Liffey's 200 Best Songs of All Time - Page 3

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 06:52 AM

150. Prince - 1999 (1982)

Along with 1984 and 2001, 1999 is one of those years that just didn't quite pan out the way it was envisioned.

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 06:53 AM

149. The Pretenders - I'll Stand by You (1994)

An inspirational tale of loyalty. Another memorable appearance from a choir towards the end.

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 06:54 AM

148. Vince Guaraldi Trio – Linus and Lucy (1964)

Also known as the Charlie Brown theme song. This is the first, but not the last, instrumental on the countdown.

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 06:55 AM

147. Sam Cooke - Cupid (1961)

I love how you can hear Cupid's arrow at 0:15.

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 06:55 AM

146. The Smiths - How Soon Is Now? (1984)

The recurring skydiving guitar riff is the clear focal point, but the lyrics shouldn't be overlooked. With the verse at 2:42 Morrissey makes the transition from optimism to misery in a mere 17 seconds. And I'm not sure if it's intentional, but I like how the lyric "the son and heir" can also be interpreted as "the sun and air."

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 06:56 AM

145. Collective Soul - December (1995)

Highlights inc1ude the frequent guitar arpeggios, the "turn your head, now baby just spit me out," the percussive string effect starting at 3:12, the background vocals, and the climactic outro where everything comes together.

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 06:58 AM

144. Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl (1967)

The opening guitar figure and the "sha-la-la"s (sung by the Sweet Inspirations) are what ensure this song's inclusion in the best songs of all time.

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 06:58 AM

143. Dishwalla - Counting Blue Cars (1995)

A soul-searching meditation on our place in the world, and one of the numerous examples in popular culture of God being portrayed as a woman.

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 06:59 AM

142. The Cranberries - Linger (1993)

Linger is what this song will do in your head for days after hearing it. The strings are magnificent and the background vocals during the chorus will inevitably grow on you.

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 07:00 AM

141. Genesis - I Can't Dance (1992)

Phil's recurring "I!!!!" definitely makes the song, but the diverse instruments of the percussion section are also worth your attention.

Reading Rainbow · 11-06-2007, 07:33 AM

Jars of Clay? Really?

ravenguy2000 · 11-06-2007, 07:48 AM

I like 95% of these so far so I hope it's serious.

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 08:21 AM

140. Joe Cocker - You Are So Beautiful (1974)

A beautiful song about appreciating the beauty of another person. Wonderfully minimalistic string section.

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 08:21 AM

139. Carole King - You've Got a Friend (1971)

Yet another song about the ideal friend that I hope each of you have at least one of. Highlight: "Winter, spring, summer, or fall/All you have to do is call"

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 08:22 AM

138. Anne Murray - You Needed Me (1978)

This one might be the sequel to #139 ("You even called me friend").

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 08:22 AM

137. Bill Withers - Lean On Me (1972)

And this concludes our consecutive "dependable friend" trilogy.

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 08:23 AM

136. The Turtles - Happy Together (1967)

The explosive chorus becomes even more 'happy' as its major key is juxtaposed against the verse's minor.

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 08:24 AM

135. Huey Lewis and the News - If This Is It (1983)

The News sure are competent backup singers. Short but killer solo at 2:20.

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 08:25 AM

134. 10,000 Maniacs - Because the Night (1993)

Originally by Patti Smith and Bruce Springsteen, it was in this 10,000 Maniacs version that the song's full potential was unlocked. Unfortunately, they never made a proper studio recording of the song, so this remains the sole live track in the top 200.

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 08:26 AM

133. Michael Jackson - Human Nature (1982)

Michael once called this song "music with wings" and I think that's a pretty accurate description.

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 08:26 AM

132. Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) (1987)

From Whitney's enthusiastic "Whoo!!!" early on, to the backup singers' closing repetitions of "Dance!" there is never a dull moment.

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 08:27 AM

131. Tina Turner - What's Love Got To Do With It (1984)

The titular refrain is the most recognized portion of this hit, but the verses are pretty underrated. Also, the instrument at 2:03 (whatever it is) makes more guest appearances in future entries in this list.

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 08:29 AM

130. John Cougar Mellencamp - Jack and Diane (1982)

The initial guitar riff is so awesome that it doesn't even matter what the rest of the song sounds like. One choice lyric though is "Suckin' on a chilidog, outside the Tastee-Freeze."

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 08:30 AM

129. Anita Baker - Sweet Love (1986)

This song is, as its title suggests, a celebration of sweet love. Among its many virtues are its breathtaking bassline (see 0:12) and otherworldly use of synthesizer (see 1:35). And who can resist that bouncy chorus?

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 08:30 AM

128. Harold Faltermeyer - Axel F (1984)

Another instrumental track, also known as the Beverly Hills Cop theme. Perfect musical complement to late night covert missions.

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 08:31 AM

127. Bruce Springsteen - Born in the U.S.A. (1984)

Nearly five minutes of the same synthesizer riff, and it never gets old.

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 08:33 AM

126. The Zombies - Time of the Season (1968)

Did you know this song was released after the band broke up? And, it features the first appearance of the now popular phrase "Who's your daddy?"

aurel · 11-06-2007, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liffey

132. Whitney Houston - I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) (1987)

From Whitney's enthusiastic "Whoo!!!" early on, to the backup singers' closing repetitions of "Dance!" there is never a dull moment.

Excellent choice. Go Liffey Go!

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 08:39 AM

125. Cat Stevens - Wild World (1970)

This song's secret weapon is its frenetic hi-hat. I dare you to try and drum along with it.

Liffey · 11-06-2007, 08:40 AM

124. Marvin Gaye - Heard It Through the Grapevine (1968)

The syrupy string section, the off-beat rhythm guitar, backing vocals by the Andantes, and Marvin's soulful voice all help make this the seminal Motown track. Highlight: "losing YOU would end my life, you see"

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

11-06-2007, 06:52 AM	#61
Liffey Ownz Location: tokyo and CT Posts: 522	150. Prince - 1999 (1982) Along with 1984 and 2001, 1999 is one of those years that just didn't quite pan out the way it was envisioned.

11-06-2007, 06:53 AM	#62
Liffey Ownz Location: tokyo and CT Posts: 522	149. The Pretenders - I'll Stand by You (1994) An inspirational tale of loyalty. Another memorable appearance from a choir towards the end.

11-06-2007, 06:54 AM	#63
Liffey Ownz Location: tokyo and CT Posts: 522	148. Vince Guaraldi Trio – Linus and Lucy (1964) Also known as the Charlie Brown theme song. This is the first, but not the last, instrumental on the countdown.

11-06-2007, 06:55 AM	#64
Liffey Ownz Location: tokyo and CT Posts: 522	147. Sam Cooke - Cupid (1961) I love how you can hear Cupid's arrow at 0:15.

11-06-2007, 06:56 AM	#66
Liffey Ownz Location: tokyo and CT Posts: 522	145. Collective Soul - December (1995) Highlights inc1ude the frequent guitar arpeggios, the "turn your head, now baby just spit me out," the percussive string effect starting at 3:12, the background vocals, and the climactic outro where everything comes together.

11-06-2007, 06:58 AM	#67
Liffey Ownz Location: tokyo and CT Posts: 522	144. Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl (1967) The opening guitar figure and the "sha-la-la"s (sung by the Sweet Inspirations) are what ensure this song's inclusion in the best songs of all time.

11-06-2007, 06:59 AM	#69
Liffey Ownz Location: tokyo and CT Posts: 522	142. The Cranberries - Linger (1993) Linger is what this song will do in your head for days after hearing it. The strings are magnificent and the background vocals during the chorus will inevitably grow on you.

11-06-2007, 07:00 AM	#70
Liffey Ownz Location: tokyo and CT Posts: 522	141. Genesis - I Can't Dance (1992) Phil's recurring "I!!!!" definitely makes the song, but the diverse instruments of the percussion section are also worth your attention.

11-06-2007, 07:33 AM	#71
Reading Rainbow Oblivious Virgin Location: The proverbial "we" Posts: 45	Jars of Clay? Really?

11-06-2007, 07:48 AM	#72
ravenguy2000 NO FATS Location: NO FEMS Posts: 29,003	I like 95% of these so far so I hope it's serious.

11-06-2007, 08:21 AM	#73
Liffey Ownz Location: tokyo and CT Posts: 522	140. Joe Cocker - You Are So Beautiful (1974) A beautiful song about appreciating the beauty of another person. Wonderfully minimalistic string section.

11-06-2007, 08:22 AM	#75
Liffey Ownz Location: tokyo and CT Posts: 522	138. Anne Murray - You Needed Me (1978) This one might be the sequel to #139 ("You even called me friend").

11-06-2007, 08:23 AM	#77
Liffey Ownz Location: tokyo and CT Posts: 522	136. The Turtles - Happy Together (1967) The explosive chorus becomes even more 'happy' as its major key is juxtaposed against the verse's minor.

11-06-2007, 08:24 AM	#78
Liffey Ownz Location: tokyo and CT Posts: 522	135. Huey Lewis and the News - If This Is It (1983) The News sure are competent backup singers. Short but killer solo at 2:20.

11-06-2007, 08:25 AM	#79
Liffey Ownz Location: tokyo and CT Posts: 522	134. 10,000 Maniacs - Because the Night (1993) Originally by Patti Smith and Bruce Springsteen, it was in this 10,000 Maniacs version that the song's full potential was unlocked. Unfortunately, they never made a proper studio recording of the song, so this remains the sole live track in the top 200.

11-06-2007, 08:26 AM	#80
Liffey Ownz Location: tokyo and CT Posts: 522	133. Michael Jackson - Human Nature (1982) Michael once called this song "music with wings" and I think that's a pretty accurate description.

11-06-2007, 08:27 AM	#82
Liffey Ownz Location: tokyo and CT Posts: 522	131. Tina Turner - What's Love Got To Do With It (1984) The titular refrain is the most recognized portion of this hit, but the verses are pretty underrated. Also, the instrument at 2:03 (whatever it is) makes more guest appearances in future entries in this list.

11-06-2007, 08:29 AM	#83
Liffey Ownz Location: tokyo and CT Posts: 522	130. John Cougar Mellencamp - Jack and Diane (1982) The initial guitar riff is so awesome that it doesn't even matter what the rest of the song sounds like. One choice lyric though is "Suckin' on a chilidog, outside the Tastee-Freeze."

11-06-2007, 08:30 AM	#84
Liffey Ownz Location: tokyo and CT Posts: 522	129. Anita Baker - Sweet Love (1986) This song is, as its title suggests, a celebration of sweet love. Among its many virtues are its breathtaking bassline (see 0:12) and otherworldly use of synthesizer (see 1:35). And who can resist that bouncy chorus?

11-06-2007, 08:31 AM	#86
Liffey Ownz Location: tokyo and CT Posts: 522	127. Bruce Springsteen - Born in the U.S.A. (1984) Nearly five minutes of the same synthesizer riff, and it never gets old.

11-06-2007, 08:33 AM	#87
Liffey Ownz Location: tokyo and CT Posts: 522	126. The Zombies - Time of the Season (1968) Did you know this song was released after the band broke up? And, it features the first appearance of the now popular phrase "Who's your daddy?"

11-06-2007, 08:39 AM	#89
Liffey Ownz Location: tokyo and CT Posts: 522	125. Cat Stevens - Wild World (1970) This song's secret weapon is its frenetic hi-hat. I dare you to try and drum along with it.

11-06-2007, 08:40 AM	#90
Liffey Ownz Location: tokyo and CT Posts: 522	124. Marvin Gaye - Heard It Through the Grapevine (1968) The syrupy string section, the off-beat rhythm guitar, backing vocals by the Andantes, and Marvin's soulful voice all help make this the seminal Motown track. Highlight: "losing YOU would end my life, you see"