I was going to get crazy (and still might at some time) and compile a list of my 100 favorite songs...but anyone who knows me can guess how long that would take. That's why this list is a lot easier. These songs have been my favorites for some time. As much as I love hip-hop, my heart always will be stuck in the 60's/70's with classic rock and soul. The rhythm, the lyrics, the music is just so much better than anything that has been made since. The raw emotions of the time were felt in these songs. The artists weren't out for a quick cash grab. They didn't make ringtone songs. They poured their hearts into the music. And these are the ten that have affected me the most in that way.
10. "WHAT'S GOING ON" - Marvin Gaye
The album of the same name is great, and it's lead title track is the centerpiece of the album. Marvin Gaye's harmonizing about the despair in the black community and with an America at war in Vietnam draws you in as only the greatest Motown artist could do. "War is not the answer, only love can conquer hate." How do those words sound today?
9. "LIGHT MY FIRE" - The Doors
When you listen to a Doors record, you are ready to experience a psychedelic adventure as narrated and seen by Jim Morrison. While the band itself made great music, it was always Morrison who received the kudos. "Light My Fire" displays the best of both worlds: Jim's harrowing lyrics of love combine over a seven minute track complete with an instrumental breakdown in the middle to just zone you out and break through the doors of perception.
8. "HERE COMES THE SUN" - The Beatles For some it's John. Others choose Paul. My favorite Beatle of all time was actually the quiet Beatle, George Harrison. Maybe the most ironic nickname, because when George sang, he had a lot to say. "Here Comes The Sun" is a simple little song (and doesn't feature John Lennon) that made up the great Abbey Road.
7. "STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN" - Led Zeppelin This epic (yes, THIS is when you can use the word correctly) masterpiece features the grand vocals of Robert Plant building over a changing musical landscape, highlighted by a Jimmy Page guitar solo near the end. Remember Wayne's World? "No Stairway? DENIED!" Arguably the greatest song from arguably the greatest hard rock band. (I count the Beatles as the greatest MUSICAL band)
6. "O-O-H CHILD" - The Five Stairsteps
"Ooooh child, things are gonna get easier..." I can't name another Five Stairsteps song. But the emotion I get when I hear this song is the reason it's on my list. Lyrics that anyone who struggles can relate to, meshed with the soulful bliss of the 70's, help make this song a classic to me. (Sounds weird to say this, but when I pass away, this is the song I want played at my funeral.)
5. "WONDERWALL" - Oasis
The ONLY song not from the 60's/70's on the list, the brits known as the brothers Gallagher became my favorite band when they arrived on the U.S. scene in 1994. One year later, they dropped a follow-up album, a masterpiece known as What's The Story, Morning Glory? and made their goal of becoming the next Beatles a reality. Liam's harmonizing and vocals combine with Noel's guitar play to create this classic.
4. "HOTEL CALIFORNIA" - The Eagles
The Eagles were one of the biggest bands in the world in the late 70's, and "Hotel California" was one of the reasons why. The tale strummed up by the band and sung by Don Henley takes you on a metaphorical trip to the golden coast, where you can never leave.
3. "COMFORTABLY NUMB" - Pink Floyd
"Hello, is there anybody in there?" This classic off Pink Floyd's The Wall tells the journey through the mind of a man, Pink, who has slipped into his own cultural coma and the doctor who is treating him. A great guitar solo at the end brings this track to raw, emotional heights. This song has become a personal favorite of mine when I've also felt despondent.
2. "GO YOUR OWN WAY" - Fleetwood Mac
Perhaps no other band or other song captures the emotion of a break up as did Fleetwood Mac. The songs that made Rumours a multi-platinum success were drawn up from the real life break-ups and turmoil within the band. Pouring his broken heart about Stevie Nicks into the lyrics and guitar solo, Lindsay Buckingham captures the real feelings of a split. The ultimate "moving on" song.
1. "HEY JUDE" - The Beatles
The song Paul McCartney wrote for John Lennon's son Julian is a simple, melodic, tune, but its emotional lyrics are what make it my favorite song. The message to "make it better" was what the Beatles were always about, and "Hey Jude" captures that feeling better than any other song.
- Keith Carroll
