the melancholy of the track quite like Dylan.
 
#431: The Rolling Stones - Honky Tonk Woman

I'm sure a song blatantly about prostitution went down really well in the late 60s. We Brits loved the suggestive lyrics so much we sent it straight to number one. The track does a brilliant job of creating a dingy atmosphere that you would absolutely associate with a rundown whorehouse. At the time of release this was one of the hardest rock tracks out there.

#430: Culture Club - Karma Chameleon

Only the 80s could produce a song so garish and camp. It's a symphony of cheesiness and lace. You don't have to come out to admit that this is a great pop track, and embracing the charm will instantly leave you feeling incredible. Many people did embrace the track, and as such it became the biggest selling single of 1983.

#429: Gene Chandler - Duke of Earl

One of the finest examples of doo-wop. Gene Chandler has such a great voice, blasting out that incredible chorus before toning it down for the smooth verses. I don't know who the 'Duke of Earl' is, but he sounds damn stylish. Even being the 'Duchess of Earl' sounds fucking great if you ask me.

#428: Martha and the Vandellas - Nowhere to Run

The concept of having nowhere to run or hide sounds terrifying in theory, yet here it's part of an upbeat girl group track. This is even more shocking when you realise the song is synonymous with the Vietnam War. It's the energy and infectious hook that make the track so attractive to the ears. It's interesting to note that the percussion of this song is actually the noise of snow chains. See, aren't you better off for knowing that?

#427: Led Zeppelin - Ramble On

Ramble On is very much a leisurely stroll through the world of Tolkien with the odd aggressive break thrown in for good measure. Add in a bit of psychedelic and blues-inspired rock at the end and you have a complex mix that melds together like an absolute treat.

#426: The Beatles - With a Little Help from My Friends

Yes, we all know this innocent sounding song is actually about taking drugs and not a simple tale of friendship. The track flows effortlessly from the opening track on the album, introducing a simple conversation that allows Ringo Starr one of the few opportunities to showcase his talent.

#425: Prince - Sign o' the Times

The simple music video sums up the whole song perfectly. Instead of focusing on the complex composition the listener is directed towards the lyrics. The themes of the song are pretty damn serious, and Prince himself sounds stern and concerned. The minimalistic production allows these lyrics to take centre stage, which go through more topics than the majority of artists manage in their whole careers.

#424: Foo Fighters - Everlong

The swansong of the grunge era. Everlong is full of depression and angst, but rather poetically put. Dave Grohl not only has the talent on the drums but shows his vocal prowess as well, combining the two like a treat. An absolute anthem for alternative rock.

#423: Ramones - Sheena Is a Punk Rocker

The closest Americans ever got to understanding punk was with the Ramones. There's no angst or political statements in this one, and the lyrics themselves are actually remarkably cheerful. It still goes at a million miles an hour with indecipherable lyrics to boot, releasing this style into the mainstream for the first time.

#422: The Impressions - People Get Ready

What a beacon of hope this must have been at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. Curtis Mayfield writes a poignant and meaningful soul record with heavy gospel based elements that see social change as a graceful and smooth event.
 
#421: The Lovin' Spoonful - Summer in the City

In a time when much of pop music was about love and happiness this track came along and made city living sound like a dream. It has the energy one would expect from a song celebrating a bustling metropolis, and there are also some unique sound effects thrown in for anyone who hadn't got the message yet.

#420: Little Richard - Keep A-Knockin'

From the opening drum roll this song is action packed from start to finish. The lyrics may give you flashbacks to a depressing encounter with some Jehovah's Witnesses, but the energy and charisma of Little Richard get you up and dancing.

#419: AC/DC - Highway to Hell

One of the most famous heavy rock songs ever. It's brutally simplistic, but when you have those heavy riffs blaring out who even cares? The song makes you feel like a laid back biker and is always guaranteed to increase your pressure on the gas pedal. 'Highway to Hell' takes its name from when the band were due to tour in Sunderland, which might be a massive lie as the song actually refers to gruelling tour schedules.

#418: Stevie Wonder - I Just Called to Say I Love You

Those who say this killed the legendary career of Stevie Wonder couldn't be more wrong. Not only is this a brilliant pop track but it's also one of the most heartwarming records of the 80s. The production is classic 80s and Stevie's vocals sound as good as ever. It's no wonder this is his greatest selling hit ever.

#417: Bob Marley & the Wailers - One Love

A real summation of what made Marley so special. A simple reggae beat that gives a fantastic rhythm and fantastic vibe accompanied by Marley and his backing group perfectly. In my humble opinion they should have left the Curtis Mayfield impression out of the final release, as the opening segments are Marley at his unique best. Interestingly this was the song of the millennium according to the WHO. Yes, that's the World Health Organisation claiming the best song for global health is sung by a man who treated cancer with homoeopathy. 

#416: The Beatles - From Me to You

Here it is, the first ever Beatles number one single. It's certainly not their most adventurous number or even particularly complex for the Merseybeat genre, but it is an enjoyable classic that first captivated an entire nation. 

#415: Nirvana - In Bloom

A big message to those that frowned at the grunge explosion of the 90s. From the get-go it's heavy riffing and vocals blatantly meant to ruffle feathers. It's angry, it's ferocious, and even incredibly infectious. 

#414: The Beach Boys - Help Me, Rhonda

Proof that excessive repetition can be a force for good in a pop track. To say this song is catchy is an understatement of the century. The smooth harmonies work nicely with the lively melody, and as per usual there's a constant sense of the California beach. A quick public service announcement that the album version is nowhere near as good. 

#413: Jackie Wilson - (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher

Fuck me, what a voice. Jackie Wilson's voice exploded onto the music scene with this classic. The man is aided in his upbeat efforts with one of the liveliest beats on record, and seemingly a whole orchestra as well. There's a lot of noise in general, but all of it sounds angelic.

#412: Elvis Presley - All Shook Up

A simple Elvis classic that relies on the catchy beat and Presley's charming vocals to worm its way into your head. Released at a time when any catchy Elvis song was an instant hit this track topped the American charts for a whole eight weeks and similarly the British charts for a full seven.

#411: Eels - Novocaine for the Soul

A timestamp for mid 90s alternative rock. The track centres on a painkilling drug for depressing lyrics that rely on self-hatred. The repetition is what really hooks you in, but on closer inspection there's some brilliant production as well. Also, the B side is called 'Fucker', so if the track isn't for you then you can always chuckle at the reverse side.

#410: Creedence Clearwater Revival - Up Around the Bend

Half the time CCR were condemning wars, but the rest of the time they were composing anthems that just make you want to turn the volume all the way up. If that opening riff doesn't knock you off your feet then I don't know what will. This is always criminally overlooked when discussing the best classic rock tracks ever.

#409: Eagles - Desperado

Sappy, cheesy, but absolutely brilliant. If there's ever a song for screaming out when you're trying to find happiness in a few pints then this is your perfect bet. Beautifully written, beautifully paced, and most importantly beautifully performed.

#408: The Rolling Stones - Miss You

One of the band's most ambitious singles that seems to cover just about every popular genre of the 70s. The fantastic blues-based groove is the real star of the show, but there's also a faint hint of disco, which really adds another unique element into the mix. Mick Jagger surprisingly adapts himself to this radically new genre, but then he is a natural born performer.

#407: Black Sabbath - Iron Man

That opening chord is like the mating call of Godzilla. Even past that the iconic riff just pounds away repeatedly like a sledgehammer. The iron man in question is painted as some merciless killer in a terrifying tale of impending destruction. Black Sabbath had many heavy tracks, but this was the one that really epitomised the genesis of metal. 

#406: The Smiths - There Is a Light That Never Goes Out

Only Morrisey could turn one of the most romantic and touching rock tracks of all time into a melancholic tale of lovers dying for each other. Here we find some of the most meaningful lyrics ever penned, with bittersweet themes scattered throughout.

#405: Van Halen - Hot for Teacher

This one is fucking crazy. The erratic opening drums give way to a riff that's all over the place. The lyrics and vocals are hardly any more subtle, with constant sexual themes screamed into your ears. It's hardly the most mature record ever, but I love how it laughs in the face of seriousness. Kudos to the drummer, who probably got arthritis after just a single run through.

#404: The Cranberries - Zombie

Those who are maybe not familiar with The Troubles might not understand how powerful a statement this track is, but this is about as passionate and poignant as a protest song can possibly be. The hook and vocals are as aggressive as the subject matter and you can physically hear the anger. The pop-inspired verses give way to this raucous chorus very out of character for the band, but fitting for a song of this much aggression.
 
#403: David Bowie - Let's Dance

I would happily dance with Bowie to this jolly little tune. Even if you don't fancy a dance you can still enjoy the pleasantries this track has to offer with its funky tone and Bowie's iconic lyricisms. Today the song is one of Bowie's most commercially successful, ushering in a new style for the glam rock icon.
 
#402: Blondie - Rapture

Can you assign a genre to this one? It has the atmosphere of a classic new wave track, the beat of a disco track, and there are even some rap elements thrown in as well. The white girl rapping you would assume to be terrible, but it actually fits the song really nicely, even if it becomes clear that Debbie Harry isn't a rapper. The highlight is however the slow and sultry verses that scream classic Blondie.

#401: The Moody Blues - Go Now

An early outing from this Birmingham beat group who wouldn't find major success for another few years. The layering in this one is just epic, with the pianos and vocal harmonies all coming together to produce these huge hooks. The structure of the track is a very primitive form of prog rock, yet is still simple enough for a catchy pop-rock number.