I realised how much fun making a list can be. It’s divisive, opinionated and guaranteed to cause reactions, especially when the net is cast wide. The top ten Alberta songs of 2011 would be an easy list to fill given that the selection pool is fairly small. As I am more ambitious, here then are the definitive top ten pop songs of all time.
But wait, how does one define such a song? Logically it has to have been popular but it needs more to be on my list. Miles Davis playing Bitches Brew is 27 minutes of genius, but does it make it as a pop song? Er, no. Likewise we will avoid any extended guitar solo by Page, Clapton, Beck, Hendrix et al. It has to be ‘pop’, which means it has to conform to the standard set at the birth of popular music. It must be catchy, clever; short enough to play on the radio. It needs lyrics that can be sung and remembered, memorable music, and the ability to evoke memories. Madonna will not be on the list.
Most of all it needs to be something you’d sing along to at a live concert. So here’s my list
But wait, how does one define such a song? Logically it has to have been popular but it needs more to be on my list. Miles Davis playing Bitches Brew is 27 minutes of genius, but does it make it as a pop song? Er, no. Likewise we will avoid any extended guitar solo by Page, Clapton, Beck, Hendrix et al. It has to be ‘pop’, which means it has to conform to the standard set at the birth of popular music. It must be catchy, clever; short enough to play on the radio. It needs lyrics that can be sung and remembered, memorable music, and the ability to evoke memories. Madonna will not be on the list.
Most of all it needs to be something you’d sing along to at a live concert. So here’s my list
I realised how much fun making a list can be. It’s divisive, opinionated and guaranteed to cause reactions, especially when the net is cast wide. The top ten... more
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Created 07/30/12
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1
Springsteen’s Thunder Road.
This song is the story of Rock & Roll. Caught in the slow piano start, electrifying lyrics and the build up crescendo, it’s not really pop.
But it is popular, and anthemic. Until you’ve seen him do it live, you’re missing a real treat.
2
The Beatles Long and Winding road.
I nearly ducked this arguement How do you pick one song from the masters of pop? Hey Jude, Yesterday, Let it be? Choose any one of fifty, none would disgrace this page.
3
Pink Floyd’s Money.
The Floyd didn’t do many short radio songs, but this one is off their greatest album ever, and back in the seventies it likely was the first time many of us heard the word bullshit on the radio.
4
Gladys Knight, Midnight Train to Georgia.
The gospel soul sound garnered many hits and ‘People get ready’ could’ve been here instead, along with maybe 20 other songs. ‘Georgia’ is just the best story, and Gladys has a sublime voice.
5
Paul Young doing Love of the Common People.
Backed by the Fabulous Wealthy Tarts, every little ah-ayi-aye reminds you that while the eighties had bad hair and spandex, the pop music was impressive. It was a decade of vignettes, and this largely forgotten singer raced away with this iconic rendition of Nicky Thomas’ song.
6
The Rolling Stones’ Sympathy for the devil.
They’ve had many hits, but nothing evokes Mick and Keith more. Lucifer’s disciples, may I present the Glimmer Twins’ finest moment.
7
Bill Withers, Lovely day
Bill Withers recorded ‘Ain’t no sunshine’ and ‘Lean on me’ so he needs to be on this list. And he is, with his best pop song ever, ‘Lovely day’. It has mood, music and magic. Magnificent.
8
Queen. Another one bites the dust.
The most underrated bass riff in music, this song could be replaced by ten other Queen numbers as they were the masters of the 3.5 minute radio-friendly track, Bohemian Rhapsody notwithstanding.
9
Joe Jackson’s ‘Is she really going out with him’.
Jackson is largely forgotten as he has moved on to jazz and symphonies, but this one song in ‘There’s something about Mary’, truly is Cameron Diaz. Listen to it and be in awe of this forgotten genius.
10
Indigo Girls; Closer to Fine
It has harmony, a story and amazing strumming. Until I started this list I thought it was the perfect pop song. Now I realise it’s merely one of many
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