Percy Sledge puts in one of the all-time great vocal performances. The vocals are so powerful that they take you completely by surprise. You physically cannot focus on anything else with that voice taking centre stage, and I'm glad the backing instruments have been toned down to showcase that raw talent. The sweet and romantic lyrics have allowed this track to become one of the most adored tracks in history, although under the surface there's an introspective tone that adds new dimensions to what many perceive to be a simple love song. #199: The Killers - Mr. Brightside
No night out in Britain would be complete without drunkenly shouting along to this belter. The hook is just fucking brilliant and goes on for about half the song's duration. Who cares if you don't hit everything right the first time because someone in The Killers had the bright idea to repeat the whole thing a second time. 'Mr. Brightside' is such an epic feelgood anthem and whenever I hear those opening chords it instantly brings a huge smile to my face. The song has remained charting in the UK for over an incredible 200 weeks whilst also continuing to be the quintessential party anthem.
#198: The Byrds - Turn! Turn! Turn!
So good they named it three times. The Byrds do what they do best and mix some rich and jangly guitars with well-layered vocal harmonies. They didn't even bother writing any lyrics because they just stole them out of a bible. Truth be told The Byrds actually stole this track off of a 50s folk singer, but surprisingly these ancient texts still work as pop lyrics and became a large part of the Vietnam War counterculture movement.
#197: Roy Orbison - Oh, Pretty Woman
What an iconic riff. It's such an inspired piece of guitar playing, really describing this attractive woman in better detail than the lyrics. You can just include that guitar and it would still be considered one of the finest instrumentals ever. Roy sounds like a sensual predator, but there's definitely a lot of charm found within these now legendary lines. The catchy track was certified gold in just a few short months after release and is Orbison's most famous piece by a country mile.
#196: Public Enemy - Bring the Noise
Public Enemy brought a lot of things to the hip hop world, and a rowdy noise was definitely one of those things. Here we have a collection of these noises, each layered into a clever, if unorthodox, structure. The rhymes travel at about a thousand miles an hour, yet still manage to flow better than just about any other hip hop track. The energy in this record is just crazy, and I for one am radicalised into joining the extreme political groups mentioned on every listen. There are about a million different remixes of this rap classic, with each one bringing a new awful take on a piece that should never be touched.
#195: Chuck Berry - Maybellene
Rock and roll royalty. Not only is Maybellene a standard of the genre but it's also one of the first ever times the genre hit the charts. I cannot even begin to imagine how this must have sounded to those in the 50s, but I can only presume they were given a loud wake-up call in the form of the wildest guitar playing any man had ever managed. Chuck Berry as a vocalist was head and shoulders better than any of his contemporaries, hammering home those revolutionary hooks into the history books.
#194: Survivor - Eye of the Tiger
We all know that riff. Whenever I hear it I feel like I'm about to enter a full-scale brawl. I can't think of any other riff that has had such a dramatic effect on pop culture and is still one of the most discussed all these years later. The chorus deserves a mention as well because it's absolutely anthemic. Of course, the track was immortalised by the film 'Rocky III' and as such became one of the biggest selling singles of the 1980s.
#193: Elvis Presley - Suspicious Minds
Elvis needed to find some momentum in the late 60s for his waning career and found the answer with this epic release. The vocals are arguably the greatest of Elvis' career, fitting right in with the sense of drama and theatre about the whole production. Suspicious Minds was the last time Elvis would top the American charts, briefly reviving his career and cementing his legacy as an all-time great.
#192: Buddy Holly - Rave On
One of the best ever rock and roll tracks ever recorded. Technically this is about as proficient as early rock and roll ever got. For me this is Buddy Holly doing what he does best, rocking out on a guitar heavy track like the title would suggest. Holly makes the track his own with that distinctive voice and fast-paced beat, creating a rock and roll classic in the process.
#191: The Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody
Possibly the best-known love song in history. The track itself has been covered by countless artists, but none are quite as definitive as The Righteous Brothers release that always seems to make a revival every decade or so. None of the other versions manage to copy that level of sophistication or sincerity this version manages. The vocals are just achingly beautiful, slowly leading up to an epic climax that you cannot fail to be touched by. In the UK alone this track has reached the top spot in the charts on four separate occasions, but it will always be associated with The Righteous Brothers version.
#190: Ike & Tina Turner - River Deep - Mountain High
Legendary producer Phil Spector cited this as one of his greatest projects and was so disillusioned with its commercial flop that he subsequently left the music industry and never recovered. We Britons liked it and sent it to number three in the charts. The combination of Spector and Tina Turner is a marriage made in heaven, as not only do you have those powerful vocals but you also get an equally epic production. Tina Turner just cannot be beaten when she's in this sort of form. Well, actually she can be beaten, but unfortunately it's being physically beaten by Ike.
#189: Kiss - Detroit Rock City
This is what Kiss should be remembered for. Here we have a seriously good hard rocker with the ability to blow the roof off of entire stadiums. The subject isn't exactly cheery, and I really shouldn't be enjoying myself shouting about a fan killed in a car crash. That guitar solo is just phenomenal and is built up in such dramatic fashion. Words can't describe how that solo makes me feel. Detroit Rock City is a real spectacle of rock entertainment, bringing life into a genre that all too often goes down needlessly serious paths. #188: The Monkees - Daydream Believer
A brilliant pop track that's as catchy as it is sweet. It's just such a charming track with an uncanny ability to put a smile on your face. The song paints this beautiful picture of romance in the most bog standard way possible. Who honestly cares if The Monkees were a manufactured band? They look like they're having fun, and I'm certainly having fun. Isn't that what music is all about?
#187: Bon Jovi - You Give Love a Bad Name
Bon Jovi aren't the most subtle of groups. Here we have their biggest offender at going completely over the top with a hit that slaps its garishness right in your face at every opportunity. If you aren't screaming along to the lyrics then you're doing it all wrong. The hook is one of the best in rock history, instantly getting lodged in your head for days on end. This track proved tremendously popular, topping American charts and opening the floodgates for hair metal bands everywhere.
#186: The Clash - The Guns of Brixton
Fusing reggae and punk was a ballsy move, but if any band could pull it off it's the one that fused just about every genre with punk. The bassline is just awesome, giving the song an instant edge for its political content. Martial law is a pretty big topic to cover, but here The Clash give this serious predicament the serious treatment it deserves. Not sure about that faux Jamaican accent however.
#185: Dick Dale - Misirlou
Misirlou is a traditional folk song from the Mediterranean. For some reason Dick Dale associated surfing with the calm waters of the Mediterranean and in doing so created one of the most iconic guitar tracks of all time. The fast-paced guitar is a fantastic way to breathe life into a traditional song whilst simultaneously creating a sound that would go on to inspire numerous other West Coast Rockers. Also, a quick shoutout to Kitchen Nightmares, which wisely decided to use this as its opening theme. The Black Eyed Peas on the other hand can fuck right off.
#184: The Beatles - Day Tripper
I get chills every time I listen to that opening riff. It's such a simple chord progression, yet just works so effectively as the track's foundation. You know you have a great guitar based track when Jimi Hendrix decides to record it on more than one occasion. Add in a few sexually charged lyrics and you have a pop-rock hit. Put it on a single with 'We Can Work it Out' and you have one of the best selling singles of all time. Simple Beatles genius really.
#183: The Who - My Generation
The quintessential anthem of an up and coming rebellious youth. My Generation encompasses everything we love about rock and roll. It's about living while you're young. It's about sticking it to the older generations with a wall of guitar-based noise. It's about going as crazy as the ending of this song and as angry as Roger Daltry's instantly quotable vocals. I hope the elderly down the old folks' home remember this poignant message they once worshipped when they start slagging off my generation.
#182: The Rolling Stones - The Last Time
Another classic riff that underpins one of the most important songs in rock history. It might not be the first single released by the band, and it wasn't even their first chart-topping hit, but it's the one that turned them into household names. By taking a traditional gospel track and giving it that British rock and roll sheen The Stones became one of the most important bands in the world. There's also an orchestral version, although that song is better known when found in the track Bittersweet Symphony.
#181: The Who - I Can't Explain
Believe it or not this was the first ever single The Who released. They don't appear to sound like a new band on the scene, but I'm sure this simple rock track caught a lot of attention. The high pitched hook works a treat, instantly lodging this lovely little rock and roll track into your brain. The riff is also put on full display, giving the song that noticeable 60s soundtrack. The Who would go on to greater things, but their debut track still stands out as one of their defining tracks.
#180: The Beatles - Girl
Not exactly The Beatles most charming ever love song. Some of the lines in this one are incredibly harsh, showcasing how the sound of the band was maturing from their humble beginnings. John Lennon's vocals are some of his very best. You can physically hear the emotion he puts into the lyrics, with the production being equally as complex. Girl stands out a mile on the Rubber Soul album, providing a rare melancholic reprieve.
#179: King Crimson - 21st Century Schizoid Man
What the hell is this? It's like a prog-rock version of a mental breakdown. The guitars are just insane. They sound majestic half the time and then devolve into absolute mayhem the next. Then the vocals come in, sounding like an absolute madman raving. It's hard to categorise this song because there's so much going on. It's prog rock at the core, but we also see signs of forward thinking heavy metal, inadvertently providing the foundations for the genre progressive metal.
#178: Glen Campbell - Wichita Lineman
Wichita Lineman is a track that floats along from a combination of dulcet guitar chords and the delicate sound of strings. The lyrics are just absolutely beautiful, showcasing some of the greatest lines ever penned in a country record. Wichita Lineman explores themes of love and loneliness both poetically and thoughtfully, accompanied by the smooth voice of Glen Campbell. Country music doesn't get any better produced than this.
#177: R.E.M. - Radio Free Europe
The first ever single from these influential alternative rockers was also one of the founding records of an expanding genre. The lyrics are serious, if you can actually understand them, using a radio station broadcast across the Iron Curtain to tell tales of propaganda in the media. Frontman Michael Stipe did actually admit his lyrics were completely nonsensical due to the song being unfinished at the time of recording. Still, all musical genres have to start from somewhere, and this is a great starting point.
#176: Creedence Clearwater Revival - Lookin' Out My Back Door
This single is about as rustic as rock music ever gets, but sometimes it's nice to indulge in the simple pleasures of music. At the heart this is a song written out of pure joy and respect for the rock and roll days of yore. The lyrics are innocent, but it's the charm of the vocals that really make you love the song. This track has now become etched into pop culture thanks to the film 'The Big Lebowski', but let's not forget it was also an important country-rock hit back in the 1970s.
#175: The Beatles - I'm Only Sleeping
I feel this song appeals to me on a spiritual level, not only because I'm incredibly lazy, but also as it's a precursor to the genre of psychedelic rock. The composition does actually make me feel tired, but I can never understand whether this track was an ode to LSD or Night Nurse. I'm Only Sleeping really does feel like it was composed in some sort of dreamworld. The backwards guitar solo in particular stands out as otherworldly, putting an exclamation mark on the incredible production.
#174: The Spencer Davis Group - Gimme Some Lovin'
Written by seventeen-year-old Steve Winwood and sounding like a song from a future era is this absolute classic. When I was seventeen I was quickscoping my way through Call of Duty, not writing one of the greatest British rock tracks in history. The toe-tapping beat is accompanied by a distinctive organ and the aggressive voices of the group. The hook is phenomenal, giving out another burst of energy in an already energetic track. What an amazing composition.
#173: Al Green - Let's Stay Together
Al Green's vocals are just so erotic. I'm not even a gay man but I'd happily make a pass on Al if he started serenading me with this. If you're Al's partner and you hear him singing this how can you really ever want to leave him? Let's Stay Together is about as smooth and sensual as soul ever gets. For once it was the Americans who identified a hit, with the track topping the charts and staying around for a total of sixteen weeks. Tina Turner's version fared better here in Britain, which as injustices go is pretty heinous.
#172: The Temptations - My Girl
Oh, that acoustic intro makes me giddy with excitement. My Girl is perhaps the ultimate boy band track, relying on catchy hooks and the charisma of five charming men to get it lodged inside your head. American audiences loved it, easily topping the charts, but once again Britain wasn't impressed by the legendary soul record and as such it barely charted. Motown produced some of the best songs in existence, but this might have been their greatest ever achievement.
#171: The Doors - Love Her Madly
An intriguing mix of psychedelia and blues meshed together by a lively organ. The song is psychedelic, it's catchy, and it has that rough-edged romantic flavour that makes Jim Morrison such a catch. Love Her Madly is one of The Doors most successful pieces, marking their last big release before Jim's untimely demise.
#170: The Champs - Tequila
All you need to create a hit song is a lively and fun instrumental with the odd break to shout an alcoholic based drink. You may laugh, but a structure so simple is what forms one of the most recognisable pieces in music history. It certainly helps that the instrumentation is a funky and lively saxophone solo. Tequila was one of the biggest selling singles of the 50s, but still gets recognition from me when I start ruining my evening with a barrage of shots.
#169: Blondie - Heart of Glass
Disco and rock have historically had an interesting relationship with each other, but here is an example of a track that brought the best out of both genres. Not only is this a fine modern rock track, but it's also one perfectly at home on a light up dancefloor. The forward-thinking production is then paired with stunning visual imagery to create a polished package that was always bound to sell. Debbie Harry puts in a sultry performance that compliments the laid back feel of the song. To say the song was a hit is a massive understatement as it managed to storm the charts in just about every country worth mentioning.
#168: The Bobby Fuller Four - I Fought the Law
Originally recorded by The Crickets this rock and roll classic uses the tricks of previous decades to create a lovely little track. The combination of guitars and vocals are absolutely fantastic, and the result is an upbeat rock track that will easily get stuck in your head. The Clash cover may well be the most famous, but it never manages to capture the spirit of the track like Bobby Fuller manages here. 'I Fought the Law' became Bobby Fuller's only hit as he was found dead under suspicious circumstances just six months later.
#167: Dolly Parton - Jolene
The track that put Dolly Parton on the music map. Jolene is one of those tracks that has the unique gift of uniting fans from a multitude of backgrounds, and even if you're not a country fan you can't help but be moved by this morbid tale. Dolly does a great job at expressing the anguish found within the lyrics, only accompanied by a lonesome acoustic guitar. Dolly even managed to score a top ten hit in Britain, which is a feat not achieved by many American country stars.
#166: R.E.M. - Losing My Religion
Why aren't more pop songs based on mandolin riffs? R.E.M. pull off a charming modern re-imagining of classic pop-rock tracks with added layers of sophistication. Gone are cliches and simplistic structures and in comes a brilliantly paced soundtrack and alternative rock artistry. Losing My Religion brought the band to the masses, becoming the group's signature song in the process. That scene in the video with an old man being fingered always gives me the creeps however.
#165: The Police - Every Breath You Take
It's not often sinister songs about stalking dominate the pop charts, but when they do the results are usually something very special. The lyrics are a really graphic interpretation of surveillance. Perhaps the band should change their name to 'The Thought Police'. Sting's vocals leave an instant impression, but the real surprise comes from the solid guitar work that underpins the track. Every Breath You Take was a massive hit, becoming the best selling single of 1983 and is often considered one of the definitive tracks of the 80s.
#164: Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free Bird
Only in America could a simple rock ballad be stretched out into nine minutes of hillbilly nonsense about freedom. Lynyrd Skynyrd don't exactly rush this one, instead stretching it out into an epic slog. The track never feels long winded however and there's plenty of different sections to enjoy that naturally progress with some high-quality pacing. The guitar solo in particular is brilliant and one of the most cherished in the world of classic rock. A defining taste of Southern American. Well, this and the taste of your sister.
#163: The Beach Boys - Sloop John B
A traditional Caribbean folk song is a given a taste of Californian pop rock. You really appreciate how amazing the composition is when you compare this track to the previous cover versions. The vocal harmonies are simply incredible, and I honestly cannot believe this was produced in the mid-60s. The main reason why this is such a beloved track is that it's just so vibrant and inviting. This Brian Wilson based project became the lead single off the iconic 'Pet Sounds' album and in turn became one of the band's biggest hits.
#162: Ozzy Osbourne - Mr. Crowley
If there is anyone who can nail a song about a dark and mysterious occultist it's going to be Ozzy. The dark atmosphere created in this song is phenomenal. From the foreboding organs to the demonic guitar solos we get one of the most dramatic and unsettling Ozzy tracks ever. Not satisfied with one solid solo Randy Rhoads pulls out one of the best in his collection, putting a massive exclamation mark on an already brilliant heavy metal piece.
#161: The Kinks - You Really Got Me
The central riff has now become legendary. Back in the mid-60s nothing as heavy had ever been heard, and this raw and powerful noise would go on to inspire the creation of an intense hard rock sound. The excessive use of distortion creates such a fantastic noise and was interestingly created by Dave Davies slashing his amp to allow the fabric to vibrate in a peculiar way. When The Kinks decided to invade the American music scene they must have made the Yanks look like right simpletons, which isn't difficult when you come to think of it.
#160: Dire Straits - Money for Nothing
Dire Straits produce an interesting and negative take on the world of rock and roll. The riff is the real talking point, creating a heavily distorted foundation for the track that sounds unmistakably 80s. A lot of the song is fashioned around 1980s culture, even down to the casually homophobic lyrics in the second verse. There's a lot going on, with many over-exaggerated elements interacting with just solid rock music. Even Sting pops along for some high pitched backing vocals. The music video may look shite by the standards of today, but back when MTV was just launching this was about as incredible as graphics got.
#159: Elton John - Tiny Dancer
About as profound as piano-based ballads ever get. The verses are all well structured, but really they only serve to build up to that epic chorus. The pacing is rather ballsy for a pop track, giving off its adrenaline in isolated chunks rather than any logical structure. The lyrics are similarly just fantastic, although you can tell Elton didn't write them as I doubt he would ever beckon women to hold him closer. Tiny Dancer was never actually released as a single, but over time has become one of Elton's most iconic tracks.
#158: Muddy Waters - Mannish Boy
A blues standard. The plodding beat allows the memorable riff and aggressive vocals of Muddy to really stand out. Mannish Boy is an anthem for masculinity, pumping testosterone through my body at rates other songs could only dream of. That now iconic riff that punctuates every line of the song has been ripped off by many aspiring blues performers, arguably becoming far more famous than the song itself.
#157: Lou Reed - Walk on the Wild Side
As protest songs go this is one of the more subtle. It doesn't scream in your face for a change, instead gently caressing your ears like a masseuse. The lyrics don't beat around the bush however, telling very vivid tales of transsexuals with both generosity and admiration. Let's be honest, who else in the world of rock was bringing these issues to the fore in the early 70s? The bass line is also fantastic and has been stolen by many other hit singles over the years, but what people really remember is the spoken hook. Well, that and the constant references to prostitution that somehow manage to always get past the totalitarian censors of British radio.
#156: Pink Floyd - Another Brick in the Wall
Technically it's the second of three parts that makes it on the list. 'Another Brick in the Wall' is an unusual inclusion in the Pink Floyd discography due to its reliance on funk to create a foreboding atmosphere. Thankfully all is restored to normal with that guitar driven solo. I also love the inclusion of a working-class sounding choir, who really add to the dystopian feel of the whole song. 'Another Brick in the Wall' has now become something of a protest song for school students tired of the current educational system, but back in 1980 it impressively managed to become a number one single.
#155: Metallica - Enter Sandman
The song that placed Metallica at the forefront of metal. Enter Sandman contains one of the most recognisable metal riffs in history. Here the thrash metal deities tap into the commercial side of rock music, trading unrepentant ferocity with catchy hooks and equally catchy power riffs. There is a nightmarish theme to the song which allows the track to border between being easily digestible and downright unsettling. Yeah, metal purists might hate it, but there's no denying it's one of the biggest and most important metal releases in history.
#154: Pearl Jam - Jeremy
Based on the delightful story of a boy named Jeremy who shot himself in front of his own English class. The whole composition really hammers home the disturbing themes, with Eddie Vedder's vocals in particular adding a deranged edge to this tragic tale. Despite its controversial nature Jeremy would go on to become one of Pearl Jam's defining songs, transforming their sound from grunge origins to rock monsters.
#153: Eagles - Lyin' Eyes
In my opinion the most laid back and relaxing country rock track in history. Here we have a six-minute country epic that switches between calm, smooth verses and hooks with beautiful vocal harmonies. Glenn Frey's vocals tell a rich tale of heartbreak and betrayal with a surprising amount of flair, occasionally being shattered with a chorus that just makes you want to live out the rest of your days in rural California.
#152: Led Zeppelin - Good Times Bad Times
What an opening track for your first ever album. If anyone needs any introduction to what Led Zeppelin are all about then just direct them here. The way this seemingly simple track just devolves into some crazy rock shenanigans is just incredible. In fact, the whole energy of the song is a joy to behold. Good Times Bad Times provides a brief introduction to the immense talent of every member of the group, paving the way in style for a storied career that changed rock music forever.
#151: Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart
The final hurrah for frontman Ian Curtis who killed himself just a few short months after the release of this amazing single. His voice in this is hauntingly macabre, creating this unique atmosphere that's so unnerving in a pop track. I just absolutely love that synthesiser. That honestly has to be one of the greatest transitions into a synthesiser based melody I've ever heard in my life. Interestingly the music video is shot in what is considered a mansion in the band's native Scotland.
One of the finest and sleaziest examples of glam metal. When this one comes on I usually behave like a mess and act like a whore. You're missing the point of this song if you start complaining about the poor lyrics or the lack of sophistication. This is a spectacle, winning you over with its energy and drama. The hook is just incredible, and is actually one of my favourites of all time. Who gives a shit if music snobs don't find any credibility here? This is all about good old fashioned fun.
#249: Temple of the Dog - Hunger Strike
Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder in the same band, singing the same song. That's grunge royalty. Their voices compliment each other nicely as well. Hunger Strike is a tribute to a departed friend of these grunge legends, with the unusually sombre tone reflecting the introspective and meaningful lyrics. What a way to say goodbye to a dear friend.
#248: Stevie Wonder - Superstition
One of Stevie Wonder's legendary hits that went on to define his career. Those funky keyboard noises are so infectious that they become the main hook of the song. Amazingly they were actually improvised by Stevie during a recording session, which is just absurd. It is one of those tracks where Stevie just packs so much funk into every aspect. You just have to start tapping your feet whenever that keyboard kick in. #247: The Velvet Underground - I'm Waiting for the Man
The track isn't exactly about the most riveting of subjects, but a quick look into the lyrics reveals a dark underbelly of drug references. The story told by the lyrics is actually very engaging, interestingly taking a neutral stance on proceedings and backed up with a pounding beat that builds the anticipation. A real visceral and mature take on drug addiction by one of the most revolutionary bands in history.
#246: Four Tops - Baby I Need Your Loving
A Motown classic. There's no doubting this is a soul record, but that hook is a classic of the pop genre, featuring the majestic harmonies that made this group famous. The tone of the track may be upbeat but there's a certain amount of desperation and despair to be found within the vocal performance. This hit would launch the Four Tops, who would become one of the most successful soul groups in music history.
#245: Buzzcocks - Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)
Punk rock is a genre dominated by angry men, yet here we get a delightful reprieve in the form of Pete Shelley's smooth vocals. Yeah, there's still some anger left lying about, but this is a far more mature and sophisticated view on relationships that you find in the majority of rock tracks. The hook sounds fairly complex but is actually just incredibly well written, effortlessly flowing from one line to the next. The song flies by with its fast pace, but also due to how every single verse and chorus is so damn catchy.
#244: The Stone Roses - Fools Gold
Straddling the line between hardcore rock and dance anthem is this absolute classic. The reverberating guitar and vocals give an isolated feel to the track, but really at heart this song is just one big rock based rave that likes to go a bit mad on command. The sound is dirty and gritty in parts, yet never strays away from that fresh funk based noise. Fools Gold has gone on to become one of the defining sounds of the Manchester music scene.
#243: Creedence Clearwater Revival - Fortunate Son
The defining song of the Vietnam War. The song itself is a solid piece of Southern rock, structured in a way that would go on to formulate the genre in the next decade. That's not why the song has become so notorious. That's the political message, which is cleverly integrated into the lyrics. The message isn't brash or aggressive, only serving to highlight class injustices. I wasn't even alive during the conflict, but just listening to this gives me Vietnam flashbacks to when I was right in the thick of the action.
#242: Curtis Mayfield - Move On Up
Curtis Mayfield wasn't satisfied with just your average soul hit and instead decided to write a whole damn symphony. It's one of those tracks that can brighten your day in an instant. Hell, this one can probably change your whole outlook on life. I love the grandeur of the horn section after every verse, and I also love Mayfield's smooth vocals, which are just as vibrant as the nature of the song. Shout out to the bongos as well. They're also fantastic, but just overshadowed by all the brilliant things happening in this one.
#241: Rage Against the Machine - Killing in the Name
Now, this is how you make a statement. Repetition is used to maximum effect here, whether that be the strong riff or the equally forceful lyrics that don't exactly beat around the bush. These profanity-laced lyrics have often been the subject of controversy within the media, and as such have probably become some of the most memorable rock lines in history. 'Killing in the Name' has become an iconic piece of counterculture, even spearheading the movement to stop talent show winners grabbing the Christmas number one spot here in Britain. #240: Depeche Mode - Enjoy the Silence
The genre of synthpop often has the reputation of banging out 80s pop anthems, but on the odd occasion we did get to see these electronic sounds used to create some dark and mature tracks. The ambience created by this song is just extraordinary. With just a bunch of synthesisers this band managed to create one of the most lonely and isolating soundtracks ever made. The vocals fit this depressing tone perfectly, mumbling out some sophisticated lyrics with the odd hook thrown in for good measure.
#239: Public Enemy - Don't Believe the Hype
Expertly produced and expertly performed. Public Enemy doesn't mess about with their bars, shouting out directed barrages towards the unsavoury members of society. The group have a lot of attitudes, but equal measures of awareness as well. The beat is on point, but its the flow that's most inspiring. Public Enemy manages to carry an amazing amount of vigour in what is really a slow rap track, paving the way for political hip hop in the process.
#238: Peter Gabriel - Sledgehammer
Peter Gabriel perfectly merges cheese and pop prowess in this brilliant hit. There's an inherent sense of drama and excitement every time you hear this. The beat is monstrous, and adding blaring horns only adds to the sensation of this absolute powerhouse. That's not the highlight however. I live for that hook. Add in some blatant innuendos and you have yourself one sexually charged 80s classic. The music video is also hailed as one of the most revolutionary of all time.
#237: The Beatles - She Said She Said
The Beatles may not have realised what they were doing but they accidentally stumbled across the formula for the modern rock song. You can thank their newly beloved LSD trips for that. This guitar-heavy track stands out on the album 'Revolver' by an absolute mile, and there's plenty of masterpieces to compete with on that record. Here we find the first commercial track to include elements of psychedelia, popularising this drug-centered trend for the rest of the 60s. Ringo Starr even puts in a big shift on the drums, proving he wasn't just a charming character.
#236: Jerry Lee Lewis - Great Balls of Fire
A legendary rock and roll single that cemented Jerry Lee Lewis as an all-time great. Lewis' high pitched squeals are charismatic, breathing more life into the already lively composition. The piano is the driving force in this one, not only dictating the infectious beat but also going completely mental in certain spots. 'Great Balls of Fire' is one of the biggest selling singles of all time, with its influence still being felt in pop culture to this very day.
#235: The Jackson 5 - I Want You Back
Michael Jackson plays the role of young pop sensation once again, showing that at just the age of ten he was destined for greatness. His vocals are fantastic, but credit also has to be given to the writing, which allows the song to flow effortlessly from verse to verse. I doubt Michael can relate to the lyrics, but you wouldn't know that from his sensational performance. It's just such a pleasant and happy song to listen to, instantly bringing a smile to your face from the very start. The bass line is also brilliant.
#234: Norman Greenbaum - Spirit in the Sky
Much better than the majority of Christian hymns. The intro is one of the most distinctive in rock history. The fuzz on those guitars is inhuman, matching the crashing beat. Christian rock usually has a terrible reputation, but here's evidence that once in a while you can add the idea of spirituality into rock music without sounding pretentious. Norman himself is actually Jewish, so I honestly have no idea why he's softening up to Jesus when it was his people that crucified the poor guy.
#233: Sly and the Family Stone - Dance to the Music
Politically motivated and artistically sophisticated is how I would describe Sly's gang. The bass line in this more pop orientated track is fantastic, but it's the chorus where this one really delivers its message, shouting out that hook at maximum volume. There are so many different elements all coming together that had never been tried before in this combination. As a listener you're not sure whether you want to join in with Sly's angry sounding vocals or just dance along to the groove. What we're witnessing here is the genesis of commercial funk and the track that launched this revolutionary band to the world.
#232: Pink Floyd - See Emily Play
There was once a time when Pink Floyd actually understood how to keep a song below about forty minutes. The way this track transitions from a lone harpsichord to a hard rock sound is brilliantly bizarre. There's a certain boyish charm in places, but that charm is then quickly wiped out by some menacing sounds. People in the late 60s must have been wondering who these new idiots were, but this unique noise turned into a hit and became the definitive Pink Floyd dose of psychedelia.
#231: The Human League - Don't You Want Me
One of the most easily recognisable tracks of the 80s. The hook is so basic yet so, so effective. Like the rest of the song it's expertly constructed into pop brilliance without ever becoming generic. What I really like is that you get the perspective of the female in the relationship as well, meaning we don't get some one-sided sappy love story and actually a deeper tale of stalking and harassment. Today it's one of the biggest selling singles in UK history and seen as a synthpop anthem that nobody could ever hate.
#230: Kiss - I Was Made for Lovin' You
Yeah, yeah, I know this isn't proper rock music. I honestly couldn't give a single shit. What we have here is some charismatic rockers melding together their stadium based sounds with the feel-good worlds of pop and disco. The intro is unbelievably infectious, but that has nothing on the hook. Good luck getting that chorus out of your head. Paul Stanley's vocals are just so smooth and delightful. If you're not having fun with the disco-inspired elements then you've always got some good guitar work to enjoy anyway.
#229: Bachman-Turner Overdrive - You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet
A nice little track from a nice little Canadian foursome. The chorus is hilarious and harsh in equal measure, as the jumbled vocals are actually bullying the brother of lead singer Randy Bachman who had a terrible stutter. What an absolute asshole. A great hook however, and one that would go on to define the career of these men. Overall this is such an upbeat and pleasant guitar track with an inherently playful nature. It was originally recorded as a joke but is now seen by many as one of the finest pieces of pop-inspired 70s rock. #228: Elvis Presley - Hound Dog
One of the most legendary blues songs ever penned was given a dose of rock and roll exuberance by none other than The King. If there was ever a song to sum up the iconic career of Elvis then this would be the one. This single has since become one of the best selling tracks in history, topping over ten million sales and staying at the top of American charts for eleven whole weeks, which even for Elvis was a pretty crazy figure.
#227: Alice Cooper - Poison
Alice Cooper ditches shock rock and instead embraces the bawdy lifestyle of glam metal. The lyrics are sexually charged and there are scantily clad models found everywhere in the video. This is what happens when your weird uncle gets way too drunk, but somehow Alice manages to pull this act off with youthful vigour. The hook is the real high point and has to be one of the greatest in the metal genre. Alice Cooper here, moving with the times and salvaging his career in the process. Excellent stuff.
#226: Daft Punk - One More Time
Turns out French house DJs were producing better club tracks in 2000 than any other country can manage today. The composition is euphoric, combining one hell of a beat with a swarm of well-layered instruments. Who cares if this same idea is repeated throughout the song when that said thing makes you feel fucking great? No clue what that music video is about however.
#225: Metallica - Fade to Black
A lesson in pacing and songwriting from Metallica. The way those guitars build throughout the intro is just orgasmic. We begin with an acoustic based track that escalates into a full-blown thrash metal anthem, only topped by a brilliant guitar solo to close out the track. The lyrics are meaningful and mature, wrestling with themes of suicide and depression in a manner so realistic it's shocking. A hauntingly beautiful track showcasing how artistry can be crammed into heavier genres.
#224: The Drifters - Save the Last Dance for Me
A Drifters classic that in my view is their most polished performance of their historic career. The vocals and harmonies are impossibly smooth. Ben E. King truly has one of the greatest romantic voices to ever grace the musical landscape, and when you back that up with the harmonies of a whole group the results are magic. Legend has it that songwriter Doc Pomus had polio, and so could only exert himself for the last dance, which just adds the significance of the romance in this beautiful song.
#223: Simon and Garfunkel - I Am a Rock
Pop songs aren't usually known for their takes on isolation and loneliness, but here we have a pop track on the subject that's both catchy and introspective. The structure is really quite a simple and upbeat acoustic number, but it's really in the lyrical content where this one excels. The song was not only released by Paul Simon on his own but as an EP and a single from the duo just a year later. Convoluted origins from a very simple folk classic.
#222: The Beatles - Helter Skelter
Who knew heavy metal was around in 1968? Who knew a lovable pop group could formulate one of the heaviest genres known to man? The madness doesn't stop either, only finally subsiding when Ringo starts pleading that his hands are blistered. Paul McCartney sounds possessed on vocals, but wow do those guitars steal the show. Charles Manson also used this track to help indoctrinate his murderous cult. Maybe not the person you ideally want your music to resonate with, but it does at least show what a powerful track this is.
#221: Led Zeppelin - Black Dog
The opening track of what is in my opinion the best album ever released. This rock track benefits from a weird time signature and a now iconic riff that gives the song such a recognisable personality. Robert Plant's vocals reach a new literal high, but it's his chemistry with the band that really sends this track to the next level.
#220: David Bowie - Heroes
Heroes is a track that perfectly sums up the legacy of this great figure. The guitars on the track amaze me with how effectively they build up towards that simply spoken chorus. Bowie's vocals on this are extraordinary. He starts off as his charming self and ends up in some desperate state, which is probably how his vocal cords must feel after that performance. This dramatic song clearly had a profound effect on the German people, who have since cited a live performance of this track as a catalyst from bringing down the Berlin Wall.
#219: The Drifters - Under the Boardwalk
Johnny Moore does a fantastic job at filling in as lead vocalist after the former lead singer died of a heroin overdose the night before. The upbeat lyrics benefit from some really positive imagery, so even if the romantic and raunchy hook doesn't float your boat you can always indulge yourself in the charming beach scene the song paints. The Rolling Stones also decided to cover this one, but that version was a rare miss for them.
#218: Cream - Sunshine of Your Love
A blues-rock standard that became highly influential in the world of rock music. That opening riff has now become iconic and to this day no other riff sounds anything like it. Musically it's such a simple riff, and is actually one of the first most guitarists ever play, but there's something so sophisticated about the whole composition. This track was always one of the highlights of their live sets, although when watching some of their concerts at the Royal Albert Hall the crowd looked bored shitless.
#217: Simon & Garfunkel - Mrs. Robinson
'Mrs. Robinson, you're trying to seduce me aren't you?' One of the all-time great movie soundtracks also stands out as a phenomenal folk track in its own right. It might well be simple in composition but both the lyrics and guitar work are some of the best you'll ever find. 'Mrs. Robinson' was also the first ever rock track to win record of the year at the Grammys, showing that lot had finally caught up with pop culture years after rock had started dominating the music scene.
#216: Frank Sinatra - Strangers in the Night
The most seductive and charismatic performance from the ultimate crooner. If the vocals don't move you then the orchestral sound will. Sinatra himself hated the song, but audiences around the world and numerous performers who covered this iconic track clearly didn't share that sentiment. 'Strangers in the Night' turned out very right for Sinatra, not only winning about fifteen million Grammys but selling just about as many copies worldwide.
#215: Guns N' Roses - Welcome to the Jungle
Guns N' Roses may have been late to the glam metal party but their debut album hit with the force of a wrecking ball due in no small part to this single. The intro leads you into an aggressive and lively track that punches you in the face with that mean hook almost instantly. The guitars are just as vicious weather through powerful riffs or impressive fast-paced solos. It might not be the most sophisticated hard rock song ever, but it certainly packs a punch.
#214: Led Zeppelin - Dazed and Confused
Led Zeppelin took a folk rock track and turned it into a blues-rock masterpiece that set the standards for an emerging heavy metal genre. All this from a band of teenagers. 'Dazed and Confused' became the band's first centrepiece song and it would become a full symphony when played live. The clatter of the drums and use of guitars between the verses is just hypnotic, and as for that solo, that's just incredible. The song even inspired a film of the same name, although rather amusingly this song is nowhere to be found in it. #213: Elvis Presley - Don't Be Cruel
This is the definition of a smash hit. Eleven weeks this song reigned at the top of the American charts. Don't Be Cruel features one of the finest riffs ever included on a rock and roll track. If the instrumentation doesn't please you then there's always the charismatic Elvis performance to fall in love with. It's a track where you join in just to feel like Elvis, and whilst you always feel like a low rent impersonator you still have a great time trying.
#212: The Beach Boys - I Get Around
A classic surf pop record that brilliantly demonstrates what The Beach Boys are all about. The intense repetition is in no way irritating, and in fact the range of harmonies found throughout the short runtime is absolutely phenomenal. At its heart there's such a sense of fun and excitement with this one, mirroring the world of youth with newfound freedoms.
#211: Whitesnake - Here I Go Again
Hardly filled with artistry, but an absolute thrill ride from start to finish. The production reeks of classic glam metal. Loud and wailing guitar riffs are only topped by the ridiculously over the top vocals that carry the infectious hook. The better known single version of the track was released five years later, and although still a solid track lacks that raw emotion of the original.
#210: Madonna - Like a Prayer
An absolute pop masterpiece. The chorus is just perfection, but in reality the verses are just as catchy as that amazing hook. Packed into the hooks are some mature lyrics heavily influenced by sexual undertones and religion. Kudos to Madonna for writing a mature pop hit that deals with very personal issues. It's a really great composition, featuring both elements of hard rock and gospel, but anchored by full-blown pop. Portraying Jesus as a black man built up enough controversy to send public interest through the roof whilst also providing an iconic statement for the pop singer.
#209: Ritchie Valens - La Bamba
A traditional Mexican folk song is given a dose of energy by a rock and roll pioneer. I don't speak a word of Spanish, so for all I know the lyrics could be incredibly depressing, but I won't let that stop me from excitedly mumbling along to every single syllable. It's such an enjoyable song that even if you have no idea what's going on you can still smile away. La Bamba would only ever top the charts with the band Los Lobos, but it was Valens who first translated Mexican traditions into the world of rock.
#208: David Bowie - Ashes to Ashes
A beacon of artistic brilliance from one of the all-time greats. Unusual in composition, but just executed to absolute perfection. I have no idea how you would ever dissect the lyrics. They may make absolutely no sense, but I like them, and they work really well with the structure. The structure, by the way, is just spot on in every single aspect. There's nothing else that sounds remotely similar to this release, but then not many artists manage to reach the creative heights that David Bowie manages here.
#207: Fleetwood Mac - Dreams
Dreams is such a beautiful track. Stevie Nicks' vocals never sounded so good, but it's in the wonderful instrumentation where this song really shines. Dreams is a single that resonates with many people, taking them to a dreamlike world that this track eloquently describes. Dreams was the only time the band ever topped the American charts, with the song subsequently being viewed as the band's finest work by many.
#206: The Beatles - For No One
Paul McCartney may have the reputation of writing soppy ballads, but his work here shows astounding maturity. The lyrics have the incredible ability to view a relationship from the perspective of crushing realism. It's a breakup song, but one not out of malice. I love the french horn solo, but where this song shines is found in Paul's isolated vocals. Turns out you don't even need half The Beatles to create amazing music.
#205: Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five - The Message
The message in The Message is a very serious one, maturely and artistically portraying a rapidly changing 1980s with noticeable angst. The amazing thing is the beat still sounds fresh and vibrant despite uncharacteristically sounding like the decade it came from. That synthesiser is just fantastic, but it's the lyrics between these brief moments where the song really becomes legendary. If any song deserves the recognition for bringing hip hop to the masses then this is the one. The Message was the first time hip hop and serious political issues would join forces, setting a benchmark that would rarely, if ever, be beaten.
#204: Michael Jackson - Beat It
If anyone can put the pop in pop rock it would be Michael Jackson. Michael's tough guy impression is admirable, and although it fails miserably you still can't help but be enthralled by his charismatic performance. I'm not sure running away from gang violence is particularly sound advice, although these words could be applied to other serious issues, such as how Jackson should have beat it away from naked children instead of beating them off. Eddie Van Halen even shows up to shred a few welcome guitar riffs, turning this into a really good guitar track in the process.
#203: Earth, Wind & Fire - September
You must have a heart of stone to not be enthralled by this disco masterpiece. The first day of September is now a national holiday for me and every year I look forward to that date where I can play this song about ten million times in a row without any shame. How is it humanly possible to pack this much fun into such a standard disco formula? The genre of disco usually gets some stick for being overly cheesy, but how can you complain when it produces feel-good anthems for millions of people worldwide? I've still yet to find anyone who dislikes this classic.
#202: Scorpions - Wind of Change
One of the all-time great power ballads delivered with both passion and some good old fashioned German weirdness. This is not just your average rock track, it's a beacon of hope for a recently united German people and an anthem for political unity in a Europe that was still divided. It's a track for getting those lighters in the air and just not giving a shit about the world's various problems. Yeah, it's not the most sophisticated track in history, but its historical significance is almost unrivalled.
#201: Radiohead - Paranoid Android
Radiohead decided their leading singles should ignore the idea of commercial success and instead showcase the best of their artistry. The atmosphere created is disturbing, but not in the typical Radiohead manner of just being endlessly depressing. This one constantly evolves between hauntingly beautiful and aggressively terrifying. The differing segments of the track are each very different, yet meld into each other incredibly well with surprising amounts of cohesion. It's a very ambitious production and one of the most revolutionary singles of the 90s.
The titular track to one of the biggest selling albums of all time. What makes this rock anthem so special is how the band are able to transform a basic riff into one of the most legendary of all time. Who needs anything else when you can repetitively bob your head to that incredible noise? Vocalist Brian Johnson is his usual squeaky self, although in this one he takes his rock and roll antics to the next level. There's incredible energy throughout the whole track, none more so than during the hook, which has etched this track and album into the history books.
#299: Oasis - Some Might Say
When you think of Oasis and Britpop as a genre this is the defining song you instantly go to. It's that moment that kickstarted the 'Cool Britannia' movement that would sweep the UK during the 90s. Liam Gallagher puts in arguably the best vocal performance of his storied career, but for me it's the constant momentum that the song carries that should be applauded the most. Some might say this was the first time Oasis really broke through into the mainstream market, and in fact this was the band's first ever number one single.
#298: Iron Maiden - Hallowed Be Thy Name
What an epic metal anthem. Iron Maiden are often praised for the complexity of their lyrics, and here that's no exception, with the band taking you through the plot of a damn novel in just seven minutes. The composition reflects the complex themes, with the subdued introduction giving way to monumental solos. Vocalist Bruce Dickinson sounds incredible, putting in the performance of a lifetime and adding a large exclamation mark to such a polished composition.
#297: Bruce Springsteen - Dancing in the Dark
I wish Bruce Springsteen was literally dancing in the dark because his moves are fucking awful. Thankfully his powerful voice isn't, carrying this anthemic 80s pop track that's such a joy to join in with. Yeah, there's an abundance of synths to piss off hardcore rock fans, but I don't honestly care when they sound that fantastic. Courtney Cox also makes an appearance in the video, joining in the same atrocious dance with the man himself. Really this song is a product of its time, but a time I'm happy to indulge myself in whenever I want.
#296: Link Wray & His Ray Men - Rumble
This one makes me feel like the biggest alpha male the world has ever seen. I reckon I could take on anyone with this playing as the soundtrack. The revolutionary use of distortion really adds to the meat of the riffs, which are already played with a certain authority. Amazingly this instrumental managed to get banned by American radio stations because they thought it would lead to gang violence, which is an amazing achievement, and also a testament to just how visceral these riffs really are. Link Wray accidentally managed to release an instrumental from decades in the future, and in doing so provided the blueprint for guitarists worldwide.
#295: The Everly Brothers - Wake Up Little Susie
Is there any song that sums up the late 50s better than this one? The lyrics will instantly resonate with any adolescent in the 50s, telling a charming story of rebellious youths engaged in an equally charming fling. At the time of release the song was actually banned by some radio stations due to suggestive lyrics, which just seems absurd in this day and age. The real star of the show is the guitars, which actually harmonise better than the brothers themselves, and that's saying something.
#294: Ramones - I Wanna Be Sedated
This isn't punk rock at its most ferocious, and I'm glad, considering the more sedate tone enhances the hooks and in my opinion gets the message across better. You can moan all you want that this isn't pure punk, but I think this is a brilliant pop inspired piece that relies on a fantastic hook. There's a reason why this is one of the band's most iconic releases. Let's be honest, Americans have never understood punk anyway.
#293: Led Zeppelin - Since I've Been Loving You
The blues-rock influence that surrounded Led Zeppelin's discography is at its most prevalent here. This is a very unusual and unique number displaying just how far ahead of the times the band were. Guitarist Jimmy Page produces some of his finest material here, with the solo in particular being absolutely incredible. You have to love the balls of Led Zeppelin to compose such a forward-thinking song, re-imagining the blues genre in the process.
#292: The Kingsmen - Louie Louie
Of all the various covers of this song it is arguably the one most lacking in quality that has become the notorious version. It may be one of the more raunchy 60s tracks, but thankfully you and the FBI can't actually decipher any of the words to ban it. At times it feels like just your average garage band having a jam without any intention of releasing what should be considered a mess. However, whilst not perfect, this is one of the most important rock songs of all time, providing a primitive punk sound that would be copied for decades. I should also mention you can hear the drummer yelling 'fuck' at 55 seconds in. You're welcome.
#291: Elvis Presley - Jailhouse Rock
Arguably the most famous track from arguably the most famous recording artist of all time. It's a testament to the quality of songwriting and the talent of Elvis that everybody knows this track to some extent. Most will probably never delve into the sexual undertones or the playful characters mentioned throughout, but then why would you in a rock and roll track as captivating as this one? This was the first track to ever shoot straight to the top of the UK charts, and also managed to be the lowest selling number one after being re-released in 2005.
#290: Radiohead - Creep
I'm sure many Radiohead fans can relate to these lyrics, although whether they would approve of a song often seen as 'selling out' is another matter. I personally love it, especially the vocals, which have an unnerving presence about them. They're so silky smooth, yet have an emotional complexity to them that really adds to the unsettling nature of the song. Things really ramp up for the chorus, which almost resembles a grunge track than anything Radiohead are known for. Radiohead actually hate the song themselves, but they seem like a miserable bunch to me anyway.
#289: The Temptations - Papa Was a Rollin' Stone
Twelve minutes of psychedelic infused soul from none other than The Temptations. Yes, please. The four-minute long intro is like something out of a big budget movie, and then you get to the vocals, which are just even better. Everything builds up towards this rather brutal tale questioning family loyalties with some of the most mature lyrics I've ever heard. The whole composition is just epic. It also managed to top the American charts, which is impressive for such a lengthy track.
#288: Iggy Pop - Lust for Life
'Lust for Life' is a surprisingly upbeat number that's kept going by lively drums and the aggressive vocals of a rock legend. It's no surprise that the distinctive drumbeat has been stolen by numerous other upbeat rock tracks. 'Lust for Life' manages to keep an insane amount of energy throughout its lengthy duration, even coming across as a jolly good time in parts despite the obvious punk inspiration. Many will know this one from the film 'Trainspotting', but don't let that distract you from an influential classic.
#287: The Cure - Pictures of You
As I have the mental age of a twelve-year old I'll struggle to review a song called 'Pictures of You' without any masturbation jokes, but crass humour really doesn't do this amazing single justice. 'Pictures of You' is actually a depressing and introspective number that paints a hauntingly beautiful image of lost relationships. The atmospheric opening is just sublime, but really the whole soundtrack to this guitar focused track is just mesmerising. Just an incredible composition from start to finish.
#286: The Rolling Stones - Brown Sugar
Oh, just listen to that riff. An absolute classic. The progression within the guitar alone is enough to carry this song, but in typical Rolling Stones fashion a large dollop of charisma is also added to the mix. Stones songs are usually full of drugs and sexual references, and this one is one of the worst culprits. Here we pass through themes of rape and slavery without a care in the world. The B-side is also called 'Bitch' just in case this wasn't controversial enough already.
#285: The Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy
East Coast rap was just better in almost every single way than its West Coast counterpart, and here we have the crowning achievement of this particular genre. Humble and introspective lines lead an incredibly mature view of the man's past life, yet the laid back feel of the track makes these hardships feel like small hurdles on the grand scheme of things. After this release Biggie not only 'blew up like the World Trade', but exploded like a plane had crashed into it.
#284: T. Rex - Children of the Revolution
A brief look through the history books will show you that it's actually very easy to fool young revolutionary groups. Not that this rebuttal affects the quality of this classic in any way. At this period of time frontman Marc Bolan was producing rock anthem after rock anthem, and here we have probably the heaviest hit Bolan would ever record. That's one hard-hitting riff, only subsiding so Bolan can wail out the catchy hook. Both Elton John and Ringo Starr were part of the recording, so there's hardly a lack of star power found within this one.
#283: The Beatles - A Hard Day's Night
This iconic centrepiece for their film soundtrack ensured that Beatlemania was not just some brief fad. It topped the charts both sides of the pond and sold in quantities never seen before on such a global scale. The intro doesn't get any more basic, almost an admission that the main event is the joyous harmonies of this group that explode into life after that opening chord. It's long been debated what that opening chord is, which just shows you what a brilliant and effective intro we really have here. There's no denying this is a pop track, but the complexity found within the guitars and vocal harmonies is astounding.
#282: The Byrds - So You Want to Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star
A pretty brutal attack on the increasing prevalence of bands deemed 'manufactured'. There's no better way to prove your point than laying down a solid guitar track purposely littered with pop cliches. Whilst the inclusion of generic pop elements still didn't make the song chart here in the UK, the track has still become a classic of the genre and their angry sentiments have been shared by numerous other artists over the years. Today this seemingly innocent track has become more relevant than ever.
#281: Johnny Cash - Ring of Fire
One of the most famous country track of all time thanks in most part to the sound of those horns. I'm not sure I ever wondered what a simple country song would sound like with the backing of a mariachi band, but after listening to this I'm glad I now know. 'Ring of Fire' was actually written by Cash's wife about their relationship, but was weirdly first released by the wife's sister. Thankfully Cash also released a version with some added mariachi elements, becoming a country sensation overnight.
#280: Tame Impala - The Less I Know the Better
The greatest piece of psychedelic music to come out of anywhere in the last few decades. The guitar riffs are just brilliant, but then so is the whole instrumentation. It's one of those tracks that manages to sound equally amazing no matter how many times you play it, and this has a lot to do with its infectious pop infused elements. The music video is also fucking bizarre, but then you probably expected that anyway. Really this is the finest piece of artistry from any recording artist in the last ten years.
#279: Stevie Wonder - Higher Ground
I challenge you to sit still through this one. Stevie Wonder fully embraces his funky side here, pulling off a lively track that just refuses to settle down. Wonder plays all the deeply layered instruments on this track, and they all sound absolutely fantastic. Interestingly the themes of reincarnation in this song eerily predict the serious car accident that Stevie would be involved in just a few short months after this song was released. I bet he didn't see that coming. #278: The Allman Brothers Band - Whipping Post
A real demonstration of the prowess found within the guitar playing of Duane Allman. This is the one people paid to see live. There are recordings on the internet of the band extending this already epic track to an extraordinary 22 minutes in length, even managing to add extra exuberance to those guitars. The lyrics are often overlooked for that amazing guitar soundtrack, but they also tell an emotional blues-based tale of desperate relationships. Many have tried to emulate this legendary formula, but none have ever come close.
#277: The Beatles - Revolution
The B-side to 'Hey Jude' that manages to make a far greater impact on the ear than that fan favourite ever can. That opening riff is just pure noise, almost as cutting edge as the John Lennon vocals. You can tell it's a John Lennon track, but thankfully here he hasn't gone crazy over the idea of giving peace a chance yet and actually expresses doubts over a revolution. This is for the sensible hippy, not the one living in a drug-infused dreamland.
#276: Beastie Boys - Sabotage
I've never been a huge fan of when rap and rock decide to join forces, but in this instance the fusion works an absolute treat. I don't know why I enjoy having lyrics shouted relentlessly into my ears, but I actually find the whole experience incredibly enjoyable. From that opening shout we're treated to a song with an abundance of attitude, only briefly pausing for some heavy turntable scratches. The music video is often given the credit with this release, but for me this will always be a surprisingly excellent guitar track.
#275: Oasis - Champagne Supernova
What the hell is a 'champagne supernova'? Whatever it is it sounds nice. The way the song builds towards that guitar focused hook is just majestic, with Liam Gallagher's dreamy vocals taking centre stage. Oasis were always touted as a Beatles ripoff, and with this song you can see why. I'm not personally complaining, and I'm a massive fan of the psychedelically infused lyrics we get here. Paul Weller from The Jam also joins in, which is always nice. What a way to close the best selling album of the 90s.
#274: The Who - Behind Blue Eyes
Originally penned for the villain in the scrapped film 'Lighthouse'. I'm glad this song wasn't also thrown in the bin as in my opinion it's one of the band's finest compositions. The vocals may be the real star of the show, but the lyrics are also incredibly emotional. It's one of those tracks that are inherently moving, even to fully grown classic rock fans, who even have some nice riffs in they aren't already satisfied. If you dare try and tell me the Limp Bizkit cover is superior then you deserve to rot in hell.
#273: Motorhead - Ace of Spades
I first heard this metal anthem on the television show 'Songs of Praise'. Maybe I didn't, but over the years this has become a metal standard thanks to this group's gruff appearance and terrible attitudes. The song starts at one hundred miles an hour with that iconic riff and ends just as quickly. The drums are ferocious, the riff pounds away at the speed of light, and frontman Lemmy just snarls over the top of this brilliant mess. Motorhead put in a solid argument for a single card, but my favourite still has to be the ace of diamonds. Maybe that wouldn't have been such a big hit.
#272: The Beatles - Here Comes the Sun
On the surface this song might appear to be full of stupid hippy cliches, which it is, but it's also a seriously fantastic piece of art. This one always manages to cheer me up. This is mainly due to the upbeat lyrics, but also down to the stellar production that still sounds crisp to this day. George Harrison proved once again that he could write songs to the same standard as Lennon and McCartney. He also proved he knew how to turn his songs into hits as well.
#271: Stevie Wonder - Sir Duke
Sir Duke is like a compilation of all the great music that came before Soul. What better way to make a tribute to the legends of swing than to create a piece that swings better than anything they ever managed. It's such a brilliantly simple composition as well. I'm sure many have tried to emulate Stevie Wonder, and I'm equally sure that many have failed to get anywhere near the performance of this talented man.
#270: Zager and Evans - In the Year 2525
What the fuck was going through the minds of musicians in the late 60s? This one in particular is like something you would hear from those crazy conspiracy theory videos. The predictions of future depressing scenarios may be contrived, but they are absolutely bonkers, and told by men who would look more at home with tin foil hats on. A product of its time, and actually the best selling song of 1969. Turns out 1969 was a stranger time than any listed in this song.
#269: Santo & Johnny - Sleep Walk
One of the finest and most influential instrumentals in music history. Sleep Walk is a sombre track with beautiful tranquillity surrounding it. The two guitars are perfectly in sync, and although they may sound dated today, back in 1959 the commercial success of this track was uncharted territory. Here we have one of those tracks that you just stick on repeat so you can once again enter into the mesmerising places the track takes you.
#268: The Beatles - And I Love Her
One of the most beautiful and simple love songs in history. Paul McCartney's vocals never sounded as sweet and charming as they do here. The song is tailor-made for his voice, and it's here that we first see the signs of classic McCartney written ballads that would become his speciality in the future. Despite being released at the height of Beatlemania, and also being a classic Beatles love song, this one never managed to become a big hit. That hasn't stopped numerous cover versions being released, including one by the aforementioned 'Santo and Johnny' who managed to top the Mexican charts with their version.
#267: David Bowie - Rebel Rebel
I just cannot get enough of that opening riff. Why that riff hasn't become one of the most iconic of all time I will never know, and this track is often overlooked when discussing the greatest guitar tracks ever. The lyrics typify the glam rock movement with talk of rebellion and dressing up in androgynous clothing. Bowie would move away from the glam rock image shortly afterwards, but what a swansong to the genre that created a legend.
#266: Elvis Costello - Pump It Up
Another underappreciated riff. This particular one just pounds away repeatedly in one big ball of sheer noise. That's until the hook comes sputtering out with even more aggression. I don't know why a song about wanking is so vigorous, but then the sexual elements of the song are hidden behind a wall of sarcasm. The bass also deserves credit for a terrific little line that forms the foundations for the verses, but then the whole composition deserves credit in this fantastically structured piece.
#265: The Animals - We Gotta Get out of This Place
If there's one thing blues-inspired rock music can depict the bitterness of then it's definitely the Vietnam War. Originally the song was applied to the idea of freedom from unwanted places, but eventually became synonymous with Vietnam veterans. The Animals have just the sort of monotone voice you want guiding you through this anti-war track. Eric Burden sounds as pissed off about the war as a growing number of people, building up to the desperate shouts of the chorus. A great bass line as well.
#264: Carl Perkins - Blue Suede Shoes
Elvis may have immortalised this one, but the original is not only better but also had a greater influence on the rock and roll scene. With this release Perkins formulated the rockabilly genre, fusing traditional country tracks with the energy of rock and roll. As such it became the first big selling country record to cross over onto the pop charts. Carl Perkins might not be a household name, but thanks to this brilliant bit of songwriting blue suede shoes certainly are.
#263: Dion - The Wanderer
Dion might have the image of a classy sweetheart from the olden days, but here he turns into the biggest fuckboy known to mankind. The weird thing is he still makes trashy womanising sound classy. I don't know if its the backing music or his persona, but there's still a smooth boyish charm about the whole piece. The song may sound dated today, but there's something still nostalgic about hearing a vibrant track that would rock any classic jukebox to the ground.
#262: Lou Reed - Perfect Day
One of my favourite ballads of all time. 'Perfect Day' is just inherently beautiful to listen to. The juxtaposition between the positive nature of the song and Lou Reed's depressing monotone voice is intriguing to say the least. You're never sure whether this is a simple ballad or a tribute to excessive drug use. This ballad has clearly touched many artists, although of the thousands of cover versions none are as legendary as the original.
#261: The Rolling Stones - Ruby Tuesday
Released at the height of the British Invasion this one saw The Stones try and emulate the works of a certain Liverpudlian foursome to great effect. Gone was blues rock and in came a fantastic little ballad that swapped the dirty rock and roll lifestyle for a heartwarming tale of failed romance. The instrumentation is on point, with dulcet tones being dispersed with pianos and even a damn recorder. Let's be honest though, it's all about that hook. I could happily scream out that hook for days on end without getting bored.
#260: The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Hey Joe
A really dark and depressing story provides the basis for this incredible piece of blues rock. The track had been recorded by a number of artists, but none had ever thought of infusing blues into the mix the way Hendrix does here. Hey Joe is hardly the most complex song Jimi ever played in his life, but it's structured in such a way that it still sounds majestic. The guitar solo certainly isn't simple, and is one of Hendrix's best, which is really saying something. As a debut single this is about as good as it gets, launching Hendrix as a rock pioneer.
#259: Eagles - Take It Easy
The title of this one is very apt. If there's any song to put on when you're winding down then this is the one. The harmonies are mesmerising, perfectly waltzing over the top of the lively banjos, always knowing when to increase in volume during the hooks. The vocals sound so crisp that you would be mistaken for thinking this was a group of veterans recording with their amazing synergy. Take It Easy became the song that would transform some country rock nobody's into chart-conquering juggernauts.
#258: Europe - The Final Countdown
Sorry, you didn't expect unbearably cheesy glam metal on a greatest songs list? Well I'm sorry, but whether you like it or not this is an anthem of pure cheese. That synth has become possibly the most iconic line in pop history, only being shoved aside briefly so some hairy Swede can power out some of the most infectious lines ever penned about some space-based nonsense. It's hardly the most sophisticated track ever, which you probably didn't need to be pointed out, but it's certainly effective. Nobody ever heard from these European Nancy boys ever again, so thank the lord for that.
#257: Nirvana - Come as You Are
The Nirvana track that for me shows some of the best artistry they ever managed. It doesn't matter whether you're focusing on the vocals or the lyrics or the guitar work, because the whole thing is such a complete package. 'Come as You Are' is an anthem of moodiness, maintaining that whole atmosphere throughout its length and not giving in to the temptation of shouty choruses for the sake of it. With this one you can see why people become so enamoured with the enigma that was Nirvana.
#256: Rush - Tom Sawyer
Very few Canadians have ever really understood rock music. This was the closest any Canadian group ever got to nailing proper hard rock, but there's still something quite unusual about this whole production. It may well be the bizarre lyrics, but I think it's the whole composition that tries to make a full blown prog rock song in half the time. I love it, and think it's one of the few times when this Canadian threesome displayed fantastic chemistry together.
#255: The Guess Who - American Woman
Speaking of Canadian rock bands, here's their take on blues rock. American Woman is backed up with a fine riff, but really excels when those vocals are being screamed in your face. The band may not look very rock and roll but they manage to capture that stereotypical rockstar image perfectly here. Somehow this managed to reach number one in America despite slagging half the country off. The Lenny Kravitz version also deserves some credit, but just lacks that impact factor of the original.
#254: The Who - Pinball Wizard
The centrepiece of the rock opera 'Tommy'. We'll ignore the fact pinball has fuck all to do with the actual plot because at least a nice little story is told in just this single track. The lyrics tell a heartwarming and inspiring tale of disability and the game of pinball. Of course to get to the lyrics you have to get past the assault of guitars, drums, and loud vocals. That's the real highlight of this track however, and I love how hard rock and pop elements meld together as if by magic.
#253: The Mamas & the Papas - Monday, Monday
I'm sure every working adult can relate to this one. Monday might well be a miserable day for most, but this one actually has quite a cheery tone. The vocal harmonies are just insanely good, but the lead vocals are also crisp and standout from the backing singers. A classic piece of 60s pop.
#252: Metallica - Seek & Destroy
Metallica at their most raw and visceral. The thrash metal inspired riff is just looking for a fight and if anything is more aggressive than the snarling vocals. This is a real anthem for those who enjoy a lot of headbanging. 'Seek & Destroy' is one of Metallica's oldest and best-loved tracks, always tearing the house down when performed live.
#251: John Lennon - (Just Like) Starting Over
The final release of this man's career may also be one of his most poignant. On the surface is a well-produced love song, but under the surface we have an optimistic look at life from one of the most iconic mouthpieces in pop culture. A mouthpiece that would tragically have its life cut short just a few weeks later, failing in its suggestions to start over. Us Britons didn't share this sentiment and instead sent a school choir singing about how much love they loved their grandma to number one.
