The Greatest Songs of All Time: 50-11

#50: Metallica - One

Heavy metal and anti-war mentalities have often been intrinsically linked, but here we have the finest example of this twisted relationship. The music video is one of the few in history to actually add to the track, containing some harrowing quotations that only amplify the meaning of the song. The deep topics of war and euthanasia are treated with admirable respect, with the lyrics of this epic being shockingly depressing. However, the real star of the show is the pacing. One builds and builds in intensity, with the moral quandaries presented becoming increasingly vivid until the tension finally peaks with a simply unbelievable guitar solo. What an incredible track.

#49: Black Sabbath - Sabbath Bloody Sabbath

Only Black Sabbath were riffing this heavy in the early 70s. The latter segments of this track are the foundations of everything that would come out of the metal genre for decades, as were the satanic themes and relentless pace. And then out of absolutely nowhere comes this acoustic based chorus which has absolutely no right to be as graceful as it is. Where the fuck did that even come from? Sabbath Bloody Sabbath is credited as saving the band after months of substance abuse, revitalising a genre that they helped create.

#48: Four Tops - Reach Out I'll Be There

The perfect soul record. Everything needed to make a great soul track is present. You have amazing vocals that can be heard for miles around, you have a stunningly smooth composition, and you have possibly the greatest hook of all time. Whenever I hear those opening chords I wet myself with excitement because I know the next few minutes are going to absolutely blow me away for the millionth time. You can just tell something special is about to happen within the opening seconds. This is undoubtedly one of the greatest Motown records ever released.

#47: The Beatles - Yesterday

Paul McCartney was no stranger to sentimental ballads, but here he comes out with his most introspective piece. The inclusion of strings to McCartney's isolated vocals and acoustic guitar is a stroke of genius. The composition means the finished product carries across the idea of sadness better than any other song I can think of. Yesterday is thought to be the most covered song ever recorded and is also the fourth most successful song of all time if only royalties are taken into account. Chuck Berry even claimed it's the one song he wished he had written, and that's a rock and roll pioneer talking.

#46: Don McLean - American Pie

It's not often that lengthy acoustic numbers manage to top the charts on a global scale, so when they do the result is often something special. American Pie still holds the record as the longest song to top the American charts. The chorus has become legendary. It's one of those passages of music that you have to get yourself involved with. The verses are also worth merit as they display some great storytelling from a man reminiscing about the glory days of music. It doesn't feel the need to start critically analysing the past, instead providing a pleasant little portal into a personal world that I delight in visiting. For an example of how songs like this shouldn't be performed you need to look no further than the atrocious Madonna cover.

#45: The Rolling Stones - Sympathy for the Devil

Hard to imagine why rockstars are often smeared as Satanists when they release stuff like this. Never has devil worshipping sounded so great. The rock elements may be fantastic but it's the lyrics that turn this track into an anthem. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards give us a full tour of the most bloodthirsty moments in history through the eyes of Satan himself. Holy crap. You can understand why after this release people took The Rolling Stones as a mature rock band, and not just some British kids trying to conquer foreign charts. Many rock bands have tried to cover this one, but none have ever come close to this untouchable classic.

#44: Pink Floyd - Money

The best track from 'Dark Side of the Moon' in my humble opinion. Central to the song is the brilliant bassline, which is arguably one of the greatest of all time. What Pink Floyd pull off here is managing to create a progressive rock track that actually gets stuck in your head. However, there's still something very unorthodox about the track. Maybe it's the odd time signature or the reliance of sound effects, but there's certainly a quirky charm to be found here. The track only ever relents from its chilled out vibe with some neat guitar solos. The irony is that a song criticising material wealth is the most commercially viable track on the album.

#43: T. Rex - 20th Century Boy

Marc Bolan's masterpiece. The 20th century seems a distant memory now, yet despite being a song of that period this one still manages to sound fresh. This is such an intense and exciting glam rock record. The adrenaline burst originally generated from the amazing riff just keeps rolling throughout the whole track. The energy never relents, and in case you get bored of the guitar there's always the natural charisma of Marc Bolan to carry the song.

#42: Johnny Cash - I Walk the Line

If any song sums up what made Johnny Cash such a country music legend then this is the one. The calm and gentle guitar is coupled with a deadpan voice that cuts through the atmosphere like a knife. At its heart this is a very tender love song with suitable lyrics to match the laid back tone. You really don't need anything else to accompany such rich lyrics, but 'I Walk the Line' is filled with subtle key changes and personality. Nobody else was writing poetic songs of this level in the mid-50s, let alone finding commercial success.

#41: The Beach Boys - Wouldn't It Be Nice

The opening track of the masterful 'Pet Sounds' album, and the one track that launched the album into the history books. When discussing this track you have to start with the production. It's unbelievably brilliant. It's a work of genius to include a whole orchestra of instruments within this unorthodox pop record, especially when you consider the unusual structure. Despite the revolutionary production there are still classic Beach Boys themes at the core. The song has a fun and euphoric theme, instantly relatable to young couples, yet taking a more mature spin in its theme and composition. If none of this floats your boat then there's always the majestic harmonies of The Beach Boys to fall back on.

#40: Creedence Clearwater Revival - Who'll Stop the Rain

The most potent and desperate plea to cease global hostilities. There's no anger on display, just a calm and reserved tone that poetically raises important questions relating to the past, present, and future. CCR don't allow any unnecessary weight to be added, just asking for the important information and nothing more. They don't seem to find any answers, maybe passing their issues over to the listener. For me this is simply the most beautiful piece of folk rock ever created. Criminally the track missed out on the top spot of the American charts, and if any song deserved to give CCR a number one hit it was this one.

#39: The Beatles - Strawberry Fields Forever

1966 was a year where many experimental bands would peak artistically, but none more so than these four Liverpudlians. The composition of this track is mesmerising, beautifully transitioning between the different complex segments. The lyrics are hard to decipher, becoming just as experimental as the rich production, but also containing themes that are quite literally close to home. The immense atmosphere created is difficult to describe. There appears to be a dark and twisted psychedelic tone hiding behind the seemingly grandiose composition. Hauntingly beautiful, but actually the song became the first Beatles single for four years not to top the British charts.

#38: Golden Earring - Radar Love

The definitive Dutch rock track. They love a bit of classic rock in the Netherlands, but on this occasion they decided to export an absolute classic to the rest of the world. The pacing is brilliant, with bundles of energy released at just the right moments. The driving beat only amplifies this energetic track, and it wouldn't be a Dutch rock song without some flamboyant vocals at the fore. Whilst the energetic record makes you want to tap your feet there's actually a very serious message towards a deceased lover found in the lyrics. I wouldn't let that small detail spoil the pleasure in this absolute anthem.

#37: The Stone Roses - She Bangs the Drums

What Manchester needed in the late 80s was an energetic anthem to match the music scene, and it found one with The Stone Roses. I will never tire of that hook. It is, in my opinion, the best hook to ever exist in any rock song ever. In between the hook is a phenomenal melody that incorporates elements of blues, psychedelia, and just flat out hard rock.

#36: Steppenwolf - Born to Be Wild

The ultimate driving anthem. This one is all about the freedom, not giving a shit about anything else but the open road. Ever since this track was included in the film 'Easy Rider' it's become synonymous with biker culture. The hard rocking guitars give way to an epic chorus that lets out the adrenaline being stored throughout the verses. 'Born to Be Wild' may have become an overused anthem for anything vaguely rebellious, but in my mind it's justifiably become the definitive anthem for motorists everywhere. The use of the term 'heavy metal' during one of the verses is also thought to be where the musical genre stemmed from, so there's that as well.

#35: The Ronettes - Be My Baby

Phil Spector's crowning masterpiece. The level of detail in the instrumentation is absolutely unbelievable for the early 60s. So impactful was this piece that it spawned experimental genres everywhere, becoming a beacon for what can be achieved in a studio. Even if you don't appreciate the artistry within the composition you can still enjoy the relatable lyrics and powerful vocals. The hooks are incredibly infectious, but there's also a sense of sophistication that you just don't find in standard girl group tracks. All this from a commercial pop track. Just extraordinary.

#34: Ben E. King - Stand by Me

In my humble opinion this is the finest vocal performance in history. Nobody has ever managed to repeat the unique mix of softness and power that Ben manages to project with his amazing voice here. The contrast between the understated backing track and King's vocals is absolutely perfect. The repeating bassline is subtle yet effective, even allowing a single triangle note to steal the show at some stages. The lyrics are also touching with such a sense of innocence and sincerity. 'Stand by Me' has become something of a soul standard in recent times, yet in my eyes it's the finest example of soul and pop melding together.

#33: Toto - Africa

No party or karaoke session would be complete without this absolute banger. If you claim to hate this song, even after hearing it a million times, then you're full of shit. Africa doesn't feel cheesy at any point, instead feeling like an anthemic 80s masterpiece. How can you fail to be taken in by that unbelievable chorus? No other track explodes into perfection like this one. This is my personal anthem. I even want it blaring out at my funeral. If you dig deeper there's also some really nice imagery presented in the verses, but let's be honest you aren't waiting for the delightful descriptions of a vast continent, you're waiting to shout out that chorus. Everyone at some point in their lives should bless the rains down in Africa.

#32: The Beatles - Eleanor Rigby

It's rare a song can take you on such a journey in around two minutes. This experimental piece represented the fully transformed group subverting their pop based origins. I can't think of another song that creates such a melancholic atmosphere. It's not necessarily a disturbing song, just incredibly depressing. The characters presented are just as mysterious as the overall tone. There are various theories of their precise identities, but really these individuals have become fictional symbols of loneliness. It takes a special sort of songwriting to have that effect. Criminally, Eleanor Rigby was only the B-side to Yellow Submarine, which is arguably even more depressing than the song itself.

#31: Simon & Garfunkel - The Boxer

Simon and Garfunkel take you on a musical adventure through the use of some epic storytelling. The only break you get from the gripping tale is a repetitive hook that just flows so naturally with the rest of the composition, only to then grab your attention with a dramatic percussive shot out of nowhere. The Boxer was the release that really elevated this duo into the legends they are today, throwing down the gauntlet for any folk groups to try and top this level of sophistication. Simon and Garfunkel turned out to be the boxer in question, rising above adversity to triumph with this iconic piece.

#30: John Lennon - Imagine

John Lennon's most poignant political statement. All Lennon needed was a slow piano and some of his innocent and revolutionary thoughts to create a masterpiece. The message is divisive, yet spoken in a way that has influenced the lives of a great number of people. Imagine became the best selling single of Lennon's solo career and in turn became the anthem for peaceful movements everywhere. Whilst the world John Lennon is passionately describing is never likely to function in the real world, it does at least exist in some form every time you press play on this immortalised record.

#29: Led Zeppelin - Achilles Last Stand

The album 'Presence' was not Led Zeppelin at their finest, but opening the album we find one of their greatest ever endeavours. For over ten minutes you experience the full ferocity and complexity of Led Zeppelin in one mammoth chunk. John Bonham goes absolutely berserk on the drums. How he maintains that brutal pace for the full ten-minute duration I will never know. If the drums don't blow you away then the mesmerisingly brilliant guitar sound will, stealing the show at various parts throughout the track with a complexity that surpasses any Led Zeppelin track before it. This is the band's final swansong and their final epic composition to cap off a legendary career.

#28: The Rolling Stones - Paint It Black

Probably the most iconic track from one of the most iconic musical acts in history. There's something so dark and mysterious about the whole composition. It may well be the best layered composition of all time, creating this amazing atmosphere that's almost impossible to describe. On one hand it's psychedelic brilliance, yet on the other it's a driving rock song that begs you to join in. Mick Jagger comes up with his finest dramatic performance with a depressing and angst filled tone to rival any anti-establishment hellraisers. On top of all this there's this strange and exotic Eastern sound punctuating through the rich layering that would have turned heads in the mid-60s. No wonder this has become one of the most revered tracks in history.

#27: The Beatles - While My Guitar Gently Weeps

Here you have it. The moment when George Harrison's creative genius is finally released in a fit of rage after years of being shunned by his bandmates. George even went to the lengths of adding Eric Clapton into the mix after the Beatles were less than impressed with his efforts, which must have been a huge slap in the face to the biggest band on the planet. To this day it's still one of the biggest musical middle fingers ever. The concept of a guitar actually weeping is ridiculous, yet the supreme talent of Eric Clapton actually pulls off that effect here. The focal guitar is so precise and vibrant that it almost distracts you from the poignant lyrics addressing global events at a turbulent time. This is miles better than anything else on 'The White Album', which is probably why it was blatantly buried as a B-side behind the atrocious 'Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da'.

#26: Ozzy Osbourne - Crazy Train

This is how you kick off a solo career. Ozzy may have already immortalised himself in the metal community for his contributions with Black Sabbath, but this was the moment he became a household name. Ozzy sounds like a man possessed over the lively guitars, belting out a powerhouse of a track that covers far more than just satanic nonsense. The guitar solos are absolutely mental, but they are nothing compared to that iconic riff. Maybe leaking into the world of popular music hasn't done this track's credibility any good over the decades, but there's no denying this is an absolute metal anthem.

#25: The Miracles - The Tracks of My Tears

Smokey Robinson has possibly the most orgasmic voice in the music business. How a man can make such a high pitched squeal sound so smooth is something I will never understand. He's also a masterful songwriter, managing here to create possibly the most atmospheric and depressing soul smash hit in history. Nobody has ever been able to conjure up the picture of sadness with such simplicity and effectiveness. We get gutwrenching vocals, miserable lyrics, and to top it all off a horn fanfare that would be deemed too depressing for a funeral. Yet it's the opening guitar chords that have immortalised this absolute classic. Just stunning.

#24: Jefferson Airplane - White Rabbit

Retelling Lewis Carroll's 'Alice in Wonderland' with psychedelic rock may sound like a stupid idea, but when you think about it with talented people at the helm the results could be something very special indeed. White Rabbit is blatantly a song about drug use, and as such became an anthem of 1960s culture. The real star of the show is that pacing. The track starts out feeling uneasy and then just gradually builds into bursts of intense madness that rival the original novel. The crisp and aggressive vocals take you on a trippy adventure, spitting you out just as quickly as they draw you in. Mesmerising stuff.

#23: The Beatles - Tomorrow Never Knows

No seriously, this was released by the Beatles in 1966. Not even a year prior this foursome had been lighting up the charts with family friendly pop tunes, yet they decided to end up finishing the album 'Revolver' with this otherworldly gem. It's not so much a full stop at the end of the album, but a giant exclamation mark. Where the hell did this even come from? It's complete and utter chaos that somehow sounds utterly amazing. Tomorrow Never Knows sounds revolutionary and original in 2019, let alone 1966. All four members are off their nuts here. Even Ringo has a go at becoming a rock god with some ferocious drumming that's just so uncharacteristic. I just cannot comprehend the rigour and sophistication this sort of production would need in the recording studio. This was the first real example of how complex studio effects could enhance the experience of listening to a full album. In effect, this is where the psychedelic revolution starts and where the Beatles transformed into visionaries rather than commercially successful musicians.

#22: The Specials - Ghost Town

An exceptional contrast between one of the most pungent protest songs of all time mixed with a laid back and sultry atmosphere. The deadpan delivery is just perfect for the serious subject matter, explicitly detailing the fears of an increasingly divided nation. The message found within this track is direct and just as applicable to modern society as it was to Thatcher's controversial vision of Britain. The song's message was so powerful it's even been said to have instigated riots in various cities around Britain at the time of release. To this day Ghost Town remains a cultural landmark in the history of British music. It even managed to mug off Margaret Thatcher better than the entire punk movement put together.

#21: Led Zeppelin - Immigrant Song

The best hard rock track in history? I'd say so. Some may even class this as metal. I wouldn't, but there's no denying it has all the foundations of an emerging genre. That war cry from Robert Plant has become the defining feature of the song, but I posit that the ferocious lyrics are just as powerful. All of this noise is blasted over the top of an equally aggressive riff at a million miles an hour. Even for Led Zeppelin's standards this is a shocking departure from their folk rock origins. Just one listen to this and I'll happily rape and pillage Northern Europe like an enraged berserker.

#20: Van Morrison - Moondance

The perfect smooth jazz single. In the background we have this gentle and tranquil noise that every so often dares to let out some big crescendos of noise, which is then coupled with some beautiful lyrics that make your hairs stand on end. This is all great when you have Van's charismatic voice making itself clearly audible over the top, and the result is a spectacular composition. Moondance became Van Morrison's most iconic performance and transformed his career into commercial success. If anyone tries to tell me all jazz music is shit I instantly direct them to this classic.

#19: Michael Jackson - Billie Jean

Even paedophiles can create great music. Usually when Michael Jackson is discussing the topic of children you avert your ears, but even with the creepy undertones this is undoubtedly a stone cold classic. Everything about this track is iconic. The bassline is incredible. The lyrics and numerous hooks are amazing. The vocals are vibrant and charismatic. And then to top it all off we get one of the most infectious beats of all time. Pop perfection to a tee. Even the music video became instantly iconic and changed the music scene forever. Quite simply this is the masterpiece that gave us the pinnacle of this legendary man's storied career.

#18: The Jimi Hendrix Experience - All Along the Watchtower

This rowdy Jimi Hendrix masterpiece actually originates from a Bob Dylan folk number. Only Jimi Hendrix could spruce up a Dylan classic so that it becomes pure energy the whole way through. This song has no right to sound this awesome, but Hendrix puts his heart and soul right through everything in a way only he can manage. This version sounds far better than the original as well. Bob Dylan himself agrees with me and played it like Hendrix for the remainder of his career. Humiliating Bob Dylan is a real rarity in the music business. The unbelievable guitars in this one are essential listening to any music fan, and this song is undoubtedly one of the all time great guitar tracks.

#17: Derek and the Dominos - Layla

That riff is fucking amazing. Eric Clapton gets most of the credit for this piece, but it's that Duane Allman riff that carries the earlier parts. The opening portions of this track follow a fairly standard formula, but wow do the hook and riff sound incredible together. I also don't think the instrumental gets enough love. Yeah, the guitar driven hooks are fantastic, but that atmospheric melody to slowly round things off is a thing of beauty. If only there was a 90s gangster film that could immortalise this piano part. Layla is actually about Eric Clapton trying to steal George Harrison's wife, which is a bit rude, but it's such an amazing attempt at seduction I'm not even that mad.

#16: Simon & Garfunkel - The Sound of Silence

There has never been a song to encapsulate depression and loneliness in such a profound way. The melancholic atmosphere created by this track is unparalleled in the music business. The depth that Simon and Garfunkel are able to achieve with just basic folk rock elements is mindblowing. The combination of a lonely acoustic guitar and some amazing vocal harmonies is such an incredible composition, with both elements bouncing off each other perfectly. Not only is this track now seen as a defining folk rock release, but it's also the standard for any miserable situation. Oh, and the Disturbed version that seems to have become a massive hit is absolutely nothing in comparison to this amazing piece of music.

#15: Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit

The defining anthem of Generation X. This is about as raw and visceral as rock music gets. That's not to say there isn't some serious talent involved. The gibberish verses followed by the epic hooks would become highly influential in the world of rock and work an absolute treat. I don't think anyone could have predicted the way in which this local Seattle track would go on to dominate the culture of a whole nation. The track even made its way on to pop stations across the planet, at one point giving Nirvana a spot on 'Top of the Pops' which the band then decided to use as a chance to cock around in protest at being told to mime the track. Even fewer people could have predicted that this sleeper hit would additionally end up rendering all 80s rock obsolete. Still to this day the track sounds fresh and cutting edge, and it still hasn't waned in popularity. The renaissance of rock music started here.

#14: The Animals - The House of the Rising Sun

Somehow a bunch of Northerners manage to capture the essence of Southern American blues music better than the millions of others who have recorded this historic song. The addition of an organ to the folk classic is a stroke of genius, giving this already engaging tale more life. The track builds towards a thrilling conclusion where the passion of Eric Burdon's vocals just comes barreling out in a massive chunk. It's an amazing vocal performance that surpasses anything else in folk music. The track became a hit just about everywhere, ushering in the folk genre that would play a large role in the charts for years to come. It even encouraged Bob Dylan to pick up the electric guitar, which in the folk world is a pretty major event.

#13: The Beach Boys - God Only Knows

Has there ever been a love song more beautiful than this one? I don't think so. This particular love song also has a sense of refreshing honesty in the lyrics. There's not a single cliche to be found, just raw emotion. This is Brian Wilson's vision realised to its full potential. I doubt anyone would ever have expected these one-time surf rockers to produce artistic brilliance of this scale. The production is just mindblowingly brilliant. There's a whole host of unorthodox instruments all coming together in perfect unison. Paul McCartney even claimed this was the most beautiful ballad ever written, and he knows something about writing love songs.

#12: Metallica - Master of Puppets

The pinnacle of heavy metal music that has to this day never been surpassed. Everything this track does it manages in the most epic way possible. The guitars are the central focus, alternating between an intense thrash metal sound played at an extreme pace and some of the most satisfying solos you'll ever here. The intro itself lasts over three minutes, setting up the song perfectly in a swathe of brutal guitar noise. 'Master of Puppets' takes you on one hell of a ride, brilliantly paced and executed throughout its lengthy duration. This is a real metal marathon that encompasses everything great about the genre.

#11: The Beatles - In My Life

Rubber Soul was the album that defined the transition of the Beatles from pop legends to influential rockers. Spearheading this change of artistic direction was this poignant number. The level of maturity found within the lyrics is just astonishing. These young men come across as philosophical greats rather than a pop band from Liverpool who could make girls scream. This is the sort of incredible stuff John Lennon could conjure up when he was in fine form, penning themes of nostalgia with such incredible beauty. Equally beautiful is the composition, relying on simplicity and subtlety to convey such a personal message. It's one of those songs that just leaves you speechless from start to finish. Amazing stuff.