The Greatest Songs of All Time: 300-251

#300: AC/DC - Back in Black

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.