For those of you who missed the last post, do revert back to it. Here's the list of my favourite songs, counting down from 50 to 25, so far.
50. The Rolling Stones, Paint It Black.
49. Coldplay, Hymn for the Weekend.
48. Maroon 5, Won't Go Home Without You.
47. Robert Palmer, Simply Irresistible.
46. Sting, Every Little Thing She Does is Magic.
45. Berlin, Take My Breath Away.
44. Amy Winehouse, You Know I'm No Good.
43. A-ha, Take On Me.
42. Santana & Rob Thomas, Smooth.
41. Ed Sheeran, Shape of You
40. Dolly Parton, Jolene.
39. Wham, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.
38. UB40, Don't Break My Heart.
37. Adele, Hello.
36. Magic! No Way No.
35. Taylor Swift, Mean.
34. Billy Joel, For The Longest Time.
33. Wet Wet Wet, Love is All Around.
32.Bryan Adams, Everything I Do (I do it For You).
31. Bon Jovi, In These Arms.
30. Tina Turner, What's Love Got to do with it.
29. Whitney Houston, I Have Nothing.
28. Edith Piaf, La Vie En Rose.
27. Foreigner, I Wanna Know What Love is.
26. Rod Stewart, Maggie May.
25. The Carpenters, Please Mr. Postman.
Now, for the rest!
24. Nazia Hassan: Aap Jaisa Koi.
Anyone who knows me, is well aware of how much I like this Pakistani singer's work. She was amazing, a real superstar who, tragically died young from cancer. Believe it or not, she was just fifteen when Biddu and Feroz Khan discovered her when Khan was looking for something unique for the 'Qurbani' soundtrack. Aap Jaisa Koi entered our world in 1980 and left us all mesmerized. This list of my favourite songs is predominantly for English music. I really ought to do a separate list for Hindi songs but I couldn't resist putting this one in! Here's the video from 'Qurbani', where Zeenat Aman performs it beautifully.
23. R.D. Burman, Mehbooba Mehbooba.
The only other Hindi number in this list. Don't need to say much. The song is loved as much as 'Sholay', providing some much needed oomph and relief amidst all the action. Not taking anything away from Dharamendra and Hema Malini's comic moments, but Mehbooba Mehbooba comes at a point in the movie where it's really required! R.D. Burman's baritone is sensuous, his best singing ever and what to say of Helen and Jalal Aga, except wow?
22. Cliff Richard, Living Doll.
My favourite Cliff number, although they're so many great ones. 'Bachelor Boy', 'Congratulations', 'The Young Ones', 'Travellin' Light'...the list goes on. 'Living Doll' was written by Lionel Bart and a few artistes sang it before Cliff but Cliff and The Shadows popularized it in 1959 in their album, 'Serious Charge', which was a movie, too. 'Living Doll' went to the Top Ten in numerous countries. I'll remember it for another reason. It was the first song I sang with my guitar during the freshers' welcome at St. Stephen's College, Delhi in 1987. It did not go well. They threw an egg on my guitar! I was heartbroken for a while but the song stuck to me! That wasn't a bad thing. Ahem! I still have the same guitar.
21. Bruce Springsteen: Dancing in the Dark.
Do you know that Springsteen wrote this in frustration one night, to meet a deadline? It's a rock hit from his 1984 album, 'Born in the USA'. The story goes, the album's producer wanted one more song before finalizing the list. Springsteen, who'd been working hard, said 'you do it', in annoyance! Nevertheless, he went to his room and composed 'Dancing in the Dark' during the course of the night!
I love the thumping beat and the great lyrics. The video, directed by Brian De Palma (yes, of 'The Untouchables' fame) features Courtney Cox (Monica, of 'Friends'). Unforgettable stuff.
20. Alison Krauss: Ghost in the House.
From the Bluegrass singer's 1999 album 'Forget About It.' Originally recorded by the American country group Shenandoah. Krauss's version is haunting and beautiful. Her voice is angelic. I love her album with Robert Plant, too, but nothing beats this song.
19. Tracy Chapman, Give Me One Reason.
Tracy's 'Fast Car' and 'Baby, Can I Hold You Tonight' are more famous but this one's my favourite. She's naughty, funny and outstanding in it. Besides, the guitar is unmatchable. Check it out on You Tube.
18. Van Morrison, Moondance.
Irish singer Van Morrison was struggling before this. His album 'Moondance' came out in 1970. It was written entirely by him and he's never looked back since. Yes, there are other great song by him: 'Brown Eyed Girl', 'Crazy Love' and all but I find 'Moondance' most enchanting. Love the way he combines Jazz, Pop and other genres in it.
17. Eric Clapton: Change The World.
The phenomenal English musician's tune for the 1996 John Travolta movie, 'Phenomenon'. There's something about this track that leaves an impression. Sure, his other songs are better known: 'Wonderful Tonight', 'Layla', 'Cocaine', 'Tears in Heaven' and so on but isn't that the mark of a great musician? An entire body of great work? So much that listeners are spoilt for choice? Clapton is a genius on the guitar with 'Change the World'. It topped the charts and won 8 awards, including 3 Grammys.
16. Barbra Streisand; Memory
From the 1981 album 'Memories'. Produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber and adapted by Trevor Nunn from T.S. Eliot's 'Rhapsody on a Windy Night'. My gosh, Barbra's vocals leave you spellbound. It was used in Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End production of 'Cats' and performed by great singers like Elaine Paige and Sarah Brightman. But, I say, Barbra is the best!
15. Roxette: The Look.
This song's chorus: 'Na na na na na...She's got the Look' is instantly recognizable. It's from the Swedish pop duo's 1988 album 'Look Sharp!' Topped the chart in 25 countries. Written by Per Gessle. Sung by him and Marie Friedriksson who, sadly, passed away last year. Roxette had so many great hits: 'It Must've Been Love', 'Fading Like a Flower', 'Dangerous', 'Dressed For Success', 'Things Will Never Be the Same' but it's this one, 'She's Got the Look', that stays with me the longest.
14. Elton John: Something About the Way You Look Tonight.
Another hard choice. I mean, when you've got to pick from 'Sacrifice', 'Nikita', 'Candle in the Wind', 'Crocodile Rock' and the entire 'Lion King' Soundtrack, it's not easy. I love this number from Elton John's eponymous album released in 1997 for its bold execution and grand scale. It's the best selling single in UK history. Billboard was spot on when they described the song as 'a grandly executed ballad'.
13. Dire Straits: Money For Nothing.
From this British rock group's 1985 album 'Brothers In Arms'. Composed by Sting and Mark Knopfler. Knopfler's guitar riff in the beginning and the powerful drums coming in next take this song to another level. It went to No. 1 on the UK charts and they won a Grammy for Best Rock Performance. The video is iconic, making early use of computer animation. Won an MTV video award, too. Oh, and the high notes in the background: 'I Want My MTV', that's Sting!
12. Madonna: Like A Virgin
The title track from Madonna's 1984 album. Gosh, what an impact it made. Madonna said she loved the lyrics. 'Said they were 'so geeky, they're cool'. It reached No. 1 on the US Billboards and became her signature song. Topped the charts in many countries. I love all her early work but this one surely stands out.
11. Shirley Bassey: Killing Me Softly
Roberta Flack sang this originally and many singers have covered it, including Frank Sinatra and, more recently, Michael Buble but the Welsh singer Dame Shirley Bassey's version is by far the best. It featured on her album, 'Never Never Never' and I can never tire of listening to it.
10. Guns `n Roses: Sweet Child O' Mine.
We've entered my Top Ten! It's American hard rock group, Guns 'n Roses with Axl Rose as the lead vocalist and the legendary Slash on the guitar. This song is from their 1987 album 'Appetite for Destruction'. One of the few hard rock bands I like. This song won several awards and topped charts all over the world. Written by Axl Rose, Slash and Izzy Stradlin, it refers to Axl Rose's then girlfriend Erin Everly, whom he married later (for a short period). The video features all their girlfriends. Strangely, they say it began as a joke. The band was just fooling around and the song happened.
9. Boney M: Rasputin.
Who doesn't know this song? The opening riff is one of the most famous in music history. This German-Carribean group had so many hit songs at the time. 'Brown Girl in the Ring', 'Daddy Cool', 'Bahama Mama', 'Ribbons of Blue', 'Motherless Child'...a very long list. 'Rasputin' featured on their 1978 album 'Night Flight to Venus' and it became an instant disco hit. Written by Frank Farian, the group's German creator, the song is unique in its use of instruments. The textured rhythm is created by a balalaika, a three-stringed triangular instrument. The extended drums and clapping give the song a folk-like feel. Love it! My only regret is, there are no good videos for 'Rasputin'.
8. ABBA: Take a Chance on Me
Ah. ABBA. My favourite music group ever. I should've done 'My 50 favourite ABBA songs'. It's impossible to pick the best ones because they're are so many. Shall I start? 'Hasta Manana', 'Honey Honey', 'Mama Mia', 'Rock Me', 'Money Money Money', 'The Winner Takes It All', 'Gimme Gimme Gimme', 'I Am the Tiger', 'Voulez Vous', 'One of Us'...see what I mean? The list goes on and on. I've chosen 'Take a Chance on Me', which featured on their fifth studio album, 'ABBA, The Album' released in 1977 because of its catchy beat and lyrics. For the .00001% of people visiting this blog and are unaware of who ABBA is, let me elaborate: They're a Swedish pop group who dominated the music world from the early 70s to early 80s. Their last studio album, 'The Visitors' released in 1983. The group comprised two couples, Agnetha Faltskog and Bjorn Ulvaeus, Annifrid Lyngstad and Benny Anderson. The girls sang most of the songs. Bjorn wrote nearly all the lyrics. He and Benny composed all the songs. The pressures of fame, et all, took its toll. Both couples broke up and ABBA...well, they never really split, just stopped making music. This year, however, two new ABBA singles are due for release!
Bjorn says he wrote most of 'Take a Chance on Me' while he was out running (as he loves to do every morning). Come to think of it, the 'Take a Chance, Take a Chance, take a take take a chance' does seem to mirror a runner's rhythm!
7. The Beatles: Help!
How can any such list be complete without the Fab Four? 'Help!' is the title track from their fifth studio album released in August 1965. They made a movie by the same name. John Lennon, who wrote the song, said he did it 'because I was commissioned to write it for the movie'. Rather dismissive, na? But I love it. The melodies are so good! As is the case of all the top groups, there are a host of songs to choose from. I love most of The Beatles' work, the early ones, especially. 'Can't Buy Me Love', 'Norwegian Wood', 'Love Me Do', 'Just Seventeen', 'When I'm Sixty-Four'...so many great numbers...
6. Tom Jones: Delilah
This one's a title track from the amazing Welsh singer's 1968 album. Probably his signature tune, although they're so many more. 'Help Yourself', 'Green Green Grass of Home', 'Thunderball', 'What's New Pussycat', 'Love Me Tonight'...many, many more. I love 'Delilah' not just for its catchy tempo and Tom Jones' outstanding vocals but also because it was my son's favourite lullaby when he was young! Ahem! Not sure Mom would approve but I used to sing him 'Delilah' and 'Diamonds are Forever' nearly every night. He loved them both and corrected me if I dropped a note!
5. Elvis Presley: Surrender.
This track is from Elvis's 1961 album 'Something For Everybody'. It's one of the best selling singles of all time, the English version of an Italian ballad: 'Torna a Surriento'. Elvis made it his own with his amazing vocal range. Variety magazine said it would be a runaway click because of the 'vigorous vocalizing that nobody seems to be able to match.' So true. Nobody could match The King! I love many of his other tracks and, after ABBA, the most songs I have on my iPod are Elvis's. 'Are You Lonesome Tonight', 'Wooden Heart', 'Blue Suede Shoes', 'Loving You' are some of my other hot Elvis favourites.
4. Gary Moore: Still Got the Blues.
The title track from the Irish guitarist 1990 album. Written by Gary Moore. Certified Gold in the US. Went Platinum in many countries. It's one of the most moving numbers I've ever heard. Moore said in a 1992 interview with Q magazine: 'It was just like starting over, the best thing I could've done.' Sadly, Moore died in 2011 ending a brilliant but short career.
3. Michael Jackson: Billie Jean
This one's from Michael's iconic 1982 album 'Thriller'. It was written and composed by him. Was No.1 on the US Billboard for 7 weeks and it has sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Michael won 2 Grammys for it: Best R&B Song and Best R&B Male Vocal Performance. There are so many Michael Jackson hits to choose from: 'Beat It', 'Thriller', 'In the Closet', 'Remember the Time', 'Man in the Mirror'. 'Give in to Me'...among others but 'Billie Jean' is special. Michael said he knew it would be a success. 'A musician knows his material'. His producer Quincy Jones wasn't sure of the 29 second long intro but Michael insisted on keeping it. `Said it made him want to dance. I guess that sealed it.
2. Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody.
Number two on my list is the boldest, the most genre-blending song of all time. Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' written by Freddie Mercury for the 1975 album 'Night At The Opera'. It consists of several sections without a chorus: Ballad, Opera, Rock and...don't know what else. It went to the top of the charts in many countries. It's the UK's third best selling single of all time and Queen's most famous song. I'm a big fan of the group and love nearly all their work. 'I Want to Break Free', 'Somebody to Love', 'Don't Stop Me Now', 'Another one Bites the Dust', 'Good Old Fashioned Loverboy', 'We Will Rock You'...I can't seem to stop gushing over them, either. Freddie Mercury surely ranks as one of the greatest tenors ever. Queen's producer Roy Thomas Baker said of 'Bohemian Rhapsody': 'It was totally insane but we enjoyed every moment of it.'
1. ABBA: Thank You For the Music:
The No. 1 spot has to go to ABBA. As I said before, I love nearly all their songs, This one is special because of the lyrics and it's hymn-like quality. It's from their fifth studio album, 'ABBA, The Album' I mentioned earlier. Released in 1977, the Swedish group was at its peak. This song is perhaps ABBA's most performed number and it showcases Agnetha's awesome talent. Here's the video:
So, that's my top 50.
But, there were so many great songs I had to leave out and they surely deserve a mention;
- The Sound of Music soundtrack
-My Fair Lady Soundtrack
-La La Land Soundtrack
- Scorpions: Still Loving You
- Pink Floyd: Another Brick in the Wall
-The Bee Gees: Stayin' Alive
-Stevie Wonder: I Just Called to Say I Love You
- CCR's Cotton Fields
- John Denver: Country Roads
-No Doubt: Don't Speak
- Shakin' Stevens' hits like 'Green Door' and 'Monalisa'.
- Aerosmith: Don't Wanna Miss A Thing
- Metallica: Nothing Else Matters
- Extreme: More Than Words
- A long list of Gospel songs
- Bonnie Tyler: Faster Than the Speed of Light
-The Eagles: Hotel California
I'd better stop or the list will go on and on.
Here's a recap of my top 50 favourites, this time from 1-50.
1. ABBA: Thank You for the Music
2. Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody
3. Michael Jackson: Billie Jean
4. Gary Moore: Still Got the Blues
5. Elvis Presley: Surrender
6. Tom Jones: Delilah
7. The Beatles: Help
8. ABBA: Take a Chance on Me
9. Boney M: Rasputin
10. Guns `N Roses: Sweet Child o' Mine
11. Shirley Bassey: Killing Me Softly
12. Madonna: Like a Virgin
13. Dire Straits: Money For Nothing
14. Elton John: Something About the Way You Look Tonight
15. Roxette: She's Got the Look
16. Barbra Streisand: Memory
17. Eric Clapton: Change the World
18. Van Morrison: Moondance
19. Tracy Chapman: Give Me a Reason
20. Alison Krauss: Ghost in the House
21. Bruce Springsteen: Dancing in the Dark
22. Cliff Richard: Living Doll
23. R.D. Burman: Mehbooba Mehbooba
24. Nazia Hassan: Aap Jaisa Koi
25. The Carpenters: Please Mr. Postman
26. Rod Stewart: Maggie May
27. Foreigner: I Wanna Know What Love Is
28. Edith Piaf: La Vie En Rose
29. Whitney Houston: I Have Nothing
30. Tina Turner: What's Love Got to do with it
31. Bon Jovi: In These Arms
32. Bryan Adams: Everything I Do
33. Wet Wet Wet: Love is All Around
34. Billy Joel: For the Longest Time
35. Taylor Swift: Mean
36. Magic! No Way No
37. Adele: Hello
38. UB40: Don't Break My Heart
39. Wham! Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go
40. Dolly Parton: Jolene
41. Ed Sheeran: Shape of You
42. Santana & Rob Thomas: Smooth
43. A-ha: Take on Me
44. Amy Winehouse: You Know I'm No Good
45. Berlin: Take My Breath Away
46. Sting: Every Little Thing She Does is Magic
47. Robert Palmer: Simply Irresistible
48. Maroon 5: Won't Go Home Without You
49. Coldplay: Hymn For the Weekend
50. The Rolling Stones: Paint It Black.
That's all for now. Thanks for your time, everybody. Hope you enjoyed the list.
50. The Rolling Stones, Paint It Black.
49. Coldplay, Hymn for the Weekend.
48. Maroon 5, Won't Go Home Without You.
47. Robert Palmer, Simply Irresistible.
46. Sting, Every Little Thing She Does is Magic.
45. Berlin, Take My Breath Away.
44. Amy Winehouse, You Know I'm No Good.
43. A-ha, Take On Me.
42. Santana & Rob Thomas, Smooth.
41. Ed Sheeran, Shape of You
40. Dolly Parton, Jolene.
39. Wham, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.
38. UB40, Don't Break My Heart.
37. Adele, Hello.
36. Magic! No Way No.
35. Taylor Swift, Mean.
34. Billy Joel, For The Longest Time.
33. Wet Wet Wet, Love is All Around.
32.Bryan Adams, Everything I Do (I do it For You).
31. Bon Jovi, In These Arms.
30. Tina Turner, What's Love Got to do with it.
29. Whitney Houston, I Have Nothing.
28. Edith Piaf, La Vie En Rose.
27. Foreigner, I Wanna Know What Love is.
26. Rod Stewart, Maggie May.
25. The Carpenters, Please Mr. Postman.
Now, for the rest!
24. Nazia Hassan: Aap Jaisa Koi.
Anyone who knows me, is well aware of how much I like this Pakistani singer's work. She was amazing, a real superstar who, tragically died young from cancer. Believe it or not, she was just fifteen when Biddu and Feroz Khan discovered her when Khan was looking for something unique for the 'Qurbani' soundtrack. Aap Jaisa Koi entered our world in 1980 and left us all mesmerized. This list of my favourite songs is predominantly for English music. I really ought to do a separate list for Hindi songs but I couldn't resist putting this one in! Here's the video from 'Qurbani', where Zeenat Aman performs it beautifully.
23. R.D. Burman, Mehbooba Mehbooba.
The only other Hindi number in this list. Don't need to say much. The song is loved as much as 'Sholay', providing some much needed oomph and relief amidst all the action. Not taking anything away from Dharamendra and Hema Malini's comic moments, but Mehbooba Mehbooba comes at a point in the movie where it's really required! R.D. Burman's baritone is sensuous, his best singing ever and what to say of Helen and Jalal Aga, except wow?
22. Cliff Richard, Living Doll.
21. Bruce Springsteen: Dancing in the Dark.
Do you know that Springsteen wrote this in frustration one night, to meet a deadline? It's a rock hit from his 1984 album, 'Born in the USA'. The story goes, the album's producer wanted one more song before finalizing the list. Springsteen, who'd been working hard, said 'you do it', in annoyance! Nevertheless, he went to his room and composed 'Dancing in the Dark' during the course of the night!
I love the thumping beat and the great lyrics. The video, directed by Brian De Palma (yes, of 'The Untouchables' fame) features Courtney Cox (Monica, of 'Friends'). Unforgettable stuff.
20. Alison Krauss: Ghost in the House.
From the Bluegrass singer's 1999 album 'Forget About It.' Originally recorded by the American country group Shenandoah. Krauss's version is haunting and beautiful. Her voice is angelic. I love her album with Robert Plant, too, but nothing beats this song.
19. Tracy Chapman, Give Me One Reason.
18. Van Morrison, Moondance.
17. Eric Clapton: Change The World.
The phenomenal English musician's tune for the 1996 John Travolta movie, 'Phenomenon'. There's something about this track that leaves an impression. Sure, his other songs are better known: 'Wonderful Tonight', 'Layla', 'Cocaine', 'Tears in Heaven' and so on but isn't that the mark of a great musician? An entire body of great work? So much that listeners are spoilt for choice? Clapton is a genius on the guitar with 'Change the World'. It topped the charts and won 8 awards, including 3 Grammys.
16. Barbra Streisand; Memory
From the 1981 album 'Memories'. Produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber and adapted by Trevor Nunn from T.S. Eliot's 'Rhapsody on a Windy Night'. My gosh, Barbra's vocals leave you spellbound. It was used in Andrew Lloyd Webber's West End production of 'Cats' and performed by great singers like Elaine Paige and Sarah Brightman. But, I say, Barbra is the best!
15. Roxette: The Look.
This song's chorus: 'Na na na na na...She's got the Look' is instantly recognizable. It's from the Swedish pop duo's 1988 album 'Look Sharp!' Topped the chart in 25 countries. Written by Per Gessle. Sung by him and Marie Friedriksson who, sadly, passed away last year. Roxette had so many great hits: 'It Must've Been Love', 'Fading Like a Flower', 'Dangerous', 'Dressed For Success', 'Things Will Never Be the Same' but it's this one, 'She's Got the Look', that stays with me the longest.
14. Elton John: Something About the Way You Look Tonight.
13. Dire Straits: Money For Nothing.
From this British rock group's 1985 album 'Brothers In Arms'. Composed by Sting and Mark Knopfler. Knopfler's guitar riff in the beginning and the powerful drums coming in next take this song to another level. It went to No. 1 on the UK charts and they won a Grammy for Best Rock Performance. The video is iconic, making early use of computer animation. Won an MTV video award, too. Oh, and the high notes in the background: 'I Want My MTV', that's Sting!
12. Madonna: Like A Virgin
The title track from Madonna's 1984 album. Gosh, what an impact it made. Madonna said she loved the lyrics. 'Said they were 'so geeky, they're cool'. It reached No. 1 on the US Billboards and became her signature song. Topped the charts in many countries. I love all her early work but this one surely stands out.
11. Shirley Bassey: Killing Me Softly
10. Guns `n Roses: Sweet Child O' Mine.
9. Boney M: Rasputin.
8. ABBA: Take a Chance on Me
Bjorn says he wrote most of 'Take a Chance on Me' while he was out running (as he loves to do every morning). Come to think of it, the 'Take a Chance, Take a Chance, take a take take a chance' does seem to mirror a runner's rhythm!
7. The Beatles: Help!
How can any such list be complete without the Fab Four? 'Help!' is the title track from their fifth studio album released in August 1965. They made a movie by the same name. John Lennon, who wrote the song, said he did it 'because I was commissioned to write it for the movie'. Rather dismissive, na? But I love it. The melodies are so good! As is the case of all the top groups, there are a host of songs to choose from. I love most of The Beatles' work, the early ones, especially. 'Can't Buy Me Love', 'Norwegian Wood', 'Love Me Do', 'Just Seventeen', 'When I'm Sixty-Four'...so many great numbers...
6. Tom Jones: Delilah
This one's a title track from the amazing Welsh singer's 1968 album. Probably his signature tune, although they're so many more. 'Help Yourself', 'Green Green Grass of Home', 'Thunderball', 'What's New Pussycat', 'Love Me Tonight'...many, many more. I love 'Delilah' not just for its catchy tempo and Tom Jones' outstanding vocals but also because it was my son's favourite lullaby when he was young! Ahem! Not sure Mom would approve but I used to sing him 'Delilah' and 'Diamonds are Forever' nearly every night. He loved them both and corrected me if I dropped a note!
5. Elvis Presley: Surrender.
This track is from Elvis's 1961 album 'Something For Everybody'. It's one of the best selling singles of all time, the English version of an Italian ballad: 'Torna a Surriento'. Elvis made it his own with his amazing vocal range. Variety magazine said it would be a runaway click because of the 'vigorous vocalizing that nobody seems to be able to match.' So true. Nobody could match The King! I love many of his other tracks and, after ABBA, the most songs I have on my iPod are Elvis's. 'Are You Lonesome Tonight', 'Wooden Heart', 'Blue Suede Shoes', 'Loving You' are some of my other hot Elvis favourites.
4. Gary Moore: Still Got the Blues.
3. Michael Jackson: Billie Jean
This one's from Michael's iconic 1982 album 'Thriller'. It was written and composed by him. Was No.1 on the US Billboard for 7 weeks and it has sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Michael won 2 Grammys for it: Best R&B Song and Best R&B Male Vocal Performance. There are so many Michael Jackson hits to choose from: 'Beat It', 'Thriller', 'In the Closet', 'Remember the Time', 'Man in the Mirror'. 'Give in to Me'...among others but 'Billie Jean' is special. Michael said he knew it would be a success. 'A musician knows his material'. His producer Quincy Jones wasn't sure of the 29 second long intro but Michael insisted on keeping it. `Said it made him want to dance. I guess that sealed it.
2. Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody.
1. ABBA: Thank You For the Music:
The No. 1 spot has to go to ABBA. As I said before, I love nearly all their songs, This one is special because of the lyrics and it's hymn-like quality. It's from their fifth studio album, 'ABBA, The Album' I mentioned earlier. Released in 1977, the Swedish group was at its peak. This song is perhaps ABBA's most performed number and it showcases Agnetha's awesome talent. Here's the video:
So, that's my top 50.
But, there were so many great songs I had to leave out and they surely deserve a mention;
- The Sound of Music soundtrack
-My Fair Lady Soundtrack
-La La Land Soundtrack
- Scorpions: Still Loving You
- Pink Floyd: Another Brick in the Wall
-The Bee Gees: Stayin' Alive
-Stevie Wonder: I Just Called to Say I Love You
- CCR's Cotton Fields
- John Denver: Country Roads
-No Doubt: Don't Speak
- Shakin' Stevens' hits like 'Green Door' and 'Monalisa'.
- Aerosmith: Don't Wanna Miss A Thing
- Metallica: Nothing Else Matters
- Extreme: More Than Words
- A long list of Gospel songs
- Bonnie Tyler: Faster Than the Speed of Light
-The Eagles: Hotel California
I'd better stop or the list will go on and on.
Here's a recap of my top 50 favourites, this time from 1-50.
1. ABBA: Thank You for the Music
2. Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody
3. Michael Jackson: Billie Jean
4. Gary Moore: Still Got the Blues
5. Elvis Presley: Surrender
6. Tom Jones: Delilah
7. The Beatles: Help
8. ABBA: Take a Chance on Me
9. Boney M: Rasputin
10. Guns `N Roses: Sweet Child o' Mine
11. Shirley Bassey: Killing Me Softly
12. Madonna: Like a Virgin
13. Dire Straits: Money For Nothing
14. Elton John: Something About the Way You Look Tonight
15. Roxette: She's Got the Look
16. Barbra Streisand: Memory
17. Eric Clapton: Change the World
18. Van Morrison: Moondance
19. Tracy Chapman: Give Me a Reason
20. Alison Krauss: Ghost in the House
21. Bruce Springsteen: Dancing in the Dark
22. Cliff Richard: Living Doll
23. R.D. Burman: Mehbooba Mehbooba
24. Nazia Hassan: Aap Jaisa Koi
25. The Carpenters: Please Mr. Postman
26. Rod Stewart: Maggie May
27. Foreigner: I Wanna Know What Love Is
28. Edith Piaf: La Vie En Rose
29. Whitney Houston: I Have Nothing
30. Tina Turner: What's Love Got to do with it
31. Bon Jovi: In These Arms
32. Bryan Adams: Everything I Do
33. Wet Wet Wet: Love is All Around
34. Billy Joel: For the Longest Time
35. Taylor Swift: Mean
36. Magic! No Way No
37. Adele: Hello
38. UB40: Don't Break My Heart
39. Wham! Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go
40. Dolly Parton: Jolene
41. Ed Sheeran: Shape of You
42. Santana & Rob Thomas: Smooth
43. A-ha: Take on Me
44. Amy Winehouse: You Know I'm No Good
45. Berlin: Take My Breath Away
46. Sting: Every Little Thing She Does is Magic
47. Robert Palmer: Simply Irresistible
48. Maroon 5: Won't Go Home Without You
49. Coldplay: Hymn For the Weekend
50. The Rolling Stones: Paint It Black.
That's all for now. Thanks for your time, everybody. Hope you enjoyed the list.
No comments:
Post a Comment