Here it is, the one post I have been most anxious to write. I am planning on making this my longest and most detailed post because this is something that deserves a lot of explanation and analysis. Once again, I know whoever reads this blog is most likely to disagree with my final choice for best song ever because music is all about OPINION, and obviously not everyone is going to agree on everything. But, I plan on listing my top 25 and narrowing it down based on several qualities like musicianship, epicness, emotional feel, and just plain badassery. A lot of songs here you will probably agree with and others you won't. But, I firmly believe all my choices deserve to be in the top 25 and for very good reason. Now, let us begin with 25-20.
Number 25: Under The Bridge by the Red Hot Chili Peppers
This is personally my favorite song of all time. But, this is THE song that made the Chili Peppers famous. It was the one song on Blood Sugar that was so vastly different from the rest. This is not the traditional Chili Peppers funk song, nor is it sung at a fast pace. This was basically a poem written by the singer Anthony about his stuggle with depression and addiciton, and while very simple, is one of the most emotionally effective songs I have ever had the privalege of listening to. It tells of pain and loss and the guitar work, (all composed by John Frusciante) is one of the most under rated and beautifully composed. Everyone sings along to it and it still stands as the Chili Peppers most popular song to date. I may be a little biased, but how can any fan of rock not love this song? It is amazing and deserves it's place in the top 25.
Number 24: For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her by Simon and Garfunkel
Classic rock and or most rock in general generally revolves around the theme of love, either for something or someone. There have been HUNDREDS of long songs composed over the years and most are all emotionally effective. But, this song in particular was sung by one of rock's greatest voices, Art Garfunkel, and acoustically played by another legend Paul Simon. This song is only 2 minutes, but in those 2 minutes, I have never heard such beauty and such soul being expressed at the magnitude by these 2. The lyrics are so well written and the song so well sung, with pure soul. Seriously, these two men are legends. This song is so special because its short and sweet and it tells of real love, not the crap you hear in rap about going to clubs and banging girls, but pure honesty and trance. I cannot possibly describe it anymore without anyone listening to it.
Number 23: Sober by Tool
Many of you may ask, why the hell is this song in the top 25? Well, because its fucking TOOL, and because this song can have many forms of interpretation. You may think this song is about being sober and hwo drugs destroy you, but it really isn't. The great thing about Tool is all of their songs have different meanings, as Maynard James Keenan has said over the years. This was on their first album "Undertow" and this was the song that made them famous in the progressive metal genre. This song while simple, is sung with such power by Maynard and such force that you can't help but fall in love with the song. It is honest and it makes you think a lot (as do all Tool songs.) Yes, this song isn't for everyone, but for those who understand the genius that is Tool, it is GODLY.
Number 22: Down In A Hole by Alice in Chains
For those who are fans of the 90s Grunge movement, you will all agree this song deserves to be in the top 25. For those who see deep into music and see the amount of pain and honesty that Layne Staley expressed in this song, it will definitely shed a tear. It is so sad, and yet so true to all who have battled depression and drug addiciton. The harmony between Layne and guitarist Jerry Cantrell, "I'd like to fly, but my wings have been so denied." speaks to the millions who feel the same way. No, this band was not mastly popular, and no many do not follow their music or acknowledge it, but please, do yourselves a favor and give this song a listen. Layne had one of the most emotionally gripping and poweful voices of any rock star in history. His death in 2002 was painful and yet, so foreshadowing in this song. That is what makes it so special. I would go on, but I'll leave it to the video clip to do it justice.
Number 21: Time by Pink Floyd
This song was on Dark Side of the Moon and many consider it to be the best song on that album. I believe it isn't, but I can't refuse to acknowledge the message the song sends. It is the song of life and the lyrics are enchanting and the message so true and so profound (that time moves so fast before our eyes). The guitar solo is epic, the lyrics are so...amazing and the two minute intro is something that only Pink Floyd could do. I would hope you have all listened to Dark Side by now, but if you havn't, you should at least listen to this song. It is epic.
Number 20: In My Life by The Beatles
We all know the Beatles were a revolution to the music world and they were just plain amazing. I don't think I can find a bad Beatles song. So many of their songs deserve to be in the top 25, but since there are only 25 choices, I'm gonna have to narrow it down. For me, one of the best songs ever is found on the Rubber Soul album and that is "In My Life." What really makes this song is the beauty of John Lennon singing it and the piano solo-which exhibits such a happy feeling. It's just an amazing short song that summed up what the Beatles were all about. I can't do it any more justice, cause you can't describe genius in words.
