[Lists like this are completely subjective and very much a function of how old you were when particular songs were popular. From what I read, ages 13-15 are the peak time for musical identity formation. By this measure the creator of this list (some nameless Redditor) is roughly my vintage. SB SM]
In order:
- John Lennon – Twist & Shout. The record version is a masterpiece, but he sang it even better in concert. Blows everyone else away, not even close.
- Elvis Presley – Jailhouse Rock. The ease with which he belts out that high head voice and just owns the song, makes it sound so easy, the 1950s master of cool. No one has ever done it better.
- Paul McCartney – Maybe I’m amazed. Paul is a master of many things, but he hits the high note for any piano man. He owns that category too.
- Janis Joplin – Bobby McGee
- Shook Me All Night Long – AC-DC
- Little Richard – Long Tall Sally, not a fan of his, but I gotta give him that one.
- Heart – Barracuda
- Led Zeplin – Rock N Roll, never heard it done better.
- Roy Orbison – Only the Lonely, try singing that one yourself and you’ll see what I mean.
- Bon Jovi – Living on a Prayer, power rock at its best
- Donna Summer – Last Dance
Well, since Only the Lonely is so short, let’s give Roy another chance, this one in 1988 with K.D. Lang sharing the honors.
Your nominations?
Stephen, I was 13 in 1964. Just awakened this memory recently: “Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'” by Gerry and the Pacemakers. (Turns out that the band’s name is even more apropos now). Alec
My high school band always saved this one for the last slow dance of the night. If you were lucky you might sneak in a kiss.
I’ll post a few entries but one that shouts out to me is Tracy Nelson’s Down So Low. Her piano playing complements it well. More to come.
Joan Armatrading’s Love And Affection. Pushes all my buttons: sexy voice, great lyrics and dynamite sax solo. It’s also Paula and my song.