Keith's Best Music List

The 30 Best Songs of the Last 45 Years

2006-11-19T07:45:00.000-08:00

After listening to Pop/Rock music since 1962, I have decided that these thirty songs are the best. They either have great melody, great lyrics or have a great importance/representation of their times. In some cases all three.

I started by calling this "Keith's Favorite Songs" but that's not exactly true. There are quite a few songs I would prefer to hear than some of the one's listed but they are not really great songs.

For instance one of my favorites is "It Doesn't Really Matter" by Platinum Blonde but few would consider it a great song. Another example is "Sweet Child of Mine" by Guns and Roses, but really its not all that significant a song.

I emphasise that this list is in no particular order.

I don't expect anyone to agree with this list, however for those who have not heard some of the songs or who wonder "why the hell did he pick THAT song", take another listen and see if you can't find something amazing about each of these tunes.

Asking someone what their favorite song is and most people couldn't really say, it would depend on their mood and situation at the time of the question.

I made this list about two years ago and I wasn't going to commit to a favorite song.
I've thought about it a lot and I'm ready to commit!

I think your favorite song is one you can never tire of listening to even if you've heard it a thousand times.

Yes I have started my list with it: My favorite song is: "SO LONG" by Firefall.

For the Statistically Inclined:

Sixties: 11 Songs
Seventies: 7 Songs
Eighties: 6 Songs
Nineties: 3 Songs
2000's : 3 Songs

If anyone wants to discuss my choices please email me or add a comment.

So Long (1977) - Firefall

2006-11-19T07:42:00.000-08:00

I'm probably one of the few people on the planet that would rank this song among the Top Thirty. I've listened to it hundreds (thousands?) of times and still love it.

It's what I would call a well blended, all around well constructed song. The melody is catchy, the lyrics interesting, good vocals and great guitar work. It has a nice length to it. I absolutely love the song ending guitar work!

Kind of a mood song. Firefall is a cool band and they had about 5 or 6 really, really good songs. Obviously I think this is their best.

Stairway To Heaven (1971) - Led Zepplin

2006-11-19T07:36:00.000-08:00

This song is probably on every one's top ten list. It may be the best rock song ever produced. In my opinion Led Zepplin is right up there with U2 vying for the best Rock band ever.

The live version of this song as it was recorded at Madison Square Gardens in 1975 is the epitome of rock and roll. With Robert Plant's arrogant stance and Jimmy Page's amazing guitar work, this recording is what rock is all about. Plant is a great rock singer and Page one of the best rock guitarists there ever was.

All Along The Watchtower (1968) - Jimi Hendrix

2006-11-19T07:33:00.000-08:00

There have been many good versions of this classic Bob Dylan tune. Among my favorites are those by Dave Mason and Frank Marino. But it seems that this song was made for Jimi Hendrix and his version remains the best.

The only downside of this song is that it's too short. I've never heard an extended version or know if one was ever recorded but it sure needs an extension. It's like Jimi is teasing us with his talents.

Year Of The Cat (1976) - Al Stewart

2006-11-19T07:29:00.000-08:00

Al Stewart is my favorite solo artist and he might be the most underrated talent in the history of pop music. This guy can write songs! And while his voice may not be the strongest he can sing his own songs ok.

Stewart is brilliant both musically and lyrically and this song represents the classy side of pop music. This recording from the amazing album of the same name is as perfect a recording as I have ever heard. Easily one of my top five songs.

Light My Fire (1967) - The Doors

2006-11-19T07:26:00.000-08:00

The Doors have never been one of my favorite groups. I find most of their songs depressing. Light My Fire is arguably the simplest song on my list. It's simplicity is what makes it a great tune. Are there more than 25 words invested in the lyrics? Robbie Krieger and Ray Manzarek are the stars of this song, they kept it simple and made it great.

Won't Get Fooled Again (1971) - The Who

2006-11-19T07:21:00.000-08:00

Even without the phenomenal keyboard work at the start and end of this song, it would have been a great recording. When you hear the first few notes you know you are in for over 8 minutes of fantastic rock 'n roll. This song is awesome, what else can you say?

Anyone who doesn't think this is a GREAT song should start listening to Mozart.

Limelight (1981) - Rush

2006-11-19T07:15:00.000-08:00

Neil Peart is one of Rock's great drummers and his talents are well exploited on this song. This recording is a tune best heard with your amp turned to the maximum your ears can handle. It starts powerfully, has a good but short guitar solo and an orgasmic finish.

Geddy Lee has a "distinct" voice which some don't like but it's what makes Rush a unique group with their own sound. Wait for an opportunity to crank the volume before trying to listen to this one.

Society's Child (1967) - Janis Ian

2006-11-19T07:10:00.000-08:00

Janis Ian was just 16 when this beautiful song was released. Wow! Controversial lyrics combined with a wonderful melody and Janis' sweet voice makes this one of my favorites. I wish they had omitted the dumb keyboard work that ends the song. For sensitive listeners only.

If You Could Read My Mind (1970) - Gordon Lightfoot

2006-11-19T07:03:00.000-08:00

"If You Could Read My Mind" is definitely not a "rock" song but a beautiful ballad by the great Canadian singer/writer Gordon Lightfoot. Lightfoot's great folksy voice makes this song a classic. Others have tried to cover it, and failed miserably.

Sunday Bloody Sunday (1983) - U2

2006-11-19T06:43:00.000-08:00

I first heard U2 in 1983 while driving in my car and the song "New Years Day" came on. I didn't know who the artist was but I did know one thing. This Band is awesome.

Both "New Year's Day" and "Sunday Bloody Sunday" are from the third U2 album: "War". Arguably one of the most significant album's in Rock History.

I bought the album and listened to it over and over and I KNEW these guys were going to be huge!

Now in 2006, after a huge body of their work has been established I think everone can say that U2 is, without a doubt, in both live and studio performances, the #1 Pop/Rock Band in Music history.

There are a couple of really good live performances of this song. "The mini-album "Under a Blood Red Sky" has a good version but I like the "Rattle and Hum" (am I buggin' you?) version. Incredible.

I Go To Pieces (1965) - Peter and Gordon

2006-11-18T17:10:00.001-08:00

The British Invasion of the '60's put new life into popular music and this song by the duo Peter and Gordon is one of the best examples. This was the Mersey Beat sound that the Beatles led. It's such a cool song that any guy can relate to. The lyrics and music fit perfectly.

Last Time (2000) - Fuel

2006-11-18T17:02:00.000-08:00

I honestly don't know a lot about the band Fuel but I know one thing: they know how to Rock!

This is a real man's song. An angry tirade that any man who's been screwed around by a woman (and who hasn't) can relate to.

I love the frenetic guitar work.

This is what rock and roll is all about.

Rhiannon (1975) - Fleetwood Mac

2006-11-18T16:58:00.000-08:00

Stevie Nicks was the premier female songwriter of the 70's/80's and one of my favorite performers. The studio version does not do this song justice. Thankfully there are a great many live versions available, in which Stevie can let 'er rip with her awesome voice, especially towards the end of the song.

Ain't Talkin' Bout Love (1978) - Van Halen

2006-11-18T16:49:00.000-08:00

Is there a recording that starts off better than this? "Ain't Talkin' bout Love" is a "guy's" song that drips with testosterone. I love Eddie Van Halen and although this song doesn't really display his guitar virtuosity, it's a good example of this awesome band's sound. When I play this song while driving my Mustang 5 litre I just wanna lay the hammer down.

A Criminal Mind (1985) - Gowan

2006-11-18T16:47:00.000-08:00

Who is Larry Gowan? A Canadian songster that gave to us two of the best songs ever produced: Moonlight Desires and Criminal Mind. I picked the latter for my list. What I like most about this tune is the irregular percussion work. It's a really different type of song, very unique and interesting. Larry's got a cool voice.

In The End (2000) - Linkin Park

2006-11-18T06:56:00.000-08:00

Rap-Rock in my top 30? Why not? This recent band with the original (to my ears anyway) sound has produced some really impressive music. This song's a killer, great vocalist singing some tight lyrics.

Cowgirl In The Sand (1969) - Neil Young

2006-11-18T06:52:00.000-08:00

Neil Young is an Icon of Rock. He's done it all from the '60s to the present from folk ballads to the hardest rock. There were a few songs that could have been picked but I think "Cowgirl" is the best example of what this guy is all about.

I Go Crazy (1977) - Paul Davis

2006-11-18T06:50:00.000-08:00

This one might be a bit "sappy" for some but I consider it one of the best ballads ever. A great mood song especially if you're intoxicated. Well crafted, well sung by Paul Davis.

Kicks (1966) - Paul Revere and The Raiders

2006-11-18T06:47:00.000-08:00

This song was made to be a Number 1 AM radio hit. And it was. An anti-drug song just as the "drug scene" was developing, this song had all the ingrediants for success. Paul Revere and the Raiders were not a band that garnered a lot of respect from serious musicians but this song is a masterpiece.

Subdivisions (1982) - Rush

2006-11-18T06:40:00.000-08:00

There are some songs that have great melodies but uninspiring lyrics. Then there are some great lyrics attached to a forgettable melody (Bob Dylan?).

This is a song that has amazing insightful lyrics powered by a phenomenal sound. Like Limelight, its power rock with intelligent lyrics. This band makes me proud to be a Canadian.

One (1991) - U2

2006-11-18T06:31:00.000-08:00

Could be the best lyrics ever written.

Changes (1983) - Yes

2006-11-18T06:25:00.000-08:00

I've never been a huge Yes fan but this particular song blows me away. The keyboard stuff at the beginning and end could have been left out, but the body of the song is amazingly complex. They just don't write songs like this anymore.

Luka (1987) - Suzanne Vega

2006-11-18T06:18:00.000-08:00

The first time I heard this song I knew it was going to be a smash hit. It was a no-brainer and the controversial subject matter of child abuse made the song that much more important.

Miss You (1978) - The Rolling Stones

2006-11-18T06:11:00.000-08:00

This disco-ish track from the 1978 phenomenal Album "Some Girls" is, to me, the epitome of what the Stones are all about. A great bass line, sexist, arrogant lyrics, bluesy guitar work. There is an extended version of this song that runs over 8 minutes.

"Some Girls" was the high point of the Stones' career.

Golden Age Of Leather (1977) - Blue Oyster Cult

2006-11-18T06:08:00.000-08:00

Blue Oyster Cult is one of my favorite rock bands. They really did their own thing and copied no one. I call it "Halloween Rock" because of the frequent references to the occult, paranormal and supernatural.

Their later stuff, songs like "Perfect Water", "Shooting Shark", "Vetran of the Psychic Wars" got to be pretty complex.

I'm sure no one has "The Golden Age of Leather" on their favorites list but I think its a really cool and complex song.

Roman Legions to the Battle of Biker Gangs, the lyrics are really juicy, one of the most unique songs I have ever heard.

Coming Back To Me (1967) - Jefferson Airplane

2006-11-18T06:07:00.000-08:00

Coming Back To Me

I first heard this song as a trailing piece of a Sean Penn movie (can't remember the title) sometime in the Nineties.

The Movie was Indian Runner that Penn actually directed (thanks Veronique).

I had never heard it before even though I've since learned it's been quite a staple in the Jefferson Airplane/Marty Balin repertoire.

The song has always stuck in my mind and I was able to download it a few years ago. I always get a lump in my throat when I hear it. It's a tragically beautiful song.

Any song that has that affect on me has got to be an all time best.

Youth Of A Nation (2001) - P.O.D.

2006-11-18T06:04:00.000-08:00

If more Rap songs were as creative as this one I would get into that genre more often.

This haunting tune can give you shivers if you let it. A great chorus with significant lyrics, you don't have to be black to love it.

Nights In White Satin (1967) - The Moody Blues

2006-11-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

The Moody Blues were a Band that competed for air time with the likes of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Who.

And they more than held up their own. Incredibly intelligent introspective lyrics combining classical style music with British rock/blues.

Yeah you could say they were unique.

I really think it was the Moody Blues and not The Beatles that established the concept of Album Rock for FM Stations.

Nights In White Satin is a melancholy slow song that somehow makes you listen to it intently and maybe even sing along. The kind of Artsy Rock song that set the precedent for bands like Yes and Genesis.

Twenty-Nine Palms (1993) - Robert Plant

2006-11-18T05:58:00.000-08:00

Robert Plant is the best male vocalist to come out of England.

The thing is that I know what I like but I honestly don't know much about the technical aspects of music, the breaks and licks and hooks and what notes are major or minors. All that is foreign to me.

But even the musically ignorant can see that this song, "Twenty-Nine Palms" is an incredibly well crafted piece of work. Its almost like there are two songs grafted into one but done so cleverly that you can't find the dividing point.

With Or Without You - (1991) (live from Rattle and Hum) - U2

2006-11-18T05:51:00.000-08:00

Bono is the best front man in the history of Rock 'n Roll, bar none! This live performance that is captured on video will send chills down your spine.