The Greatest Songs of All Time: 500-451

#500: The Supremes - You Keep Me Hangin' On

A girl group smash hit that epitomises everything great about 60s pop singles. Diana Ross has never sounded so good, and she has one hell of a voice, perfectly fitting the sexual frustrations of the track. The lyrics go straight to the point, especially during the hook, delivering some hard-hitting attitude. This song is an all-time classic. Kim Wilde's cover version can just fuck right off.

#499: The Beatles - Eight Days a Week

A showcase of The Beatles endearing charm. There's something so positive about these four men claiming to love you for eight days a week that you almost get the sense it's true at the height of this songs euphoria. There's certainly a lot of energy to be found throughout, reminding fans of how The Beatles became such huge stars.

#498: The Four Seasons - Walk Like a Man

Frankie Valli's voice is so pleasantly high pitched in this he must have been squeezing his testicles throughout the whole recording. It might be humorous to emulate as a man, but behind the playful tone the song has a really serious message that could almost be considered wholesome.

#497: Aretha Franklin - I Say a Little Prayer

There's such great chemistry between Aretha and her backing singers that they really ought to be included in the artist description. That's not to say Aretha Franklin doesn't sound amazing, but it's the call and response elements that ultimately carry this one. Dionne Warwick's version is also a good track, but it comes alive when given to Aretha.

#496: Eddy Grant - Gimme Hope Jo'anna

Eddy Grant decided that being a pop reggae artist his next career step should be to tackle the apartheid regime. That's a bold strategy. Unfortunately, South Africa didn't see it as an upbeat party and instead banned the song outright, but not before it had left a lasting impact on the political landscape.

#495: Fats Domino - Ain't That a Shame

If you can manage to prevent your toes from tapping to this classic then you're a massive liar. The piano changes tempo enough to keep everything interesting, and if that doesn't keep you amused you have the charisma of Fats Domino to make you happy. This was one of the first rock and roll singles to hit the mainstream charts, and made Fats Domino a legend in the process.

#494: Johnny Nash - I Can See Clearly Now

One of the most pleasantly optimistic tracks you will ever find. If this doesn't make you happy then a lobotomy might be the only solution. There's an interesting beat going on under the positive lyrics and amazing vocals, so it may surprise you that Johnny Nash is from Texas, and not Jamaica. Still, if that upsets you then the song will no doubt cheer you up.
 
#493: The Beatles - I Should Have Known Better

The Beatles were so good they could always make the simple harmonica the highlight of the song. Well, that and John Lennon's vocals. Despite featuring in the tremendously popular film 'A Hard Day's Night' this song never had any impact on the charts, only becoming a number one hit in Norway of all places.

#492: Wings - Silly Love Songs

This charming track was written in response to John Lennon claiming Paul only wrote silly love songs for the Beatles. That from a man who wrote the offensively stupid 'I am the Walrus'. This song is very much a simple little track about romance, with great production and lyrics, and a loving relationship between Paul and Linda that really adds to the charm.

#491: Roy Orbison - Only the Lonely

An anthem for the sexually frustrated teenagers of the 1960s. Well, until The Beatles came along and made American pop sound cheesier than a lump of strong cheddar. Roy Orbison was one of the few vocal performers at the time who sounded genuine, and it was this depressing track that saw him into the mainstream.

#490: Eric Clapton - Cocaine

I don't know if Eric Clapton has shares in an underground drug ring, but here he decides to cover a song advertising the positive effects of a highly illegal substance. The man himself often performed the track with a crippling addiction, giving the song a unique personality. As this is an Eric Clapton song I shouldn't need to mention that the guitar work is brilliant, but it deserves a mention anyway.

#489: George Harrison - My Sweet Lord

We could sit here and debate over the religious themes found throughout this one, but really that would be detracting from the quality of this classic. You can argue the song is a ripoff of 'She's So Fine', and you would have a very strong case, but both tracks have solid compositions. The song became a huge commercial success, becoming the biggest British single of 1971, along with playing a key role in relief work for the recent war in Bangladesh.

#488: Big Star - September Gurls

Take a guess when this was released. No, you're way out, the answer was 1974. Maybe the forward-thinking nature of the song is why it remained obscure for decades, but its catchy guitar-based pop sound made it hugely appealing for other bands to copy. It's just a shame Big Star can't spell the simple word 'girls'.

#487: R.E.M. - Everybody Hurts

A beautiful song that has probably been a big friend to a whole number of people at desperate times. The isolated vocals and sense of melodrama work together brilliantly, with an iconic string section written by Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones. It might not be the most artistic description of what depression feels like, but it gets the optimistic and relatable points across damn effectively.

#486: Simon & Garfunkel - Cecilia

Not many pop tracks open with what sounds like an acoustic guitar falling down the stairs. I'm glad this one does, as the folk feel to the track gives it a sense of charm and energy. What may seem a simple song about relationship issues could actually be seen as a plea to the patron saint of music, who must have heard this cry and worked some of her magic. A quick mention should be given to the Suggs cover, which Chris Eubank hilariously had to try and pronounce when it hit number six in the charts.

#485: The Beatles - We Can Work It Out

A laid back single that emphasises the boyish charms of Paul McCartney. The harmonies found within the chorus are just incredible, quickly flipping back to the drastically different verses. It was the first time we saw real creativity from the duo of McCartney and Lennon, with their separate writing styles melding perfectly for this hit.

#484: T. Rex - Get It On

Marc Bolan's most iconic track is also one of his best. The stylish glam rocker knew how to ramp up the intensity even on a slow-paced song like this one with his unmatched charisma and gaudy set pieces. Nothing on the charts at the time sounded anything like what T. Rex were releasing, and even today the track is as shocking as its ever been.

#483: The Move - Blackberry Way

An unusual and creative single from a time when psychedelic music was flourishing. The Move decided all this flowery nonsense was too cheerful and instead created a far darker atmosphere. The vocals may sound like a stereotypical old English newsreader, but they standout by a mile over the plodding guitar riffs. The chorus is just begging to be screamed out at full volume, even if the overall tone is melancholic.

#482: Blondie - Call Me

Too many men in the 1980s the prospect of calling Debbie Harry was enough to give them a wet dream. I always associate the track with Richard Gere whacking his cock out for the cameras, but the track became a huge commercial hit in its own right. Call Me is a great pop rock track, with high energy and catchy hooks found everywhere.

#481: Bob Marley and the Wailers - No Woman, No Cry

It's really when played live that this reggae classic is at its best, and in fact the live version is surprisingly the better-known recording. The seven-minute track feeds off the energy of both Marley and the crowd. The lyrics are both meaningful and introspective, telling an interesting tale of heartbreak in the words of a great songwriter.

#480: The Doors - Break On Through (To the Other Side)

With this track The Doors very much broke into the rock scene with one loud bang. This aggressive garage rock track blares out the speakers with the focus on Jim Morrison's loud vocals. If there was any track to sum up everything great about the band it would be this one.
 
#479: Bruce Springsteen - Born in the U.S.A.

Often seen as a patriotic track despite the fact the lyrics are rather blatant in their discussion on how society treats combat veterans. Maybe it doesn't function as a protest song, but it certainly works as a stadium rocker, having an incredible ability to get a crowd shouting their lungs out with that iconic chorus. In this sense the song does an incredible job at highlighting the hypocrisy of patriotism.

#478: The Beatles - Here, There and Everywhere

A classic Paul McCartney written gooey ballad that never manages to fall into the category of corny. The lyrics are about the most touching you will find on any ballad ever, and the vocals are soft and gentle throughout. As simple ballads go this is about as good as it gets.

#477: Hank Williams - I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry

Country music is such an apt genre for expressing heartbreak. Hank Williams not only sounds like a broken man, but also has the ability to pen his feelings into one depressing tune. The lonely guitar and vocals tells one of the best stories ever heard in music. Quite simply this is of the best-loved country tracks ever released.

#476: Scorpions - Still Loving You

German rock bands don't seem to understand romantic ballads. They had a good try here, but in the end they create some overblown rock opera with excellent pacing. The riffs gradually increase in intensity, as do the powerful vocals, releasing it all in some huge hooks. It was actually the French who enjoyed this the most, and the record is certified platinum across the Channel.

#475: Queen - I Want to Break Free

It should be required that all gay men come out like this. The track never takes itself seriously, but underneath the cheesy facade is a seriously good bassline and some mature lyrics. The music video has now become iconic, with Freddie Mercury pulling off the role of a typical woman better than most actual women.

#474: The Beatles - The Night Before

Realising mistakes have been made after a night out is a theme universally relatable. The excellent harmonies in this one are a pleasant surprise, as is the unique sound of an electric piano. I seem to recall the music video saw The Beatles getting blown up at Stonehenge. I have no idea what any of that has to do with this very solid pop outing.

#473: Sting - Shape of My Heart

Sting and his acoustic guitar work very well together, carrying this minimalistic song from start to finish. The lyrics do have a sentimental value, even if they're very flowery and describe very little. The song is now famous for being the soundtrack of a young Natalie Portman learning to murder people, fitting the serious nature of that film like a glove.

#472: Van Halen - Runnin' With the Devil

All you need is that amazing riff. Yeah the lyrics encourage a raucous singalong, but those powerful chords carry the song and instantly make you take notice. You know that when a band opens with this track on their debut album that they're going to become major hard rockers in the future.  What a way to make a statement.
 
#471: The Drifters - On Broadway

A great lyrical interpretation on the business of showbusiness. The career of the band is one that can accurately paint a very realistic view of the music world, and their delivery shows both optimism and cynicism in equal measure. You certainly won't last long on Broadway if you have a convicted murderer playing lead guitar, even if you do have some of the best harmonies the music industry has to offer. 

#470: Booker T. & the M.G.'s - Green Onions

This legendary group of session musicians finally got their big break with this iconic instrumental. The track is largely improvised, taking the form of a polished jam. The groove is infectious, yet never overcomplicates itself, with all members of the group complimenting each other perfectly, never hogging the spotlight. 

#469: Bee Gees - Night Fever

The rise of commercial disco in the late 70s is a musical trend you either love or loathe. I personally love fun and energetic tracks like this one. Night Fever was the song that spearheaded the disco movement, getting millions on to garish dancefloors with its funky beat and high pitched squealing. Let's be honest, we all wanted to be walking down the avenues walking stylishly in time to this banger.

#468: Morrissey - Everyday Is Like Sunday

A perfect anthem for the almost permanent state of depression British society found itself in throughout the 20th century. You can't help but agree with Morrissey that life isn't so great in your rundown seaside town that reeks of yesteryear in the pouring rain of early January. I know the setting of Southend fairly well, and as such feel for the man on a personal level. Christ, where's the Samaritans when you need them? 

#467: The Crickets - Oh, Boy!

A swift guitar focused track with some classic Buddy Holly performed pop based lyrics. Arguably it's the much better known 'Not Fade Away' that steals the show on the reverse side, but for me the simplicity and energy of the main event is a far better summation of Buddy's talent. 

#466: Michael Jackson - Leave Me Alone

Has there ever been a better and more direct attempt at telling critics and cynics to piss off? One could argue that Michael wouldn't warrant some much attention if he wasn't a creepy paedophile, and as such this song was swiftly ignored. The track is ridiculously over the top, with a crashing beat and Michael's high pitched vocals roaring through the hook. It's a classic Jackson pop hit, with a large added serving of attitude.
 
#465: The Stone Roses - Waterfall

An anthem for any Manchester native. Its style is that of a Britpop classic despite being released half a decade too early. The riff is infectious, and the hook is enough to make you want to transport yourself back to the early 90s. That, or take some hard drugs.

#464: James Brown - It's a Man's Man's Man's World

Voted the greatest feminist anthem of all time. Maybe not, but it is James Brown at his best, and no whinging adolescent could ever change that. Brown's powerful voice is just a joy to admire, and here he gives it everything, even when describing cars on the road. You don't need anything else in a song when you have a voice like that man.

#463: Thin Lizzy - Whiskey in the Jar

'Whiskey in the Jar' has become a popular record for various popular rock, metal, and folk artists over the years. The traditional Irish song has best been covered by Thin Lizzy, who as well as bringing those high pitched guitar riffs also brought a sense of tradition back to the track. The story told by the lyrics is always an interesting listen, but it's the riffs that will have you coming back for more.
 
#462: The Beatles - Don't Let Me Down

Released almost fifty years ago to the day this track is still the best thing to happen on any London rooftop. It was the last time the band would ever perform together, but thankfully they saved one of their most rousing performances for this passionate number. It's a love song that really hits you where it matters, sounding miles away from where the band started. The culmination of an epic journey ended in just the right way. Let's ignore the final album.

#461: The Verve - The Drugs Don't Work

Don't listen to this after a tough day, it's enough to send anyone into crippling depression. If any song has sounded so melancholy then I for one would not want to hear it. The violins and guitars give an incredibly moody feel, but it's the damn lyrics that cut you down every single time.

#460: Bob Marley & The Wailers - Stir It Up

Before Marley became an international hit maker he was performing some cracking roots reggae tracks back in his native Jamaica. The Johnny Nash cover became the more famous version of the track, but the Marley original is the one with the soul and the style. That intro is just hypnotic.

#459: The Jackson 5 - I'll Be There

The track that would demonstrate Michael's superstar credentials. Michael Jackson is young enough here to fancy himself, sounding like a sweet and innocent kid that couldn't possibly grow up to be bat shit insane. When you've stopped admiring Michael's child like innocence you find a charming track that became Motown's most successful ever release.

#458: The La's - There She Goes

One of the most Northern songs of all time from a band with one of the shittest names of all time. There's a certain rough-edged charm about this one, as it manages to be both pleasant and gritty at the same time. The main selling point is its catchy tune that takes inspiration from classic pop-rock tracks, only this one repackages them for an edgier audience.

#457: Sly and the Family Stone - Family Affair

A seven-minute funk epic. Every single element of this track, and there's a lot, is geared towards pure funk. Family Affair is such a drastic change of tune from Sly Stone's pop hits of the late 60s, with this one full of political messages, and the man himself sounding both serious and frustrated. A landmark hit, and one that would shape the direction of the funk genre.
 
#456: The Beatles - I've Just Seen a Face

A fantastic little guitar track from the middle portion of The Beatles' career. It's fast-paced, dynamic, but most importantly has a lyrical flow unmatched by any other Beatles track. The folk-rock influence allows the track to standout on the stellar album 'Help', injecting yet more energy into the piece when you thought things were getting stale.

#455: Fats Domino - Blueberry Hill

The very definition of a 50s classic that's so definitive it was written in the 40s. The song itself might have been recorded by numerous artists before, but this version is stylish, classy, and totally laid back. The piano segments are simple, yet coupled with a few vocal hooks become incredibly infectious. It should be noted that Vladimir Putin covered the song, and I'm not for a moment going to dare mock his version.

#454: The Hollies - He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother

Wow, this is a powerful song for so many reasons. It's also extremely depressing from the opening harmonica and never cheers up for a second. The lyrics actually refer to helping orphans, although I'm sure many people have personal anecdotes on why this song means so much to them.

#453: Oasis - Don't Look Back in Anger

Arguably the ultimate Britpop anthem, but undoubtedly one of the most popular. I dare you to try and find a British pub that doesn't erupt in song when this banger gets a play. There's a reason why Oasis had the best selling album of a whole decade, and that's largely due to the appeal of this legendary track.

#452: Frankie Valli - Can't Take My Eyes Off You

If I ever got serenaded with this my cock might just explode. Unfortunately, it's usually performed in karaoke bars by drunk idiots such as myself, and even professional covers have never got close to the original. The track goes from soulful verses into the drastically different hook with great fanfare, knocking back whoever the lucky recipient is.

#451: Blondie - Sunday Girl

Sunday Girl is new wave music at its most relaxed and cool. It's a track with a certain charm to it that doesn't rely on heavy riffs and aggressive vocals to grab your attention. The simplistic structure certainly doesn't mean the song is dull, and in fact the song benefits from both a nice amount of energy and excellent pacing.