Jim Croce's life was categorised by misfortune after misfortune. The musician died at the age of thirty after spending most of his earlier years penniless, yet here we see the beautiful side of his life with one of the most gut-wrenching performances in music history. The track was written in response to learning the news that his wife was pregnant and this powerful theme really gives us a chance to experience the immense songwriting talent of this musician. 'Time in a Bottle' reached the top of the American charts after the death of Croce at a time when the themes of mortality couldn't be more appropriate.
#99: Fleetwood Mac - Albatross
Those who know their poetry will instantly recognise the symbol of an albatross as the bird that brings misery on the sailors in 'The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner' when killed. The instrumental brings these themes to life with a lonely and isolated guitar that drifts along aimlessly. The atmosphere created by this simple composition is just extraordinary. Albatross is the best selling instrumental of all time here in Britain, also becoming Fleetwood Mac's only number one hit to date.
#98: Dion - Runaround Sue
I feel for Sue. Yes, she might have got around a bit, but nobody deserves a character assassination like this brutal track. Not only does Dion sound great, but his voice allows the song to flow effortlessly between the fast-paced verses and numerous hooks. Interestingly Dion's wife is named Sue, but I guess that's none of my business. Runaround Sue dominated the American charts and so I doubt Sue has been getting much action recently. The song has become ingrained within pop culture, although most recently was brutally sampled in a Meghan Trainor hit. No legendary song deserves that sort of treatment. #97: The Beatles - Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)
By including sounds from the Far East in their work The Beatles were able to transform the landscape of 60s rock. George Harrison shows up with his sitar, finely integrating the exotic sounds into the simple acoustic soundtrack like no band had ever managed before. It's really hard to categorise this unique sounding track as on one hand it's full of psychedelic flavours, but on the other it sounds like a fairly conventional folk track. Similarly, the lyrics like to change between crushing realism and playful whimsy. Norwegian Wood is a real enigma of a song with an uncanny ability to make simple elements seem like strokes of genius.
#96: Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here
Pink Floyd pull off the difficult skill of creating a satisfying prog rock track in under six minutes. The lyrics are the main event here, poetically describing themes of loss in stunning detail. In this instance the subject is the loss of former bandmate Syd Barrett, hence the emotion heard in the vocals, but really the track can be universally applied. Here we have a standout moment not just on the album of the same name, but also in the career of this legendary group.
#95: The Who - I Can See for Miles
This track is about as hard as rock ever got in the 60s, but the real trick is how the song paces this heavy sound in digestible chunks. Keith Moon goes absolutely berserk on the drums, putting in a performance that even for him is completely over the top. There's a nice contrast between the hectic drums and the more subdued vocals, but again it's that pacing that gives this track such an anthemic feel. As someone who relies on glasses to even read a sentence I should find this a cruel taunt, but how can you ever hate such a brilliant song?
#94: David Bowie - Starman
To say this was an adventurous single would be the understatement of the century. Here David Bowie is pushing the boundaries of music as an art form in his own inventive way. Even by David Bowie's standards this is pretty out there. You could almost describe the lyrics as out of this world. The composition is ethereal, painting this futuristic picture whilst simultaneously delivering a satisfying acoustic sound. Starman introduced Britain to the wacky world of Ziggy Stardust, also giving us that iconic image of Bowie that will never be forgotten.
#93: Creedence Clearwater Revival - Have You Ever Seen the Rain?
Yes, yes I have seen the rain. I'm from fucking Britain, it's all I ever see. This song manages to pull off a rare trifecta in the sense that it has passionate and meaningful lyrics, a solid acoustic rock sound, and massive hooks that any pop song would kill to have. The band often had apocalyptic themes embedded in their tracks, but this one has a more personal feel to it, even referencing the internal strife within the band. CCR would never reach these heights again, but they left their mark on the music landscape thanks in no small part to this absolute classic.
#92: Bruce Springsteen - Born to Run
Bruce Springsteen perfectly encapsulates everything so attractive about freedom. The hook is great and all, but those chords after the chorus blow me away every single time. The guitars sound incredible, and there's such a rich sound resonating everywhere the song travels. After every listen I start to understand why this man is known as 'The Boss', because for over four minutes he becomes this charisma machine. 'Born to Run' was the album that propelled Springsteen to stardom, changing the course of American rock music forever.
#91: Scott McKenzie - San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)
Never has there been a song that so definitively summarises the cultural changes of the 60s. San Francisco is a track that makes you feel sad you never got to experience this pivotal and uplifting series of events that changed the world. The song is seen as an unofficial anthem for the hippie movement, but even saw its influence spread to social changes in countries such as Czechoslovakia. Scott McKenzie was something of a one-hit wonder, but thanks to this iconic track he's become a crucial part of music and cultural history.
#90: Billy Joel - Piano Man
Billy Joel composes one of the finest ballads of all time, describing crushing realism with added artistic flair. The lyrics are based on the man's own observations, which results in us getting some interesting anecdotes from the equally interesting characters. Strangely it's the repetitive harmonica that takes centre stage throughout most of the track. The piano still sounds good, but often it's overshadowed by other areas of the high-quality instrumentation, only to then suddenly appear out of nowhere for an awesome solo.
#89: Simon & Garfunkel - Scarborough Fair
American folk duo Simon and Garfunkel give us their take on a traditional English ballad. Many folk artists have had a crack at creating a modern version of this endearing classic, but none of those attempts managed to pull off mixing a medieval sound with modern folk music. The vocal harmonies are absolutely mesmerising, easily stealing the show and perfectly complimenting those dulcet tones in the background. You may be forgiven for thinking Scarborough is some old fashioned paradise nestled away in Britain after listening to this, but in reality this song paints Scarborough as far nicer than it has any right to.
#88: James Brown - Papa's Got a Brand New Bag
Finally, James Brown is given that epic composition to match his incredible vocals. This must be the first time in history that James Brown is overshadowed by the instrumentation. The man gives it a go, but here his vocals only accompany a toe-tapper of a hit. Whoever came up with that little guitar strum before the horns blow the roof off is an absolute legend. In fact, the whole composition comes out cooler than James-fucking-Brown. How is that even possible? What we have here is one of the funkiest tracks of all time, and one that thanks to James Brown would go on to influence a whole emerging funk genre as a whole.
#87: The Spencer Davis Group - Keep on Running
A 60s classic that just has to be blasted out at full volume. The distorted power chords, the furious beat, and the chanting backing vocals all add up to an anthemic number. I should add that vocalist Steve Winwood is only seventeen in this. What a confident and career-defining performance from a seventeen-year-old. Very few people were producing sounds anywhere near as heavy and exhilarating as this in 1965, and as such the track stormed the charts here in Britain.
#86: The Rolling Stones - Gimme Shelter
The Stones decided made a quick departure from their position as rock icons and released a bleak and shocking track about current affairs. Mick Jagger sounds like a desperate preacher with his vocals, and there's even a nice little inclusion of a female singer, who manages to sound even more eccentric than Jagger. The guitars feel far more methodical in nature, but sound absolutely fantastic and dirty in their own right. Martin Scorsese also seems to put this in every single one of his films, which gets absolutely no complaints from me.
#85: Oasis - Live Forever
The Oasis magnum opus. I still can't put into words how well written the whole thing is. The damn song is just one big hook and the lyrics have this euphoric feeling that gets you every single time. When this was released in 1994 it must have felt like a breath of fresh air for the British music scene, who had become accustomed to depressing droning dominating the charts. Live Forever was the first time Oasis reached the top ten of the UK charts and the first time people started to take notice of a new emerging rock sound. Here we have the pinnacle of Britpop, and the last great thing to ever come out of rock and roll.
#84: The Tornados - Telstar
What an instrumental. In my opinion the greatest instrumental of all time. When the main melodic hook hits I actually orgasm it's that incredible. Telstar is actually a communications satellite, hence the futuristic effects used. This satellite is central to the soundtrack for the strange new worlds being explored by mankind, with The Tornados showing off revolutionary studio effects produced in a small apartment that were every bit as spectacular as spaceflight. Telstar is also Margaret Thatcher's favourite pop song, but that's hardly the fault of the band.
#83: The Beatles - Help!
The title track and centrepiece of The Beatles' most iconic album. Humongous hooks, incredible vocal harmonies, and four charming Liverpudlians all send this monster hit into the history books. At its heart this is about as fun as any pop song has ever been in history, and don't even get me started on how catchy the damn thing is. Help is hardly the most complex of the band's songs, but its simplicity and energy are exactly what makes it such an endearing classic.
#82: Johnny Cash - Hurt
Johnny Cash delivers one of the greatest cover songs in existence, giving the track a whole new meaning in the process. I'm mostly a soulless bastard, but even I will be the first to admit I've teared up to this heartwrenching track over the years. The sight and sound of Johnny Cash knowing he's nearing the end of his storied life whilst reminiscing on past triumphs and regrets sends chills down every part of my body. The man is visibly weak, yet gives one final epic performance with all his heart. Absolutely epic.
#81: Chuck Berry - Johnny B Goode
The song that etched Chuck Berry and rock and roll as a whole into the history books. We could sit here and talk for hours about the most iconic aspect of this song, whether that be the opening riff, the amazing guitar solo, the hook, or Chuck Berry's legendary vocals and charisma. The lyrics refer to Berry's own upbringing, portraying the man as a rock and roll hero in the most flattering ways possible. Such was this track's cultural impact that it's now floating towards potential alien life to represent the whole of humanity.
#80: Eddie Cochran - C'mon Everybody
Eddie Cochran just knows how to convey the sense of fun found in his songs thanks to his charismatic persona. The infectious guitar riff central to this track helps things run along smoothly and in style, but really it's Eddie who carries this track. The song doesn't waste any time with any filler and just lays out some fantastic rock and roll verses without any messing around. Eddie Cochran was only really a commercial success here in the UK despite being one of the finest talents to ever come out of the American rock and roll scene.
#79: Isaac Hayes - Theme From Shaft
It amazes me that one of the greatest funk tracks in existence was penned for the opening credits of a film. If you ever need a theme song to make you feel like the coolest cat in town then look no further. Isaac Hayes is silky smooth on the vocals, instantaneously causing women around the world to ovulate to the sound of that husky voice. Shaft is a revolutionary composition as well, displaying facets of what would later become disco, and also becoming the first African American musician to win an Oscar.
#78: Sex Pistols - Anarchy in the U.K.
The late 70s may have been a turbulent time for Brits, but thanks to this groundbreaking release anarchy was truly created in the music scene. Even today this is one of the most aggressive and shocking political statements ever made in music. The Sex Pistols became the faces of anarchy with this song, and you genuinely believed these rebellious youths did want to see the country in complete chaos. They don't give a single shit about grace and decorum, and they riled up an angry youth with this clear cut message. Soon countless groups of shouty rebels were making angry music, and that's all thanks to this track.
#77: The Beatles - Something
One of the all-time great love songs that amazingly doesn't feature explicit references to love at any stage. The lyrics are absolutely beautiful, but it's the composition that really sets this apart from other love songs. This song is really just a great listen from start to finish, combining simple elements to create one epic piece. You could even say it has that certain something. Frank Sinatra even named this track the best of the last fifty years, and that's a man who knows something or two about music.
#76: The Cure - Just Like Heaven
The Cure shows their more subtle side with one of the most beautiful rock tracks ever produced. Just Like Heaven is possibly the most sophisticated love song of all time, using beautiful imagery and beautiful instrumentation to paint the picture. The composition is just extraordinary, with gentle guitar lines giving way to epic piano segments at just the perfect moments. All this from a man that looks like a budget vampire.
#75: The Beach Boys - Don't Worry Baby
Yet another beautiful love song. The first thing that hits you with this song is just how incredible the vocal harmonies on this track are. I can't decide whether the harmonies or the lyrics are more soothing, but both of these elements are just astonishingly good. At a time when bravado and rebelliousness were becoming rife in rock, it's so refreshing to hear such a tender ballad with such meaningful lyrics. This was the first opportunity we got to see the creative powerhouse of Brian Wilson in action, and it's thanks to him that this track is produced to absolute perfection.
#74: The Byrds - Mr. Tambourine Man
The Byrds release one of the all-time great covers, giving a Bob Dylan classic a new lease of life with their unique and revolutionary sound. The jangly guitars are so pleasant and vibrant on the ears, which is characteristic of the band. The Byrds were the American answer to the British invasion and even managed to reverse the tide with this track, topping the charts in the UK. This release gave folk rock a modern direction and gave the genre a boost in popularity that influenced bands around the world. Technically this is the only time Bob Dylan topped the charts, but what a way to do it.
#73: The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Purple Haze
This Jimi Hendrix guy sure knows how to play the electric guitar. Purple Haze is dominated by this pure and electric riff. This heavy and distorted sound was a precursor to what could be achieved with guitar based tracks, with many musicians first hearing this psychedelic genius on this Hendrix release. Jimi's vocals are actually fairly mellow, and the whole recording feels delightfully smooth despite its often brutal nature. Oh, and just in case you were getting tired of the riff there's also a brilliant solo. An absolutely perfect guitar track.
#72: Simon & Garfunkel - Bridge over Troubled Water
Simon and Garfunkel tug at the heartstrings with what I believe is the most touching ballad ever penned. The whole composition is just a talented singer and a talented songwriter singing over the top of a lonely piano. More instruments are later added to the mix, but it's this pureness and simplicity that makes this track so special. This iconic ballad has been recorded by countless other artists and today remains one of the biggest selling singles of all time.
#71: The Cure - Friday I'm in Love
The Cure produces one of the most joyous and euphoric songs in existence. There's so much positive energy in every single aspect. Everyone sounds like they're having a great time, appearing to be releasing that pain after a long and stressful week. Seriously, this is not the most sophisticated rock track of all time, but give it a listen and you'll start enjoying yourself in a way no other song has ever managed before. I love this song so much that I even occasionally give it a listen on days other than Friday. It still makes me incredibly happy, so I don't give a shit.
#70: The Isley Brothers - Summer Breeze
Summer Breeze was originally a forgotten soft rock record from the early 70s. The difference between the original and this superior version is astonishing, with The Isley Brothers somehow transforming the dated sound into an R&B classic. The added elements contribute to an epic composition that makes the original sound totally rubbish. The inclusion of that riff in particular is a stroke of genius. Similarly, the imagery and atmosphere of the track are so vivid that to me this song represents the summer. It turns out you can actually polish a turd if you're named Isley.
#69: The Everly Brothers - All I Have to Do Is Dream
The most dramatic example of the high-quality harmonies The Everly Brothers could pull off. The seductive and charming lyrics are great and all, but when you have those vocals you instantly have yourself a legendary song. Amazingly this iconic vocal performance was recorded in just two takes. I love how the electric guitar never tries to steal the spotlight, just creating a gentle atmosphere to compliment the main event. This track was a huge hit in the late 50s and is currently the only track to ever top all of the Billboard singles charts.
#68: The Clash - London Calling
The definitive Clash song and a milestone of what could be achieved by punk rockers. This was the sign that punk had moved with the times and was transcending into far more sophisticated areas. The bass line is legendary, the lyrics are legendary, the guitar riff is legendary, and the hook blows me away every single time without fail. The lyrics in particular do an amazing job at painting this apocalyptic scene that seemingly gets more frightening with each day. Quite simply this is one of the greatest political statements ever made in music.
#67: Bob Dylan - Subterranean Homesick Blues
Imagine the shock of folk fans when the living legend that is Bob Dylan released a song with an electric guitar. This piece of sacrilege was the dawn of a new era for Dylan and his fusion of electronic sounds and folk would become revolutionary. Bob Dylan gives rappers a run for their money with his fast-talking vocals but completely blows past them with his intelligent and poetic lyrics that cover just about every societal issue known to man. All of this in just over two minutes. I also love the music video, which predates the trend of lyric videos by a good fifty years.
#66: Led Zeppelin - Kashmir
When Led Zeppelin delve into progressive rock the results are almost always special. The composition itself isn't that complex and the central part of the song is this iconic riff that meticulously plods along in anthemic fashion. The riff may be the foundation of the track, but I also love the added strings and horns that occasionally add a little bit of flair to proceedings. In truth all four members of the band are spectacular in this one, showcasing that unrivalled chemistry that made these men rock gods.
#65: Johnny Cash - Folsom Prison Blues
The standout track on Johnny Cash's debut album. Lyrically this is some of the finest material ever created. In this short country track we go from the interesting thoughts of a prisoner to his chilling admittance that he shot a man just to watch him die. That line in particular is one of my all time favourites. If anything the live version is even better, having the unique feature of being recorded actually in Folsom Prison itself.
#64: Gerry and the Pacemakers - You'll Never Walk Alone
It's rare a song becomes the anthem for half an entire city. What's even more amazing is that this particular city is Liverpool, so how great does a song have to be for that city to reject the musical greats born and bred there in favour of this one? The song itself is from the musical Carousel, but only really comes to life with this version. The vocals are as powerful as the subject matter and the build to the crescendo is just electrifying. I also prefer the live version of this one, although that particular version is performed by thousands of Liverpool football club supporters.
#63: Led Zeppelin - Heartbreaker
The greatest showcase of Jimmy Page's inhuman guitar playing. That guitar solo is just unbelievable. Surely it cannot be possible for a single human being to produce noises like that on an electric guitar. Page would even take this solo to the next level in live shows, not only extending it, but going fucking crazy and including other songs in the mix. The bassline is also fantastic, but really this is one of the all-time great guitar tracks that every aspiring guitar player should put at the top of their bucket lists.
#62: Sex Pistols - God Save the Queen
Lyrically destroying the Queen is a very easy way to create a scene in Britain. Calling her a fascist is not exactly sporting over here, and as such this track became the poster boy for the emergence of rebellious punk. 'God Save the Queen' is a brilliant punk track in its own right, with guitars and vocals just as aggressive and provocative as the subject matter. Funnily enough there was some controversy with this release, and the track was subsequently banned by just about everyone. That didn't stop it from storming the charts, and only a BBC plot managed to keep it from the top spot. The Queen can execute me for treason, but I think this is better than the British national anthem.
#61: Love - Alone Again Or
For anyone wondering what the most beautiful song of all time is then wonder no more. The whole 'Forever Changes' album is a wonderfully constructed collection of beautifully crafted tracks, but this one is a cut above the rest. Love takes us on a journey that gracefully transitions between strings and horns, all flowing in the most effortless way possible. Despite the charming composition there's an air of depression found within the lyrics with the focal point punctuating themes of intense loneliness. It's rare that artistry of this level can be found, and I doubt anyone will ever hear anything remotely like this ever again.
#60: The Moody Blues - Nights in White Satin
An incredibly touching love song with exotic hints of psychedelia creeping in. We may have already heard what I think is the most beautiful song in history, but this is damn close. Amazingly this mature love track was written by Justin Hayward at just nineteen years of age. The Moody Blues ended up producing one of the all-time great love songs that still sounds as atmospheric and bold as it ever did. The sounds produced by the orchestral composition are ethereal, aiding in creating one of the most moving tracks in such a dynamic decade.
#59: Led Zeppelin - Whole Lotta Love
When you're discussing the greatest riffs of all time then this one has to be ranked near the top. Particularly in Britain that riff has become a cultural phenomenon, even providing the soundtrack for the once weekly chart countdowns on 'Top of the Pops'. There is more to the song than an iconic riff, and in fact we get a great display of Led Zeppelin's unique chemistry in action. Some may be turned off by the little pause, but I personally like the little break before mayhem is restored. Whole Lotta Love is the ultimate example of Led Zeppelin using their blues influence to instigate the arrival of proper hard rock.
#58: The Rolling Stones - Jumpin' Jack Flash
An energetic classic rock masterpiece. Unusually for The Stones there's no blues-based depression or sleazy references to mention, just a positive track with a ton of positive energy. There's still a heavy blues influence, but this is as pure and unadulterated as The Rolling Stones ever sounded, becoming a welcome reprieve from the group's brief foray into psychedelia. Jumpin' Jack Flash is the song most performed live at Rolling Stones concerts and is in my opinion their signature track.
#57: Dire Straits - Sultans of Swing
It's rare such a phenomenal guitar track manages to take the charts by storm, but thankfully that very scenario happened in 1978 with this breakout hit. The subdued yet complex guitars make this song, backed up with some solid songwriting. Just for a moment it looked like guitar centred rock would be making a comeback, but unfortunately rock music as pure as this would be a rare sight in future years. Shoutout to Guitar George as well. He's an absolute lad for learning all the chords to this one. A real sultan of swing.
#56: The Rolling Stones - (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
We all know that riff. It's become a crucial part in the evolution of music. Most people have pointless dreams, but Keith Richards dreams up guitar riffs that would change the course of music history forever. This monstrous hit opened the door for countless other artists to experiment with guitar-led tracks. Rarely would this new breed of rock ever top this track, which aside from having a great guitar soundtrack also has a killer hook and powerful verses. This single was a huge hit on both sides of the Atlantic and remains ingrained in pop culture to this very day.
#55: Blondie - Atomic
The opening may sound like 'Three Blind Mice', but once that's over you're treated to new wave perfection. The soundtrack becomes the focal point of the track, sounding both vibrant and forward thinking. That's not to say the lyrics aren't also brilliant. There may not be many words spoken, but all of them sound absolutely amazing and build into some momentous crescendos. Atomic is currently Blondie's best selling single here in the UK and for me is the finest piece of music to ever emerge out of the new wave scene.
#54: Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl
One of the greatest feel-good pop tracks in history. The composition is simple, yet is incredibly satisfying from the opening guitar riff. There's something so charming about hearing the miserable Van Morrison reminiscing about pleasant memories. It's easy to see why this has become Van's most iconic track and today it's still frequently played over the airwaves. Originally this song was going to be named 'Brown Skinned Girl', but don't worry guys the censors still defeated Van after he dared to mention the scandalous act of making love.
#53: Blue Oyster Cult - (Don't Fear) The Reaper
The final hurrah for psychedelic infused rock that even in its heyday rarely sounded as good as this. This single manages to pull off the trick of providing us with big hooks whilst also impressing us with the complex structure. Throughout the track we venture through smooth rock and intense solos, all whilst the chilling lyrics are meandering around the subject of death. 70s rock rarely gets as sophisticated and atmospheric as this. The song has now become the source of a famous joke about needing more cowbell, but I personally prefer its musical legacy.
#52: The Undertones - Teenage Kicks
The ultimate example of how sometimes simplicity is all that's needed to create an iconic piece of art. There is absolutely no excess baggage on this catchy punk hit. The track says all it needs to, gets stuck in your head, and then kindly ends to leave you wanting more. Some may hear just a generic rock track, but the punchy punk undertone (ha) adds a ton of flavour. You really have to know your stuff to create one of the defining tracks of punk rock with so little ingredients. There has never been another song that speaks to the disenfranchised British youth like this one. 'Teenage Kicks' are words to live by, although maybe don't put them on your gravestone unless you want your memorial to be kicked over by youths.
#51: The Zombies - Time of the Season
The Zombies were very observant when they declared that the season for loving was upon us all. 'Time of the Season' in particular became one of the anthems for the growing hippie movement, becoming one of the more artistic hits to emerge from this trend. There's also a certain sense of sensuality with the whole production, and one that would typically be reserved for charismatic soul singers. The bassline is fantastic, but what really makes the track standout is the unorthodox structure that relies on minimalism to build up towards that brief hook. Ironically The Zombies were actually dead as a band when this was originally released, but that didn't stop the song from becoming a huge hit.
The Animals always managed to perform cover songs better than the original artists. Originally released by Nina Simone this blues classic was rocked up substantially with the inclusion of guitars and organs, creating some of the grittiest sounds found at that time. In this way the song seems to fit The Animals style better than Simone, with the lyrics in particular showing surprising amounts of emotion from a rock track. The Animals scored a hit on both sides of the Atlantic with this one, with their version often being cited as the most popular cover of the song.
#149: The Kinks - All Day and All of the Night
You could be forgiven for thinking this is identical to their better-known hit 'You Really Got Me', and in truth they are very similar compositions. Despite similar riffs and styles I find there to be more polish on this record. Whether that's from the superior vocals or the better hook I'm not sure, but there is a progression in sound to be found here. The revolutionary riff still sounds brilliant and there's also that vibrant energy that couldn't be found at the same level in any of their contemporaries.
#148: James Brown - I Got You (I Feel Good)
As soon as you hear that iconic James Brown scream you know you're about to be in for one hell of a show. The structure of the song is very simple, relying on that single hook to be carried by James' incredible voice. This formula works as well, and we would see these individual elements being copied throughout the world of funk and soul in the coming years. Nowadays this soul classic has become an anthem for, funnily enough, feeling good. And yes, I can confirm I feel good listening to it now.
#147: Bob Dylan - Blowin' in the Wind
A beautifully simple folk classic heightened by the timeless mannerisms of a master lyricist. Under the surface there is far more however, and by dissecting the lyrics you're able to find a protest song against the ongoing wars of the time. The ambiguity in the lyrics has allowed the song to be applied to numerous other social issues over the years and influenced many other performers to pen their own protest songs as well as cover this legendary track.
#146: Pink Floyd - Echoes
At its full-length Echoes stretches out for a full 23 minutes and in typical prog rock fashion features a number of segments bridged together with extended improvisation. That's not to say the composition is messy, and in fact the whole production of this lengthy track is just staggeringly good. The recording in Pompeii is also one of the most amazing in music history and actually sounds better than the studio recording. Together as a package the song and the environment are such an ethereal spectacle.
#145: Bob Marley and the Wailers - I Shot the Sheriff
A Marley classic that successfully fuses an interesting narrative with stellar instrumentation. Despite the serious nature of the lyrics the song has a really pleasant and energetic feel, really emphasising the Caribbean based sounds. Marley sounds emotionally involved in the track and delivers one of his finest vocal performances. The far more successful Eric Clapton cover is also worth a listen, which is a track that not only popularised this song but also brought Clapton into the mainstream music scene.
#144: B.B. King - The Thrill Is Gone
A blues standard brought to life by King's skilled guitar playing. The Thrill Is Gone is a painfully depressing track and could just as easily describe failed romances or human life in general. It's hard not to get caught up in the meaningful lyrics that tug at your heartstrings during every line. The use of an electric guitar was a new avenue for both King and commercially successful blues in general and has since become the ultimate track from this music pioneer.
#143: The Doors - Riders on the Storm
The final song ever recorded by Jim Morrison. There's something so inherently cool about the whole recording. I don't whether that's due to Jim Morrison's laid back vocals or maybe the meandering piano and bass that gives the song an equally free-flowing character. It really does make you feel like aimlessly driving through the wilderness. Morrison passed away shortly after recording this song, but what a beautiful swansong to cement your legacy as a rock legend.
#142: Public Enemy - Fight the Power
If you look hard enough you might be able to see the protest elements in this one. Seriously though, has any song ever had such an obvious and powerful political message? Not many people would have had the balls to tell the authorities to go and fuck themselves in 1989, especially encouraging others to join in and shitting all over icons such as Elvis and John Wayne in the process. Public Enemy managed to become the mouthpiece of many pissed off Americans who found this accessible rally cry a revelation. 'Fight the Power' isn't just some political statement, and actually contains some of the best flow Public Enemy ever managed whilst all being backed up with a killer beat.
#141: Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven
A tragic acoustic number written in memory of Clapton's four-year-old son who tragically fell out of an apartment window. It's impossible not to be moved by Clapton's fragile vocals. The structure is of a simple ballad, but lyrically there is just so much going on. I don't think I've ever seen a song that deals with loss in such a mature and respectful way. As such 'Tears in Heaven' has become a hymn for many experiencing loss in their lives, but even for those who are mentally in a good place this is still one soul-crushing ballad.
#140: The Kinks - Waterloo Sunset
What I would give to live in the world presented by The Kinks here. Waterloo Sunset has to be considered one of the finest ever written pop tracks, creating this idyllic scene with well-crafted verses and a hook that's impossible to ever find tiring. It's so refreshing to find such a lovely composition in a band that were famed for their heavy and dirty sounds. A real triumph in both songwriting and artistry. Just out of curiosity, a Waterloo sunset really is as amazing as this song would have you believe.
#139: Neil Young - Heart of Gold
Speaking of beautiful compositions, here's another one. The simple formula of just a man with his guitar works so well here. The harmonica is also a welcome addition, but when you have that smooth voice that can write such a poetic song about ageing you don't really need any over the top production. 'Heart of Gold' was a surprising number one hit in the US, where it took a Canadian to show the country rockers some sophistication.
#138: Bob Dylan - The Times They Are a-Changin'
Yes Bob, the times certainly were changing. It takes one hell of a songwriter to produce a piece of poetry that seems almost universal no matter what the year. Let's not forget Dylan was only 23 when he penned this track, so it honestly amazes me how so much maturity and awareness is shown by such a young man. Many have tried to update the lyrics to put a modern spin on the track, yet even these reworked versions are often less applicable than the untouchable original.
#137: David Bowie - Life on Mars
David Bowie gives us a gripping example of when artistry and a sense of theatre come colliding together. The pacing on this track is just sublime. The way those pianos lead into that crescendo is so brilliantly done it's hard to put how incredible it is into words. The lyrics are the usual nonsensical affair from Bowie, coming across as surreal and esoteric as the man himself, but still managing to conjure up some vivid imagery. This is simply music as a pure art form.
#136: The Beatles - She Loves You
When people ask me what popular song sums up Britain in a nutshell I always reply with this one. The rumbling drums leading into The Beatles shouting at you with full force is such an iconic moment in music history. The chorus is about as simple as it gets, but wow is it one powerful hook. This is Beatlemania condensed into just over two minutes. Today it still holds the title of the band's best selling record, as well as being the best selling record of the entire 1960s. The only thing missing from the recording is a torrent of screaming fans.
#135: The Doors - People Are Strange
People may well be strange, but they aren't as bizarre as this track makes them sound. People Are Strange was the track that introduced the public to the unusual and often disturbing mind of Jim Morrison, combining his monotone vocals and a lively keyboard. It's a brutally realistic interpretation of depression, catering for the outsider culture who would end up embracing The Doors thanks to tracks like this one.
#134: Marvin Gaye - What's Going On
Many people were wondering what was going on in 1971, but none expressed this confusion better than Marvin Gaye. Beautifully constructed and beautifully performed, this is arguably the peak of creativity within the Motown scene. The serious themes of the track ended up creating a revolution in soul music where the voice was no longer the only requirement to make it big. The voice is still a massive part of this song, but if anything the lyrics and themes are even more powerful. #133: War - Low Rider
Possibly the most exciting funk track of all time. The overwhelming percussive elements of the song give it a really joyful tone, giving you the feeling of attending a Latin American party. The lyrics aren't anything special, but the way they're delivered fits in with the song brilliantly. Here the car in question is seen as the pinnacle of coolness, and anything celebrated with this soundtrack is awesome in my book. That repetitive saxophone line is just the icing on the cake on a fantastic composition.
#132: The Who - Won't Get Fooled Again
Considered by many to be the ultimate song ever released by The Who. Interestingly the synthesiser takes centre stage for most of the track, successfully integrating itself into a rock track years before this became trendy. The full length of the track on the album is a glorious full eight minutes, with the song managing to keep up its energy for the full duration. Roger Daltry is in fine form on vocals, screaming his way through verses and hooks so he can be heard over the sheer volume of those guitars and finally letting out one of the best noises in rock history at the climax. Masterful pacing.
#131: Sam Cooke - Chain Gang
A surprisingly complex production provides an interesting accompaniment to a legendary voice. I really like the sound effects added during production. Using the sounds of the chain gang as the percussion really adds a sense of realism towards the issues being poetically described in vivid detail. On the contrary the moment Sam Cooke's voice first opens the verses is just majestic. Sam Cooke scored a big hit on both sides of the Atlantic with this one, and today it is still seen as a 60s classic.
#130: Dream Theater - Pull Me Under
The pinnacle of progressive metal. As you can imagine a successful progressive metal number needs to be paced well, and pacing is exactly what this track excels at. Pull Me Under gradually builds towards some powerful hooks that paint a grim picture of life in the style of Shakespeare's Hamlet. The only thing I don't like is how the track just stops suddenly, but I can hardly complain when the song is already littered with big payoffs. Pull Me Under was the group's only major commercial success and a fine showcase of a genre that rarely gets any attention.
#129: The Drifters - Up on the Roof
An impossibly relaxing soul track that clears your head better than any roof can. Here we have simple songwriting at its absolute best. It's not a complex idea presented by the song, but it's done in such a pleasant way that a dreamlike atmosphere is effortlessly created. As you can imagine the vocals are performed with the usual high quality of a Drifters record, but the use of strings in the background also deserves some needed merit. I'm still not convinced a roof is this amazing place The Drifters make it out to be. At the end of a hard day I usually go to the pub, but each to their own I suppose.
#128: The Smiths - How Soon Is Now?
Nowhere can Morrisey's miserable tone be better demonstrated than in this song. In this instance the moody tone created is only heightened by the stellar instrumentation that shows what happens when The Smiths decide to experiment. It's an incredibly unique composition, still sounding out of place and otherworldy no matter how many times you hear it. Even by the standards of today the song still has that alternative edge and is seen by many as The Smiths at their artistic peak.
#127: Creedence Clearwater Revival - Bad Moon Rising
The late 60s were a frightening world for many, and nowhere better can that sentiment be found than in this classic. For a bunch of folk rockers CCR really do know how to produce a hit song. The structure and composition are refreshingly simple, but the way the sound is layered is phenomenal. There's no excess baggage, just great, solid music throughout. Bad Moon Rising even managed to top the charts here in Britain, and even today is still one of the most fondly remembered tracks of the era.
#126: The Everly Brothers - Bye Bye Love
The debut track that launched The Everly Brothers straight into stardom. The sound is very simplistic, with just the combination of traditional sounding guitars and the legendary brotherly harmonies needed to carry the track. There's plenty of energy to be found within, but its success really hinges on the star power of the two brothers. Bye Bye Love also happens to be my favourite ever song from a musical, even if that particular number happened to be the heavily modified 'Bye Bye Life' from 'All That Jazz'.
#125: Pink Floyd - Time
The standout track from 'The Dark Side of the Moon', and that is saying something. For me, Time is both an unsettling and beautiful song. It manages to turn the slow march of time into this vivid monster whilst simultaneously presenting this dreamy atmosphere to get lost in. Admittedly you have to get past those ominous clocks first, but the progression into the main track is sublime. I would also like to add that the guitar solo is fucking amazing.
#124: Meat Loaf - Bat Out of Hell
Oh, that's right, I've put the embodiment of a cardiac arrest at number 124. You can hate me all you want, but this is one of the most satisfying and epic pieces of rock music ever created. It's also one of the most ridiculous, but in all honesty that makes me love it even more. Eight minutes of just pure drama to get excited over. I'm amazed Meat doesn't collapse in a pool of his own sweat, but he keeps powering away like an absolute madman. They call this rock opera, but honestly, there must be the contents and drama of about fifteen operas all congealed into one eight-minute long spectacle.
#123: The Byrds - Eight Miles High
Crank up the volume and you too will feel eight miles high even if you haven't smoked anything. The composition of this track is just mental. Here The Byrds were experimenting with the very fringes of popular music at the time, creating unique sounds that combined the worlds of Eastern and Western music. The drug-related themes meant many radio stations banned the song completely, but that didn't stop the track from popularising psychedelia. The British may have conquered the world of 60s psychedelic rock, but thanks to The Byrds it was the Americans who got there first.
#122: Eddie Cochran - Summertime Blues
A legendary rock and roll track based around a surprisingly fantastic guitar riff. Running for just under two minutes the song gives us a pretty brief experience, but one with nothing overdone or wasted. It's rock and roll stripped to its core elements and still sounds just as good today. Eddie Cochran is just such a classy guy on the microphone, charming his way into youth culture with a song that would have resonated with teens across the world. Ignore the billions of covers, because here is where the best version lies.
#121: Lennon/Ono - Instant Karma!
This is one of those records where John Lennon just goes for it, breaking his vocal cords into a million pieces. The subject is clearly a very personal project for Lennon and it's rare to find a pop song with such awareness. Gone is the idyllic hippie bullshit and in comes a more mature and introspective John Lennon. This was the first time we got to see a former Beatle find success in a big way and it remained Lennon's best selling solo work until his death. I still can't figure out why Yoko Ono thought her eyes was the best place to put a sanitary towel, although blind knitting is the best contribution she ever made to music.
#120: Jeff Beck - Beck's Bolero
One of the finest instrumentals of all time. I find it astonishing that Jeff Beck was releasing this experimental piece all the way back in 1966. Nobody was releasing this sort of forward-thinking artistry back then. Even more amazing is the fact this was Beck's first ever solo recording. If for some reason Jeff Beck doesn't float your boat then you have the frighteningly good combined skills of Jimmy Page, Keith Moon, and John Paul Jones to pick up the slack for you. The fact that this single is often forgotten when talking about revolutionary 60s rock tracks is just criminal.
#119: The Who - Substitute
Classic British rock from some legendary British rockers. Substitute was one of the band's earlier singles, but one that's still one of their most talked about tracks to this day. The repetition of the titular phrase allows the hooks to get easily lodged in your brain, with these hooks being separated with some clever and amusing lyrics. As you can imagine Substitute is guitar heavy and full of energy. This seemingly innocent track was heavily censored in the US, but we'll just ignore that poor export.
#118: Little Richard - Long Tall Sally
I don't know how much excitement was around in the mid-50s, but most of it must have been stored away in this record. Even by the standards of today this is absolutely wild. Little Richard wastes no time in shouting hooks straight into your face, which is a trick he continues for the rest of the song. The man only stops to let a saxophone steal the show for a brief period. I honestly need to lie down after listening to this once, so how the hell Little Richard manages to keep up his incredible performance for the full track I will never know.
#117: Paul McCartney and Wings - Band on the Run
Even The Beatles never managed to pace a song this well. Here we essentially we get a song split into three parts. The opening segment is a slow paced guitar track, but in the end we end up with this catchy rock track. All three parts are expertly written and integrated into the final track, which ends up feeling like one epic composition. In reality each part of the song stands on its own two feet, with absolutely none of it feeling like filler. Impressively this complex track actually fared well in the charts, and still today is often favourably compared with other McCartney achievements.
#116: The Mamas & the Papas - California Dreamin'
A better advert for California than any tourist board could ever manage. I've never been to California, yet this brilliant track somehow makes me miss the experience. The call and response structure leads to some of the most luscious harmonies you will ever find on any pop song. The production is just glorious, and despite a large number of covers nobody has ever gotten close to delivering that wonderfully rich sound. A standout pop track of the 1960s and a signature track of the ongoing cultural revolution.
#115: Ray Charles - Hit the Road Jack
Maybe the most infectious soul record in history. It may not last very long, but it's damn exciting while it lasts. Credit to Ray Charles for managing to describe the appearance of a woman in poetic detail despite his visual limitations, but it's the chemistry between him and the backing singers that really make this one special. It's not easy for the backing singers to make their presence known when you have Ray Charles as company, but they do a stellar job of nailing that hook. I don't think telling Ray Charles to hit the road is particularly sporting of them, especially when he sounds as good as he does here.
#114: Aerosmith - Dream On
Aerosmith often straddled the border between sophisticated classic rockers and immature glam rock show-offs, but in this instance they performed an absolute classic of the genre. The guitars aren't overwhelming and instead gently build into a fantastic climax. Similarly, Steven Tyler doesn't scream his face off until the song demands him to. As power ballads go this is one of the finest, and also the first time in history someone got the formula bang on.
#113: ABBA - Dancing Queen
Many times in my life I have tried to prove to myself that I am the dancing queen, but alas I am no longer young, sweet, and only seventeen. However, I don't care. As long as I have ABBA giving me these rousing words of encouragement then I at least feel like the dancing queen whenever I'm a few drinks down. I doubt there will ever be a more joyous pop sensation than this one. Even outside of the euphoric choruses it's still just full of energy and fun. Clearly, the world agrees, and Dancing Queen conquered the charts in just about every single nation on earth.
#112: The Crickets - That'll Be the Day
Buddy Holly's only American number one single was also his breakout single. The track has a seamless flow that smoothly bridges between the rhythmic verses and poignant chorus. The structure is typical of rock and roll, but Buddy Holly's charismatic performance carries the track from start to finish. Unfortunately it was not a heartbreak that killed Buddy Holly but the bigger issue of an aeroplane crashing into the dirt. Good job Buddy Holly was a musician and didn't become a fortune teller. #111: The Doors - The End
A lot of material by The Doors is acid induced chauvinism, but here they produced one of the most mature rock tracks in history. The opening passage is just beautiful and it evolves into this otherworldly sound during the verses. Jim Morrison's monotone vocals do an incredible job at conveying the serious nature of the meaningful lyrics. Ironically it was the last song the band ever performed together live, but what a sendoff from one of the most influential rock groups in history. I also love its use in the war epic 'Apocalypse Now'.
#110: Procol Harum - A Whiter Shade of Pale
Who would ever imagine that one of the biggest selling singles in history came from a group of hippies in Southend? Central to this piece is that organ, which has become iconic throughout the years, arguably overshadowing everything else on the track. The song is today considered a definitive anthem of the 'Summer of Love', and particularly its success in Britain marked a key transition in culture for the younger generation. Out of interest, Procol Harum may sound like a pompous Latin name, but is actually a mistranslation of a friend's cat, and as such is as completely meaningless as the lyrics to this song.
#109: Jefferson Airplane - Somebody to Love
An American contribution to the 'Summer of Love' that went on to define the scene in the epicentre of this revolutionary movement. This is strange considering the songs seems to be criticising this central idea of universal love, but I suppose a quick acid trip will make you forget all that. Here, the psychedelic and surprisingly fierce guitars provide an excellent foundation for the amazing vocals. These vocals come straight out the gate, and just when you think they can't get any more powerful you're soon hit with an iconic chorus that would grab the attention of hippies everywhere.
#108: Jimmy Cliff - The Harder They Come
The focal song of the film with the same name that was instrumental in popularising the reggae movement around the world. The song itself is such a brilliantly subdued jam, held together with Jimmy Cliff's orgasmic voice. The man sends us into some idyllic tropical paradise in a way reggae music has never really emulated. This song is miles away from the simplistic Jamaican 'rude boy' image and showed the world that reggae music wasn't some brief fad.
#107: Ben E. King - Spanish Harlem
Just listen to that voice. Unbelievable. We'll forget about the beautiful instrumentation for a moment because I'm not sure it's possible for a human male to sound that amazing. I do also enjoy the Latin American inspired marimba, and in fact the whole production is expertly done. The lyrics do a lot to aid Mr King in coming across as the most charming man in the world, but let's not take anything away from that vocal performance. Just to add, I'm quite fond of the vocals, which is something I don't think I've mentioned yet.
#106: Funkadelic - One Nation Under a Groove
The best example of when Funkadelic's lunacy produced incredible spectacles. This isn't just some seven-minute funk song, it's a whole damn journey. It's hard to isolate the finer points of this single as there's so much going on and so much to get stuck into. This track is like the best points of every funk song just melded into one epic product. 'One Nation Under a Groove' is the defining song of psychedelic funk and an influential milestone in African American culture.
#105: Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
The titular track to the definitive Elton John album. Elton could always nail a piano ballad, but here he takes that skill to a totally different level. The way the track effortlessly transitions from the piano-led verses into the powerful hook is something else, with Elton's dramatic vocals sounding absolutely brilliant. The lyrics are also expertly crafted with large amounts of rich imagery hurtling around in every line. Quite simply this is as good as ballads ever get.
#104: Marvin Gaye - I Heard It Through the Grapevine
One of the greatest Motown compositions finally got the recording it deserved from a passionate Marvin Gaye. There's something so sinister with the whole lyrics that only a voice as dynamic as Marvin's can fully display the different emotions in this track. The strings and backing singers are equally dynamic, but there's no denying this wouldn't be one of the greatest soul songs in history without Marvin. The song became the biggest Motown hit at that point, topping the American charts for seven whole weeks. Too bad Marvin didn't hear his father reloading his revolver through the grapevine.
#103: Bob Dylan - Like a Rolling Stone
Regarded by some critics as the greatest song of all time. You can see why. Everything from the instrumentation to the lyrics just feels special. It may be the more serious feel of the song, or it may be the epic pacing. You have to appreciate the balls of Dylan to add an electric guitar and organ onto a folk piece, but the gamble pays off in a big way. Bob writes some legendary lines in his own famous style, and funnily enough these legendary lines are about his favourite subject of abject misery. Here Dylan dishes out one of the rawest diss tracks in history with a lot of added artistic flair.
#102: Led Zeppelin - Rock and Roll
Led Zeppelin have a whole catalogue of great hard rock tracks, yet none stand out quite as much as this effort. It's hardly one of their most revolutionary numbers, but the simplistic structure is hammered home with hard riffs and incredible intensity. The energy given out by all members of the band is just unbelievable. Special mention has to go to John Bonham on the drums and Robert Plant on the vocals, who are both off the charts every single second. Not surprisingly this is one of their best songs to hear live, often playing the role as the final encore.
#101: Screamin' Jay Hawkins - I Put a Spell on You
This man needs help, not a music career. The most amazing thing of all is that this guy was giving audiences nightmares in the mid-50s. He still gives me nightmares today. In this way Hawkins became the first shock rocker, decades before other rockers started following suit. There's about a million cover version, many of which are more successful and far less crazy, but nobody is ever likely to get close to the twisted and unhinged performance of the original. Out of interest, Hawkins is thought to be the father to over fifty children, so he certainly did put a spell on a lot of women who presumably went for maniacs.
