TOP 100 Songs ever

#100: "Ohio" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Released as a single in 1970
More than anything else, I love what this song is about: the Kent State University shootings on May 4, 1970. The Kent State students were protesting America's invasion of Cambodia and the Vietnam War in general when the Ohio National Guard shot four students and wounded nine others.Tin soldiers and Nixon's comingWe're finally on our ownThis summer I hear the drummingFour dead in OhioGotta get down to itSoldiers are cutting us downShould have been done long agoWhat if you knew herAnd found her dead on the groundHow can you run when you know?

#99: "Born In The U.S.A." by Bruce Springsteen
From the 1984 album Born In The U.S.A.
There is a severe misconception about "Born in the U.S.A." It's a protest song (with specific references to Vietnam), not some nationalistic anthem.Got in a little hometown jamSo they put a rifle in my handSent me off to a foreign landTo go and kill the yellow manI had a brother at Khe Sahn fighting off the Viet CongThey're still there, he's all goneHe had a woman he loved in SaigonI got a picture of him in her arms now

#98: "Whipping Post" by The Allman Brothers Band
From the 1969 album The Allman Brothers Band
"Good lord, I feel like I'm dyin'."It's right after this line that my favorite part of "Whipping Post" begins. The bluesy guitar riff combines with the awesome bass riff, and you're forced to settle in for a classic Allman Bros. jam.I'm not really a fan of Southern stuff, but I love the Allman Bros. It's too bad guitarist Duane Allman died in 1971 of a motorcycle accident just months after the release of their great live album At Fillmore East.

#97: "Back In Black" by AC/DC
From the 1980 album Back In Black
This song is all about its legendary guitar riff. After the death of AC/DC singer Bon Scott in early 1980, he was replaced by Brian Johnson. "Back In Black," the first song recorded after Scott's death, served as an announcement that the band wasn't over despite the loss of their former lead singer.Back in black, I hit the sack,I've been too long, I'm glad to be backYes I'm let loose from the noose,That's kept me hangin' aboutI been livin like a star 'cause it's gettin' me high,Forget the hearse, 'cause I never dieI got nine lives, cat's eyesabusing every one of them and running wild

#96: "Sympathy For The Devil" by The Rolling Stones
From the 1968 album Beggar's Banquet
"Sympathy For The Devil" perfectly epitomizes how lyrically talented the Rolling Stones can be. The problem is that their lyrical talent often gets overshadowed by the "shock value" of their live shows, during which Mick Jagger runs wild around the stage and shouts unintelligible words. In "Sympathy For The Devil," they actually have something to say, as Jagger runs through the horrible atrocities mankind has committed and makes you realize that "the devil" is really just the collective maliciousness that humans display.Please allow me to introduce myselfI'm a man of wealth and tasteI've been around for a long, long yearStole many a man's soul and faithAnd I was 'round when Jesus ChristHad his moment of doubt and painMade damn sure that PilateWashed his hands and sealed his fatePleased to meet youHope you guess my nameBut what's puzzling youIs the nature of my gameI stuck around St. PetersburgWhen I saw it was a time for a changeKilled the czar and his ministersAnastasia screamed in vainI rode a tankHeld a general's rankWhen the blitzkrieg ragedAnd the bodies stankPleased to meet youHope you guess my name, oh yeahAh, what's puzzling youIs the nature of my game, oh yeahI watched with gleeWhile your kings and queensFought for ten decadesFor the gods they madeI shouted out,Who killed the Kennedys?When after allIt was you and me

#95: "Jeremy" by Pearl Jam
From the 1991 album Ten
There was once a 16-year-old boy from Richardson, Texas named Jeremy Wade Delle. After coming in late to class and being told to get an admittance slip from the school office, Delle left the classroom only to return holding a .357 Magnum revolver. He walked to the front of the classroom, announced "Miss, I got what I really went for," put the barrel in his mouth and pulled the trigger.At home, drawing pictures of mountain topsWith him on top lemon yellow sun, arms raised in a vAnd the dead lay in pools of maroon belowDaddy didn't give attentionOh, to the fact that mommy didn't careKing Jeremy the wicked...oh, ruled his world...Jeremy spoke in class today...Clearly I remember pickin' on the boySeemed a harmless little fuckOoh, but we unleashed a lion...Gnashed his teeth and bit the recess lady's breast...How can I forget?And he hit me with a surprise leftMy jaw left hurtin'...ooh, dropped wide openJust like the day...oh, like the day I heardDaddy didn't give affection, no...And the boy was something that mommy wouldn't wearKing Jeremy the wicked...oh, ruled his worldJeremy spoke in class today...Try to forget this...try to forget this...Try to erase this...try to erase this...from the blackboard...

#94: "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan
Released as a single in 1973
It appears that Bob Dylan can actually sing every once in a while. "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" has been covered by about two dozen notable artists, but the greatest has to go to the original.Mama, take this badge off of meI can't use it anymore.It's gettin' dark, too dark for me to seeI feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's doorMama, put my guns in the groundI can't shoot them anymore.That long black cloud is comin' downI feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door.

#93: "Get Up Stand Up" by Bob Marley
From the 1973 album Burnin'
Bob Marley was diagnosed with malignant melanoma (skin cancer) in 1977. "Get Up Stand Up" is the last song Marley ever performed on September 23, 1980 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After the show Marley decided to fly to Germany in order to receive treatment, but the cancer had already progressed to the terminal stage. He died on May 11, 1981.Preacherman, don't tell meHeaven is under the earthI know you don't knowWhat life is really worthIt's not all that glitters is gold'alf the story has never been toldSo now you see the lightStand up for your rightsMost people thinkGreat God will come from the skiesTake away everythingAnd make everybody feel highBut if you know what life is worthYou will look for yours on earthAnd now you see the lightYou stand up for your rights

#92: "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison
From the 1970 album All Things Must Pass
It was typical that Harrison would write 2-3 songs per Beatles album and Lennon or McCartney would write the rest. There is speculation that Lennon and McCartney only allowed Harrison to include a few on each album. As a result, Harrison's first album after the breakup of the Beatles was a triple album (the third one being a jam session) and was well-received. "My Sweet Lord" is probably Harrison's most well-known solo song, and is about God. Harrison had to surrender most of the money made from the song for unintentionally plagiarizing the Chiffons' song "He's So Fine."

#91: "Under The Bridge" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers
From the 1991 album Blood Sugar Sex Magik
The Chili Peppers were around in the '80s, but were fairly irrelevant. "Under The Bridge," a song about Anthony Kiedis's drug use, put them on the mainstream map.Sometimes I feelLike I don't have a partnerSometimes I feelLike my only friendIs the city I live inThe city of angelsLonely as I amTogether we cryI don't ever want to feelLike I did that dayTake me to the place I loveTake me all the wayUnder the bridge downtownIs where I drew some bloodUnder the bridge downtownI could not get enoughUnder the bridge downtownForgot about my loveUnder the bridge downtownI gave my life away

#90: "Roundabout" by Yes
From the 1971 album Fragile
I just love how this song starts with such a comforting acoustic guitar, then moves to a great bass performance, then into a great guitar riff, then into everything at once. It also happens to be eight and a half minutes in length.Along the drifting cloud the eagle searchingDown on the landCatching the swirling wind the sailor seesThe rim of the landThe eagle's dancing wings create as weatherSpins out of handGo closer hold the land feel partly no moreThan grains of sandWe stand to lose all time a thousand answersBy in our handNext to your deeper fears we standSurrounded by a million years

#89: "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" by The Temptations
From the 1972 album All Directions
"Papa Was A Rollin' Stone"'s slow bass riff makes the song adds to the song's sound very distinctive and fresh. I know this doesn't make any sense because it was made more than thirty years ago, but somehow that's how this song sounds to me.It was the third of SeptemberThat day I'll always remember, yes I will'Cause that was the day that my daddy diedI never got a chance to see himNever heard nothing but bad things about himMama, I'm depending on you to tell me the truthAnd Mama just hung her head and said"Son, Papa was a rolling stoneWherever he laid his hat was his home(And when he died) All he left us was a loan"Hey Mama, is it true what they saythat Papa never worked a day in his life?And Mama, some bad talk going around townsaying that Papa had three outside children and another wifeAnd that ain't rightHey, talk about Papa doing some store front preachingTalked about saving souls and all the time leechingDealing in debt and stealing in the name of the LordMama just hung her head and said"Papa was a rolling stone, my sonWherever he laid his hat was his home(And when he died) All he left us was a loan"Hey Mama, I heard Papa called himself a jack of all tradesTell me is that what sent Papa to an early grave?Folks say Papa would beg, borrow, steal to pay his billsHey Mama, folks say that Papa was never much on thinkingSpent most of his time chasing women and drinkingMama, I'm depending on you to tell me the truthAnd Mama looked up with a tear in her eye and said"Son, Papa was a rolling stone (Well, well, well, well)Wherever he laid his hat was his home(And when he died) All he left us was a loan"

#88: "Fortunate Son" by Creedence Clearwater Revival
From the 1969 album Willy And The Poor Boys
"Fortunate Son" adheres to the classic CCR formula of being short and undeniably sweet. When the guitar kicks in shortly after the song begins, you know that it's the start of something great. Rolling Stone ranked "Fortunate Son" higher than any other CCR song at #99 on their list, but I still think they have a couple that are better.Some folks are born made to wave the flagOoh, they're red, white and blueAnd when the band plays hail to the chiefOoh, they point the cannon at you, lordIt ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no senator's son, sonIt ain't me, it ain't me; I ain't no fortunate one, noSome folks are born silver spoon in handLord, don't they help themselves, ohBut when the taxman comes to the doorLord, the house looks like a rummage sale, yesIt ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no millionaire's son, noIt ain't me, it ain't me; I ain't no fortunate one, noSome folks inherit star spangled eyesOoh, they send you down to war, lordAnd when you ask them, how much should we give?Ooh, they only answer more! more! more!It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no military son, sonIt ain't me, it ain't me; I ain't no fortunate one, one

#87: "The Long And Winding Road" by The Beatles
From the 1970 album Let It Be
I've always liked the fact that a full orchestra is featured in "The Long And Winding Road," but apparently that was one of the primary reasons Paul McCartney wanted the Beatles to be officially broken up. The orchestra was overdubbed by legendary producer Phil Spector over the original song, which merely consisted of McCartney's piano and Lennon's poorly played bass (McCartney was the usual bassist). Obviously, McCartney was greatly angered that the orchestra was overdubbed without his consent.The long and winding roadThat leads to your doorWill never disappearI've seen that road beforeIt always leads me herLead me to your doorThe wild and windy nightThat the rain washed awayHas left a pool of tearsCrying for the dayWhy leave me standing hereLet me know the way

#86: "Heart Of Gold" by Neil Young
From the 1972 album Harvest
I just love the acoustic guitar in "Heart Of Gold". Everything - harmonica, guitar, vocals, lyrics - comes together nicely. "Heart Of Gold put me in the middle of the road. Travelling there soon became a bore so I headed for the ditch. A rougher ride but I saw more interesting people there."I want to liveI want to giveI've been a miner for a heart of goldIt's these expressions I never giveThat keep me searching for a heart of goldAnd I'm getting oldKeeps me searching for a heart of goldAnd I'm getting oldI've been to HollywoodI've been to RedwoodI crossed the ocean for a heart of goldI've been in my mind, it's such a fine lineThat keeps me searching for a heart of goldAnd I'm getting oldKeeps me searching for a heart of goldAnd I'm getting old

#85: "What'd I Say" by Ray Charles
Released as a single in 1959
"What'd I Say" is the signature Ray Charles song. That moaning and groaning Ray does toward the end of the song? Well, those are sexual noises.

#84: "Hurricane" by Bob Dylan
From the 1976 album Desire
Remember that one Denzel Washington movie from 1999 called "The Hurricane"? This is what Dylan's song is about, except he wrote it in 1975 as the boxer Rubin Carter (nicknamed the Hurricane) was falsely convicted of triple homicide for a second time.The murders actually took place in 1966, and Carter had served ten years in prison before he was granted a new trial in 1976 after Dylan rallied support for him by writing "Hurricane." Carter was once again found guilty and was sentenced on February 9, 1976. Dylan has not performed the song since January 25, 1976. Carter was released on parole in 1985.All of Rubin's cards were marked in advanceThe trial was a pig-circus, he never had a chanceThe judge made Rubin's witnesses drunkards from the slumsTo the white folks who watched he was a revolutionary bumAnd to the black folks he was just a crazy niggerNo one doubted that he pulled the triggerAnd though they could not produce the gunThe D.A. said he was the one who did the deedAnd the all-white jury agreedRubin Carter was falsely triedThe crime was murder one, guess who testified?Bello and Bradley and they both badly liedAnd the newspapers, they all went along for the rideHow can the life of such a manBe in the palm of some fool's hand?To see him obviously framedCouldn't help but make me feel ashamed to live in a landWhere justice is a gameNow all the criminals in their coats and their tiesAre free to drink martinis and watch the sun riseWhile rubin sits like buddha in a ten-foot cellAn innocent man in a living hellThat's the story of the HurricaneBut it won't be over till they clear his nameAnd give him back the time he's donePut in a prison cell, but one time he could-a beenThe champion of the world

#83: "California Love" by 2Pac featuring Dr. Dre
From the 1996 album All Eyez On Me
It wasn't until playing the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas that I realized "California Love" was adapted from Joe Cocker's song "Woman To Woman", which appears in the game. Dr. Dre was the one primarily responsible for writing the song, and he presented it to 2Pac upon his release from prison in 1995.

#82: "Fire And Rain" by James Taylor
From the 1970 album Sweet Baby James
How soothing is "Fire and Rain"? It's quiet acoustic guitar launched Taylor's career and gave birth to the singer-songwriter genre.I've seen fire and I've seen rainI've seen sunny days that I thought would never endI've seen lonely times when I could not find a friendBut I always thought that I'd see you again

#81: "Do You Feel Like We Do" by Peter Frampton
From the 1976 album Frampton Comes Alive
No doubt the most memorable aspect of this song is its length, a shocking 14 minutes. The running joke among classic rock DJs is that they play "Do You Feel Like We Do" whenever they need to use the bathroom. Let's hope that they play the song for more than just a nice break, as there's really only one word to describe it: classic.

#80: "Rocket Man" by Elton John
From the 1972 album Honky Chateau
Is it possible to not like "Rocket Man"? This is a classic Elton song if there ever was one. It's actually based on the short story of the same name in Ray Bradbury's book The Illustrated Man.And I think it's gonna be a long long timeTill touchdown brings me round again to findI'm not the man they think I am at homeOh no no no I'm a rocket manRocket man burning out his fuse up here alone

#79: "Tears In Heaven" by Eric Clapton
From the 1992 album Unplugged
Clapton wrote this song after his 4-year-old son Conor died by falling out a 53rd story window in New York City.Would you know my nameIf I saw you in heaven?Would it be the sameIf I saw you in heaven?Beyond the doorThere's peace I'm sureAnd I know there'll be no moreTears in heaven

#78: "Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis Presley
Released as a single in 1957
Rolling Stone puts "Hound Dog" and "Heartbreak Hotel" in front of "Jailhouse Rock", but I disagree with them. I think "Jailhouse Rock" is the definitive Elvis song.The warden threw a party in the county jailThe prison band was there and they began to wailThe band was jumpin' and the joint began to swingYou should've heard those knocked out jailbirds singLet's rock, everybody, let's rockEverybody in the whole cell blockWas dancin' to the jailhouse rock

#77: "Losing My Religion" by R.E.M.
From the 1991 album Out Of Time
I was fooled by the title of this song. To "lose your religion" is to lose your temper. Apparently it's an expression used in the South. I've never actually heard anyone use it in conversation.That's me in the cornerThat's me in the spotlightLosing my religionTrying to keep up with youAnd I don't know if I can do itOh no I've said too muchI haven't said enoughI thought that I heard you laughingI thought that I heard you singI think I thought I saw you try

#76: "Take It Easy" by The Eagles
From the 1972 album The Eagles
Jackson Browne actually began writing "Take It Easy" but got stuck. He showed it to the Eagles' Glenn Frey, who came up with the "It's a girl, my lord, in a flatbed Ford slowin' down to take a look at me" line. Browne thought the line was excellent and decided to say that he and Frey co-wrote "Take It Easy." Both Browne and the Eagles have their own version of it, but the Eagles' take is significantly better, as it became their first single and one of their most definitive songs. It's also the closest thing to country that I've ever liked.

#75: "Under Pressure" by Queen featuring David Bowie
From the 1982 album Hot Space
This is probably more well-known as the song Vanilla Ice ripped off. Nevertheless, it's still a great song, and Vanilla Ice ripped off the bass guitar riff for good reason.

#74: "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana
From the 1991 album Nevermind
This song is ranked #9 on Rolling Stone's list, and frankly I don't understand why. Honestly, it isn't quite that good. It is the definitive grunge song, and there hasn't been such a culture-changing song since, but as for the song itself, it doesn't belong anywhere near the top 10.Load up on gunsBring your friendsIts fun to loseAnd to pretendShes overboardMyself assuredI know I knowA dirty wordWith the lights out its less dangerousHere we are nowEntertain usI feel stupid and contagiousHere we are nowEntertain usA mulattoAn albinoA mosquitoMy libido

#73: "No Woman, No Cry" by Bob Marley
From the 1975 album Natty Dread
How cool is this story? "Though Marley likely wrote the song himself, songwriter credits were given to 'V. Ford'. Vincent Ford was a friend of Marley's who ran a soup kitchen in Trenchtown, the ghetto of Kingston, Jamaica where Marley grew up. The royalty checks received by Ford ensured the survival and continual running of his soup kitchen." I don't know of many people in the music business who have done something like that.'Cause - 'cause - 'cause I remember when a we used to sitIn a government yard in TrenchtownOba - obaserving the 'ypocrites - yeah! -Mingle with the good people we meet, yeah!Good friends we have, oh, good friends we have lostAlong the way, yeah!In this great future, you can't forget your pastSo dry your tears, I seh. Yeah!Said - said - said I remember when we used to sitIn the government yard in Trenchtown, yeah!And then Georgie would make the fire lightsI seh, logwood burnin' through the nights, yeah!Then we would cook cornmeal porridge, sayOf which I'll share with you, yeah!My feet is my only carriageAnd so I've got to push on through

#72: "The Weight" by The Band
From the 1968 album Music From Big Pink
"The Weight" is just one of those songs that you absentmindedly start singing along to. It's lyrics, though usually glossed over because of the absentminded singing, are actually quite interesting in that they describe a purgatorial experience with numerous biblical allusions.I pulled into NazarethI was feelin' about half past deadI just need some placeWhere I can lay my head"Hey, mister, can you tell me where a man might find a bed?"He just grinned and shook my handAnd "No!" was all he saidTake a load off FannieTake a load for freeTake a load off FannieAnd you can put the load right on meI picked up my bag, I went lookin' for a place to hideWhen I saw Carmen and the Devil walkin' side by sideI said, "Hey, Carmen, come on, let's go downtown"She said, "I gotta go, but m'friend can stick around."

#71: "New Year's Day" by U2
From the 1983 album War
The guitar solo near the end of the song is when "New Year's Day" just comes together. The bass is great as well, and really coalesces with the beat and guitar, along with Bono's moaning voice.All is quiet on New Year's DayA world in white gets underwayI want to be with youBe with you night and dayNothing changes on New Year's DayOn New Year's DayUnder a blood red skyA crowd has gathered in black and whiteArms entwined, the chosen fewThe newspapers says, saysSay it's true it's true...And we can break throughThough torn in twoWe can be oneAnd so we're told this is the golden ageAnd gold is the reason for the wars we wageThough I want to be with youBe with you night and dayNothing changesOn New Year's Day

#70: "Smoke On The Water" by Deep Purple
From the 1972 album Machine Head
"Smoke On The Water" features the most famous guitar riff in history. It's considered one of the best, but most describe it as being extremely rudimentary. Does that matter? Of course not. It's still a hell of a song.

#69: "Bennie And The Jets" by Elton John
From the 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
It turns out this song isn't live at all. Producer Gus Dudgeon added applause and audience sounds from previous Elton concerts after the song had already been completed.Say, candy and ronnie, have you seen them yetBut theyre so spaced out, bennie and the jetsOh but theyre weird and theyre wonderfulOh bennie shes really keenShes got electric boots a mohair suitYou know I read it in a magazineBennie and the jets

#68: "You Can't Always Get What You Want" by The Rolling Stones
From the 1969 album Let It Bleed
Although the use of London Bach Choir (a boys choir) is pretty cool, my favorite part of the song is the horn that plays 55 seconds into the song right after the acoustic guitar starts.I saw her today at the receptionA glass of wine in her handI knew she was gonna meet her connectionAt her feet was a footloose manAnd I went down to the demonstrationTo get my fair share of abuseSinging, were gonna vent our frustrationIf we dont were gonna blow a 50-amp fuseI went down to the chelsea drugstoreTo get your prescription filledI was standing in line with mr. jimmyAnd man, did he look pretty illWe decided that we would have a sodaMy favorite flavor, cherry redI sung my song to mr. jimmyYeah, and he said one word to me, and that was deadI saw her today at the receptionIn her glass was a bleeding manShe was practiced at the art of deceptionWell I could tell by her blood-stained hands

#67: "Dancing In The Dark" by Bruce Springsteen
From the 1984 album Born In The U.S.A.
I find "Dancing In The Dark" to be somewhat irresistable due to its beat and use of synthesizers. The saxophone solo at the end seals the deal.You can't start a fireYou can't start a fire without a sparkThis gun's for hireEven if we're just dancing in the dark

#66: "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses
From the 1987 album Appetite For Destruction
"Sweet Child O' Mine" is about Axl Rose's girlfriend Erin Everly, whom he married in 1990. Their marriage was annulled in 1991.She's got a smile that it seems to meReminds me of childhood memoriesWhere everythingWas as fresh as the bright blue skyNow and then when I see her faceShe takes me away to that special placeAnd if I'd stare too longI'd probably break down and cryShe's got eyes of the bluest skiesAs if they thought of rainI hate to look into those eyesAnd see an ounce of painHer hair reminds me of a warm safe placeWhere as a child I'd hideAnd pray for the thunderAnd the rainTo quietly pass me by

#65: "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" by Pink Floyd
From the 2001 album Echoes: The Best Of Pink Floyd
I realize that "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" was originally on the Wish You Were Here album, but it was split into two tracks that bookended the album. I simply didn't want to combine both tracks (which would be 26 minutes and 5 seconds) into one entry on the list. Luckily, the Echoes version is edited down to one 17 minute track, so this is the version I'm putting on the list.

#64: "The Last Resort" by The Eagles
From the 1976 album Hotel California
The finale of the Hotel California album features orchestral brilliance in addition to describing the end result of manifest destiny and the American dream.Who will provide the grand design?What is yours and what is mine?'Cause there is no more new frontierWe have got to make it hereWe satisfy our endless needs andjustify our bloody deeds,in the name of destiny and the name of GodAnd you can see them there,On Sunday morningThey stand up and sing aboutwhat it's like up thereThey call it paradiseI don't know whyYou call someplace paradise,kiss it goodbye

#63: "Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)" by The Beatles
From the 1965 album Rubber Soul
That strange instrument you hear throughout "Norwegian Wood" is a sitar (played by George Harrison), a "Hindustani classical instrument." Hindustani Classical Music originated in India 700-800 years ago. Harrison played the sitar on a song on each of the Beatles next two albums as well: "Love You To" on Revolver (1966) and "Within You Without You" on Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967). Rubber Soul marked an advancement by the Beatles in lyrical and instrumental complexity, and "Norwegian Wood" is a perfect example of this.I once had a girl, or should i say, she once had meShe showed me her room, isn't it good, Norwegian wood?She asked me to stay and she told me to sit anywhereSo i looked around and i noticed there wasn't a chairI sat on a rug, biding my time, drinking her wineWe talked until two and then she said, "it's time for bed"She told me she worked in the morning and started to laughI told her I didn't and crawled off to sleep in the bathAnd when i awoke i was alone, this bird had flownSo i lit a fire, isn't it good, Norwegian wood

#62: "Baba O'Riley" by The Who
From the 1971 album Who's Next
"Baba O'Riley" suffers from people not knowing what it's called. Most people refer to it as "Teenage Wasteland," which obviously is incorrect. The song is one of the first to incorporate synthesizers, and also features the unorthodox violin coda.Out here in the fieldsI fight for my mealsI get my back into my livingI don't need to fightTo prove I'm rightI don't need to be forgivenDon't cryDon't raise your eyeIt's only teenage wasteland

#61: "Higher Ground" by Stevie Wonder
From the 1973 album Innervisions
"Higher Ground" was covered by the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1989, and this version is probably more well known than Stevie Wonder's. However, I hate the Chili Peppers' version. I think it does a major injustice to the original, and this is coming from someone who highly respects the Chili Peppers.People keep on learnin'Soldiers keep on warrin'World keep on turnin'Cause it won't be too longPowers keep on lyin'While your people keep on dyin'World keep on turnin'Cause it won't be too longI'm so darn glad he let me try it againCause my last time on earth I lived a whole world of sinI'm so glad that I know more than I knew thenGonna keep on tryin'Till I reach my highest ground

#60: "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
From the 1968 album Electric Ladyland
From the moment "Voodoo Child" starts, you know you're in for a jam. Hendrix's wah-wah guitar playing at the beginning explodes into an awesome Hendrixesque riff. Hendrix started the song after a camera crew was in the studio and wanted to record footage of him recording for his upcoming album. Hendrix came up with the intro on the fly. It's hard to tell whether Hendrix wrote any of the guitar part before recording it, as his rampaging guitar throughout feels like more of a freestyle.Well, I stand up next to a mountainAnd I chop it down with the edge of my handWell, I pick up all the pieces and make an islandMight even raise a little sand

#59: "Thunder Road" by Bruce Springsteen
From the 1975 album Born To Run
There was a movie in 1958 called Thunder Road. Springsteen never saw the movie, but says he was influenced by the poster. That doesn't make any sense to me, but nevertheless I'm happy with the end result.The screen door slams, Mary's dress wavesLike a vision she dances across the porch as the radio playsRoy Orbison singing for the lonelyHey, that's me and I want you onlyDon't turn me home again, I just can't face myself alone againDon't run back inside, darling, you know just what I'm here forSo you're scared and you're thinking that maybe we ain't that young anymoreShow a little faith, there's magic in the nightYou ain't a beauty but, hey, you're alrightOh, and that's alright with meYou can hide 'neath your covers and study your painMake crosses from your lovers, throw roses in the rainWaste your summer praying in vainFor a savior to rise from these streetsWell now, I ain't no hero, that's understoodAll the redemption I can offer, girl, is beneath this dirty hoodWith a chance to make it good somehowHey, what else can we do now?Except roll down the window and let the wind blow back your hairWell, the night's busting open, these two lanes will take us anywhereWe got one last chance to make it realTo trade in these wings on some wheelsClimb in back, heaven's waiting on down the tracksOh oh, come take my handWe're riding out tonight to case the promised landOh oh oh oh, Thunder RoadOh, Thunder Road, oh, Thunder RoadLying out there like a killer in the sunHey, I know it's late, we can make it if we runOh oh oh oh, Thunder RoadSit tight, take hold, Thunder Road

#58: "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
From the 1982 album The Message
"The Message" is the most important song in the history of hip-hop. It was one of the earliest songs to describe the life of someone living in the ghetto, which has since become a staple of a rap song. It's synthesizer riff and beat have endlessly sampled over the years.Don't push me 'cuz I'm close to the edgeI'm trying not to lose my headIt's like a jungle sometimesIt makes me wonder how I keep from goin' under

#57: "I Got You (I Feel Good)" by James Brown
Released as a single in 1965
Undoubtedly people who wouldn't consider themselves music fans are familiar with "I Got You (I Feel Good)," the signature James Brown song. Some would disagree by preferring "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag," "Get Up (I Feel Like A Sex Machine)," or "Say It Loud - I'm Black And I'm Proud," but I would go with "I Got You (I Feel Good)" as the best James Brown song.

#56: "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica
From the 1991 album Metallica
I'm not much of a Metallica fan, but I love "Nothing Else Matters," a ballad void of their usual angst. The funny thing about this song is that Metallica was accused of selling out because they made a song that wasn't the pure thrash metal their fans had become accustomed to. Personally I'd take "Nothing Else Matters" over "Enter Sandman" any day of the week.Trust I seek and I find in youEvery day for us, something newOpen mind for a different viewAnd nothing else mattersNever cared for what they sayNever cared for games they playNever cared for what they doNever cared for what they knowAnd I knowSo close, no matter how farCouldn't be much more from the heartForever trusting who we areNo, nothing else matters

#55: "London Calling" by The Clash
From the 1979 album London Calling
It took me a little while to really appreciate this one, as I'm not much of a fan of punk. A year ago it would have not made this list, but like with so many other songs, "London Calling" requires a certain number of listens until you really start to like it.The ice age is coming, the sun's zooming inMeltdown expected, the wheat is growing thinEngines stop running, but I have no fearCause London is burning and I live by the river

#54: "Go Your Own Way" by Fleetwood Mac
From the 1977 album Rumours
"Go Your Own Way" was written by guitarist Lindsey Buckingham about the end of his relationship with fellow Fleetwood Mac singer Stevie Nicks.Loving youIsn't the right thing to doHow can I ever change thingsThat I feelIf I couldMaybe I'd give you my worldHow can IWhen you won't take it from me

#53: "Aja" by Steely Dan
From the 1977 album Aja
Steely Dan tends to make songs that just sound good. That's certainly the case with "Aja," an 8-minute jazz-rock ramble that features a saxophone solo and an unbelievable drum performance.

#52: "Jesus Christ Pose" by Soundgarden
From the 1991 album Badmotorfinger
Evidently this song isn't anti-Christian, but rather criticizes the way people use the image of Jesus and the "Jesus Christ Pose" (being nailed to the cross). After looking at the lyrics, I'm not quite sure what to think.And you stare at meIn your Jesus Christ poseArms held outLike you've been carrying a loadAnd you swear to meYou don't want to be my slaveBut you're staring at meLike I need to be savedArms held outIn your Jesus Christ poseThorns and shroudLike it's the coming of the lordAnd I swear to youThat I would never feed you painBut you're staring at meLike I'm driving the nailsAnd you stare at meIn your Jesus Christ poseArms held out like it'sThe coming of the lordAnd would it pay you more to walk on waterThan to wear a crown of thornsIt wouldn't pain me more to bury you richThan to bury you poor

#51: "Desperado" by The Eagles
From the 1973 album Desperado
Despite it's popularity, "Desperado" was never released as a single. It's popularity grew as a result of the Eagles' live performances, in which "Desperado" was usually used to finish the show. Don Henley later remarked that "Desperado" was the beginning of his songwriting partnership with Glenn Frey, saying "that's when we became a team."Don't your feet get cold in the winter time?The sky won't snow and the sun won't shineIt's hard to tell the night time from the dayYou're losin' all your highs and lowsAin't it funny how the feeling goes away?Desperado, why don't you come to your senses?Come down from your fences, open the gateIt may be rainin', but there's a rainbow above youYou better let somebody love youYou better let somebody love youBefore it's too late

#50: "Love Reign O'er Me" by The Who
From the 1973 album Quadrophenia
In "Love Reign O'er Me," the final track of the double album rock opera Quadrophenia, Roger Daltrey turns in the best vocal performance I've ever heard. The synthesizer riff that can be heard at various points throughout the album climaxes in it's full glory, as does the guitar riff.Only loveCan make it rainThe way the beach is kissed by the seaOnly loveCan make it rainLike the sweat of loversLaying in the fields.Only loveCan bring the rainThat makes you yearn to the skyOnly loveCan bring the rainThat falls like tears from on high

#49: "Sunshine Of Your Love" by Cream
From the 1968 album Disraeli Gears
This is undoubtedly Cream's most famous song. It's distinctive guitar riff was written immediately after Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce returned from a Jimi Hendrix concert in 1967.It's getting near dawnWhen lights close their tired eyesI'll soon be with you my loveTo give you my dawn surpriseI'll be with you darling soonI'll be with you when the stars start fallingI've been waiting so longTo be where I'm goingIn the sunshine of your loveI'm with you my loveThe lights shining through on youYes, I'm with you my loveIt's the morning and just we twoI'll stay with you darling nowI'll stay with you till my seas are dried up

#48: "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder
From the 1972 album Talking Book
I first heard this song about a year ago when they started playing that Levis commercial nonstop where the guy steals the jeans off a balcony and puts them on, only to discover that the jeans would react to the owner's movements and the guy started involuntarily walking strangely.Very superstitious, writings on the wallVery superstitious, ladders 'bout to fallThirteen month old baby, broke the lookin' glassSeven years of bad luck, the good things in your pastWhen you believe in things that you don't understandThen you sufferSuperstition ain't the wayVery superstitious, wash your face and hands,Rid me of the problem, do all that you canKeep me in a daydream, keep me goin' strongYou don't wanna save me, sad is my song

#47: "Dream On" by Aerosmith
From the 1973 album Aerosmith
Eminem sampled "Dream On" for his 2002 song "Sing For The Moment." I wasn't familiar with Aerosmith's song at the time, so I was surprised to see Aerosmith perform it on TV a few years ago. This is the lone Aerosmith song on the list, because I didn't feel that "Walk This Way" and "Sweet Emotion" were quite good enough.Everytime that I look in the mirrorAll these lines on my face gettin' clearerThe past is goneIt went by like dust to dawnIsn't that the wayEverybody's got their dues in life to payI know what nobody knowsWhere it comes and where it goesI know it's everybodys sinYou got to lose to know how to winHalf my life is in books' written pagesLive and learn from fools and from sagesYou know its trueAll the things come back to youSing with me, sing for the yearsSing for the laughter, sing for the tearsSing with me, if it's just for todayMaybe tomorrow the good lord will take you away

#46: "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye
Released as a single in 1968
Most people don't really know the history of "I Heard It Through The Grapevine," so I'll take you through it right now. It was written by Motown songwriters Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong. Gladys Knight & the Pips recorded a version of it and it became a hit in 1967. Gaye's version became a hit in 1968. The first version I heard of it was Creedence Clearwater Revival's 11 minute cover that appeared on their 1970 album Cosmo's Factory.I bet you're wondering how I knewAbout you're plans to make me blueWith some other guy that you knew beforeBetween the two of us guysYou know I love you moreIt took me by surprise I must sayWhen I found out yesterdayDon't you know that...I heard it through the grapevineNot much longer would you be mineOh I heard it through the grapevineOh and I'm just about to lose my mindHoney, honey yeah

#45: "White Room" by Cream
From the 1968 album Wheels Of Fire
I'm fairly certain this song is about drug addiction and time spent in addiction recovery. The train station is just a metaphor for the addiction clinic. The part about shadows running from themselves is probably enough evidence to support the song being about drug recovery. I find some of the lyrics to be wonderfully poetic ("Yellow tigers crouched in jungles in her dark eyes") and Clapton's use of the wah-wah pedal during the guitar solo is just awesome.In the white room with black curtains near the stationBlack-roof country, no gold pavements, tired starlingsSilver horses run down moonbeams in your dark eyesDawn-light smiles on you leaving, my contentmentI'll wait in this place where the sun never shinesWait in this place where the shadows run from themselvesYou said no strings could secure you at the stationPlatform ticket, restless diesels, goodbye windowsI walked into such a sad time at the stationAs I walked out, felt my own need just beginningI'll wait in the queue when the trains come backLie with you where the shadows run from themselvesAt the party she was kindness in the hard crowdConsolation for the old wound now forgottenYellow tigers crouched in jungles in her dark eyesShe's just dressing, goodbye windows, tired starlingsI'll sleep in this place with the lonely crowdLie in the dark where the shadows run from themselves

#44: "In My Life" by The Beatles
From the 1965 album Rubber Soul
Rubber Soul really marked the beginning of the Beatles'adding lyrical and instrumental depth to their songs. Gone are the days of "I Want To Hold Your Hand."There are places I'll rememberAll my life though some have changedSome forever not for betterSome have gone and some remainAll these places have their momentsWith lovers and friends I still can recallSome are dead and some are livingIn my life I've loved them allBut of all these friends and loversThere is no one compares with youAnd these memories lose their meaningWhen I think of love as something newThough I know I'll never lose affectionFor people and things that went beforeI know I'll often stop and think about themIn my life I love you moreThough I know I'll never lose affectionFor people and things that went beforeI know I'll often stop and think about themIn my life I love you moreIn my life I love you more

#43: "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd
From the 1979 album The Wall
When you listen to "Comfortably Numb," you're listening to one of the greatest guitar solos of all time. Roger Waters wrote most of the songs on The Wall, but David Gilmour was the one who wrote the instrumentation of "Comfortably Numb," with Waters adding the lyrics. As a result, it's the only song on The Wall that doesn't fade into or out of an adjacent track.Hello, hello, helloIs there anybody in there?Just nod if you can hear meIs there anyone at home?Come on, come on downI hear you're feeling downWell I can ease your painGet you on your feet againRelax, relax, relaxI need some information firstJust the basic factsCan you show me where it hurts?There is no pain, you are recedingA distant ship's smoke on the horizonYou are only coming through in wavesYour lips move, but I can't hear what you're sayingWhen I was a child, I had a feverMy hands felt just like two balloonsNow I've got that feeling once againI can't explain, you would not understandThis is not how I amI have become comfortably numb

#42: "Have You Ever Seen The Rain?" by Creedence Clearwater Revival
From the 1970 album Pendulum
This is a song that you wish could just go on forever. It's always such a sad moment when this song just ends, and you realize that it's only 2 minutes and 40 seconds long.Someone told me long ago there's a calm before the stormI know; its been comin' for some timeWhen it's over, so they say, it'll rain a sunny day,I know; shinin' down like water.I want to know, have you ever seen the rain?I want to know, have you ever seen the rainComin' down on a sunny day?Yesterday, and days before, sun is cold and rain is hardI know; been that way for all my time'til forever, on it goes through the circle, fast and slowI know; it can't stop, I wonder

#41: "Sunset Grill" by Don Henley
From the 1984 album Building The Perfect Beast
By the time Henley gets to 1984, his country roots of being in the Eagles have been left far behind. What we have here with "Sunset Grill" is a spectacular (albeit looped) drum beat and an array of synthesizers. The last couple of minutes are a magnificent display of horns, synthesizers, a guitar, and a piano uniting into a gorgeous outro.Lets go down to the sunset grillWe can watch the working girls go byWatch the basket people walk around and mumbleAnd stare out at the auburn skyTheres an old man there from the old worldTo him, it's all the sameCalls all his customers by nameYou see a lot more meanness in the cityIt's the kind that tears you up insideHard to come away with anything that feels like dignityHard to get home with any prideThese days a man makes you somethin'And you never see his faceBut there is no hiding placeRespectable little murders payThey get more respectable every dayDont worry girl, I'm gonna stick by youAnd someday soonWe're gonna get in that car and get outta here

#40: "Touch Me" by The Doors
From the 1969 album The Soft Parade
"Touch Me" just has an enormous amount of indefinable energy to it. It's use of brass and strings isn't typical for a Doors song, which is precisely the reason why it's one of my favorite Doors songs.Now touch me, babyCan't you see that I am not afraid?What was that promise that you made?Why won't you tell me what she said?What was that promise that you made?Now, I'm gonna love you, till the heavens stop the rainI'm gonna love youTill the stars fall from the sky for you and I

#39: "Purple Rain" by Prince
From the 1984 album Purple Rain
"Purple Rain" is absolutely epic in every musical sense. It's length is 8 minutes and 41 seconds. It's definitely progressive in the sense that it combines elements of rock, pop and even gospel. I'm surprised you don't see "Purple Rain" on a "Greatest Guitar Solos" list, because the guitar absolutely takes over midway through the song. Then after that, orchestral strings and a piano play for the final two minutes of song. The song was actually recorded live in Minneapolis (and then parts were overdubbed in the studio), so that explains the audience cheering at the end of the song. Lyrically, "Purple Rain" appears to represent an apology from one lover to another. Look, however, at the final verse. There appears to be a spiritual component to this song as well, and the "purple rain" could possibly be symbolic of heaven.I never meant to cause you any sorrowI never meant to cause you any painI only wanted to one time see you laughingI only wanted to see you laughing in the purple rainI never wanted to be your weekend loverI only wanted to be some kind of friendBaby I could never steal you from anotherIts such a shame our friendship had to endHoney I know, I know, I know times are changingIts time we all reach out for something newThat means you tooYou say you want a leaderBut you cant seem to make up your mindI think you better close itAnd let me guide you to the purple rain

#38: "A Day In The Life" by The Beatles
From the 1967 album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band
This is the last song that Lennon and McCartney worked on together. Sgt. Pepper's was the Beatles' peak, and "A Day In The Life" was the crown jewel of the album. After Sgt. Pepper's, each of the Beatles became very possessive of the songs they wrote, causing Ringo Starr to briefly leave the band during the White Album recording sessions.I read the news today oh boyAbout a lucky man who made the gradeAnd though the news was rather sadWell I just had to laughI saw the photographHe blew his mind out in a carHe didn't notice that the lights had changedA crowd of people stood and staredThey'd seen his face beforeNobody was really sureIf he was from the House of Lords

#37: "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty
From the 1989 album Full Moon Fever
It's startling to think that "Free Fallin'" was one of the first songs on this list that I heard, and I first heard it about three years ago. It's hard to believe that I could have become so knowledgable about all of these songs in just three years.She's a good girl, loves her mamaLoves Jesus and America tooShe's a good girl, crazy 'bout ElvisLoves horses and her boyfriend tooIt's a long day living in ResedaThere's a freeway runnin' through the yardAnd I'm a bad boy cause I don't even miss herI'm a bad boy for breakin' her heart

#36: "I Can't Tell You Why" by The Eagles
From the 1979 album The Long Run
The Eagles' sound changed dramatically from 1972 to 1979, and by the time their last album (The Long Run) came out they had lost their early country-rock sound entirely. "I Can't Tell You Why" has a distinctly dark mood, with Timothy B. Schmit's high voice juxtaposed with the deep notes from his bass guitar and Glenn Frey's perfect guitar solo to close out the song.Look at us baby, up all nightTearing our love apartAren't we the same two peopleWho live through years in the dark?Every time I try to walk awaySomething makes me turn around and stayAnd I can't tell you why

#35: "With Or Without You" by U2
From the 1987 album The Joshua Tree
I love the deep bass guitar (I wouldn't quite call it a "bassline") playing throughout "With Or Without You." It just really sets the tone for the song. Also, I just love it when Bono sings the "And you give yourself away" line (and repeats it multiple times).See the stone set in your eyesSee the thorn twist in your sideI wait for youSleight of hand and twist of fateOn a bed of nails she makes me waitAnd I wait without youThrough the storm we reach the shoreYou give it all but I want moreAnd I'm waiting for youMy hands are tiedMy body bruised, she's got me withNothing to win andNothing left to lose

#34: "Running On Empty" by Jackson Browne
From the 1977 album Running On Empty
Jackson Browne is my all-time favorite songwriter. "Running On Empty" is one of those songs that you just like, and that's due to Browne's songwriting genius.Looking out at the road rushing under my wheelsLooking back at the years gone by like so many summer fieldsIn sixty-five I was seventeen and running up one-o-oneI don't know where I'm running now, I'm just running onGotta do what you can just to keep your love aliveTrying not to confuse it with what you do to surviveIn sixty-nine I was twenty-one and I called the road my ownI don't know when that road turned onto the road I'm on

#33: "Johnny B. Goode" by Chuck Berry
From the 1959 album Berry Is On Top
"Johnny B. Goode" is one of the first rock and roll songs and is still one of the best. The opening guitar riff just blasts a door open into my mind, and this is coming from someone listening to it nearly fifty years after it was originally written. I can't even begin to imagine how people reacted to it back then.Deep down Louisiana close to New OrleansWay back up in the woods among the evergreensThere stood a log cabin made of earth and woodWhere lived a country boy named of Johnny B. GoodeWho never ever learned to read or write so wellBut he could play the guitar like ringing a bell

#32: "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen
From the 1975 album A Night At The Opera
What a strange song "Bohemian Rhapsody" is. I've never heard anything quite like it, which makes it incredibly difficult to place on a list like this.Is this the real lifeIs this just fantasyCaught in a landslideNo escape from realityOpen your eyesLook up to the skies and seeI'm just a poor boy, I need no sympathyBecause I'm easy come, easy goA little high, little lowAnyway the wind blows, doesn't really matter to meTo me

#31: "Light My Fire" by The Doors
From the 1967 album The Doors
"Light My Fire" is one of those psychedelic rock songs that features long instrumental solos (is that instrument a keyboard? It doesn't really sound like a guitar). "Light My Fire" was the Door's breakthrough single, but the single version was shortened from seven to three minutes.You know that it would be untrueYou know that I would be a liarIf I was to say to youGirl, we couldn't get much higherThe time to hesitate is throughNo time to wallow in the mireTry now we can only loseAnd our love become a funeral pyre

#30: "Yesterday" by The Beatles
From the 1965 album Help!
"Yesterday" holds the record for the most times covered, at more than 3,000 recorded versions. That strikes me as a little odd due to the song, but I guess all of us have lost love at some point, so it's not really that surprising.Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far awayNow it looks as though they're here to stayOh, I believe in yesterdaySuddenly, I'm not half the man i used to beThere's a shadow hanging over meOh, yesterday came suddenlyWhy she had to go I don't know she wouldn't sayI said something wrong, now I long for yesterdayYesterday, love was such an easy game to playNow I need a place to hide awayOh, I believe in yesterday

#29: "All Along The Watchtower" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience
From the 1968 album Electric Ladyland
"All Along The Watchtower" is considered by most to be the greatest cover of all time. Bob Dylan's original was a quiet folk song, but Hendrix replaced Dylan's harmonica with his roaring guitar. Later on Dylan would acknowledge Hendrix's version to be the better song.There must be some kind of way out of hereSaid the joker to the thiefThere's too much confusionI can't get no reliefBusinessman they drink my winePlow men dig my earthNone will level on the lineNobody of it is worthNo reason to get excitedThe thief he kindly spokeThere are many here among usWho feel that life is but a jokeBut you and I we've been through thatAnd this is not our fateSo let us not talk falsely nowThe hour's getting lateAll along the watchtowerPrinces kept the viewWhile all the women came and wentBare-foot servants tooOutside in the cold distanceA wild cat did growlTwo riders were approachin'And the wind began to howl

#28: "Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who
From the 1971 album Who's Next
The scream Roger Daltrey lets out nearly eight minutes into "Won't Get Fooled Again" has to be one of the defining moments in music history. After that scream, the only words left in the revolution-themed song are "Meet the new boss/Same as the old boss."We'll be fighting in the streetsWith our children at our feetAnd the morals when they worship will be goneAnd the men who spurred us onSit in judgment of all wrongThey decide and the shotgun sings the songI'll tip my hat to the new constitutionTake a bow for the new revolutionSmile and grin at the change all aroundPick up my guitar and playJust like yesterdayThen I'll get on my knees and prayWe don't get fooled again

#27: "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" by The Beatles
From the 1968 album The Beatles (The White Album)
Most of the Beatles' songwriting ingenuity is accredited to Lennon and McCartney, but "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is an absolute gem from guitarist George Harrison. Eric Clapton played the lead guitar, letting Harrison just produce the rhythm and vocals.I look at you all see the love there that's sleepingWhile my guitar gently weepsI look at the floor and I see it needs sweepingStill my guitar gently weepsI look at the world and I notice it's turningWhile my guitar gently weepsWith every mistake we must surely be learningStill my guitar gently weepsI look at you all see the love there that's sleepingWhile my guitar gently weepsLook at you all...Still my guitar gently weeps

#26: "One Of These Nights" by The Eagles
From the 1975 album One Of These Nights
"One Of These Nights" is the Eagles' answer to the arrival of disco. Glenn Frey later recalls, "We made a quantum leap with 'One Of These Nights.' It was a breakthrough song. It is my favorite Eagles record. If I ever had to pick one, it wouldn't be 'Hotel California'; it wouldn't be 'Take It Easy.' For me, it would be 'One Of These Nights.'"One of these nightsOne of these crazy old nightsWe're gonna find out pretty mamaWhat turns on your lightsThe full moon is callingThe fever is highAnd the wicked wind whispers and moansYou got your demonsYou got desiresWell, I got a few of my ownOo, someone to be kind toIn between the dark and the lightOo, coming right behind youSwear I'm gonna find youOne of these nights

#25: "Sultans Of Swing" by Dire Straits
From the 1978 album Dire Straits
This song is all about the bluesy guitar playing of Mark Knopfler. The guitar solo at the end of the song and the riff he produces throughout the entire song simply sound great.

#24: "Black" by Pearl Jam
From the 1991 album Ten
"Black" is one of the most emotionally powerful songs I've ever heard. The end just has the ability to connect with my emotions every single time I hear it. The "do-do do-do do-do-do" of Eddie Vedder's voice in unison with the piano and electric guitar is just hypnotizing.And now my bitter hands cradle broken glassOf what was everythingAll the pictures have all been washed in black, tattooed everythingI know someday you'll have a beautiful life, I know you'll be a starIn somebody else's sky, but whyWhy, why can't it be, why can't it be mine

#23: "The End Of The Innocence" by Don Henley
From the 1989 album The End Of The Innocence
Ostensibly this song is about the breakup of a husband and wife:Remember when the days were longAnd rolled beneath a deep blue skyDidn't have a care in the worldWith mommy and daddy standing byWhen happily ever after failsAnd we've been poisoned by these fairy talesThe lawyers dwell on small detailsSince daddy had to flyBut "The End Of The Innocence" really serves as a metaphor for the plight of the farmer during Ronald Reagan's presidency. Reagan dramatically increased defense spending (recall his "Star Wars" program) which in turn cut funds for farmers.O' beautiful, for spacious skiesBut now those skies are threateningThey're beating plowshares into swordsFor this tired old man that we elected kingArmchair warriors often failAnd we've been poisoned by these fairy talesThe lawyers clean up all detailsSince daddy had to lie

#22: "Every Breath You Take" by The Police
From the 1983 album Synchronicity
Apparently this song isn't really about well-intentioned love at all (which is what most people think). It's about Sting being a stalker after the collapse of his marriage.Since you've gone I been lost without a traceI dream at night I can only see your faceI look around but it's you I can't replaceI feel so cold and I long for your embraceI keep crying baby pleaseEvery move you makeEvery vow you breakEvery smile you fakeEvery claim you stakeI'll be watching you

#21: "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" by U2
From the 1987 album The Joshua Tree
"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" is simple enough to understand: it's about finding spirituality. Despite it's simplicity, it's still a song that you can't really get enough of, probably because we as listeners are always seeking spirituality ourselves.I believe in the kingdom comeThen all the colors will bleed into oneBleed into oneWell yes I'm still runningYou broke the bonds and youLoosed the chainsCarried the crossOf my shameOf my shameYou know I believed itBut I still haven't found what I'm looking for

#20: "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones
From the 1965 album Out Of Our Heads
You're probably screaming at me for putting "Satisfaction" so low on the list (most would put it in the top five), but I don't think it's as good as everyone thinks it is (honestly though, #20 is still really good). Nevertheless, this is probably the first great guitar riff, and is the definitive Rolling Stones song.

#19: "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson
From the 1982 album Thriller
There was once a time when Michael Jackson wasn't referred to as "Jacko." Jackson is said to have owned the 1980s the same way Elvis Presley owned the 1950s. Thriller was Jackson's peak, and "Billie Jean" is by far his most memorable song from his entire career.People always told me be careful of what you doAnd don't go around breaking young girls' heartsAnd mother always told me be careful of who you loveAnd be careful of what you do 'cause the lie becomes the truthBillie jean is not my loverShe's just a girl who claims that I am the oneBut the kid is not my sonShe says I am the one, but the kid is not my son

#18: "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin
From the 1975 album Physical Graffiti
Singer Robert Plant would later consider "Kashmir" to be one of Zeppelin's greatest achievements, and there's no reason for him not to. The chorus lacks vocals that are justly substituted for magnificent brass orchestration. Strings are brilliantly used throughout the song against a hard rock beat.Oh let the sun beat down upon my faceStars to fill my dreamI am a traveler of both time and spaceTo be where I have beenTo sit with elders of the gentle raceThis world has seldom seenThey talk of days for which they sit and waitAnd all will be revealedOh, pilot of the storm who leaves no traceLike thoughts inside a dreamHeed the path that led me to that placeYellow desert streamMy shangri-la beneath the summer moonI will return againSure as the dust that floats high and trueWhen movin' through Kashmir.

#17: "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye
From the 1971 album What's Going On
The introspective lyrics of "What's Going On" marked a departure from the usual '60s Motown style. The song's jazzy sound and protesting lyrics make it Gaye's most famous work.Mother, motherThere's too many of you cryingBrother, brother, brotherThere's far too many of you dyingYou know we've got to find a wayTo bring some lovin' here todayFather, fatherWe don't need to escalateYou see, war is not the answerFor only love can conquer hateYou know we've got to find a wayTo bring some lovin' here todayPicket lines and picket signsDon't punish me with brutalityTalk to me, so you can seeOh, what's going on

#16: "The End" by The Doors
From the 1967 album The Doors
I first heard "The End" after watching the Vietnam movie Apocalypse Now. In the beginning, the song plays during the background as Martin Sheen lies in his Saigon hotel room.This is the endBeautiful friendThis is the endMy only friend, the endOf our elaborate plans, the endOf everything that stands, the endNo safety or surprise, the endI'll never look into your eyes...againCan you picture what will beSo limitless and freeDesperately in need...of some...stranger's handIn a...desperate land

#15: "November Rain" by Guns N' Roses
From the 1991 album Use Your Illusion I
At nearly nine minutes in length, "November Rain" is deservedly considered one of music's great epics. As for what November rain actually is, it's a metaphor for the tempestuous times during the previous relationship the song describes.Sometimes I need some time...on my ownSometimes I need some time...all aloneEverybody needs some time...on their ownDon't you know you need some time...all aloneAnd when your fears subsideAnd shadows still remainI know that you can love meWhen there's no one left to blameSo never mind the darknessWe still can find a way'Cause nothin' lasts foreverEven cold November rain

#14: "Proud Mary" by Creedence Clearwater Revival
From the 1969 album Bayou Country
I suspect there are many who are familiar with the "rollin' on the river" chorus that can be heard in every other American Idol audition but don't know that the song is actually called "Proud Mary," the signature song by CCR.Left a good job in the city,Workin' for the man ev'ry night and day,And I never lost one minute of sleepin',Worryin' 'bout the way things might have been.Big wheel keep on turnin',Proud Mary keep on burnin',Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river.

#13: "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd
From the 1973 album Pronounced Leh-Nerd Skin-Nerd
For a long time the only "Free Bird" I knew was the 4 and a half minute version they play on the radio. It wasn't until relatively recently that I found out the actual album version is 9 minutes in length, and features the greatest guitar solo I've ever heard.If I leave here tomorrowWould you still remember me?For I must be travelling on, now'cause there's too many places I've got to seeBut, if I stayed here with you, girlThings just couldn't be the same'cause I'm as free as a bird nowAnd this bird you can not changeLord knows, I can't change

#12: "One" by U2
From the 1991 album Achtung Baby
There are many debated meanings of "One," but the likely meaning is proposed by Rolling Stone in their 500 Greatest Albums Of All Time book: it's a dark ballad about a relationship in peril and the struggle to keep it together. Some will say it's about a gay son explaining to his father that he has HIV, which was evidently the premise of the video.Well it's too lateTonightTo drag the past out into the lightWe're oneBut we're not the sameWe get to carry each otherCarry each otherOneHave you come here for forgiveness?Have you come tor raise the dead?Have you come here to play JesusTo the lepers in your head?Did I ask too much?More than a lot?You gave me nothingNow it's all I gotWe're oneBut we're not the sameWe hurt each otherThen we do it againYou sayLove is a templeLove a higher lawLove is a templeLove the higher lawYou ask me to enterBut then you make me crawlAnd I can't be holding onTo what you gotWhen all you got is hurt

#11: "Eminence Front" by The Who
From the 1982 album It's Hard
"Eminence Front" is the last great song by The Who and, in my opinion, the best. It's risen in popularity recently, and there's no reason why it shouldn't, because it just might be the most spectacular song I've ever heard. It really takes 10 listens or so to be able to take it all in. The driving guitar riff, the ongoing playing of the keyboard, the additional deep guitar during the chorus, the fact that the vocals are only in the right speaker, the lyrics, etc.The sun shinesAnd people forgetThe spray flies as the speedboat glidesAnd people forgetForget they're hidingThe girls smileAnd people forgetThe snow packs as the skier tracksAnd people forgetForget they're hidingBehind an eminence frontEminence front - it's a put onCome on join the partyDress to killWon't you come and join the partyDress to kill

#10: "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd
From the 1975 album Wish You Were Here
As a listener, "Wish You Were Here" is as close to musical bliss as it gets. You can just feel it resonate through your entire body. It's one of those songs that you just don't get tired of.How I wish, how I wish you were hereWe're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowlYear after yearRunning over the same old groundWhat have we found?The same old fearsWish you were here

#9: "Imagine" by John Lennon
From the 1971 album Imagine
There isn't much explanation needed for what this song is about or why it is so great. All I have to say is this: I want the world to be what John Lennon asks for it to be.Imagine there's no heavenIt's easy if you tryNo hell below usAbove us only skyImagine all the peopleLiving for todayImagine there's no countriesIt isn't hard to doNothing to kill or die forAnd no religion tooImagine all the peopleLiving life in peaceYou may say that I'm a dreamerBut I'm not the only oneI hope someday you'll join usAnd the world will be as oneImagine no possessionsI wonder if you canNo need for greed or hungerA brotherhood of manImagine all the peopleSharing all the worldYou may say that I'm a dreamerBut I'm not the only oneI hope someday you'll join usAnd the world will live as one

#8: "Hey Jude" by The Beatles
Released as a single in 1968
Paul McCartney started out with John Lennon's son Julian in my when he started writing this song. Lennon and his first wife, Cynthia Powell, were going through a divorce and McCartney felt for Julian during the whole ordeal. He eventually changed "Jules" to "Jude" because "Jude" is easier to sing. Julian didn't find out the song was written for him until almost twenty years later.Hey Jude, don't make it badTake a sad song and make it betterRemember to let her into your heartThen you can start to make it betterHey Jude, don't be afraidYou were made to go out and get herThe minute you let her under your skinThen you begin to make it betterAnd anytime you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrainDon't carry the world upon your shouldersFor well you know that it's a fool who plays it coolBy making his world a little colder

#7: "Born To Run" by Bruce Springsteen
From the 1975 album Born To Run
"Born To Run" was supposedly Springsteen's last-ditch effort to make it big. He is from Asbury Park, NJ, and his first album was appropriately titled "Greetings From Asbury Park, NJ." Springsteen claims that "Born To Run," the title track from his third album, is about wanting to leave Asbury Park, which of course is symbolic. His first two albums were met with critical acclaim but didn't catch on in mainstream music, and he wanted to leave Asbury Park behind and finally make it big. That's exactly what he did.In the day we sweat it out in the streets of a runaway american dreamAt night we ride through mansions of glory in suicide machinesSprung from cages out on highway 9,Chrome wheeled, fuel injected and steppin' out over the lineBaby this town rips the bones from your backIt's a death trap, it's a suicide rapWe gotta get out while we're young`cause tramps like us, baby we were born to run

#6: "Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones
From the 1969 album Let It Bleed
"Gimme Shelter" features mostly apocalyptic lyrics, with war, rape, murder, etc. being "just a shot away." The song finishes on a positive note, however, when Mick Jagger claims love is "just a kiss away."Oh, a storm is threat'ningMy very life todayIf I don't get some shelterOh yeah, I'm gonna fade awayWar, children, it's just a shot awayIt's just a shot awayWar, children, it's just a shot awayIt's just a shot awayOoh, see the fire is sweepin'Our very street todayBurns like a red coal carpetMad bull lost it's way

#5: "Like A Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan
From the 1965 album Highway 61 Revisited
It took me a very long time to gather appreciation for "Like A Rolling Stone." I never thought very much of it until I saw that it was ranked by Rolling Stone as the greatest song of all time. I decided then that I had to listen to it again, since at that point I thought it was about the worst song I'd ever heard. Dylan's voice was horrendous, his harmonica was annoying, and all of the instruments seemed haphazardly thrown together.I've since discovered that the more times you listen to "Like A Rolling Stone," the more you like it. In fact, that's probably more true in the case of "Like A Rolling Stone" than for any other song on this list. You have to really look at the lyrics, and then everything else will fall into place.Once upon a time you dressed so fineYou threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn't you?People'd call, say, "Beware doll, you're bound to fall"You thought they were all kiddin' youYou used to laugh aboutEverybody that was hangin' outNow you don't talk so loudNow you don't seem so proudAbout having to be scrounging for your next mealHow does it feelHow does it feelTo be without a homeLike a complete unknownLike a rolling stone?

#4: "Hotel California" by The Eagles
From the 1976 album Hotel California
"Hotel California" just has that really distinct sound to it. There isn't anything else that sounds like it. It also has probably the most famous guitar solo in history."We wanted to write a song just like it was a movie. This guy is driving across the desert. He's tired. He's smokin'. Comes up over a hill, sees some lights, pulls in. First thing he sees is a really strange guy at the front door, welcoming him: 'Come on in.' Walks in, and then it becomes Fellini-esque- strange women, effeminate men, shadowy corridors, disembodied voices, debauchery, illusion.... Weirdness. So we thought, 'Let's really take some chances. Let's try to write in a way that we've never written before.' Steely Dan inspired us because of their lyrical bravery and willingness to go 'out there.' So, for us, 'Hotel California' was about thinking and writing outside the box."Mirrors on the ceilingThe pink champagne on iceAnd she said "we are all just prisoners here, of our own device"And in the master's chambersThey gathered for the feastThe stab it with their steely knivesBut they just can't kill the beastLast thing I rememberI was running for the doorI had to find the passage backTo the place I was before"Relax," said the night man,We are programmed to receiveYou can checkout any time you likeBut you can never leave

#3: "Let It Be" by The Beatles
From the 1970 album Let It Be
Paul McCartney doesn't allude to the Virgin Mary when he says "Mother Mary comes to me," he is literally talking about his mother Mary, who died when he was 14. When McCartney had a dream about his mother, it resulted in the inspiration for "Let It Be."And when the night is cloudy,There is still a light that shines on me,Shine on until tomorrow, let it be.I wake up to the sound of musicMother mary comes to meSpeaking words of wisdom, let it be.Let it be, let it be.There will be an answer, let it be.Let it be, let it be,Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

#2: "Stairway To Heaven" by Led Zeppelin
From the 1971 album Led Zeppelin IV
It takes time to appreciate "Stairway." After enough listens, you start to realize there isn't a single note out of place and you start to appreciate the epic progression of the song.And as we wind on down the roadOur shadows taller than our soulsThere walks a lady we all knowWho shines white light and wants to showHow everything still turns to goldAnd if you listen very hardThe tune will come to you at lastWhen all are one and one is allTo be a rock and not to roll

#1: "Layla" by Derek And The Dominos
From the 1970 album Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs
If anyone's come up with a greater guitar riff I'd like to hear it. If anyone's come up with a greater melody on a piano I'd like to hear it. That's all I really have to say about this song.If you didn't already know, Layla is not a real person. The song is really about Eric Clapton's unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, the wife of Beatle George Harrison. Boyd would later divorce Harrison in 1977 and marry Clapton in 1979. She divorced Clapton in 1988 after Clapton had several extramarital affairs.Derek And The Dominos was known as Eric And The Dynamos until an announcer mispronounced the name and the band decided to keep it. "Layla" was the only album recorded by Derek And The Dominos due to Clapton's descent into heroin addiction, which came about as a result of the deaths of fellow guitarists Jimi Hendrix and Duane Allman and due to the lukewarm reviews to the album.

Songs That No Longer Make The List
These songs used to appear on the list but have since been replaced."Piano Man" by Billy Joel"Radar Love" by Golden Earring"Should I Stay Or Should I Go?" by The Clash"Dirty Laundry" by Don Henley"I Fought The Law" by The Bobby Fuller Four"Moondance" by Van Morrison"Rhiannon" by Fleetwood Mac"Somebody's Baby" by Jackson Browne"Stan" by Eminem"Reelin' In The Years" by Steely Dan"Mysterious Ways" by U2